The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, announced the winners of the Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024 on World Tourism Day 2024. This is the second edition of the competition, which recognizes villages that excel in rural tourism.
What is the Best Tourism Villages Competition?
The Best Tourism Villages Competition aims to celebrate villages that stand out as rural tourism destinations. It highlights their unique culture, natural beauty, and community values. The competition also promotes sustainability in economic, social, and environmental areas.
Goals and Objectives of the Competition
The main goal of the competition is to use tourism to bring positive change and development in rural areas. Key objectives include:
- Reducing differences in the development of rural tourism.
- Empowering local communities.
- Increasing the attractiveness of rural areas.
- Strengthening community involvement and governance.
- Improving infrastructure and financial access.
- Developing new tourism products.
- Encouraging sustainable food systems linked to tourism.
- Preserving natural and cultural resources.
Background of the Competition
In the first edition held in 2023, 795 villages participated. This year, the number increased to 991 applications from 30 states and union territories across India.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the competition, villages must meet the following criteria:
- Have a low population density (not exceeding 25,000 people).
- Be located near popular tourist spots.
- Engage in traditional activities like agriculture and crafts.
- Have a history of strong community values.
Award Categories
The awards are divided into eight categories:
- Adventure Tourism
- Agri Tourism
- Community-Based Tourism
- Craft
- Heritage
- Responsible Tourism
- Spiritual and Wellness
- Vibrant Village
Best Tourism Villages Competition Winners List
The winners of the Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024 are as follows:
| S.No | Village Name | State | Category |
| 1 | Dhudmars | 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 | Deomali | Rajasthan | Community-Based Tourism |
| 14 | Alpana Gram | Tripura | 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 Nagar Haveli | 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 | Bandora | Goa | Spiritual and Wellness |
| 31 | Rikhiapeeth | Jharkhand | Spiritual and Wellness |
| 32 | Melkalingam Patti | Tamil Nadu | Spiritual and Wellness |
| 33 | Somasila | Telangana | Spiritual and Wellness |
| 34The competition recognizes villages that excel in rural tourism. | Ahobilam | Andhra Pradesh | Spiritual and Wellness |
| 35 | Harshil | Uttarakhand | Vibrant Village |
| 36 | Gunji | Uttarakhand | Vibrant Village |
This competition plays a vital role in promoting rural tourism in India, contributing to sustainable community development.
Also Read Latest Current Affairs 2024
The competition recognizes villages that excel in rural tourism.
A total of 991 villages applied for the 2024 competition.
Villages must have low population density, be near tourist spots, engage in traditional activities, and have community values.
There are eight categories in the competition.
Rural tourism promotes community development, preserves culture, and supports local economies.
