On World Tourism Day, four villages from the picturesque state of Uttarakhand were honored with the prestigious Best Tourism Village 2024 award, a testament to their remarkable contributions to the tourism industry. The award ceremony, held in Delhi and organized by the Union Ministry of Tourism, celebrated the diverse strengths of these villages, showcasing their dedication to adventure, agriculture, and vibrant tourism.
The award winners included Jakhol in Uttarkashi district, recognized for its excellence in adventure tourism. This village serves as a base for popular trekking expeditions, including the challenging Kedarkantha trek and the breathtaking Gangotri Glacier. Young locals play an active role in promoting adventure tourism, ensuring strict adherence to environmental conservation guidelines set by the forest and tourism departments. The village prioritizes sustainable practices, with a strong emphasis on eliminating plastic waste and a dedicated waste collection committee managed by both villagers and tourists.
Supi in Bageshwar district was awarded for its focus on agricultural tourism. Nestled near the Saryu River, this village boasts seven homestays and offers visitors an authentic experience of rural life, including the chance to participate in farming activities. Supi’s rich cultural heritage has also become a major attraction for foreign tourists, further solidifying its position as a prime destination for agricultural tourism.
The vibrant village category saw recognition for Gunji in Pithoragarh and Harshil in Uttarkashi. Harshil promotes tourism through locally organized treks to Lamatop and Kyarakote, organized by the village council. Gunji, with its network of homestays operating under the state’s Home Stay Scheme, has successfully enhanced its local tourism initiatives, further enhancing its appeal to travelers.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed pride in the achievement, highlighting the awards as a significant recognition of the hard work and dedication of both authorities and locals in Uttarakhand. He emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting homestays and specialized activities within these villages, aiming to create job opportunities for the youth. The awards serve as a powerful reminder of the potential of rural communities to contribute to the growth of the tourism sector, while preserving their unique cultural heritage and promoting sustainable practices.
