In a boost to rural tourism in Uttarakhand, four villages—Jakhol, Harshil, Seemant Gunji, and Soupi—have been selected to receive the prestigious 'Best Tourism Village' award by the Union Ministry of Tourism. These awards will be presented on International Tourism Day, highlighting the state's efforts in promoting sustainable and community-driven tourism.

Announcing the news, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed pride in the achievement, stating, "The campaign to make Uttarakhand a tourist state is paying off. For promoting rural tourism, four villages of the state will be awarded the Best Tourism Village Award on International Tourism Day." The selected villages will receive the awards at a special ceremony in New Delhi.

The honored villages are recognized for their contributions in distinct areas of tourism:

• Jakhol (Uttarkashi): Awarded for its contributions to adventure tourism.

• Harshil (Uttarkashi): Recognized as a Vibrant Village, known for its scenic beauty and vibrant community.

• Seemant Gunji (Pithoragarh): Another Vibrant Village, celebrated for its remote location and traditional lifestyle.

• Soupi (Nainital): Awarded for promoting agricultural tourism, highlighting the village’s sustainable farming practices.

The Best Tourism Village competition, organized annually by the Ministry of Tourism, seeks to honor villages that excel in conserving culture, promoting community values, and ensuring economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

In his address, Chief Minister Dhami emphasized the important role of the public in advancing tourism, adding that while the government is implementing various schemes to position Uttarakhand as a premier tourist destination, these efforts rely on the support of the local communities.

Popularly known as Devbhoomi or "the land of gods," Uttarakhand is renowned for its scenic landscapes, rich culture, and diverse tourist offerings, ranging from adventure tourism to spiritual pilgrimages. The state government continues to implement policies aimed at enhancing tourism, with the goal of establishing Uttarakhand as a top-tier tourist destination in India.

This recognition follows last year's selection of Biswanath Ghat in Assam as India's Best Tourism Village 2023.