Highlighting all things 25, as HT City turns 25 this year, we bring you a list of 25 award-winning villages to travel the roads less taken
In response to growing interest in rural tourism, the Government of India launched the Best Tourism Village competition last year to promote different Indian villages. Along with domestic recognition, several of these villages were nominated for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Award. Here’s a look at some of the winning places you can visit:
1 Dawar Village, Jammu & Kashmir: Located in the Bandipore district, it is known for stunning views of the Habba Khatoon peak and the Krishna Ganga River.
2 Sarmoli, Uttarakhand: An ecotourism hotspot, Sarmoli is acclaimed for its community-built homestay tourism that is supported by local families.
3 Reiek Heritage Village, Mizoram: Also known as Reiek Tlang, it hosts the vibrant two-day Anthurium Flower festival every October.
4 Kanthalloor, Kerala: Known for its women-friendly tourism initiatives, Kanthalloor boasts a rich saffron cultivation scene and picturesque waterfalls.
5 Madla, Madhya Pradesh: Homestays hosted by local tribal families are the highlight of this forest hamlet adjacent to the Panna Tiger Reserve.
6 Ladpura Khas, Madhya Pradesh: Located close to Orchha, its riverside landscapes and rich Bundelkhandi culture, make it a popular stopover destination.
7 Kongthong, Meghalaya: Located in the East Khasi Hills district, Kongthong is home to a unique whistling tradition known as Jingrwai Iawbei.
8 Pochampally, Telangana: Located 50km from Hyderabad, this village is famous for its intricate Ikat sarees.
9 Dhordo, Gujarat: Dhordo is the gateway to the Rann of Kutch and is home to the Rann Utsav.
10 Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh: This village is known for the legendary Veerabhadra Temple and intricate stonecraft.
11 Shergaon, Arunachal Pradesh: Close to the Sangti Valley, it is home to the Shergaon Monastery and the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary.
12 Kalpeni, Lakshadweep: This island boasts unique coral structures, underwater activities and high-value, low-volume tourism.
13 Hemis, Ladakh: Perched alonf the Indus River, the village is known for an 11th-century monastery and award-winning conservation practices.
14 Menar, Rajasthan: Menar’s historical Nagara temples, Rathyatra procession and protected wetlands make it an architectural and ecological gem.
15 Pembarthy, Telangana: Located in the Jangaon district, it is renowned for its brass and metalware craft culture.
16 Khijadiya, Gujarat: It was recently declared a wetland of international importance and is home to the Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary.
17 Kurauna, Uttar Pradesh: Kurauna is famous for its Banarasi sarees, ancient temples and regional delicacies like bati-chokha.
18 Raghurajpur, Odisha: Located in Puri, this Odia village is known for Pattachitra and palm-leaf art.
19 Nawanpind Sardaran, Punjab: Nawanpind is famous for its haveli stays, women-led handicraft production and charming countryside. 20 Bishwanath Ghat, Assam: This riverside village is known for its preservation of religious and spiritual sites and scenic ghats. 21 Devka, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (DNHDD): Devka’s seaweed cultivation and novel fishing practices makes it perfect for sustainable village tourism. 22 Cotigao, Goa: A day trip from Palolem beach, Cotigao is known for the timehonoured
Shishirani festival and its Wildlife Sanctuary.
23 Talao, Haryana: Talao’s spirit lies in its women-centric initiatives like Gau Gram and all-inclusive farm tourism.
24 Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh: The last inhabited village near the IndoChina border has breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
25 Kitam, Sikkim: Its scenic views and celebration of Gorkha culture make Kitam a must-visit destination.
Compiled by Sneha Chakraborty