India’s First Villages: 7 Scenic Border Settlements Worth Adding to Your Bucket List

During an interaction with young participants who completed family homestays in border regions, PM Modi highlighted that developed villages form the backbone of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). Improving infrastructure, roads, and digital connectivity in these areas helps reverse outward migration while creating sustainable tourism livelihoods for local communities.

7 Incredible Indian Border Villages Worth Visiting

1. Mana (Uttarakhand)
   
• The Vibe: Located just 3 km from Badrinath near the India–China border, Mana is famously recognized as "India's First Village."
  
• Key Highlights: Slate-roofed stone houses, ancient sites linked to the Mahabharata like Vyas Gufa and Bhim Pul, the emergence of the Saraswati River, and treks to Vasudhara Falls.
  
2. Chitkul (Himachal Pradesh)
   
• The Vibe: Tucked away in Kinnaur’s Baspa Valley near the Indo-Tibet border, Chitkul features traditional wooden architecture and snow-draped backdrops.
  
• Key Highlights: Walking through apple orchards, taking quiet strolls along the turquoise Baspa River, and experiencing serene Himalayan mountain life.
  
3. Totopara (West Bengal)
   
• The Vibe: A quiet settlement in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas near the Bhutan border in Alipurduar district.
  
• Key Highlights: Home to the indigenous Toto tribe—one of India's smallest tribal groups. Visitors can pair cultural interactions with wildlife safaris in nearby Jaldapara National Park.
  
4. Jaigaon (West Bengal)
   
• The Vibe: A bustling, energetic gateway town bordering Bhutan in the Dooars region.
  
• Key Highlights: Crossing through the iconic Bhutan Gate into Phuentsholing, exploring lively regional markets, and visiting surrounding tea gardens and forests.
  
5. Zemithang (Arunachal Pradesh)
   
• The Vibe: Situated in Tawang district near the India-China border, this historic town is deeply rooted in Monpa culture and Tibetan Buddhist heritage.
  
• Key Highlights: Famous as the historic route taken by the 14th Dalai Lama when he entered India in 1959, and home to the massive Gorsam Chorten stupa.
  
6. Dawki (Meghalaya)
   
• The Vibe: Located along the India-Bangladesh border, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and lush Khasi Hills landscapes.
  
• Key Highlights: Boating on the glassy Umngot River, kayaking and camping in nearby Shnongpdeng, and visiting the international border viewpoint.
  
7. Kaho (Arunachal Pradesh)
   
• The Vibe: Resting in the remote Anjaw district, Kaho is recognized as one of the easternmost inhabited settlements in the country.
  
• Key Highlights: Home to the Meyor community, Kaho offers untouched mountain landscapes, tranquility, and the chance to witness the nation's earliest sunrises.
  

Traveller Tip: A trip to a frontier area requires extra planning compared to standard vacation spots. Many border zones fall under sensitive security management, so make sure to check for required Inner Line Permits (ILP), Protected Area Permits (PAP), and local travel advisories before setting off.