TFP Bureau, Raipur; September 28,2024: Chhattisgarh received national recognition on World Tourism Day as the villages of Chitrakot and Dhudmaras in Bastar were honored for their outstanding contributions to tourism. In the *Best Tourism Village Competition 2024* organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Chitrakot was celebrated for its exemplary community tourism model, while Dhudmaras earned recognition for its excellence in adventure tourism.
The awards were presented by Union Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at a grand ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. The Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, extended his congratulations to the people of Chitrakot and Dhudmaras villages as well as the state’s Tourism Department team. He expressed that the recognition strengthens Chhattisgarh’s commitment to becoming a leading tourist destination and will further boost the state’s growing tourism sector.
“This honor will accelerate our efforts to promote Chhattisgarh as a major tourism hub,” Chief Minister Sai stated, emphasizing the state’s focus on wellness, adventure tourism, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Shri Anbalagan P., Secretary of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Department, along with Shri Vivek Acharya, Managing Director of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, and Shri Ganvir Dhammshil, Director of Jungle Safari and Zoo Raipur, were present to receive the award. Also attending were representatives of the local community, including Dhudmaras-based Mr. Mansing Baghel, Mr. Sonadhar Baghel, and Chitrakot-based Mr. Khageshwar Maurya and Mr. Sukaman Kashyap. Their dedication to tourism and local culture played a key role in earning this prestigious recognition.
Dhudmaras village has become a hotspot for adventure tourism, offering a range of thrilling activities, while Chitrakot, often referred to as the “Niagara of India,” is renowned worldwide for its majestic waterfall and cultural richness. The award has further cemented the status of these two destinations on both national and international platforms, enhancing the tourism profile of Chhattisgarh.
The state’s emphasis on involving local communities in promoting tourism has contributed to the success of both villages, making them prime examples of sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
