What if your next vacation could help you see a side of India that most people never experience?
That’s the message Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared while addressing participants of the Vibrant Village
Programme on Kargil Vijay Diwas. Instead of limiting travel to popular hill stations or beaches, he encouraged young Indians to head towards the country’s border villages, places where everyday life, culture, and patriotism come together in extraordinary ways.
Inviting young people to step away from screens and experience India firsthand, the Prime Minister said, “Instead of only connecting virtually, why not step onto the ground, experience India, live India, and understand India?”
Why Border Villages Matter
According to PM Modi, India’s remote border settlements offer a unique perspective on the country’s diversity and resilience. He urged the youth to spend time with local families, observe their traditions, understand their livelihoods, and witness the challenges they overcome while living in some of India’s most isolated regions.
He also highlighted the unwavering commitment of people living along the borders, saying these communities remain constantly vigilant and deeply connected to the nation’s security.
The response to the initiative has been overwhelming. Nearly three lakh young people applied to be part of the programme, while over 400 participants were selected to spend a week living with families in border villages across Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh.
From ‘Last Villages’ To ‘First Villages’
One of the key themes of the Prime Minister’s address was changing the way India views its frontier settlements.
For decades, these places were commonly described as the country’s “last villages.” PM Modi said that mindset has changed.
“Our government considers these border villages the nation’s first villages,” he said, emphasizing that these are not the end of India but the beginning of it.
He also spoke about the transformation these regions have witnessed in recent years through improved roads, reliable electricity, drinking water, internet connectivity, and LPG access. Better infrastructure, he said, is opening new opportunities for local communities while encouraging tourism and slowing migration from remote areas.
6 Border Villages Worth Exploring
Mana, Uttarakhand
Located just a few kilometres from Badrinath, Mana is popularly known as India’s First Village. Visitors can explore attractions such as Bheem Pul, Vyas Gufa, the Saraswati River, and scenic Himalayan trekking routes.
Gunji, Uttarakhand
Situated on the route to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat, Gunji offers breathtaking mountain scenery, authentic Shauka culture, village homestays, and an offbeat Himalayan experience.
Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh
Nestled in the Baspa Valley, Chitkul is famous for its wooden houses, pristine landscapes, crystal-clear air, and its location on the historic Hindustan-Tibet trade route.
Shipki La, Himachal Pradesh
Recently opened to domestic tourists, Shipki La is a historic mountain pass that once served as an important trade link between India and Tibet. Today, it offers spectacular Himalayan views and fascinating historical significance.
Turtuk, Ladakh
One of India’s northernmost villages, Turtuk is known for its distinctive Balti culture, apricot orchards, stunning views of the Shyok Valley, and its unique history near the Line of Control.
Chumur, Ladakh
Perched at an altitude of over 16,000 feet, Chumur is being developed as Ladakh’s first Model Border Village under the Vibrant Village Programme. The destination is expected to promote high-altitude tourism, homestays, and immersive Pashmina experiences.
Interacting with the participants of the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme. Great to see that the initiative is instilling a deeper sense of nation-building among the youth.#Youth4ViksitBharat #MYBharat https://t.co/2vCFle03vY
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2026
Travel That Builds A Deeper Connection
As roads and tourism infrastructure improve, India’s border villages are becoming more accessible than ever before. Beyond their dramatic landscapes, these destinations offer travellers an opportunity to experience local cultures, understand life in frontier communities, and appreciate the role these villages play in the country’s identity.
For PM Modi, such journeys are about much more than sightseeing. They are an invitation to discover an India that often remains unseen and to build a stronger connection with every corner of the nation.
As he put it, “The more India’s youth know the border villages, the more easily they will know India, connect with every corner of India, and strengthen the nation.”
