Best Tourism Village

On the eve of World Tourism Day, September 27th, the Ministry of Tourism unveiled the winners of the 2024 Best Tourism Villages Competition, celebrating the heart and heritage of India's rural landscape. Emerging as the sole representative from its state of Punjab, Hansali village in District Fatehgarh Sahib distinguished itself among 36 villages nationwide, securing the prestigious title of Best Tourism Village 2024 in the Agri Tourism category.

Launched in 2023, the Best Tourism Villages Competition aims to spotlight the quintessential 'Soul of India' by promoting villages that excel in preserving and showcasing their cultural and natural heritage. The competition emphasizes community-driven initiatives and sustainable practices, ensuring that tourism development aligns with local values and environmental stewardship.

The Best Tourism Village award was received by Director Tourism and Cultural Affairs Punjab Amrit Singh, and Pavail Gill with his wife Kiran Gill from Union Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Secretary V. Vidyavathi during world tourism day celebrations organized by Union Ministry of Tourism and Culture at Vigyan Bhawan New Delhi. The program was inaugurated by hon'ble Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar.

This year 2024, the competition saw an overwhelming response with 991 entries submitted from 30 states and Union Territories. From these, 36 villages were honored across eight distinct categories, highlighting diverse aspects of rural tourism excellence.

Hansali Organic Farm, a testament to resilience and dedication, stands as a beacon of sustainable tourism & agriculture in the heart of Punjab. Founded in 2007 by Sukhchain Singh Gill and his son and daughter-in-law, this 13.5-acre organic oasis in Village Hansali, District Fatehgarh Sahib, has not only weathered challenges but has thrived as a pioneering force in the realm of rural tourism & organic farming. The village offers visitors an authentic glimpse into traditional lifestyles, organic farming, and picturesque landscapes, making it a standout destination for tourists seeking genuine Indian experiences, and a deep insight into natural farming.

The Ministry of Tourism expressed its pride in Hansali's achievement, highlighting the village's exemplary role in demonstrating how rural communities can thrive through tourism without compromising their cultural and environmental integrity. As the Best Tourism Villages Competition continues to grow, it underscores the importance of villages like Hansali in enriching India's diverse tourism tapestry.

With the strenuous efforts of the founder of Hansali Organic Farm Sukhchain Singh Gill and his son Pavail Gill and his daughter in law Kiran Gill, Hansali has become an exemplary rural destination focused on agri-based tourism. Hansali Organic Farm is registered with Punjab Heritage & Tourism Promotion Board (PHTPB) under the Farm Tourism scheme, and has also been certified as an Organic Farm by Govt of Punjab, through Punjab Agro since 2011.

Director Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Punjab Amrit Singh said that this village is hub for organic farming. Tourists can experience farm to plate meals, participate in farming activities, and enjoy the village tour and rural traditional hospitality. The guests at Hansali Organic Farm are given an authentic experience of life at a working organic farm in Punjab, wherein they can witness actual farming of wheat, sugarcane, pulses, seasonal vegetables & fruits, free range poultry & a cow milk dairy and a goat farm all at one location.

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