Srinagar, Sep 28 (FN Bureau) Union Ministry of Tourism has awarded Aru village, a part of picturesque tourist destination of Pahalgam in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district as the winner of one of the “Best Tourism Village of India”. The announcement of Aru village as one of the winners of the prestigious ‘Best Tourism Villages of India’ award”, was made on the occasion of World Tourism Day in New Delhi on Friday, an official spokesman said. The Best Tourism Villages Competition Introduced in 2023, aims to identify and recognize villages that preserve and promote their cultural and natural heritage through community based values and sustainable practices.
In the second edition of the competition, a total of 991 applications were received from 30 States and Union Territories. After a rigorous evaluation process, 36 villages were selected as winners across eight categories. Aru village was declared Best Tourism Village in the “Adventure Tourism Category”, for its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and community-based tourism initiatives.The recognition of Aru village as a ‘Best Tourism Village of India’ is a testament to its efforts in preserving and promoting its cultural and natural assets.It is expected to further boost tourism in the region and contribute to the local economy, the spokesman said.