The annual Best Tourism Villages Competition, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, aims to recognise and honour villages that exemplify the qualities of an outstanding tourism destination. These villages stand out for their dedication to preserving and showcasing their cultural heritage and natural beauty. They are also chosen for prioritising community-based values and traditions while demonstrating a commitment to sustainability regarding their economic, social, and environmental practices.
“To promote tourism in the Soul of India (India’s villages), the Best Tourism Villages Competition was introduced in 2023. The focus was to identify and recognise villages that preserve and promote cultural and natural assets through community-based values and a commitment to sustainability in all aspects. The first edition of the Best Tourism Villages Competition in 2023 saw applications from 795 villages. In the second edition, a total of 991 applications were received from 30 States and UTs, out of which 36 villages were recognised as winners across 8 categories in the Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024,” the press statement reads.
This year, the Ministry of Tourism revealed the winners of the highly anticipated Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024 on September 27, in celebration of World Tourism Day. Out of the 36 villages across India, five exceptional places from the Northeastern states have clinched the prestigious title of Best Tourism Villages in diverse categories.
Nestled in the lush green hills of Mizoram, Sialsuk Tlang is a burgeoning tourist hotspot that offers breathtaking landscapes, a serene atmosphere, and warm hospitality. Embracing community-based tourism, Sialsuk village has opened its doors to visitors, proudly showcasing its rich culture and traditions. Sialsuk's verdant landscape comes alive from September, inviting visitors to breathe in the fresh air and bask in the warmth of its rolling hills. Nature enthusiasts will revel in the tranquil beauty of this idyllic setting. There are picturesque places like Batling Tlang in Sialsuk's Zo Ngaw Forest Reserve, a peaceful natural spot with lush grasslands. Although less visited, it's a rewarding destination for adventurous travellers.
Nestled near Agartala city, the village of Alpana Gram at Kapali Para has rapidly emerged as a must-visit tourist destination. It is celebrated for its enchanting murals adorning the mud walls, showcasing colourful motifs and sacred arts created using traditional finger painting techniques. Notably, during the Bengali New Year in April, the women of Alpana Gram adorn their courtyards and house walls with vibrant and captivating artworks, infusing the village with an irresistible charm. As a rural art form, alpana offers a truly mesmerising experience for all visitors to the village.
Sualkuchi, known as the Manchester of the East, is located on the northern banks of the Brahmaputra River. It is renowned for its ancient tradition of weaving. When you visit Sualkuchi weavers' village, you will be captivated by the beautiful mekhela chadars. The rhythmic sound of the traditional throw-shuttle loom fills the air, showcasing the deep-rooted tradition of weaving, which is a way of life and a labour of love passed down through generations. Most families use hand-operated looms called "taatxaal". The locals are welcoming and are often willing to assist travellers. At the entrance of Sualkuchi, you can find Vastra Udyaan, which houses a museum exhibiting life in Sualkuchi. The weaving process can be observed in many homes. If you visit during winter, stay for the Raas Mahotsava.
Umden, situated in the Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya, stands out as a cluster of captivating tiny villages celebrated for its traditional Bhoi silk weaving techniques using eri silkworms. Referred to as the "Eri Silk Village of India," Umden is the proud home of an indigenous community that practices "ahimsa" sericulture, a sustainable and non-lethal silk production method passed down through generations. This exceptional approach to sericulture enables the production of top-quality Eri silk without causing harm to the silkworms, making it an irresistible destination for environmentally conscious travellers.
Andro village, nestled in the lush foothills of the Nongmaiching range, is a gateway to Manipur's distinctive traditions, captivating history, and unparalleled beauty. The village is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, notably the ancient Panam Ningthou Temple, home to one of India’s oldest continuously burning sacred fireplaces since 34 BC. Andro village stands as a paragon of heritage preservation, community engagement, and sustainable tourism, setting the standard for heritage tourism in India. Andro is renowned for its unique form of pottery, locally known as Charai Taba or "coil pottery." In this traditional technique, the potter meticulously stacks loops of clay, known as charais, to form the pot's shape. This art form is exclusively practised by married women and is typically passed down from mothers-in-law to young brides. Read more about the village here.
Shillong may be the first place that comes to mind when considering travel destinations in Meghalaya; however, the village of Mawphlang, often overlooked by tourists, is a must-visit. Nestled in the lush green forests of the East Khasi Hills, Mawphlang is renowned for its sacred groves that embody Khasi traditions, heritage, and customs. Referred to as 'law kyntang' in the Khasi language, these groves harbor medicinal trees that have flourished for centuries. They are not just ordinary forests but also shelter a protective deity revered by the village chief and elders to ensure its safety. Mawphlang is also known for its Khasi Heritage Village, which prominently features intricately crafted models of traditional Khasi homes. These models effectively depict the architectural nuances and daily life of the Khasi people, offering visitors a comprehensive insight into the community's rich cultural heritage. This site serves as a bustling cultural centre, fervently advocating and preserving the age-old customs and traditions of the Khasi people.