This South Indian village honoured as the Best Adventure Tourism village in India

Kuthlur village, located in the Belthangady taluk of Karnataka, an offbeat destination for most people, has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Best Tourism Village’ in the Adventure Tourism category by the Ministry of Tourism. This recognition definitely puts the village on the map and on the wish list of many adventure travellers. This is a significant achievement for the village as now it is officially a premier destination for adventure tourism in India.

The Best Tourism Village competition is organised annually by the Ministry of Tourism to promote villages that prioritise sustainable tourism. This is the second year of the competition. Through this competition, we come to know of the otherwise offbeat and lesser-known gems that tend to get overlooked because of the more popular destinations.

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The competition helps in identifying villages that protect their environment, conserve their heritage, and promote community-based values. Kuthlur proved to be a destination that ticks all these and more. The winners of this competition will be honoured during the World Tourism Day event on September 27, which will take place in New Delhi.

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Earlier this year, the Ministry of Tourism invited online applications for the competition, calling for entries from across the country. Kuthlur’s submission, prepared by Harish Dakaiah, Sandeep Poojary, and Shivaraj, showcased the village’s potential as a top adventure tourism spot. Kuthlur’s strength lies in its offerings which includes some of the best hiking and trekking trails, and other outdoor activities.

Kuthlur village is located on the foothills of the Western Ghats, and has some of the most stunning and pristine landscapes. So the next time you decide to ditch the usual and go the less trodden path, you might want to check out Kuthlur village.

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This is the second year of the Best Tourism Village competition, which aims to boost rural tourism while encouraging sustainable practices. Kuthlur had also participated in the previous year’s competition but was not selected at that time. The village’s renewed efforts in 2024 have now paid off, bringing national attention to this hidden gem of Karnataka.

Kuthlur’s recognition is a source of pride for the local community, as it reflects their hard work and commitment to sustainable tourism development.