MINOR PROJECT REPORT

ON
Rural Tourism
UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF:

SUBMITTED BY:-

Jasbir Singh

Prashant Dikshit

Reader & Prog.

Enrollment No. 00614905012

Coord. BBA(T&TM)
Dept. Of Business Administration

Course: BBA (T&TM) 3rd Sem.

Session: 2012-2015

MAHARAJA SURAJMAL INSTITUTE

(Affiliated to Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University)
(Recognized by UGC U/S2 (F))
C-4 JANAK PURI, NEW DELHI-58

CERTIFICATE
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
This is to certify that the research project initiated to certify that is the innovative effort of
PRASHANT DIXITROLL NO.:-00614905012 and it has been accomplished under
my guidance.
Certified that this project report RURAL TOURISM
Is the bonafied work of "PRASHANT DIXIT who carried out the project work under
my supervision.

Jasbir Singh
Reader & Prog.
Coord. BBA(T&TM)
Dept. Of Business Administration
Project guide

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

A project can never become a success with efforts of only one individual. It
requires a group of people to complete a project at its best. And its my
friends, my teacher and my family member who have helped me to complete
my project report.
The present work is just an effort to throw some light on RURAL
TOURISM IN INDIA. The work would not have been possible to come to
the present shape without the guidance, supervision and help of number of
people.
With deep sense of gratitude I acknowledge the encouragement and
guidance received from Dr. JASBIR SINGH, READER & PROG.
COORD.

BBA

(T&TM),

DEPARTMENT

OF

BUSINESS

ADMINISTRATION and other staff members.

I convey my heartfelt thanks to all those people who helped and supported
me during the course, of completion of my Project Report.

PRASHANT DIXIT
ENROLL. NO.: 00614905012
Course: BBA (T&TM) 3rd Semester

PREFACE
Indias heart lies in its villages. Every rural community is steeped in folklore
and indigenous craft. The traditional way of life can greatly enrich a visitor's
experience.
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and UNDP India have partnered
to promote 31 such rural locations, under the Rural Tourism Scheme. The
initiative aims to enable the local residents, especially women and
disadvantaged groups, introduce visitors to their art and craft.
Since most tourists sites are located away from the urban centers, the trend
is towards an increase in the share of tourism outside the well known urban
centers.
When we limit ourselves to well known tourist spots we tend to reinforce
impressions that are stereotyped.
Come and discover rural India where 74% of Indians live.
There is wealth of craft, performing art and vivid life style that awaits you.
Your interest is vital to sustain this endangered wealth of human evolution!

TABLE OF CONTENTS
S. NO
1.

2.

PARTICULARS

PAGE NO.

Chapter 1 Introduction
Rural tourism

1-2

Objectives

Research methodology

Limitations

Source of data collection

Chapter 2 Profile
Tourism research

10-23

Adaption to tourism

24-27

Ethnicity, culture and tourism

28-33

Tourist attractions of Asia

34-41

Major operations

42-43

Major initiatives

44

Asia continue to be driving force in global

tourism

45

3.

People remain keen to travel

46

Better outlook for Japan

46-47

Chinas influence remains high

47-48

Chapter 3 Analysis and interpretation of

Statistical data
Finding and results

50

International Tourist Arrivals All Asian

Countries

51-53

Visitor arrivals reached the 3-million mark in

august 2013
4.

54-59

Chapter 4 conclusions and recommendations

Conclusion

61

Recommendations

62-63

Bibliography

64

CHAPTER-1
INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

India is one of the oldest and perhaps culturally the richest and most diverse
nation on this planet.
You will be exposed to all colors and hues of civilization.
Our forests are rich in flora fauna. Our Cuisines are mouth watering. We
have scenic beauty that is breath-taking. Our folk dances are simply
enchanting.
A wide array of discoveries await you in wooded valleys of Himachal
Pradesh, hills of Uttaranchal, plains of the river Ganga , forests of north-east
or plateau of south India.
All you have to do is to cross over the mental barrier and step in a brave new
world of unending surprises of rural India.

Objectives
The main objectives of the study are:

To study about the tourism potentials of rural tourism in India.

To collect information on rural tourism and to identify the different

types of rural tourism.

To provide an overview on driving forces and benefits of rural

tourism.

To identify issues for future research and development for rural

tourism.

To identify the major challenges and opportunities in rural tourism

development in India.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
In the beginning to get more familiar to the topic secondary in formation
on the subject was collected from studies done on Project . The source of
secondary data was restricted to the library of the institute of hotel
Management.
It was decided to use a controlled opinion questionnaire and that
too of alternative choice variety . This type of questionnaire was selected
for two reasons:
Primary sources: Internet, Books
Secondary sources: Newspaper, Magazine

LIMITATIONS
4

1.

Small universe
The Universe for this study is too small therefore the findings may not
truly represent the conditions in the entire industry.

2.

Problem of Accessibility
it was very difficult in approaching the executives or the Guest as
they would

be busy, Despite prior appointments, they were

inaccessible at times being engaged elsewhere.

3.

Constraints of time
The respondents due to non availability of time

could not discuss

many aspects of the topic in depth.

5.

Lack of Interest
Many respondents were just not interested in interacting as they
considered it to be a waste of time, a non lucrative approach. This
negative approach was quite impairing.

SOURCE OF DATA COLLECTION

5

Secondary data:
Secondary data is any data, which have been gathered earlier for some other
purpose.
Among the other mentioned types of data was used for the study and
analysis of the objective of this project, also the secondary to data proved to
be helping hand in framing up the industry scenario and also the relevant
topics in the entire project report.
Advantages of secondary data
1. It is economical. It saves efforts and expenses.
2. It is time saving.
Disadvantages of secondary data
1. Accuracy of secondary data is not known.
2. Data may be outdated.

CHAPTER-2
PROFILE

DEFINITION OF RURAL TOURISM

7

Any form of tourism that showcases the rural life, art, culture and heritage at
rural locations, thereby benefiting the local community economically and
socially, as well as enabling interaction between the tourists and the local
community for a more enriching tourism experience can be termed as rural
tourism.
Rural tourism is essentially any activity which takes place in the
countryside. It is multi-faceted and may entail farm or agricultural tourism
and is experience oriented. The locations are predominantly in natural
environments; they mesh with seasonality and local events and are based on
preservation of culture, heritage and traditions.

RURAL TOURISM
8

India's amazing diversity offers you everything you could ever want in a
holiday. From the moment that you set foot in India to be greeted by a
graceful Namaste, a gesture that denotes both welcome and respect, you are
on the way to one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
Bounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by a
spectacular coastline surrounded by three seas, India is a vivid kaleidoscope
of landscapes, magnificent historical sites and royal cities, golden beaches,
misty mountain retreats, colorful people, rich cultures and festivities.
At any part of the year India can offer you a dazzling array of destinations
and experiences. In summer, when the subcontinent is sizzling, there are
spectacular retreats amidst the heady beauty of the Himalayas or the lush
heights of the Western Ghats with cool trekking trails, tall peaks to
conqueror stretches of white water for the adventure seekers.
In the cool of an Indian winter, cities come alive with cultural feasts of
music and dance. The balmy weather is an ideal time for you to go century
hopping in romantic cities studded with medieval forts and palaces. The sun
drenched beaches are inviting and wildlife sanctuaries with their abundance
of flora and fauna are a buzz with the nurture of the young.
You can taste the delights of the Indian monsoon anywhere in the countryon a camel safari in the Rajasthan desert when nature comes alive and the
peacocks dance; along the west coast where the relentless slant ingrain
9

paints the countryside in brilliant greens or even trekking amidst the stark
grandeur of mountain valleys lying in the rain shadow of the Himalayas.
Experience exotic India live like a maharaja in the rich ambiance of royal
forts and palaces that are now heritage hotels; luxuriate in the serene beauty
of a coral island with its turquoise lagoon; participate in the exuberance of a
village fair or a colorful festival; day dream on a house boat drifting down
the palm - fringed backwaters; delight in the grace of a dancer or shop till
you drop - buying exquisite silks, carved figurines, brass and silver ware,
marble inlaid with semi-precious stones, finely crafted jewelry, miniature
paintings, carpets ....at unbelievable prices.
India, always warm and inviting, is a place of infinite variety - one that
favors you with a different facet of its fascination every time you come on a
visit

Delhi is the ideal place to start your exploration of northern India. The
capital of India and a city of fascinating contrasts, Delhi's monuments and
structures take you through the centuries past seven older cities that existed
here.

