Imphal, Sept 28: On World Tourism Day, the Union Ministry of Tourism announced the winners of the Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024. Out of 991 entries from 30 states and union territories, 36 villages were recognized across eight categories, with six of these winners hailing from the Northeastern states of Assam, Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya.
The competition, introduced in 2023, aims to boost rural tourism by identifying villages that preserve and promote cultural and natural assets while emphasizing sustainability and community-based values.
In Manipur, Andro Village, located in Imphal East district, was recognized in the heritage category. Famous for its traditional pottery, Andro houses the Andro Gramshang Museum, which features a variety of pots, vases, and dolls representing 29 Manipuri tribes.
Sualkuchi, located in Assam’s Kamrup district, was honored in the craft category. Known as the “Manchester of Assam,” Sualkuchi is renowned for its handloom industries, producing high-quality muga, pat, eri silk, and endi cloth.
From Mizoram, Sialsuk Village in Aizawl district won for community-based tourism. Sialsuk offers exciting one-day camping adventures, combining exploration, adventure sports, and cultural experiences amidst scenic hills and forests.
Alpana Gram, in West Tripura district, also won in the community-based tourism category. It is well-known for its beautiful murals painted on mud walls, which have made it a popular cultural tourism destination.
In Meghalaya, Umden Village in Ri Bhoi district was awarded in the craft category for its expertise in eri silk production, set amidst lush greenery and abundant wildlife.
Additionally, Mawphlang Village in East Khasi Hills district was recognized for its heritage, thanks to its sacred Khasi groves and cultural significance as the home of the Khasi Heritage Village.
The Best Tourism Villages Competition, launched in 2023, continues to highlight India’s rural tourism potential, with the Northeast receiving considerable attention this year.
