New Delhi, India – September 27, 2024: The Indian government’s Ministry of Tourism has revealed the 2024 Best Tourism Villages Competition winners. This important award recognizes villages that have effectively protected and showcased their cultural and natural heritage using community efforts and sustainable methods.
Launched in 2023 as part of the “Soul of India” tourism campaign, the competition has attracted more participants. The first year had 795 entries, but the second year saw a big jump to 991 entries from 30 states and regions.
Out of this large group, 36 villages were chosen as winners in eight different categories. These winning villages show the charm of rural tourism and highlight the amazing variety and beauty of India’s countryside.
What is Village Tourism?
Village Tourism- Tourism village is a rural community whose success relies on developing its tourism product and infrastructure, a main component of the economy. Most of the time these will be heritage, culture or crafts-based villages that would lure tourists. Villages can provide experiences like cuisine, stay at the village, adventure sports, cultural events and more.
Types of Village Tourism
- Cultural Tourism
- Adventure Tourism
- Eco-Tourism
- Rural Tourism
- Wellness Tourism
| Type of Village Tourism | State | Village | Attraction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cultural Tourism | Rajasthan | Mandawa | Haveli mansions |
| Himachal Pradesh | Spiti Valley | Monasteries and cultural heritage | |
| Adventure Tourism | Himachal Pradesh | Khajjiar | Trekking, camping, and adventure sports |
| Uttarakhand | Auli | Skiing, trekking, and camping | |
| Eco-Tourism | Kerala | Wayanad | Wildlife sanctuary, trekking, and nature walks |
| Madhya Pradesh | Kanha National Park | Wildlife safaris, jungle treks, and birdwatching | |
| Rural Tourism | Rajasthan | Bundi | Charming haveli mansions and traditional lifestyle |
| Kerala | Kerala Backwaters | Houseboat cruises, fishing, and scenic views | |
| Wellness Tourism | Kerala | Munnar | Tea plantations, waterfalls, and yoga retreats |
| Uttarakhand | Rishikesh | Yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic treatments |
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Best Tourism Villages 2024 in India, Competition Winner on 27th September, 2024
| S.No | Village Name | State / UT | Category |
| 1 | Dhudmaras | Chhattisgarh | Adventure Tourism |
| 2 | Aru | Jammu & Kashmir | Adventure Tourism |
| 3 | Kuthlur | Karnataka | Adventure Tourism |
| 4 | Jakhol | Uttarakhand | Adventure Tourism |
| 5 | Baranagar | West Bengal | Agri Tourism |
| 6 | Kumarakom | Kerala | Agri Tourism |
| 7 | Karde | Maharashtra | Agri Tourism |
| 8 | Hansali | Punjab | Agri Tourism |
| 9 | Supi | Uttarakhand | Agri Tourism |
| 10 | Chitrakote | Chhattisgarh | Community-Based Tourism |
| 11 | Minicoy Island | Lakshadweep | Community-Based Tourism |
| 12 | Sialsuk | Mizoram | Community-Based Tourism |
| 13 | Alpana Gram | Tripura | Community-Based Tourism |
| 14 | Deomali | Rajasthan | Community Based Tourism |
| 15 | Sualkuchi | Assam | Craft |
| 16 | Maniabandha | Odisha | Craft |
| 17 | Pranpur | Madhya Pradesh | Craft |
| 18 | Umden | Meghalaya | Craft |
| 19 | Nirmal | Telangana | Craft |
| 20 | Hafeshwar | Gujarat | Heritage |
| 21 | Andro | Manipur | Heritage |
| 22 | Mawphlang | Meghalaya | Heritage |
| 23 | Keeladi | Tamil Nadu | Heritage |
| 24 | Pura Mahadev | Uttar Pradesh | Heritage |
| 25 | Dudhani | Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu | Responsible Tourism |
| 26 | Kadalundi | Kerala | Responsible Tourism |
| 27 | Tar Village | Ladakh | Responsible Tourism |
| 28 | Sabarvani | Madhya Pradesh | Responsible Tourism |
| 29 | Ladpura Khas | Madhya Pradesh | Responsible Tourism |
| 30 | Ahobilam | Andhra Pradesh | Spiritual And Wellness |
| 31 | Bandora | Goa | Spiritual And Wellness |
| 32 | Rikhiapeeth | Jharkhand | Spiritual And Wellness |
| 33 | Melkalingam Patti | Tamil Nadu | Spiritual And Wellness |
| 34 | Somasila | Telangana | Spiritual And Wellness |
| 35 | Harsil | Uttarakhand | Vibrant Village |
| 36 | Gunji | Uttarakhand | Vibrant Village |
Importance of Tourism Villages in India
| Benefit | Details |
| Economic Growth | Tourism villages also provide job opportunities and income for the welfare of local people. |
| Preservation of Culture | They keep local traditions and heritage going. |
| Rural Development | Provide infrastructure and basic facilities in rural areas. |
| Community Empowerment | They offer a secure place, instilled with national pride and nationhood to the local inhabitants. |
