Pochampally Telangana Named Among UNWTO Best Tourism Villages

Team L&M

The United Nations World Tourism Organization recognised Pochampally in Telangana as one of the Best Tourism Villages, earning it global acclaim. Officials will present the prestigious award during the 24th UNWTO General Assembly on December 2, 2021, in Madrid.

UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Initiative

The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO initiative recognises rural destinations that preserve cultural heritage, promote sustainable tourism, and showcase outstanding practices. The programme also supports selected villages by providing training and access to global tourism opportunities, helping strengthen rural tourism ecosystems.

India nominated three villages for this global recognition: Kongthong in Meghalaya, Ladhpura Khas in Madhya Pradesh, and Pochampally in Telangana.

Why Pochampally Stands Out

Situated around 50 km from Hyderabad, Pochampally earns fame as the “Silk City of India” for its exquisite Ikat sarees. The village gained further recognition in 2004 when Pochampally Ikat received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) status, highlighting its unique craftsmanship and cultural significance.

Ikat weaving is practiced by several villagers 

Ikat weaving remains a key livelihood for many villagers, making Pochampally a vibrant hub of traditional handloom artistry and sustainable rural economy.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Pochampally, also called Bhoodan Pochampally, played a key role in the historic Bhoodan Movement when Acharya Vinoba Bhave launched it on April 18, 1951. This movement encouraged landowners to voluntarily donate land to the landless, making the village an important landmark in India’s socio-economic history.

Today, visitors can explore the Vinoba Bhave Mandir, where the reformer once stayed during his visit, offering a glimpse into this transformative chapter of India’s past.

Boost to Rural Tourism in India

Highlighting the importance of rural tourism, G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), emphasised that promoting local arts, crafts, and traditions through tourism can significantly strengthen rural economies.

“To promote rural economy through tourism and local arts and crafts, the Ministry of Tourism has drafted a Rural Tourism Policy. It will not only help redevelop and rebuild our villages and rural life, but also give an opportunity to residents of the villages to engage and interact with people from outside,” he says.

The government’s Rural Tourism Policy aims to revitalise villages, preserve cultural heritage, and create meaningful interactions between visitors and local communities.

A Global Spotlight on Indian Villages

With this recognition, Pochampally not only strengthens India’s position on the global tourism map but also highlights the immense potential of rural destinations. The village stands as a model for sustainable tourism, blending heritage, craftsmanship, and community-driven development.