10

So go sight seeing - Qutub Minar, the tall victory tower built in 1199, the
splendid Red Fort and the majestic Jama Masjid with its striped domes and
tall minarets. Other architectural delights include the Humayun's Tomb, the
Jantar Mantar, the Purana Qila and the magnificent government complex on
Raisina Hill the Rashtrapati Bhavan framed by the Secretariats and the
circular Parliament House.
Delhi is a marvellous place for shopping. So visit its hustling bazaars and
don't forget to have a taste of the best of Indian cuisine at its fine restaurants.
Take off then on the golden triangle trail on to Agra and Jaipur for glimpse
of historic India at Agra, view the pristine poetry of the Taj Mahal - a
memorial to immortal love and the imposing Red Fort. Meander through the
amazing ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri, perfectly preserved, and built by the
Emperor Akbar in red sandstone.

11

Jaipur imprints itself on your memory in the most vivid of colours. You
could stay in one of its many palaces or mansions for a royal experience and
wander off on elephant back to view the Amber Fort majestically located up
on a hill. Do not miss the Hawa Mahal, the tall facade with delicately
filigreed red sandstone.
Beyond Jaipur, in Rajasthan are fabulous towns with magnificent forts and
palaces that still reflect a feudal spirit Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and
Udaipur. Off the beaten track, discover the beauty of the desert on a camel
safari. Wander past colourful villages in the desert and sleep under a brilliant
starlit sky.
Feel like heading for the hills? There is an entire panorama of magical
retreats for you along the Himalayan ranges. Beautiful resorts in Himachal
Pradesh include Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Dharamsala, Dalhousie, Sarahan
and a whole range of scenic spots Kufri, Naldehra, Chail and Narkanda
around Shimla and Manikaran, Naggar, and Brighu Lake near Kullu and
Manali.

12

The heart of India, Madhya Pradesh, has an entire range of new experiences
for you - medieval cities like Gwalior, Orchha, Mandu, marvelously
carved temples at Khajuraho, little hill stations and the forests that Kipling
so faithfully described in his 'Jungle Book'.
Lucknow, the tine capital of Uttar Pradesh and an entire pilgrimage trail
along the holy river Ganga - Gangotri, Yamunotri, Rishikesh, Haridwar,
Allahabad, Varanasi, complete your circuit of northern India.

Chennai (Madras), the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu is a marvelous

place to start your voyage of discovery. It is a town steeped in tradition
though it was created by the British 350 years ago! So visit the Fort St.
George, the St. Mary's Church, the splendid Marina Beach, the beautiful
Kapaleeswarar Temple, the St. Thomas Mount, where St. Thomas the
Apostle was martyred, the National Art Gallery, the San Thome Cathedral,
the Parthasarathy Temple, Valluvar Kottam, Cholamandalam, the artist's
village and Kalakshetra.

13

Tamil

Nadu

has

fascinating

towns

with

magnificent

temples

Kanchipuram, Thanjavur, Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, and Rameswaram.

Mamallapuram close to Chennai, is a marvellous open air museum set
along a fabulous beach with an array of sculptured edifices, cave temples
and bas reliefs. Further down the coast, Pondicherry displays its French
heritage in its seaside villas and the French names of its streets.
Want a break from the heat? Not too far away are Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
and Kodaikanal - picturesque hill towns.
The splendid cities of Bangalore and Mysore reflect the royal heritage of
Karnataka. Bangalore, the state capital is a lively cosmopolitan city noted
for its fine climate and extensive gardens. Visit the exquisite Hoysala
temples at Halebid and Belur not far from Bangalore.
Mysore is another charming city with its beautiful palaces and royal
traditions. Up on a hill overlooking the city is the temple to Chamundeswari,
its patron goddess. Interesting trips around Mysore include the Brindavan
Gardens, Srirangapatna, the Ranganathittoo Bird Sanctuary, the ornate
Hoysala temple at Somnathpur and the Nagarhole National Park - all
within easy reach of the city.
Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh is exciting with its domes
and minarets, palaces and colourful bazaars spilling over with silks, pearls,
perfumes, antiques and glittering glass bangles. The imposing Char Minar
and the Golconda Fort looming in the distance are two well known
landmarks. Take time off to visit the unusual museum at Nagarjunakonda

14

where an ancient Buddhist site has been relocated on an island in the

reservoir of the Nagarjunakonda Dam.

The state of Kerala along the west coast of the peninsula is a lush green
escape with beautiful beaches, historic port towns and pretty retreats in the
hills. Visit Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital. The Padmanabhaswamy
Temple, the unusual Napier Museum and the Chitra Art Gallery are some of
its attractions. The delightful beach resort at Kovalam and the famous
Padmanabhapuram Palace are close by. Explore the port town of Kochi. See
the old Jewish Synagogue, the Mattancherry Palace, St. Francis Church - the
oldest European church in the subcontinent and the Chinese fishing nets.
Visit Kumarakom set in the scenic backwater country and drift along the
serene waterways vaulted by coconut palms for a delightful break from
routine. The coral islands of Lakshadweep are easily accessible from
Kochi. Laze on its pristine beaches and go snorkeling in its crystal lagoons.

15

Calcutta is a good starting point for your travels in eastern India.

The capital of the state of West Bengal, Calcutta has a charm all its own.
Imperial edifices, teeming bazaars, clubs and golf courses, museums and
elegant hotels and the River Hooghly winding through the city are all part of
its fascination. A good time to visit Calcutta is during the Durga Puja in
October/ November when Calcutta is decked and decorated and is alive with
good cheer and celebration.
Many of Calcutta's imperial buildings are located around the maidan, a large
expanse of lawns that forms the heart of the city. They include the Victoria
Memorial, an imposing structure in white marble that has a collection of
paintings, manuscripts and memorabilia, the Fort William, the Raj Bhawan,
the St. Paul's Cathedral and the Town Hall built in the Doric style. Calcutta
has a lively cultural life and fine clubs. So see an art exhibition or two or go
to the theatre.

Take a toy train to the magnificent hill station of Darjeeling for an unusual
travel experience. Admire a panorama of some of the highest peaks in the
Himalayan ranges. Go onwards to Gangtok, the attractive capital of Sikkim.

16

Travel further north to the lush Brahmaputra Valley to Assam. Explore the
verdant unspoilt beauty of the hill states of the north east

Meghalaya,

Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur. There are

exciting trekking trails and colourful cultures to encounter and enjoy.
Guwahati, set along the banks of the Brahmaputra, Shillong, a pretty hill
station in Meghalaya with its grassy downs and lakes are special
destinations.
From Calcutta you can wander off in the south eastern direction for a
fantastic break to the spectacular Andaman Islands - 300 odd islands in the
Bay of Bengal with their lush rain forests and sparkling beaches. You could
go by air or take a slow boat to the islands!
Along the coastline, south of Calcutta is the magical state of Orissa.
Splendid temples in the Nagara style with tall shikaras or temple towers
embellished with exquisite carving are the main attractions of this state. The
temple towns of Bhubaneswar and Puri with Konark noted for its unusual
Sun Temple, make a marvellous circuit close to Calcutta.
Go west to the state of Bihar for a gentle trail in the path of the Buddha.
Ancient settlements- Bodhgaya, the remains of the university town of

17

Nalanda, Rajgir, Vaishali and Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh evoke the life of
the Enlightened One.

In Western India, you will find uncommon destinations & experiences that
delight. Mumbai, a major metropolis and the financial capital of India, is a
logical start to your perambulations.
Mumbai is dynamic and exciting. There are marvellous shopping arcades,
fine restaurants and art galleries. The Gateway of India, built in 1911 to
commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the Delhi
Durbar, is a major landmark as also the imposing Taj Mahal Hotel close by.
The Prince of Wales Museum, the Jehangir Art Gallery, the various
churches, temples and shrines including the one of Haji Ali out on an island
linked by a causeway, are worth a glimpse. Take a boat ride out to the
Elephanta Island to see the marvellous rock cut caves noted for their huge
sculpted panels. Other interesting destinations close by include - the Kanheri
Caves, the beach resorts at Madh Island and Manori and the charming little
hill station of Matheran, all within easy reach.
Not far from Mumbai is the lovely hill resort of Mahabaleshwar,
picturesque during the monsoons with its lakes, waterfalls and wild flower
strewn landscapes. Pune is another exciting town located on the Deccan
Plateau, once the capital of Shivaji, the great Maratha ruler. Within easy
18

reach are splendid forts up on the fastness of hill tops well worth seeing.
Another treat is the charming Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum. It has exhibits
that include traditional brassware, utensils, carved doorways and pillars.

