RAIPUR/NEW DELHI: On the occasion of World Tourism Day, Chhattisgarh was honored by the Government of India for its exemplary work in tourism. Chitrakote and Dhudmaras villages in Bastar received special recognition in the Best Tourism Village Competition 2024, organized by the Ministry of Tourism.

The award was presented by Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat during a ceremony at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. Chitrakote was acknowledged for its community tourism model, while Dhudmaras was recognized for excellence in adventure tourism.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated the residents of Chitrakote and Dhudmaras, as well as the Tourism Department team, noting that the recognition strengthens Chhattisgarh's commitment to establishing itself as a major tourist destination.

He emphasized that the achievement will further boost the state’s tourism industry, which focuses on promoting wellness tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural heritage.

Anbalagan P., Secretary of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Department, Vivek Acharya, Managing Director of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, and Ganvir Dhammshil, Director of Jungle Safari and Zoo Raipur, were present to receive the award.

The ceremony also included representatives from local communities, including Jeet Singh Arya, founder of Unexplored Bastar, and Mansing Baghel, Sonadhar Baghel, Khageshwar Maurya, and Sukaman Kashyap from Dhudmaras and Chitrakote.

The recognition is expected to further enhance the tourism potential of state, bringing national and international attention. The contribution of local communities, particularly in promoting adventure activities in Dhudmaras and the cultural heritage surrounding the Chitrakote waterfall, has been vital to the growing popularity of these destinations.