Dhordo Village in Gujarat Honored as Best Tourism Village

• 23 Oct 2023

Recently, Dhordo, a village situated in Gujarat's Kutch district, renowned as the gateway to the Great Rann of Kutch, has recently received the esteemed title of Best Tourism Village from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Key Points

• Cultural Significance: Dhordo village holds cultural significance and is particularly known for being the launch site of Rann Utsav in 2005. Over the years, it has gained recognition for its cultural impact.
• UNWTO Award: Dhordo was awarded the title of Best Tourism Village in 2023 during an award ceremony organized by the UNWTO in the historic city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on October 19, 2023.
• Criteria for the Award: This prestigious award is bestowed upon villages that demonstrate exceptional contributions to rural development, preservation of the natural landscape, cultural heritage, diversity, local values, and culinary traditions.
• Evaluation Factors: Villages are evaluated based on their cultural and natural resources, promotion and conservation of cultural heritage, economic sustainability, social stability, environmental sustainability, tourism potential and development, and value chain integration.
• Dhordo's Achievement: Dhordo in Gujarat has excelled in these aspects, earning the recognition and appreciation it deserves.
• Unique Landscape: The Rann of Kutch, where Dhordo is located, is one of India's most unique geographical features.
• This vast salt desert covers an area of 27,454 square kilometers, offering a breathtaking, otherworldly landscape, especially under the moonlight.
• Cultural Festival: The Rann of Kutch is home to semi-nomadic tribal communities and serves as the backdrop for the annual Rann Utsav, a cultural festival that attracts tourists from around the world.