Aurangabad, a historic city with various monuments from the time of the
Mughals, is a good base for visits to the magnificent Ajanta and Ellora
Caves, dating from about 200 BC to 800 AD. Many of these rocks cut caves
are embellished with exquisite paintings and carvings.
Goa is a fabulous getaway with its beautiful beaches. Picturesque villages
along the coast with white washed churches and red tiled houses set amidst
groves of coconut add charm to the landscape. Near Panaji is the Old
Portuguese capital of Velha Goa noted for its fine churches in the baroque
style. These include the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the magnificent Se Cathedral
and Church of St. Francis of Assisi.
The state of Gujarat offers interesting destinations the ancient port of Lothal
built about 4000 years ago, Ahmedabad, with its fine old residences and
museums; Vadodara, a centre for the arts and once the royal capital of
Gujarat; Palitana - an entire hill top encrusted in finely carved temples;
19

Somnath with its old temple and the picturesque little island retreat of Diu
close to the beach resort of Ahmedpur Mandvi.

ABOUT RURAL TOURISM

Rural tourism has become quite admired since the last few years. When we
talk about rural tourism in Indian then everyone can say that India is very
obvious and well known for rural tourism. There are lots of rural hotels,
rural forts etc.
These rural places are famous for rural tourism because they create rural
environments by their rural settings. People whether they are Indian or
foreign enjoy rural tourism in India by participating in or experiencing
activities, events or attractions at these rural places.
People of any category can take pleasure in rural tourism at rural places
because these areas also have luxury accommodation.
Rural tourism in India can be regarded as part of both "rural development"
and

"sustainable

development".

To get with global trends, India should shift its focus to promote rural
tourism. In India since most tourist sites are located at rural centers, the trend
towards an increase rural tourism in India.
Viewed from a distance, an Indian village may appear deceptively simple. A
cluster of mud-plastered walls shaded by a few trees, set among a stretch of
green or dun-colored fields, with a few people slowly coming or going,
oxcarts creaking, cattle lowing, and birds singing--all present an image of
20

harmonious

simplicity.

Indian city dwellers often refer nostalgically to "simple village life." City
artists portray colorfully garbed village women gracefully carrying water
pots on their heads, and writers describe isolated rural settlements unsullied
by the complexities of modern urban civilization. Social scientists of the past
wrote of Indian villages as virtually self-sufficient communities with few
ties

to

the

outside

world.

In actuality, Indian village life is far from simple. Each village is connected
through a variety of crucial horizontal linkages with other villages and with
urban areas both near and far. Most villages are characterized by a
multiplicity of economic, caste, kinship, occupational, and even religious
groups linked vertically within each settlement. Factionalism is a typical
feature of village politics. In one of the first of the modern anthropological
studies of Indian village life, anthropologist Oscar Lewis called this
complexity "rural cosmopolitanism."

In the west, and other developed countries, they call it Farm Tourism, as it
largely offers a 'back to nature' experience. Rural Tourism, the nomenclature
India has adopted, goes far beyond the western concept. India, it has been
aptly said, lives in its villages, and that is where a visitor can get the feel of
the real India. The official booklet on the subject says it succinctly. The
rural heartland of India, it points out, is home to an array of endowments,
each distinctive, with lifestyle redolent of art, craft, and culture and natural
heritage. Rural tourism thus connects the visitor from the frenetic present
21

with the traditional assets of communities whose domain lies off the beaten
track. It recognizes the role of women in civil society, the primacy of human
development and the preservation of heritage. This country has more
compelling reasons to aggressively promote rural tourism. One, is the
immense potential for employment of rural youth, the other, is that it could
check the rapid rural migration which is having an adverse effect on cities.
Besides, rural tourism could not only revive pride in rural life-styles, but
also help improve the quality of life in villages. And so, this segment of
tourism, though new to India and well established elsewhere, fits in with the
government's avowed policy of improving the lot of the rural masses.
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India started the scheme to
promote Rural Tourism in order to popularize not only another form of
tourism that will attract both domestic and foreign visitors alike, but also to
provide opportunities to rural populace to improve their socio-economic
condition through the projects. Out of the many rural tourism projects that
have been sanctioned, Ministry of Tourism wished to evaluate selected 107
rural tourism projects spread across all the states in India, to understand the
effect that the rural tourism projects has made in the lives of the locals in the
villages and whether the tourists have been attracted by the distinctive
features of rural tourism.
Even before the tourism ministry had stirred in a big way, Haryana State,
bordering Delhi, had made a pioneering effort. It came out with a colour
brochure and an evocative theme. Opening with the famous quote from poet
Rabindranath Tagore on his brush with nature, it asked, When was the last
time you chased chickens, roamed in the fields with pure wind on your
facefound yourself jiggling up and down to the thrills of a bullock cart or
22

a tractor ride? Rural tourism, it added, seeks to awaken the child in you
to experience the unforgettable whiff of the countrysideto plant baby
seedsenjoy the delights of organic food and experience many spontaneous
joys

of

nature

that

you

may

never

have

known

before.

Initially, Haryana tourism began its foray into rural holidays in association
with a dozen or so farms around Delhi. They are located in the Faridabad,
Gurgaon, Rohtak and Karnal districts. To take just one example, there is the
Surjivan Farm, close to the Classic Golf Resort, 50km from Delhi. Spread
over fifty acres, it is based on the concept of 'back to nature', which the
Haryana brochure says includes nature living, nature food, nature care and
nature farming, with a breathtaking variety of plants. For accommodation,
it has ethnic huts, a dormitory and even conference facility. There are day
packages, overnight stays and group tariffs. Activities include a choice of
organic farming, herbal park excursions, orchards and vegetable gardens, a
village safari, cattle feeding, cow milking, camel rides and bonfires. Golf
and rock climbing can also be arranged.
Back to the big picture. Let us take a look at some of the villages chosen
under the tourism ministry's programme for rural tourism. Pochampally, in
Nalgonda district of Andhra Pradesh, only 50 km from Hyderabad, the state
capital, is the largest centre for Ikat, the intricate tie-and-dye craft for silk
and cotton weaving. Ikat is the process of resist dyeing with a sequence of
tying (or wrapping) and dyeing sections of bundled yarn to a predetermined
colour pattern, prior to weaving. In the Chitoor district, in the same state, is
Srikalahasti, synonymous with Kalamkari, the craft of hand painting with a
kalam, pen or stylus made of a sharp pointed pierced bamboo. The themes
23

are from the epics, flowers and birds. Woodcarvers form another skill group.
Srikalahastheeswara temple, on the banks of the river, also known as the
Dakshin Kasi (Varanasi of the South), is a big pilgrim centre. All these
attract

the

tourists

for

the

visit

Across to the northeast, is Durgapur, in Golaghat district of Assam, which

has all the ingredients of the Assamese rural essence -- thatched houses,
expert craftsmen, skilled weavers and proximity to the world heritage site of
Kaziranga National Park, famous for its One-Horned Rhino. Virtually every
household harvests silk and weaves it, using local dyes. The village reflects
a clean environment and is home to Assam's Bihu festival and its popular
musical instruments like the dhol, pepa and gogona.
The Nepura village, barely 12 km from Rajgir, on the Buddhist circuit in
Bihar, has a large number of silk weavers who produce myriad designs of
the fine fabric, which are then tailored by skilled women. Visitors can also
enjoy the oral tradition of Jain and Buddhist history through folk theatre and
local

performances.

24

In the central Indian State of Chattisgarh, is Hagarnar, in the midst of the

tribal belt of Bastar district, renowned for its terracotta handicrafts and other
skills, such as metal craft. To the west, in Gujarat, lies Hodka, close to the
Rann of Kachch; where women are all embroidery artisans, and men, experts
in leatherwork. The village can be a base for exploration of Dholavira, of the
Indus Valley civilisation. Move to the Himalayas and you are in Naggar, in
Himachal's Kullu district, home to the Roerich Art Gallery and the Kullu
shawls, bordering the Great National Park.

Down south, in Kerala, is Aranmula, in the Pathanamthitta district.

Quaintly draped on the Pampa river, 12 km from Chengannur, it is famous
for the unique metal mirrors (Aranmula Kannadi) made by only two families
of traditional craftsmen, using not glass, but metal, an art not found
anywhere else in the world. in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra,
Sulibhanjan-Khuldaabad's claim to fame is its proximity to the world
heritage site of the Ellora caves. Steeped in spiritual traditions, the twin25

villages are famous for their Mughal culinary delights and sweets.
Then there is Raghurajpur, in the Puri district of Orissa. The village has
resurrected the state's mural painting tradition. Though Patachitra is its best
known art form, the village artisans also display their other accomplishments
in palm leaf inscription, papier mache, sodhai work, cowdung toys, appliqu
and

filigree

work.

The travel industry, mainly in the south of India, is combining rural tourism
with the already established plantation tourism, which offers sojourns in a
choice of coffee, tea and spice villages.

