Here's Why This Place In Rajasthan Deserves Its Title As India's Best Tourist Village

The Ministry of Tourism in India is preparing to organise the highly anticipated "Best Tourism Villages of India 2024" awards ceremony, which is scheduled to take place on International Tourism Day, September 27, in New Delhi. Devmali village, located in Rajasthan’s Beawar district, has been honoured with the prestigious title of India’s Best Tourist Village this year.What Makes It SpecialIn the unique town of Devmali in Rajasthan, something remarkable catches the eye. There are no locks on the doors, yet for decades, not a single case of theft has been reported. Moreover, the town is not made up of concrete structures. Instead, each home is crafted from mud and thatch, serving as a profound tribute to the village deity, Lord Devanarayan. This captivating town stands as a testament to spirituality, sustainability, and trust, making it a truly extraordinary place.Approximately 3,000 bighas of village land are devoted to Lord Devanarayan, and the residents live without land ownership documents, deeming the land as sacred. The people of Devmali have upheld this way of life owing to their commitment to their deity. Undoubtedly, it is a peaceful and spiritual haven. The village’s hilltop temple, dedicated to Lord Devanarayan, is an essential attraction, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.A Cultural HeritageOn September 21, Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari posted on X (formerly Twitter): "Proud moment for Rajasthan! #Devmali village of Beawar district has been selected as the 'Best Tourist Village'. This village is famous for its rich culture, traditions, and natural beauty. The famous temple of Lord #Devnarayan is also located here, which is the main attraction."She added that Devmali's selection as the 'Best Tourist Village' will help it gain international recognition for its historical, cultural, and natural heritage. With its rich culture, mud houses with thatch roofs, and strict vegetarian and alcohol-free lifestyle, Devmali has dutifully preserved its heritage, excelling in promoting sustainable tourism. The Ministry of Tourism's initiative, the Best Tourism Villages Competition, celebrates villages that embody the essence of a top tourism destination. The selected villages undergo rigorous evaluation based on parameters such as economic, social, and environmental sustainability, promotion and conservation of natural resources, infrastructure and connectivity, and prioritization of tourism, among other critical factors. These villages preserve cultural and natural assets, champion community-based values and lifestyles, and strongly commit to sustainability across economic, social, and environmental aspects.