The central government conferred on three villages of Madhya Pradesh the title of Best Tourism Village in various categories on the occasion of International Tourism Day.
Pranpur has been awarded in the Craft category, while Sawarvani and Ladpura Khas received award in the Responsible Tourism category.
These villages emerged as winners in the Best Tourism Village competition 2024 organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Pranpur is located in Chanderi, while Ladpura Khas is in Niwari, and Sawarvani is in Chhindwara district. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav congratulated these villages for their achievement.
The competition for the Best Tourism Villages was started in 2023 to promote tourism in rural areas. The aim is to identify and recognize villages that preserve and promote cultural and natural heritage through community engagement with a commitment to maintaining sustainability in all aspects.
In the second edition of the Best Tourism Village competition, a total of 991 applications were received from 30 states and union territories, out of which 36 villages were declared winners across 8 categories.
Sawarvani village, located 6 kilometers inside the Tamia development block of Chhindwara, has become a tourism village since 2019, comprising around 300 houses. Over 300 international tourists have visited this village to experience its culture and ethnic food. Tourists have also actively participated in agricultural and animal husbandry activities. Visitors include citizens from South Africa, France, Europe, Russia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Sawarvani offers all the essential facilities expected of an ideal village, with a particular focus on cleanliness. The tranquility and natural surroundings attract tourists. Visitors can enjoy the serene environment while exploring nearby natural attractions such as Anhoni Hot Spring, Anhoni Fair, Saptadhara, and Khara Water Divine Pool near Chawalpani, as well as Ghoghra Waterfall, Tamia, Patalkot, and the hills of Mauni Baba with Jhigariya Waterfall. The buffer zone of Satpura National Park is adjacent to the village.
Tourists can enjoy a full package for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, experiences such as bullock cart rides, milking cows, feeding them, participating in small agricultural tasks, and trekking on nearby Monakhedi Hill, along with the availability of devotional music groups and tribal Karma dance troupes, make a stay in Sawarvani memorable, leaving lasting impressions.
Pranpur village, located about four kilometers from the picturesque terrain of Chanderi, is noteworthy for its 243 houses where weaving is going on for years. The villagers have been using handlooms for two to three generations. More than fifty artisans in the village work with bamboo, wood, stone, jewelry, and clay crafts, making it a special attraction for tourists.
The road leading to the village has been repaired using locally available stones. Tourists can drive to a designated spot within the village and explore the beautiful places by foot. A parking area has also been developed for visitors. A café called “Handloom Café” has been constructed specifically for tourists.
A garden has been developed for the convenience and entertainment of tourists, including the construction of an amphitheater. Local cultural troupes periodically present cultural programs to entertain visitors.
Located 8 km from Orchha in Niwari district, Ladpura Khas has the distinction of being the first rural tourism village under the Responsible Tourism Mission of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board. Nestled in the heart of the Bundelkhand cultural region, Ladpura Khas offers guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the best of Bundeli culture and traditions. Surrounded by enchanting landscapes, valleys, agricultural fields and rural life, Ladpura Khas is blessed with picturesque views of nature. Homestays built in local architecture and adorned with handmade wall paintings are the attractions of Ladpura Khas.