26

RURAL TOURISM IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

The picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh is nestled between the snow

topped Himalayan ranges in north India. Known for its spectacular and
panoramic landscapes, this traveler's paradise is blessed with lofty snow
peaks, deep gorges, verdant valleys, thundering rivers, enchanting mountain
lakes, flower carpeted meadows, ancient temples, and magnificent
monasteries steeped in time.
Tourism in Himachal Pradesh is one of the major sectors, which has
been given high priority by the government of Himachal Pradesh in the
recent years. Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, Himachal
Pradesh tourism attracts millions of tourists who love to spend their
vacations in tranquility and serene sylvan surroundings. To attract more &
more

domestic

&

international

tourists, Himachal

Pradesh

Tourism Department is focusing on the development of infrastructure,

conservation and preservation of historical monuments, and identification of
new tourist destination etc. Himachal Pradesh is known for its salubrious
climate. The ideal time to visit Himachal Pradesh is between the months of
27

April to June when weather is mild and sunny and is perfect for
mountaineering or enjoying an idyllic nature walk. Himachal has a rich
heritage of handicrafts. These include woolen and pashmina shawls,
carpets, silver and metal ware, embroidered chappals, grass shoes, Kangra
and Gompa style paintings, wood work, horse-hair bangles, wooden and
metal utensils and various other house hold items.

BATAL
Batal is a village located at a distance of 4.6 kilometres from Arki. It lies at
the foot of Kunzum La Pass and serves as the resting point for the tourists
going to Kaza. One can view the beautiful Chandra River that flows near the
village. Moreover, Bara Shigri Glacier and triangular peaks in the south can
be seen from Batal. It serves as the base for rock climbing as well as
trekking. Losar, Gramphu and Chotta Shigri Glacier are situated in
proximity to Batal.

DIANLI(ORCHARD HOUSE)
Dianli in Himachal could be haven for those, planning to go for holidays.
Though the drive from Shimla is longer than what comfort dictates, the
flashing scenes of steep hills covered with a jigsaw of soft moss and snow,
and the leggy pines towering to the skies, are more than ample
compensation.
By passing Nerwa (5 km), taking the steep road to Dianli, you stumble upon
a fairytale house set amidst acres of thick forests, with steps of verdant lawn
dotted with vibrant flowers. Just perfect for some much-needed rest and
relaxation! Clear glass framed in natural finish wood with views of the
28

rolling hillside; green lawns dotted with patches of yellow-white lilies from
which a fat bee sips busily; slate roofs, wooden floors and a glowing
angeethi that's Dianli in all its splendor.
Each room is different in terms of dcor and size. The furnishings are simple
and basic with the accent on comfort. The kitchen is easily accessible with
doors leading inside the house and outside to the garden. Your privacy
remains intact as the cook whips up a meal and leaves quietly, with you
wondering where all that food came from! The charm of the farmhouse lies
in the picture-perfect glimpses of the valley and forests and the woody 'feel'
of the house, warmed by a simmering angeethi. The cozy ambience is quite
unlike anything you have experienced before and if you're lucky, you get a
chance to snuggle inside as the rain drums heavily outside.

RUKHALA (APPLE COUNTRY)

Rukhala, situated in the heart of the Kotkhai belt, is a tourist destination
of Himachal Pradesh which is fast growing in prominence. This place is
known for its picturesque beauty, delicious apples and hospitality. Other
attractions of the place are the villages that have been converted into
heritage villages.
During the months of December and January, Apple and Plum
Orchards become laden with pink and green fruits causing an explosion of
colours in the rustic landscape dotted with farmhouses. Rukhala is famous
worldwide for the production and export of Royal, Golden and granny smith
apples.
The Apple Story: Apples are the main money-spinners in this region, with
popular varieties being Royal, Golden and Granny Smith or Ruspippen. The
season stretches through the year from sowing seedlings in DecemberJanuary to harvesting ripe fruit in August-September. Surprisingly, in the
29

month of March, crisp weather and low temperatures are needed for the
green shoots to sprout. Good rains, no pests, ample sunshine and a healthy
dose of luck results in an annual bumper crop. So buckle up and drive to
Rukhla to romance the apples!

Villages of Paragpur and Garli First Heritage Village of India

In the west of Shimla, when the roads become narrow and the avenues takes
brief dips and indolent curves, comes the sleepy village of Paragpur and
Garli, located at a distance of 4 kms from each other in the Kangra Valley of
Himachal Pradesh. Paragpur is a first ever government recognized heritage
village that will introduce you to the rural mystiques of Kangra. Take a walk
around the village and see the mud houses with sloping roofed ceilings, that
have been made from the sun baked bricks. Watching people engrossed in
their everyday activity of carrying water on heads and farmers busy working
on their field, is splendid. This village is one of its kind in Himachal
Pradesh,

which

has

been

acclaimed

for

its

natural

panorama.

The heritage attraction of Paragpur lies in the Courtyard Heaven that is a

manor built by Justice Jai Lal in 1918. Encompassing this manor house are
orchards of exotic fruits and gardens. Experience some leisure time in Garli,
that lies on the banks of river Beas. Having several places of religious
interest, here the charm of rural Himachal is well preserved. When in Garli,
options

of

fishing

can

also

be

savored.

The joint village of Paragpur and Garli act as gateways to several remote
villages that cradle the rich culture of Himachal Pradesh. Travel to Paragpur
30

and Garli and see the orchards and pastoral perfections that will instantly
bring a warm and beautiful smile to your face. Paragpur is just a four-hour
drive from Chandigarh via Ropar and Anandpur Sahib. It can also be
approached by train from Pathankot.

Naggar Attractions Standing Tall With Ethnicity

Naggar is a small village but has its charm that lies in the mystic aura spread
by Deodars, untamed and blotched roads, razor like cascades and snow
covered peaks. This has been the erstwhile capital of the Kullu state for
about 1,400 years.Take a Naggar tour to see the multitudinous attractions
that are located in this village. The most important highlight of Naggar is
the Naggar Castle that has been converted into a hotel by the government.
This heritage hotel is the ideal destination for all those who want to
experience a pinch of royalty. To arouse some weird interest that acts as a
bait to lure the tourists to Paragpur, there is a close guarded secret related to
the castle. It is is said that in this hotel there is a ghost of medieval queen
who

said

to

have

jumped

to

death

from

here.

Temple attraction of the village comprise Jagtipath temple, that is located

within the castle. This temple too has a very arresting legend attached to it.
Other

important

temple

in

the

village

are Gauri

Shankar

temple and Tripura Sundari temple. For all the art buffs, there is a
museum called Roerich Museum, which was earlier the home of Russian
painter, Nikolai Reorich. Presently managed by Russian and Himachal
government, this museum houses the paintings of the painter himself.
For adventure seekers, the ideal choice would be trekking to the nearby
31

village of Nishala. This route is equivalent to walking on a cloud and as you

will come inside the village, a small temple will be awaiting for your
appraisal. Fishing is possible along the river Tirthan near Larji, in the Sainj
valley.

Kinnaur
The people of Kinnaur believe themselves to be the descendants of the
Pandavas of the great Hindu epic, Mahabharata. They also believe that their
ancestors were somewhere between men and god and had supernatural
powers.
From the riotous green of the Sangla Valley filled with orchards of apricots,
peaches, chilgozas and apples to the magnificent desolation of the Hangrang
Valley, Mother Nature's portrait is an ever changing one in Kinnaur. This
land lying on the ancient trade route between India and Tibet, ringed by the
majestic mountain of the Himalayan and Dhauladhar range is the land of
plenty.
The gushing rivers of Kinnaur abound in Trout-the angler's prize catch, their
waters have over the centuries chiseled beautiful gorges across this
picturesque land and nurtured one of the most unique societies on there
banks. In the lush land live the descendants of the Kinners-the demi gods of
the Hindu pantheon, whose deeds have been immortalized in epics and the
poems of ancient Sanskrit poets.
Tourists coming to Kinnaur have a lot to see and do. There are beautiful
natural surroundings to relax and refresh. Nearly every village of the district
has a gompa or a temple. Moreover, since Kinnaur is located on the Indo Tibet border, their culture and lifestyle is a considerable mix of both.

