The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, launched the Best Tourism Villages Competition in 2023 to promote rural tourism and highlight the “Soul of India” by recognizing villages that excel in preserving cultural and natural assets. These villages showcase sustainable tourism practices, community-based development, and a commitment to protecting the environment while offering unique experiences for travelers. On World Tourism Day 2024 (27th September), the winners of the second edition of this competition were announced, with 36 villages from across 30 States and Union Territories being recognized in various categories, including Adventure Tourism, Agri Tourism, Craft, Heritage, Responsible Tourism, and more. Let’s check the best tourism villages in India which were awarded by the Indian Govt in 2023 and 2024. In this article, we will also discuss the villages in India that have been recognized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as Best Tourism Villages and those selected for the Upgrade Programme. This will provide a clearer understanding of the rural tourism destinations in India, showcasing their unique cultural, natural, and sustainable tourism practices.
Each winning village stands out for its distinctive offerings, from adventure and eco-tourism to spiritual retreats and traditional crafts, making them important destinations that exemplify India’s diverse cultural and natural heritage. These villages serve as models of sustainable tourism development, creating economic opportunities for local communities while offering travelers authentic, immersive experiences.
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UNWTO: Best Tourism Villages in India
Here’s the table with insights and information on Indian villages recognized under the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Initiative and Upgrade Programme:
| Year | Village | Recognition and Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Pochampally, Telangana | Recognized as the Best Tourism Village for its unique Ikat textiles and handloom heritage, earning it the title “Silk City of India.” It highlights the harmony of traditional crafts with sustainable tourism. |
| 2021 | Kongthong, Meghalaya | Awarded the Best Tourism Village, this “Whistling Village” is famous for its unique tradition of individual whistling tunes (jingrwai lawbei) used as personal identifiers for residents. It emphasizes the conservation of intangible cultural heritage. |
| 2022 | Khonoma, Nagaland | Selected for the UNWTO Upgrade Programme, Khonoma is celebrated as Asia’s first green village for its pioneering conservation efforts like the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary, which protects biodiversity and promotes eco-tourism. |
| 2023 | Dhordo, Gujarat | Recognized as the Best Tourism Village, Dhordo is the gateway to the Rann of Kutch and is famous for its Rann Utsav, showcasing the vibrant art, crafts, and culture of Gujarat, alongside its unique white desert landscape. |
| 2023 | Madla, Madhya Pradesh | Selected for the UNWTO Upgrade Programme, located near Panna National Park, Madla focuses on integrating wildlife tourism with rural sustainability and local community participation. |
| 2024 | Dhudmaras, India | Selected for the UNWTO Upgrade Programme, this village is working to improve rural tourism infrastructure and sustainability, showcasing India’s commitment to the initiative. |
Best Tourism Villages in India, 2024
State-Level Finalists for Best Tourism Villages in India 2024:
The following table highlights the state-level finalists from across India, representing the diverse cultural and ecological richness of the nation’s rural landscape:
| State/UT | Finalist Village | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Lakshadweep | Kadmat | Pristine beaches, marine biodiversity |
| Jharkhand | Amadubi | Traditional arts and crafts |
| Goa | Bandora | Spiritual and wellness tourism |
| Odisha | Bhetnoi | Blackbuck Sanctuary, wildlife tourism |
| Himachal Pradesh | Bhoj Jabial | Mountain village experiences |
| Himachal Pradesh | Bir Khas | Paragliding, adventure tourism |
| Andaman & Nicobar | Chaura | Coral formations, hilltop views |
| Uttarakhand | Choti Haldwani | Connection to Jim Corbett, wildlife tourism |
