Mangaluru: Kuthlur village, nestled in Belthangady taluk, has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Best Tourism Village’ in the Adventure Tourism category by the Ministry of Tourism. This recognition celebrates the village’s natural beauty and its potential as an adventure tourism hub.
The Ministry’s ‘Best Tourism Villages’ competition aims to acknowledge destinations that preserve cultural and natural heritage while promoting community-based tourism. It highlights villages that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability across economic, social, and environmental fronts. The award ceremony will take place during the World Tourism Day celebrations in New Delhi on September 27.
Applications for the competition were invited online in February, and Kuthlur was selected from Karnataka after a detailed submission by local villagers, including Harish Dakaiah, Sandeep Poojary, and Shivaraj. Recalling the journey, Dakaiah said, “Last year, we missed the recognition narrowly, but this year, we ensured all requirements were met. Our goal was to transform our village from being known as a Naxal-affected area to a celebrated tourist destination, and we are thrilled to see this vision materialize.”
Located at the foothills of the Western Ghats, Kuthlur boasts stunning landscapes, mountain ranges, and the picturesque Arbi waterfalls, making it a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and trekkers. The recognition marks a new chapter for the village, solidifying its place on India’s tourism map.