32

PUNJAB (THE CITRUS COUNTY )

The culture of Punjab has its own unique fragrance. It is

unmatched. The scent of this fertile land is such in which the
warmth of you-are-my-own is inborn. All communities hold pride
in their traditions and the Punjabis whose open-mindedness has
become proverbial also hold their unique tradition of hospitality
high in their estimation as well as in their values of life. A guest in
Punjab is considered as a representative sent by God.
The land of Punjab, which is described as the land of Gurus, Pirs and the
warriors, as a matter of faith believes in earning honest living
through hard labour and in sharing the fruits of this labour with
others, without expecting any returns. Hospitality is a living aspect
of Punjabi culture, which is shown even to the migratory birds that
sojourn
here
Hospitality binds people together in bonds of love; it increases
circles of friendship Culture & heritage - Punjab, Indiaand makes
the atmosphere aglow with human warmth. Punjabis have proved
this in all corners of the world in seemingly alien lands and because
of these qualities they have been willingly accepted as useful,
responsible citizens of the world, warm neighbours and good
friends.

33

Hoshiarpur
Hoshiarpur is a small and a quiet town in the Doaba region of Punjab. It is
right in the heart of Punjab. It is located in the lap of the Shiwalik and is
considered the greenest of the districts of the state. Lot of the people of this
region are settled abroad. So because of that lot of foreign money comes
back to Punjab. Doaba is considered to be the richest and the most
developed belt of Punjab. It is also known as the citrus belt of this region
.The handicrafts from Hoshiarpur are very popular and are exported to
various countries. Astrologers in Hoshiarpur are very famous around the
world. They are called the Bhrigu Pandits the Bhrigus are from one
particular family who predict your future based on the script of Brigu
Sanghita.

Places around Hoshiarpur.

Anandpur Sahib about 65 kms. Away from Hoshiarpur. Anandpur Sahib is
considered the city of bliss, with a backdrop of Naina Devi hill. Anandpur
Sahib has a number of historic Gurudwaras. It was here that the 10th guru of
the Sikhs Guru Gobind Singhji gave the new form of baptism and called the
Sikhs thus baptized Khalsa. On the day following Holi devotees flock to
Anandpur Sahib to participate in Holla Mohalla celebrations re-enacting the
past Sikh battles with ancient arms and weapons. Holla mohalla, the most
colorful and the only of its type event are a pleasant experience.

34

Mata Chintpurni and Jwalaji temples

These two historic temples are a stones throw from Hoshiarpur hardly
35kms from here attract a lot of devotees from far away places.
Pong dam situated around 65kms from Hoshiarpur is a paradise for anglers.
One can get Mahasher, Shanghara and many more at the dam. Fishing
permits are arranged by the citrus county in advance. Pong is home to about
220 species of birds including pintails, mallards. Red jungle fowl, and
partridges the birds which the British loved hunting. It is also host to
migratory birds which come in abundance. Last year there were over a lakh
of them at this wetland. Water sports is also one of the main activities at the
dam one can enroll for a short course which lasts from one week to 15 days.

Amritsar
Amritsar is known as the Mecca of the Sikhs. The Golden Temple founded
by Guru Ramdas the 4th guru of the Sikhs in the year 1579 and completed
by the 5th guru Arjun Dev who also enshrined in it the holy book of Sikhs
the Guru Granth Sahib. Amritsar is also known for its food and hospitality.
The Wagah border, the border with Pakistan is about 30 kms. from the holy
city and offers a retreat by the soldiers of both India and Pakistan at the same
time and is worth seeing as it is open for public.

Kila Raipur
The village of Kila Raipur, near Ludhiana, is known for its rural
Olympics. Various sports and feats of strength are performed at the
annual rural games held at this village.

35

RAJASTHAN VILLAGE TOURISM

Folklore of heroism and romance resound from the formidable monuments

that majestically stand to tell the tale of a bygone era. The magic of vibrant
Rajasthan - its rich heritage, colourful culture, exciting desert safaris, shining
sand-dunes, amazing variety lush forests and varied wildlife - makes it a
destination nonpareil. Rajasthan is often portrayed as one vast open-air
museum, with its relics so well preserved that it delights even the most
skeptical traveler. It is an incredible destination for the outdoor-tourist
take a safari on horses, camels, elephants or even in jeeps, with the Aravalis
- India's oldest mountain range as the backdrop. Feast your eyes on
spectacular sand-dunes, take the tiger trail, or just watch the birds in the
wetlands. You can also choose to pamper yourself in the lavish heritage
properties. Rajasthan has something for everyone one just has to choose
an activity appropriate to one's temperament.

Baroli
Baroli is located on the route that leads to Rana Pratap Sagar from Kota. It is
situated to the south-west of Kota, at a distance of around 45 km. The place
36

offers

serene

and

calm

ambience.

The Ghateshwara Temple is presently the main temple of Baroli and

contains detailed carvings. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful temple
complexes in Rajasthan. An image of Lord Shiva or Nataraja adorns the door
of the mandap and the pillars are an example of Rajasthani craftsmanship.

Shahpura
Shahpura is located 55 km from Bhilwara on the Jahaipur-Devli Road. This
place is popular for being the main centre for International Ramsnehi
Sampraday and for the Barhat family who took a great part in Indias
freedom struggle. Besides, there is a 700 year old Far Painting in Shahpura
and many local panters from here have won national acclamations for their
art.
Shahpura is a place of pilgrimage for the followers of the Ram Snehi sect.
Founded in 1804 they have a shrine in the town called Ramdwara. The chief
priest there is the head of the sect. Pilgrims from all over the World visit the
shrine throughout the year. Shahpura is well known for Ram Snehi's
Ramdwara. There is famous fair called PHOOLDOL MELA. is for 5 dsys
after

Holi.

by

Ramdwara

Temple.

In the middle of city the temple of Charbhuja NATH is situated and also A
HANUMAN TEMPLE called by BALAJI KI CHATRI is near by the
famous Charbhuja temple. There are 8 Prachin Jain Temples of which 4
belong to SWETAMBER SAMPRADAYA and 4 to the DIGAMBER
SAMPRADAYA.
37

Jeenmata
Jeenmata village has an ancient temple devoted to Goddess Jeen Mata. It is
believed to have been constructed around 1,000 years ago in the
architectural styles of Rajput clans, namely Pratihar and Chauhan.
The temple has twenty four pillars that are carved with figures. The idol of
Goddess Jeen Mata enshrined in the temple has eight arms. An annual fair is
held on the occasion of Navratri in the months of Chaitra and Ashwin.
eenmata is a village of religious importance in Sikar district of
Rajasthan, India. It is located at a distance of 29 km from Sikar town in
south. The population of town is 4359 out of which 1215 are SC and 113 ST
people. There is an ancient Temple dedicated to Jeen Mata (Goddess of
Power). The sacred shrine of Jeenmata is believed to be a thousand years
old. Millions of devotees assemble here for a colourful festival held twice in
a year in the month of Chaitra and Ashvin during the Navratri. There are a
number of dharamshalas to accommodate large number of visitors. Just close
to this temple her brother Harsh Bhairav nath's temple is situated on the top
of the hill.

Guda Bishnoi
Guda Bishnoi Village is located at a distance of 25 km from the main city of
Jodhpur. In this tribal village, natural beauty is evident from Khejri trees and
38

deer. Deer herds, peacocks and migratory birds are common sights in the
village. Deriving its name from 'bish', which means twenty, and 'noi',
meaning nine, the village is home to black bucks, antelopes, chinkaras,
peacocks

and

cranes.

Inhabitants of the village lead a vegetarian lifestyle, and pray to Lord

Vishnu. Bishnoi tribes worship gazelles that are commonly available in the
Jodhpur district. Chinkara are also worshipped by the tribesmen. Guda
Bishnoi

Lake

attracts

numerous

migratory

birds

like

cranes.

MandawaVillage
Located in the semidesert region lies in the triangular area between Delhi,
Jaipur and Bikaner. Famous for its painted havelis (mansions) is also called
as Open-Air Gallery of Rajasthan". In the heart of the Shekhawati region of
Rajasthan lays the beautiful small town Mandawa, known throughout the
state for its forts and havelis. The structures of this place remind one of the
cultural and social hotspot this place used to be in the bygone era.
Mandawa provides the visitors with a sense of discovery at every turn;
battlements that offer spectacular views of the town below, a whimsical
peacock weather van, and an arched window that overlooks the verdant
garden visited by peacocks. Most importantly, the fact that no two rooms are
alike in the palace here. In the zenana or women's quarters, one room offers
antique murals, another has a marble fountain, and the turret room boasts of
walls that are seven feet thick. Looking out from the window of the turret
39

room, it is easy to imagine the marauding bandits that once roamed freely
here. Little wonder then that the family crest contains the motto, 'Veer
Bhogya Vasundhara', which translates into 'the brave shall inherit the earth'.