| Environmental Conservation | They are committed to sustainable cultivation and the protection of natural resources. |
| Alternative Livelihoods | They offer a steady income for rural communities. |
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Famous Places for Village Tourism in North India
| Name of Place | Specialty | Timings |
| Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh | Known as the “Mini Switzerland” of India, Khajjiar offers stunning landscapes, meadows, and a serene atmosphere. | Best during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). |
| Auli, Uttarakhand | A popular ski destination, Auli also offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and opportunities for trekking and camping. | December-February for skiing, April-June for trekking and camping. |
| Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh | A remote and high-altitude region, Spiti Valley offers unique cultural experiences, monasteries, and stunning landscapes. | May-October, as the valley is inaccessible during winter due to heavy snowfall. |
| Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir | A high-altitude desert region, Ladakh offers breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries, and opportunities for trekking and adventure sports. | June-September, as the region is inaccessible during winter due to heavy snowfall. |
| Mandawa, Rajasthan | Famous for its beautifully decorated haveli mansions, Mandawa offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Rajasthan. | Best during the winter months (October-March) to avoid the heat. |
| Almora, Uttarakhand | A hill station with colonial-era architecture, Almora offers scenic views, temples, and opportunities for trekking and nature walks. | Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). |
| Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand | India’s first national park, Jim Corbett offers wildlife safaris, trekking, and birdwatching opportunities. | Winter (November-February) and summer (March-June). |
| Kutch, Gujarat | A vast salt desert with unique cultural experiences, Kutch offers camel safaris, traditional crafts, and colourful festivals. | October-March, as the region is hot and dry during the summer months. |
Famous Places for Village Tourism in Central India
| Name of Place | Specialty | Timings |
| Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh | A hill station with lush forests, waterfalls, and caves, Pachmarhi offers trekking, wildlife safaris, and cultural experiences. | Best during winter (November-February) and summer (March-June). |
| Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh | Home to tigers, leopards, and other wildlife, Kanha National Park offers wildlife safaris, jungle treks, and birdwatching. | Winter (November-February) and summer (March-June). |
| Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh | Another popular wildlife sanctuary, Pench National Park offers opportunities to spot tigers, leopards, and other wildlife. | Winter (November-February) and summer (March-June). |
| Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh | Known for its high density of tigers, Bandhavgarh National Park offers thrilling wildlife safaris and jungle treks. | Winter (November-February) and summer (March-June). |
| Orchha, Madhya Pradesh | A historic city with well-preserved temples, palaces, and forts, Orchha offers cultural experiences, boat rides on the Betwa River, and nature walks. | Winter (October-March) to avoid the heat. |
| Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh | A historic city with ancient forts, palaces, and temples, Gwalior offers cultural experiences, historical tours, and scenic views. | Winter (October-March) to avoid the heat. |
| Chittorgarh, Rajasthan | A historic city with a massive fort, Chittorgarh offers cultural experiences, historical tours, and scenic views. | Winter (October-March) to avoid the heat. |
| Bundi, Rajasthan | A charming city with beautifully decorated haveli mansions, Bundi offers cultural experiences, historical tours, and scenic views. | Winter (October-March) to avoid the heat. |
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Famous Places for Village Tourism in South India
| Name of Place | Specialty | Timings |
| Kerala Backwaters | A network of interconnected canals, lakes, and rivers, the Kerala Backwaters offer houseboat cruises, fishing, and scenic views. | Winter (November-February) and summer (March-June). |
