The 6 Award-Winning Northeast Villages Recognised as Best Tourism Villages 2024

Out of the 36 villages across India, six exceptional places from the Northeastern states have clinched the prestigious title of Best Tourism Villages in diverse categories.

Northeast India, a region often overlooked by tourists, is slowly gaining recognition for its pristine beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique experiences. In a recent announcement, six villages from this region were honored with the prestigious title of "Best Tourism Villages 2024" by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). These villages, spread across different states within the Northeast, showcase the diverse attractions and potential of this region as a sustainable tourism destination.

The annual Best Tourism Villages Competition, organized by the Ministry of Tourism, aims to recognize and honor 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 prioritizing community-based values and traditions while demonstrating a commitment to sustainability regarding their economic, social, and environmental practices.

In 2023, the Ministry of Tourism introduced the Best Tourism Villages Competition to promote tourism in India's villages. The competition sought to identify and recognize 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 competition saw applications from 795 villages, while the second edition received a total of 991 applications from 30 States and UTs, out of which 36 villages were recognized as winners across 8 categories.

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, six exceptional places from the Northeastern states have clinched the prestigious title of Best Tourism Villages in diverse categories.

Here are the six Northeast India villages honored with the title:

1. Sialsuk, Mizoram (Community-Based Tourism): Nestled in the lush green hills of Mizoram, Sialsuk Tlang is a burgeoning tourist hotspot offering 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.

2. Alpana Gram, Tripura (Community-Based Tourism): 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 colorful 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 mesmerizing experience for all visitors.

3. Sualkuchi, Assam (Craft-Based Tourism): Known as the "Manchester of the East," Sualkuchi 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 Sadors. 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 labor of love passed down through generations. Most families use hand-operated looms called "taatxaal". The locals are welcoming and are often willing to assist travelers.

4. Umden, Meghalaya (Craft-Based Tourism): Situated in the Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya, Umden 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 travelers.

5. Andro, Manipur (Heritage-Based Tourism): Nestled in the lush foothills of the Nongmaiching range, Andro village 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."

6. Mawphlang, Meghalaya (Heritage-Based Tourism): 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 center, fervently advocating and preserving the age-old customs and traditions of the Khasi people.

The Impact of Tourism on These Villages

The recognition of these villages as "Best Tourism Villages 2024" is a significant achievement and a testament to their unique attractions and potential. Tourism can have a positive impact on these villages by providing economic opportunities, promoting cultural preservation, and raising awareness about their natural beauty. However, it is essential to ensure that tourism development is sustainable and does not harm the environment or the local communities.

Sustainable Tourism in the Northeast

To promote sustainable tourism in the Northeast, it is crucial to adopt responsible practices that minimize negative impacts and maximize benefits. This includes:

• Community-based tourism: Involving local communities in tourism planning and management can ensure that benefits are shared equitably and that cultural heritage is preserved.
• Environmental conservation: Protecting natural resources and minimizing pollution is essential for sustainable tourism.
• Ethical tourism: Promoting responsible tourism practices that respect local customs, traditions, and values.
• Infrastructure development: Investing in necessary infrastructure, such as roads, accommodation, and facilities, while minimizing environmental impact.

By adopting these principles, the Northeast can position itself as a sustainable and responsible tourism destination, attracting visitors who seek authentic experiences and contribute to the well-being of local communities.

Also Read : Discover Northeast India's 7 Most Unique Villages.

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