PLACES NEAR MANDAWA

Nawalgarh
It is situated around 37 km south of Mandawa and is famous for its fort, built
in 1737. Other attractions here include havelis of Anandi Lal Poddar, Aath
Haveli, Hem Raj Kulwal Haveli, Bhagton Ki Haveli, and Khedwal Bhavan.
Parsurampura
It is located some 43 km south east of Mandawa and has the distinction of
having the best-preserved and oldest paintings in the Shekhawati region.
Mukundgarh
It is around 25 km southeast of Mandawa and is a tiny village famous for its
fort and havelis.
Dundlod
It is situated around 30 southeast of Mandawa and is famous for its fort and
havelis. The attractions in this place include the Jagathia Haveli,
Satyanarayan Temple, and Tuganram Goenka Haveli apart from the Dundlod
fort and palace.
Fatehpur
It was established in 1451 as a capital for Muslim nawabs but was taken by
the Shekhawat Rajputs in the 18th century. Some of the attractions include
the Mahavir Prasad Goenka Haveli, Gauri Shankar Haveli, Nand Lal Devra
40

Haveli, and Harikrishnan Das Sarogi Haveli apart from a 17th century baoli.

GUJARAT (THE LAND OF LEGENTS)

The Land of the Legends, stands bordered by Pakistan and Rajasthan in the
north east, Madhya Pradesh in the east, and Maharashtra and the Union
territories of Diu, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli in the south. The Arabian
Sea borders the state both to the west and the south west.
The State took its name from the Gujjars, who ruled the area during the
700s and 800s. Stone Age settlements around Sabarmati and Mahi rivers
indicate the same time as that of the Indus Valley Civilization while
Harappan centres are also found at Lothal, Rampur, Amri and other places.

41

Rock Inscriptions in the Girnar Hills show that the Maurya Emperor Ashoka,
extended his domain into Gujarat in about 250 BC. With its fall, the control
of the region came under the Sakas or Scythians.

Muli
Muli is a small village located in Malu Taluka of the Surendranagar District.
The village is famous for its 250 years old Dudhai Vadwala Temple, which is
popular

among

the

Rabari

community.

Muli also has the Swaminarayan Temple built by Brahmanand Swami. The
Mandavrayji Temple, Meladi Mata Temple and 140 years old Bileshwar
Mahedev Temple of Umarada are other attractions here.

Dandi
Dandi is a village along the shores of the Arabian Sea and is popular for the
Salt Satyagraha led by Mahatma Gandhi. One of the major attractions of this
village is a pillar called Kirti that is believed to have been constructed in the
memory

of

Mahatma

Gandhi.

Another attraction of the village is the Safe Villa, which was constructed in
1961 and served as the residence of Mahatma Gandhi. There is a library and
a museum in the villa that display various artefacts and pictures belonging to
Gandhiji. The village also has a dargah called Mai Saheba Mazar.
42

Unai
Unai village, situated in Vasanda Taluka of Navsari District, is popular for
various hot water reservoirs. It is believed that Lord Rama called many
Brahmins for a yagna here. For fulfilling the need of hot water of the
Brahmins, he shot an arrow in the land that resulted in producing a flow of
hot water of River Ganges. The Unai Mataji Temple in the village has an
idol of Ushar Ambaji installed by Lord Rama's consort, Sita.

Dasada
Dasada is a village famous for the Vejanath Mahadev Temple. The village is
the birthplace of Vanroj Chavda, son of a Jayshikhari king. Vachhraj Bet,
Zinguwada Gate, Ghudkhar Sanctuary, Rajeshwari Mata Temple and Sava
Bhagat Piplidham are some of the popular attractions of the village.

43

ASSAM

Assam is a beautiful and diverse state with an incredible range of cultures

and landscapes located in the northeast of India. Assam is synonymous with
unspoiled natural beauty , teeming wildlife, immaculate tea gardens and
warm, beautiful people. Its strategic location in the northeast of India, and
its accessibility from the rest of the country makes it the gateway to the
northeastern states. Over the centuries, people of various ethnic, religious
and linguistic backgrounds have been attracted to the fertile valleys of
Assam making it a mosiac of various cultures. It is no wonder then that
Assam is said to be like a miniature of the whole country itself.
For the purposes of tourism there are wildlife preserves like the Kaziranga
National Park, Manas National Park, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Nameri
44

National Park, Dibru-Saikhowa National Parketc. The climate is subtropical. Assam experiences the Indian monsoon and has one of the highest
forest densities in India. The winter months are the best time to visit.

Dibrugarh
Dibrugarh lies in the upper reaches of Assam, about 435 km away from
Guwahati, in the south west. Located on the banks of the River
Brahmaputra, Dibrugarh, along with Sibsagar and Tinsukia accounts for
almost 50% of the total tea production of Assam. In fact, Dibrugarh is
sometimes referred to as the Tea City of India, because of the high
production of tea in the region.Dibrugarh has had a fluctuating relationship
with

the

River

Brahmaputra

The tourist attractions in Dibrugarh mainly comprise of the tea garden tours.
A cruise in the Brahmaputra River is also possible here. The city enjoys a
pleasant weather throughout the year. The average temperature during the
summer months here is 30 Celsius while the winter temperature stays at
about 10-12 Celsius.

Tezpur
Tezpur is located in Sonitpur district in the state of Assam. Apart from being
an administrative and educational centre of Assam, it is recognised as an
ancient city and a major base for the Indian Army and Air force. The city is
also known as the main commercial hub of Assam. Tezpur has great
45

contributions in art, culture and literature, in the history of Assam. Every

year the city is visited for its tourist places and holy temples.
The name of the place originated from the Sanskrit words 'Teza' that means
blood and 'Pura' that means town or city. According to legend, the original
name

of

the

city

was

Sonitpur

Mahabhairab Temple, located in the northern part of Tezpur over a small

hilltop, is considered as a significant landmark of the city. The temple was
built between the 8th and 10th centuries AD, at the time of the Salasthamba
dynasty. The original temple was made of stone and was continuously
restored by successive dynasties.Ketakeshwar Dewal, located in the
northeast zone, is recognised as an important and sacred shrine of Hindus.
The temple, an important pilgrimage centre in the state, is dedicated to Lord
Shiva and enshrines one of the biggest Shiva lingams

Tinsukia
Tinsukias vibrant history comprises of numerous ancient festivals such as
Shapawang Yawng Manau Poi, Bihu, Ali-Aye-Ligang, Tuluni and Saghi
which are celebrated with great zeal. Shapawang Yawng Manau Poi is
known to be the most famous folk dance festival and is held on the 14th of
February every year. Assamese, Bengali and Hindi are the major languages
spoken in the region.
With an economy based on agriculture, plantation and forestry, the Tinsukia
District is known for orange cultivation. Besides, the other crops grown here
include tea, ginger and rice paddy. One of the major tourist spots of Tinsukia
46

is the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park which attracts bird watchers from all
over the world. This national park is also the natural habitat for the feral
horse and is open to visitors from the month of November to the month of
April.

KERALA

Kerala, India's most advanced society: With hundred percent literacy. Worldclass health care systems. India's lowest infant mortality and highest life
expectancy rates. The highest physical quality of life in india. Peaceful and
pristine, Kerala is India's cleanest state. The panoramic and peaceful village
settings of Kerala are a treat to the senses of any traveler visiting the state.
Village can explore the rural environs of Kerala and discover the rustic
lifestyle of the people. Green stretches of paddy farms, villagers reaping the
harvest in the fields, womenfolk in the hamlets weaving coir and cane
baskets, ducks paddling by the streams and many more scenic sights, along
with the smell of fresh air and the sounds of nature entertain the tourist in
Kerala.

47

Also incorporated in these village tours are trips to tribal settlements and
places of local interest. Kerala villages nestled in the green lap of nature
surrounded by picturesque landscape made up of hillside valleys, river banks
and mangrove woods contribute to making a memorable vacation for the
tourists especially those traveling from the din and bustle of the city who
find the tranquil atmosphere very relaxing.

Kuttikanam
Kuttikanam tourism hill station, renowned for its misty atmosphere, is
situated very close to Peermade hill station in kerala. Kuttikanam hill station
stands at an altitude of more than 1000 meters above the sea level.
Kuttikanam plantation town is surrounded by lush-green hills, plantations of
coffee, tea, coconut, pepper, cardamom, rubber and eucalyptus. The
gorgeous green grasslands and the pine forests add to the rich flora of
kuttikanam tourism. Clouds gently touch the peaks that flank the verdant
slops of kuttikanam hill station. Indeed, the streams silvering down from the
top hill peaks will fill your hearts with warm feelings. The place is known as
Keralas Own Ooty as it is covered with mist all round the year. The climate
is always pleasant. The place is very easy to reach; it is beside NH 220 on
the way to Thekkady from Cochin. The place is connected by a network of
roads from all the places. Around kuttikanam tourism village there are many
places worth seeing.

