Dhudmaras Village in Bastar Recognized as Global Tourism Hub by UNWTO

Dhudmaras, a small village in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, has achieved global recognition after being selected by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for its Best Tourism Village. Situated in the heart of Kanger Valley National Park, Dhudmaras is among 20 villages chosen from 60 countries worldwide for the prestigious program, highlighting its potential for sustainable tourism development.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated the Tourism and Forest Departments, Bastar District Administration, and officials from Kanger Valley National Park for their role in the village's success. He credited the local residents for preserving their traditional knowledge and resources, which have transformed Dhudmaras into a major tourist destination. The village is renowned for its natural beauty, tribal culture, and biodiversity, attracting visitors with its unique blend of traditional lifestyle, local cuisine, and scenic landscapes.

As part of the UNWTO’s upgradation program, Dhudmaras will receive support to enhance its tourism infrastructure, promote its cultural heritage, and improve the quality of life for villagers. This recognition is expected to increase international tourism in the region, especially following the Best Tourism Village Award received by Dhudmaras and nearby Chitrakot village from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, on World Tourism Day (September 27, 2024).

Natural Beauty and Community Engagement

Nestled in dense forests with the Kanger River flowing through it, Dhudmaras offers an idyllic setting for eco-tourism. The warmth and hospitality of the Bastar people play a key role in the village’s tourism success. Local residents are offering homestays and accommodation facilities, while the village youth serve as guides for tourists, showcasing the surrounding areas.

Government Initiatives for Sustainable Tourism

To boost tourism, the Chhattisgarh government is improving roads and transport facilities in the area, alongside promoting local handicrafts in global markets. The Forest and Tourism Departments have been instrumental in establishing avenues for Atmanirbhar Bharat by developing Dhudmaras as an eco-tourism destination, and new initiatives are expanding the range of activities available to visitors.

In Nagalsar and Netanar villages, located within Kanger Valley National Park, local youth through the Eco-Tourism Development Committee are offering kayaking and bamboo rafting on the Shabri and Kanger rivers. This initiative has not only enhanced the tourism experience but also provided a steady source of income for the community, with the committee reinvesting its earnings to build basic facilities such as waiting rooms and restrooms for tourists.

 Empowered by Tourism and Forest Departments through training and capacity building youths of 40 families of local Dhurwa Tribe are conducting Kayaking, Bamboo rafting and trekking activities. Interestingly, activities like home stays are also included where they introduce the tourists traditional way of Tribal life including their unique customs, crafts and festivals.

A Model for Rural Development

The success of Dhudmaras demonstrates the potential of community participation combined with government support to drive economic and cultural development in rural areas. Dhudmaras now serves as an inspiration for other villages in Bastar, encouraging the promotion of eco-tourism and local heritage. The Chhattisgarh government is expanding these efforts, with Nagalsar and Netanar also being developed as eco-tourism hubs in the region.

This achievement marks a significant milestone in Bastar’s journey to becoming a globally recognized eco-tourism destination, benefiting both the local communities and the broader region.

While sharing his delight of earning a livelihood through homestay operator, one of the Dhurva community youth Mansingh Baghel said, “Many people have got employment from Homestay and some youth are taking the visitors for cooking, camping, trekking and bird watching. 

Even as adventure tourism is providing thrill to tourists a prominent use of localy available natural resources like bamboo raft, bamboo made dustbins, mud houses, leaf platters and various operations are also providing responsible and sustainable tourism. All along nature conservation served as a bottom line of all activities. 

Appreciating the unique experience of Homestay in Dhudmaras village, a tourist Vidya from Banguluru said, “Its been an amazing experience of spending time with Dhurwa community, I was accommodating in a local homestay where I relished local cuisine with friendly people.”  

Dhudmaras is close proximity of Kanger Valley National Park, which is inhabited by indigenous Tribal communities including Dhurwa and Maria Tribes. Visitors have the opportunity to learn and explore their customs, hospitality and scenic views. 

The introduction of tourism activities has brought evident changes in lives of Dudhmaras villagers. The employment opportunities encouraged youth to deviate from joining Naxal movement and these initiatives have alos proved effective tool in curbing migration problem of the villagers. Resonating with the fact, a Self Help Group Member Mangaldevi Baghel said, “Earlier we were not getting employment in the village due to which we had to migrate to another place. Now we are leading a decent life by working at locally.