| Gujarat | Dandi | Historical significance (Salt March) |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Dhar Vaishno Devi | Pilgrimage tourism |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli | Dudhani | Serene landscapes, water-based activities |
| Andhra Pradesh | Etikoppaka | Traditional wooden toy craftsmanship |
| Andhra Pradesh | Gandikota | Known as the “Grand Canyon of India” |
| Goa | Goltim Navelim | Cultural and religious heritage |
| Chhattisgarh | Joratarai | Tribal culture and traditions |
| Maharashtra | Khokara | Eco-friendly rural tourism |
| Kerala | Kulasekharamangalam | Backwater experiences and cultural festivals |
| West Bengal | Kultajpur | Historical significance and heritage tourism |
| Bihar | Kurhua | Agri-tourism and eco-friendly farming practices |
| Uttarakhand | Liti Village | Adventure tourism, trekking |
| Odisha | Maniabandha | Handloom and textile crafts |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Manyuliang | Indigenous culture and scenic beauty |
| Meghalaya | Mawlynnong | Asia’s cleanest village, eco-tourism |
| Meghalaya | Mawphlang | Sacred groves and heritage tourism |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Nisangram | Vibrant traditions and scenic landscapes |
| Nagaland | Samparidisa | Traditional Naga culture and crafts |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Sanasar | Paragliding and adventure activities |
| Gujarat | Sasan | Wildlife tourism, Gir National Park |
| Maharashtra | Sawarvan | Agricultural and eco-friendly tourism |
| Karnataka | Sirsi | Lush forests, waterfalls |
| Nagaland | Sukhai Village | Traditional craftsmanship and rural heritage |
| West Bengal | Tarapith | Spiritual tourism |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Teetwal Village | Scenic village near the Line of Control |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Tippi | Orchidarium and biodiversity |
| Chhattisgarh | Tirathgarh | Famous for its waterfalls and scenic beauty |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli | Zolawadi | Cultural heritage and serene landscapes |
Best Tourism Village in India 2024 Award Recipients:
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, announced the winners of the Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024 on World Tourism Day, 27th September 2024.
The second edition of the competition in 2024 saw participation from 991 villages across 30 States and Union Territories (UTs). A total of 36 villages were recognized across eight categories, emphasizing diverse aspects of tourism such as adventure, agriculture, heritage, crafts, community-based, and spiritual tourism.
| Village Name, State/UT | Category | Highlights, Attractions, and Why Famous |
|---|---|---|
| Dhudmaras, Chhattisgarh | Adventure Tourism | Famous for its thrilling adventure activities, trekking, and natural beauty. |
| Aru, Jammu & Kashmir | Adventure Tourism | Known for scenic landscapes, trekking trails, and as a base for the Kolahoi Glacier. |
| Kuthlur, Karnataka | Adventure Tourism | Offers unique trekking experiences and lush green landscapes. |
| Jakhol, Uttarakhand | Adventure Tourism | Popular for trekking routes leading to unexplored trails and rich wildlife. |
| Kumarakom, Kerala | Agri Tourism | Famous for its backwaters, rice paddies, and bird sanctuaries. |
| Karde, Maharashtra | Agri Tourism | Known for lush farmlands and agritourism experiences like farm stays and activities. |
| Hansali, Punjab | Agri Tourism | Offers rural tourism experiences focused on traditional Punjabi agriculture. |
| Supi, Uttarakhand | Agri Tourism | Known for its organic farming and beautiful views of the Himalayas. |
| Baranagar, West Bengal | Agri Tourism | Famous for rural life, agriculture, and unique cultural traditions. |
| Chitrakote, Chhattisgarh | Community-Based Tourism | Famous for the Chitrakote Falls, known as the ‘Niagara of India’. |
| Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep | Community-Based Tourism | Known for its beautiful lagoons, traditional culture, and coral reefs. |
| Sialsuk, Mizoram | Community-Based Tourism | Offers a rich tribal culture and scenic viewpoints over the hills. |
| Alpana Gram, Tripura | Community-Based Tourism | Known for its traditional handicrafts and local cultural experiences. |