Vagamon

48

Vagamon tourism hill station village is located on the idukki kottayam

border, Vagamon is a hill station surrounded by tea gardens and lush
greenery. About 64 km. from Pala, it is at a height of 1,100 meters above sea
level and is surrounded by plantations of vanilla, pepper, coffee and rubber.
It is known for its scenic beauty, heritage and historical buildings and many
religious shrines. Vagamon hill station is also an emerging international
paragliding destination. It also offers many tourism vagamon homestay
opportunities. The list of vagamon hotels are summer sand hill resort
vagamon,ananya hill resort vagamon,sun view bungalow vagamon,hotel
vagamon heights etc.

Kollam
To the north of thiruvananthapuram comes the kollam tourism district.
Considered as the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala, the kollam tourism
district takes the credit for being the hub of the countrys cashew trading and
processing industry. It was formerly a renowned trading point for spice. The
kollam tourism district is a leading center for fishing in Kerala and is home
to the largest fresh water lake in Kerala Sasthamcotta. A kerala houseboat
cruise starting from the Ashtamudi backwaters in Kollam to backwater
networks in the adjoining district of alappuzha, kumarakom and further is a
delightful experience. The list of hotel in kollam are aquasserenne hotel
kollam, Land mark hotel kollam etc.

Trivandrum
There are a number of tourist attractions in trivandrum tourism district,
kerala India. A must on every tourist itinerary for Trivandrum, the
49

Padmanabhaswami temple with its gopuram (tower) soaring majestically

upwards, is believed to be one of the 108 shrines sacred to the piece de
resistance is the large section devoted to the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma,
an Indian painter of distinction in the history of the country's modern art.
Besides this magnificent temple, trivandrum tourism offers a great deal
more. There is the Observatory to start with, established over a hundred
years ago in Trivandrum in India. Several kings have also built their palaces
in and around the Trivandrum, India, each more impressive than the other.
Despite a few attempts at modernity, Trivandrum retains its discreet, oldworld charm.

50

KARANATAKA

Karnataka is a tapestry of colours, cultures, flavours, landscapes,

timelessness and heart stopping beauty. A place where vibrant worlds
seamlessly meld into one another every few hundred kilometres. Sedate
plains suddenly rise to dizzying mist covered hilly heights, and then plunge
with careless abandon in a whitewatered freefall to become languid rivers
that flow past cities where time has stopped altogether, and cities where time
rushes a relentless rush to keep up with the world; cities that sometimes
escape into the deep quiet of thick forests and sometimes, stretches their
arms wide open to embrace the sea. Host to some of India's largest and most
51

powerful dynasties, the state has across the centuries, carried a legacy of art
and culture.
Karnataka has hosted and continues to host a wide melting pot cultural
community. Along with the native Kannadigas, Kodavas, Tuluvas, Konkanis
and several tribal sects have, across the centuries, lent colour and content to
the vibrant culture the state calls its own. Karnataka is also home to the
largest Tibetan settlement in South India. The recent past has seen a more
inclusive populace with a large expatriate community making a beeline for
the capital city of Bangalore.

Hampi
Hampi is a laid back village that was the last capital of Vijayanagar, one of
the greatest Hindu kingdoms in Indias history. It has some extremely
captivating ruins, intriguingly intermingled with large boulders that rear up
all over the landscape.
The ruins, which date back to the 14th century, stretch for just over 25
kilometers (10 miles) and comprise more than 500 monuments. The most
striking monument is the Vittala Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Its main
hall has 56 pillars that make musical sounds when struck.An incredible
energy can be felt at Hampi. The sunrise and sunset over the village, viewed
from atop the central Matanga Hill, are truly magical and are not to be
missed.

Gokarna
Gokarna is a small and remote holy town, with four of India's most secluded
and pristine beaches nestled nearby. It draws both pious pilgrims and
hedonistic holiday makers with equal enthusiasm. Travel to Gokarna to get a
52

feel for what Goa was like in its heyday, although time is limited as
developers are already seeing the potential of this area. Gokarna experiences
the southwest monsoon from June to August, following which the weather
becomes dry and sunny. The best time to visit Gokarna is from October until
March, when the weather is warm and pleasant with temperatures averaging
32 degrees Celsius
Gokarna's main attraction is its beaches, where people come to chill and
soak up the sun for months at a time. As Gokarna is one of the most sacred
holy towns for Hindus in south India, there are also some important temples
to see.

Ramanagara
Ramanagara is about 50 km south-west of Bangalore is a newly formed
district of Karnataka. Ramanagara was carved out of the existing Bangalore
Rural district by moving the taluks of Channapatna, Kanakapura,
Ramanagara
and
Magadi
taluks
into
the
new
district.
Ramanagar is situated in a valley surrounded by rocky hillocks on Bangalore
- Mysore Highway. Ramanagar was earlier known as Closepet. But the
present name, of Ramanagara finds its origin from the once existed village
Ramagiri
foothill
of
the
Ramadevarabetta.
Ramanagara is famous for its silk market, giving it the other name of Silk
town. Ramanagar is also known as the land of seven hills. Shivaramagiri,
Yatirajagiri,
Somagiri,
Krishnagiri,
Revannasiddeshwara
Betta,
Jalasiddeshwara Betta and Sidilakallu Betta are the seven hills that dot the
landscape of Ramanagara.

Savandurga
Savandurga is a hill located at a distance of 60 km west of Bangalore. It is
also known as Magadi Hills. The hill is famous for a temple and is also
believed to be among the largest monolith hills in the world. The
Savandurga hills are frequently visited by pilgrims who come to visit the
Basaveshwara, Savandi Veerabhadreshwara Swamy and Narasimha Swamy
temple situated at the foothills. At the foothill there is a village by the same
53

name and the forest around has been stated as reserved forest and there is
protected garden of the Herbs of medicinal interest.

ANDHRA PRADESH- (KINGDOM OF GOLCONDA)

Andhra Pradesh has a variety of attractions including beaches, hills, wildlife,

forests and temples. The state has a rich cultural heritage and is known for
its rich history, architecture and culture. Andhra Pradesh is the top tourist
destination in India. The weather is mostly tropical. June to September are
the monsoon months and travel is not advised during this time. November to
January are the best time to visit.
Andhra Pradesh, located on the southeastern, is a popular destination in
Southern India. Andhra Pradesh tourism is known as Koh-i-Noor of India.
Many tourists from India and outside India visit this place around the year to
visit the beaches, temples, and hill stations in this state. Andhra Pradesh
tourism is mainly concentrate on the beach tours and religious tours. Located
on the northern part of the state, Warangal is a place of historical
importance. You can visit the ancient temples, antiques, and relics of 12th
54

century AD. The pristine lakes and amazing range of wildlife are the main
focuses for the nature lovers in this city. Located in Chittoor, Tirupati is
located on the southeastern part of the state. It is one of the most popular
pilgrimage centers for the Hindus.

Srikalahasti
Srikalahasti is a holy town and a municipality near Tirupati in the Indian
state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi.
The climatic conditions, availability of dyestuffs and clean flowing water
from the river Swarnamukhi makes Srikalahasti an ideal place for Kalamkari
production. Today there are 150 craftsmen practicing this ancient craft. The
mythology is the main source of themes. The panels are drawn from the
Ramayana, Mahabharata and from Bhagavat Gita. Normally a big story
panel is segmented into many smaller sections.

Konaseema
Konaseema village in East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, situated in the
Godavari delta between rivers Goutami and Vasishta. A beautiful land of
coconut gardens magnificent landscape, artistic temples that brings alive the
55

varied charm of Nature INDIA has emerged as the latest hotspot of tourists.
Whether you're travelling by train, boat or bus, a glance at the surrounding
countryside is enough to capture the cultural wealth and geographical variety
of this paradise on earth.

Chinchinada
Chinchinada is a Village in Elamanchili Mandal in West Godavari District in
Andhra Pradesh State . Chinchinada is 1.5 km far away from Mandal Main
Town Elamanchili. The vibrant lifestyle of picturesque coastal Andhra.
Chinchinada is a typical rural village having dense coconut groves, fish
ponds and prawn culture ponds.

Puttaparthi
Puttaparthi is a town situated in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh.
It was also the residence of the notable spiritual teacher Sathya Sai Baba.
The town's main attraction is Baba's Prasanthi Nilayam ashram, the presence
of which has given a huge boost to the local economy, in the form of hotels,
lodges, restaurants and shops which are largely frequented by visitors to
Prasanthi Nilayam

56

MAHARASHTRA ( A land untouched, unsullied, unlimited.)

