Suyatri Community Tourism is a social enterprise dedicated to reshaping travel through community-led, responsible tourism. By creating immersive experiences that connect travelers with local people, culture, and nature, Suyatri helps communities build dignified livelihoods while keeping tourism benefits within the local economy. In Porlu, Suyatri is helping an established coastal homestay in Udupi grow into a vibrant, community-led tourism experience.

The project will transform local cultural, natural, and Indigenous knowledge into authentic experiences that invite travelers to slow down and connect more deeply with the region. Through participatory workshops, community members will develop offerings such as heritage walks, birdwatching trails, traditional food experiences, crafts, and agricultural activities. Digital storytelling and marketing will help share these village-based experiences with a wider audience while supporting a tourism model rooted in local knowledge and community leadership.

At the heart of Porlu are 100 women from local Self-Help Groups, who will receive training to become guides, homestay operators, and culinary hosts. Their increased income will ripple outward, strengthening families and local supply chains while preserving cultural traditions and encouraging environmental stewardship. The project will also create new opportunities for local youth in digital promotion and logistics, helping build a more resilient community economy. Supported by the Karnataka Government, Porlu has the potential to become a model for sustainable tourism in other coastal and rural communities.

Crooked Trails funding is providing essential training, community workshops, and experience development to help Porlu become market-ready for the upcoming tourism season. Support includes training in hospitality, hygiene, storytelling, and enterprise management, as well as developing itineraries and basic infrastructure for new experiences. By investing in the skills and leadership of local residents, Crooked Trails is helping create a sustainable bridge between authentic community experiences and travelers seeking meaningful connections.