UN Lists Chhattisgarh’s Bastar Village as Tourism Destination

 This programme highlights villages with potential for sustainable tourism development and aims to enhance local tourism infrastructure, promote cultural heritage, and improve residents’ quality of life. Dhudmaras was selected from over 260 applications worldwide for the Best Tourism Village Upgrade programme.

The village is situated within Kanger Valley National Park, surrounded by dense forests and the Kanger River, making it a prime eco-tourism destination.

The village is known for its rich culture, traditional lifestyle, local cuisine, and vibrant biodiversity.

As part of the upgrade programme, Dhudmaras will receive support to develop its tourism infrastructure and cultural heritage while enhancing the residents’ living standards. Earlier in the year, the Union Ministry of Tourism awarded Dhudmaras in the Adventure Tourism category at the Best Tourism Village competition.

·         The Chhattisgarh government is improving roads, transport facilities, and promoting local handicrafts in global markets to boost tourism in the area. Dhudmaras residents offer homestays, guided tours, traditional food, camping, trekking, and birdwatching activities, providing tourists with an authentic experience of tribal life.

Local youth from 40 Dhurwa Tribe families have been trained in activities such as kayaking, bamboo rafting, and trekking to diversify tourism experiences.

The village uses locally available natural resources, such as bamboo and mud, to build rafts, dustbins, mud houses, and leaf platters, promoting sustainability.