Located in the Gurdaspur Punjab district, Nawan Pind Sardaran is a village honoured with the Best Tourism Village of India, 2023, on World Tourism Day. This recognition was awarded to Nawan Pind Sardaran for its remarkable efforts in promoting and preserving Punjab's cultural heritage and sustainable development through tourism.
The Best Tourism Villages Competition is a competition that recognises rural tourism destinations. Seven hundred fifty villages from 31 states and UTs applied for the award, and only 35 were shortlisted. The selection process is based on various parameters and Sustainable Development Goals, including cultural and heritage preservation, natural resource management, economic sustainability, social and environmental sustainability, and tourism development.
Explore what makes Nawan Pind Sardaran deserving of the award and everything you need to know about the place full of culture and history.
The Nawan Pind Sardaran village boasts a history that dates back 125 years. It comprises two havelis—the "Kothi" and "Pipal Haveli" built by Sardar Narian Singh and his family. Sardar Bahadur Beant Singh continued the legacy of the rich houses and community. After him, ex-Indian Air Force officer Gurpreet Singh Sangha and his wife Satwant Sangha took over the responsibility of the complex, along with the two havelis. The place continued to attract domestic and international attention under their care. Today, the Sangha sisters—Gursimran Kaur Sangha, Gurmeet Rai Sangha, Manpreet Kaur Sangha, Gita Sangha, and Noor Sangha—along with other individuals who live outside the village but regularly visit for the upkeep and care of the place, take care of the complex. Local villagers also work hand in hand to preserve the locality's rich heritage and architectural marvels.
In 2019, the place gained a lot of attention when Sunny Deol visited it for a short while but ended up extending his stay. He was captivated by the charm and unique character of the havelis and the village. The Bollywood legend Dharmendra also joined him and praised the village. He even talked about a potential cinematic project centred around the place.
Nawan Pind Sardaran has been awarded for its outstanding contribution to promoting tourism and providing employment opportunities to the local community. The family that looks after the place collaborates with the Gurdaspur district administration to generate employment for the locals, providing an economic advantage and creating a harmonious community feeling. Women's self-help groups have been formulated in the village for craft productions, and over sixty women are involved in handicrafts while employed at the havelis. The village has successfully preserved its cultural heritage through sustainable measures, making it well deserving of the Best Tourism Village Award.
The Kothi and Pipal Haveli have a unique structure that resembles a rustic Kothi with a Peepal tree, which makes them unique. The interiors are designed to provide a local experience with modern amenities. The location is quintessential and offers a taste of the local culture. Moreover, there are many rare flowers in the area.
Once you step into this place, time seems to slow down, and you are surrounded by homely interiors that provide an authentic local experience. The fragrant air is adorned with aromatic flowers, and the lush landscape offers mesmerising views that leave an indelible mark on your soul.
The best places to check out around Nawanpind are Kuku Da Dhaba, well-known for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, and Pehalwan Da Dhaba, famous for its promptness with orders and its roasted, curry, and fried chicken snacks.
For lodgings, you can check out the Hotel Grand Dezire or Hotel Nest. You can also stay at the Pipal Haveli, where the prices begin at INR 29,431 per night. The cost for meals is INR 1500 per person a day.
Air: The nearest airport to Gurdaspur is the Amritsar Airport.
Rail: Take a train from any nearby city to Gurdaspur Railway Station.
Road: It is 228 km from the state capital, Chandigarh, accessible from all major cities nearby.