| Deomali, Rajasthan | Community-Based Tourism | Famous for sustainable tourism efforts and local handicrafts. |
| Sualkuchi, Assam | Craft | Known for silk weaving and as Assam’s ‘Silk Village’. |
| Pranpur, Madhya Pradesh | Craft | Famous for textile crafts, including Chanderi weaving. |
| Umden, Meghalaya | Craft | Known for Eri silk weaving and indigenous crafts. |
| Maniabandha, Odisha | Craft | Famous for handloom weaving, particularly the unique ‘Maniabandha sarees’. |
| Nirmal, Telangana | Craft | Known for Nirmal paintings and traditional wooden toys. |
| Hafeshwar, Gujarat | Heritage | Famous for its ancient temples and historical architecture. |
| Andro, Manipur | Heritage | Known for traditional pottery and tribal cultural heritage. |
| Mawphlang, Meghalaya | Heritage | Famous for sacred groves and Khasi culture. |
| Keeladi, Tamil Nadu | Heritage | Known for archaeological finds from the Sangam era, representing Tamil heritage. |
| Pura Mahadev, Uttar Pradesh | Heritage | Famous for its ancient Shiva temple and religious significance. |
| Dudhani, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu | Responsible Tourism | Promotes sustainable tourism with focus on eco-friendly practices. |
| Kadalundi, Kerala | Responsible Tourism | Famous for the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary and its focus on sustainable tourism. |
| Tar Village, Ladakh | Responsible Tourism | Known for eco-tourism initiatives and cultural experiences with local communities. |
| Sabarvani, Madhya Pradesh | Responsible Tourism | Focuses on eco-tourism and sustainability in village life. |
| Ladpura Khas, Madhya Pradesh | Responsible Tourism | Recognized for its sustainable village tourism model. |
| Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh | Spiritual and Wellness | Famous for the ancient Narasimha temples and religious pilgrimages. |
| Bandora, Goa | Spiritual and Wellness | Known for its temples and spiritual heritage, particularly the Shri Mahalasa temple. |
| Rikhiapeeth, Jharkhand | Spiritual and Wellness | Famous for yoga and spiritual retreats. |
| Melkalingam Patti, Tamil Nadu | Spiritual and Wellness | Known for ancient temples and spiritual tourism. |
| Somasila, Telangana | Spiritual and Wellness | Famous for the Someshwara Temple and serene river views. |
| Harsil, Uttarakhand | Vibrant Village | Known for its apple orchards and picturesque views of the Himalayas. |
| Gunji, Uttarakhand | Vibrant Village | Famous for its location along the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route. |
This table now displays the villages with their respective categories, highlights, and why they are famous.
Best Tourism Village in India 2023 Edition
Here’s a table summarizing the 35 villages recognized in the Best Tourism Village Competition 2023 by the Ministry of Tourism, India:
| Category | Village | State/UT |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Dawar | Jammu & Kashmir |
| Kanthalloor | Kerala | |
| Madla | Madhya Pradesh | |
| Reiek | Mizoram | |
| Sarmoli | Uttarakhand | |
| Silver | Lepakshi | Andhra Pradesh |
| Shergaon | Arunachal Pradesh | |
| Kurauana | Uttar Pradesh | |
| Sarodhadadar | Chhattisgarh | |
| Hemis | Ladakh | |
| Kalpeni | Lakshadweep | |
| Khijadia | Gujarat | |
| Raghurajpur | Odisha | |
| Menar | Rajasthan | |
| Pembarthy | Telangana | |
| Bronze | Talao | Haryana |
| Chhitkul | Himachal Pradesh | |
| McCluskieganj | Jharkhand | |
| Hampi | Karnataka | |
| Khokhara | Madhya Pradesh | |
| Patgaon | Maharashtra | |
| Kongthong | Meghalaya | |
| Diezephe | Nagaland | |
| Thirunallar | Puducherry | |
| Nawanpind Sardaran | Punjab | |
| Naurangabad-Shree Mahaveerji | Rajasthan | |
| Kitam | Sikkim | |
| Vettaikaranpudur | Tamil Nadu | |
| Ullada | Tamil Nadu | |
| Chandlapur | Telangana | |
| Vidyasagar | Tripura | |
| Kiriteswari | West Bengal | |
| Biswanath Ghat | Assam | |
| Devka | Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu | |
| Cotigao | Goa |
These villages were selected across various categories such as Heritage, Agri Tourism, Craft, Responsible Tourism, Adventure Tourism, and Community-Based Tourism, showcasing their natural, cultural, and sustainable tourism potential.
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