These Indian destinations are in line for UN’s ‘Best Tourism Village’

Several rural India places are fast emerging on the world tourism map and the latest entries of the World Tourism Organization’s “Best Tourism Villages” award are proof.

Recently, the Ministry of Tourism nominated Kongthong village in Meghalaya, also known as the “Whistling village”, for the “Best Tourism Villages” award by the United Nations. It has been chosen as one of the three entries from India. 

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Kongthong, Meghalaya

This village is located between Meghalaya’s Sohra and Pynursla ridges. According to The Week, Kongthong attracts tourists not just because of its landscape; it is also home to an ancient tradition of tune-giving or Jingrwai Iawbei.

Kongthong is also known as the “whistling village of India”. The villagers here are known not just by their names but also by a specific tune. India Times reported that there are 10 major clans in the village and four of them, namely Khongsit, Majaw, Lynrah and Pohnong, claim to be the founders.

Pochampally, Telangana

Apart from the “whistling village of India”, the two other villages that have made it to the list are Telangana’s Pochampally and Madhya Pradesh’s Ladhpura Khas.

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According to various reports, Bhoodan Pochampally is a census town in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district of Telangana. This place is also known for its traditional weave, featuring geometric patterns in ikat style of dyeing, named after the destination.

Pochampally sati also received Intellectual Property Rights Protection or Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2005.

Ladhpura Khas, Madhya Pradesh

Ladhpura Khas village is located in Orchha Tehsil of Tikamgarh district in Madhya Pradesh. This village is about seven kilometres away from Orchha, another popular tourist destination.

Ladhpura Khas is a village in Niwari Tehsil in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh state. It belongs to the Sagar Division . It is located 79km towards North from district headquarters Tikamgarh. 24km from Niwari. 301km from state capital Bhopal.