​Best tourism villages in India

Sep 11, 2024

By: Kapil Yadav

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​Best Tourism Villages Competition

The Ministry of Tourism in India hosts the Best Tourism Villages Competition to honour villages that excel in sustainability, community values, and preservation of natural and cultural assets. It recognises villages in three categories: Gold, Silver and Bronze.

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​Dawar village, Jammu and Kashmir

Recognised as the best tourism village in the gold category, Dawar is a picturesque village nestled in the heart of Gurez Valley. Major attractions nearby are Habba Khatoon Peak, Krishnaganga River and Dak Bungalow Market.

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​Sarmoli village, Uttarakhand

Surrounded by the beautiful snow-capped mountains, Sarmoli is a village located in the Munserai region of Uttarakhand. Nearby attractions include Mesar Kund, Khalia Trek, and Nanda Devi temple.

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​Madla village, Madhya Pradesh

Located near tourist attractions like Panna Tiger Reserve, Pandav Fall, Pandav Fall and Khajuraho, Madla village lies in the Panna district of Madhya Pradesh. It is known for its heritage and exotic wildlife.

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​Reiek village, Mizoram

A hidden gem that has been recognised as the best tourism village in the gold category, Reiek village is a Mizo heritage village located in the Mamit district of Mizoram. Here, you can witness the beauty of the Milky Way and enjoy the beautiful cultural tapestry of the Mizo people.

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​Kanthalloor village, Kerala

Also known as the fruit bowl of Kerala, Kanthalloor village is another village recognised in the gold category. It is very close to the already renowned tourist destination of Munnar and is ideal for those who prefer a relaxed and charming travel style.

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​Hemis village, Ladakh

Recognised under the silver category, Hemis village is situated in the heart of the trans-Himalayas. It can be a perfect destination for those who want to experience Buddhist traditions in the serenity of the Himalayas.

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​Kurauna village, Uttar Pradesh

Known because of its ageless stories and timeless traditions, Kurauna village is located in the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh. It is also unique because of its infrastructure which is an example of a seamless blend of the Public Private Partnership model.

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Menar village, Rajasthan

Recognised under the silver category, Menar is also called the bird village of Rajasthan. With its diverse offerings in terms of tourist spots, it strikes the perfect balance between heritage tourism and eco-tourism.

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​Shergaon village, Arunachal Pradesh

Located in the west Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, Shergaon is a mountain village that offers a perfect blend of nature and local culture. It can be a perfect destination if you want to experience the serenity of nature.

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Khijadiya village, Gujarat

Khijadiya village is the 49th Ramsar site of India which makes it a perfect destination for bird watchers. It is located in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat and the nearby attractions include Ranmal Lake, Bhujio Kotho and Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary.

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