| Munnar, Kerala | A hill station with tea plantations, waterfalls, and scenic views, Munnar offers trekking, nature walks, and cultural experiences. | Winter (November-February) and summer (March-June). |
| Wayanad, Kerala | A wildlife sanctuary with lush forests, waterfalls, and ancient caves, Wayanad offers trekking, wildlife safaris, and cultural experiences. | Winter (November-February) and summer (March-June). |
| Hampi, Karnataka | A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi offers ruins of ancient temples, palaces, and fortifications, as well as opportunities for trekking and exploring the surrounding villages. | Winter (November-February) to avoid the heat. |
| Coorg, Karnataka | A hill station known for its coffee plantations, spice gardens, and waterfalls, Coorg offers trekking, wildlife safaris, and cultural experiences. | Winter (November-February) and summer (March-June). |
| Pondicherry | A former French colony with colonial-era architecture, Pondicherry offers beaches, French cuisine, and cultural experiences. | Winter (November-February) to avoid the heat. |
| Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu | A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mahabalipuram offers ancient rock-cut temples, sculptures, and beaches. | Winter (November-February) to avoid the heat. |
| Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu | A hill station with lush forests, waterfalls, and lakes, Kodaikanal offers trekking, boating, and cultural experiences. | Winter (November-February) and summer (March-June). |
Famous Places for Village Tourism in Northeast India
| Name of Place | State | Specialty | Timings |
| Gangtok | Sikkim | Capital city with monasteries, temples, and scenic views. | Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). |
| Lachung | Sikkim | A picturesque village surrounded by mountains and valleys, Lachung offers trekking, camping, and cultural experiences. | April-October, as the region is inaccessible during winter due to heavy snowfall. |
| Lachen | Sikkim | A remote village known for its pristine beauty and glacial lakes, Lachen offers trekking, camping, and cultural experiences. | April-October, as the region is inaccessible during winter due to heavy snowfall. |
| Tawang | Arunachal Pradesh | A historic town with a Buddhist monastery and scenic views, Tawang offers trekking, camping, and cultural experiences. | April-October, as the region is inaccessible during winter due to heavy snowfall. |
| Ziro | Arunachal Pradesh | A valley known for its organic farming and Apatani tribe, Ziro offers cultural experiences, trekking, and camping. | Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). |
| Bomdila | Arunachal Pradesh | A hill station with Buddhist monasteries and scenic views, Bomdila offers trekking, camping, and cultural experiences. | Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). |
| Cherrapunji | Meghalaya | Known as the wettest place on Earth, Cherrapunji offers waterfalls, caves, and scenic views. | Best during the dry season (October-May). |
| Mawlynnong | Meghalaya | Known as the cleanest village in Asia, Mawlynnong offers scenic views, living root bridges, and cultural experiences. | Best during the dry season (October-May). |
| Shillong | Meghalaya | The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong offers waterfalls, lakes, and colonial-era architecture. | Best during the dry season (October-May). |
Best Tourism Village Award 2023
| Village Name | State/UT | Award Category |
|---|---|---|
| Dawar | Jammu & Kashmir | Gold |
| Kanthalloor | Kerala | Gold |
| Madla | Madhya Pradesh | Gold |
| Reiek | Mizoram | Gold |
| Sarmoli | Uttarakhand | Gold |
| Lepakshi | Andhra Pradesh | Silver |
| Shergaon | Arunachal Pradesh | Silver |
| Saroda Dadar | Chhattisgarh | Silver |
| Kalpeni | Lakshadweep | Silver |
| Hemis | Ladakh | Silver |
| Menar | Rajasthan | Silver |
| Pembarthy | Telangana | Silver |
| Khijadia | Gujarat | Silver |
| Kaurauna | Uttar Pradesh | Silver |
| Raghurajpur | Odisha | Silver |
| Talao | Haryana | Bronze |
| Chhitkul | Himachal Pradesh | Bronze |
| McCluskieganj | Jharkhand | Bronze |
| Hampi | Karnataka | Bronze |
| Patgaon | Maharashtra | Bronze |
| Kongthong | Meghalaya | Bronze |
| Diezephe | Nagaland | Bronze |
| Thirunallar | Puducherry | Bronze |
| Nawanpind Sardaran | Punjab | Bronze |
| Kitam | Sikkim | Bronze |
| Vettaikaranpudur | Tamil Nadu | Bronze |
| Vidyasagar | Tripura | Bronze |
| Kiriteswari | West Bengal | Bronze |
References – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2043020