Welcome to Maharashtra. A land whose sheer size and diversity will stun
you. Enjoy her mountains that stretch out into the mists as far as the eye can
see. Her innumerous forts that stand proud and strong. Her scores of
temples, sculpted into and out of basalt rock.
Maharashtra diverse and colourful cultures, woven into one gigantic quilt.
Her festivals that galvanise the sleepy thousands into fervent motion. And
her miles of silver, white beaches, stretched taut and inviting over the entire
coast. Welcome aboard a travel package that gives you a glimpse into this
vibrant and beautiful land.
Maharashtra - The most fascinating region of India. It is the state with rich
heritage culture and is a land of intense spirituality and religious faith.
Maharashtra has to its credit pilgrimage centers with great landmarks in the
evolution of Indian Temple architecture.
57

Trimbakeshwar
The village of Trimbak, 36 kms from Nashik, is famous for the
Trimbakeshwar Temple and as the source of the Godavari River.
Trimbakeshwar enshrines one of the 12 jyotirlingas dedicated to Shiva and
this

one

is

considered

to

be

the

main jyotirlinga.

Legend has it that Guatam Rishi performed a rigorous ritual of prayer and
penance or tapasya to Shiva on Brahmagiri Hill which rises above the
present-day temple. Pleased with this devotion, Shiva is said to have blessed
him and brought down to earth from heaven the sacred rivers of Ganga,
Gautami and Godavari.

Bhandardara
Bhandardara is a place which is particularly beautiful after the rains. Located
around 70 kms from Nashik, a picturesque and quiet drive will get you
there. Built in 1926, the Bhandardara Dam is one of the oldest dams in Asia
and is known for its Umbrella Falls - an arresting sight. There is another
waterfall known as the Randha Falls which is about 11 kms from the dam.
Scaling the well-known Kalsubai Peak, the highest peak of Maharashtra
state on the Sahyadri range, standing 1,646 metres above sea level, is a
good trek.

Jawhar
58

One of the few tribal kingdoms in Maharashtra, Jawhar, at 518 m, is famous

for its vibrant Warli paintings. It invites you to forget your daily grind and all
the turmoils that go with it. Jawhar is blessed with exotic dales, rich forests
and a wonderful climate. Jai Vilas, the palace of the tribal lords, and the
relics of Bhupatgad are worth a visit. The scenic beauty of the Dadar Kopra
Falls, the enchanting Hanuman and Sunset Points .all explain why Jawhar is
known as the 'Mahabaleshwar of Thane District'. Nearby is Shirpamal,
where Shivaji camped on his way to Surat.

Ganapatipule
Ganapatipule is a small village in Maharashtra which has a long stretch of
beautiful beaches. A beach itself named Ganapatipule is the most beautiful
and stunning of all the beaches. Sun kissed beaches and lush greenery seem
to be in an eternal love affair in chaste lands of Ganapatipule. There are also
some water sports facilities here. Besides, a Ganpati (Lord Ganesha) temple
is also located at the beach.

59

EMPOWERING RURAL INDIA

APJ ABDUL KALAM

A new situation is emerging in India. Very rarely in history have we come
across such a constellation: an ascending economic trajectory, rising foreign
exchange reserves, reducing inflation rates, global recognition of
technological competence, energy of 540 million youth, umbilical
connectivitys of 20 million people of Indian origin abroad, and the interest

60

shown by developed countries to invest in our engineers and scientists,

including in new R&D centers.
Governments have been emphasising economic development by ensuring
growth rates of seven-eight per cent annually, enhancing the welfare of
farmers and workers and unleashing the creativity of entrepreneurs,
scientists, engineers. This opportunity must be fully utilised to bridge the
rural-urban divide, using knowledge as a tool. As such, I would like to focus
Empowering Rural India.
This discussion will be in five parts. The first part cites experiences with
knowledge centers working in the country. The second part presents a case
for Village Knowledge Centers in relation to the integrated development of
rural areas through PURA.
The third part deals with examples of PURA in action. The fourth part
presents the working domain services for effective knowledge acquisition to
the PURA complexes. The final part consolidates the flow chart of data
needed for farmers, fishermen and the entire rural population in an
integrated way for sustainable development.

Pure is as PURA does

Nearly 700 million Indians live in 600,000 villages across rural India.
Connectivity of village complexes providing economic opportunities to all
segments of people is an urgent need. We need to innovate to increase
connectivitys to the villages, making clusters out of them even while
retaining their individuality.

61

The integrated method that will bring prosperity to rural India is called
PURA or Providing Urban Amenities to Rural Areas. This envisages four
connectivitys: physical connectivity through quality roads and transport;
electronic connectivity through telecom with high bandwidth fiber optic
cables; knowledge connectivity through education, skill training for farmers,
artisans and craftsmen and entrepreneurship programmes.

PURA in action
I have visited many rural areas, and seen working systems of PURA such as
the Gujarat-BAIF model and the Vallam Periyar PURA model near
Thanjavur. I have also recently visited tsunami-affected villages of
Nagapattinam and suggested the implementation of coastal PURA to the
district administration.
The Bharatiya Agro-Industries Foundation (BAIF) is an integrated village
cluster development programme in two village clusters, Chonda and
Lachakadi, in south Gujarat. Every summer, tribal people used to migrate to
nearby towns. The BAIF model was installed in these two villages with the
cooperation of the people and the participation of state authorities. Water
harvesting was undertaken. Every home was provided with livestock and
also a market for milk. Simultaneously, fruit orchards were established with
various fruitcrops such as cashew and mangoes, tolerant to drought? Today,
the tribal population is harvesting crops, packaging and carrying milk to
different supply points.
62

CHAPTER-3
ANALYSIS &
INTERPRETATION
OF DATA

63

Demographic Profile of rural India

Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil
Nadu are the five highest ranked states in terms of share in total tourist
households in the country.
Top five states with respect to number of tourist households per 1000
households are Delhi, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Uttar
Pradesh.
At the all India level, Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) and
Other Backward Classes (OBC) formed one-fourth and one-third of the
total domestic tourist households respectively
Over half of the rural tourist households depend on agricultural income
(cultivators and agricultural wage earners) and 64 percent of urban tourist
households depend on salaried jobs and businesses
Nation-wide, the average annual income of tourist households was about
Rs. 64,199 and Rs. 55,780 for rural tourist households and Rs. 89,191 for
urban tourist households.
For the country as a whole, about 19 percent and 29 percent of tourist
households belong to the least income and low income categories
respectively, together accounting for 48 per cent of total tourist
households. 39 per cent of the total rural tourist households were landless
and 34 per cent were marginal and small farmers.

64

YEAR

FTAs IN India
(in millions)

1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
MEAN

2.37
2.36
2.48
2.65
2.54
2.38
2.73
3.46
3.92
4.45
5.08
5.28
5.17
5.78
6.29
6.58
3.97

Percentage(%)
change over the
previous year
3.8
-0.7
5.2
6.7
-4.2
-6.0
14.3
26.8
13.3
13.5
14.3
4.0
-2.2
11.8
8.9
4.3
7.12

NO. OF FOREIGN TOURIST ARRIVALS IN INDIA IN PAST YEARS

Table 3.1
Source: Ministry Of Tourism India
Fig. 3.1

65

Observations of the above table are as follows:

It can be observed from the table 3.1 that the trend of foreign tourist
arrivals in India is been increasing from 1997 to 2012.
In the year 1997 the tourist arrivals were the least which was recorded as
2.37 millions
In the year 2012,the foreign tourist arrivals were the highest reaching up
to 6.58 millions
We know
Mean = (sum of the observation) /( number of observations)
Calculated mean of the table came out to be 3.97 for the foreign tourist
arrival in India and the mean of percentage change over the previous year
is 7.12
66

TOTAL EARNING THROUGH TOURISTS IN INDIA IN THE PAST

YEARS
Table 3.2
YEAR

1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011

Foreign exchange
earnings from
tourism in India (in
US$ million)
2889
2948
3009
3460
3198
3103
4463
6170
7493
8634
10729
11832
11136
14193
16564

67

Percentage(%)
change over the
previous year
2.0
2.0
2.1
15.0
-7.6
-3.0
43.8
38.2
21.4
15.2
24.3
10.3
-5.9
27.5
16.7

2012
MEAN

17737
US$7972.375

7.1
13.07

Source: Ministry Of Tourism India

Fig. 3.2

Observations of the above table are as follows:

It can be observed from the table 3.2 that the trend of foreign exchange
earnings from tourism in India is been increasing .It was quiet constant
from the year 1997 to 2002 but after then the result shows the initiative
taken by the government as the foreign exchange increased afterwards.
In the year 1997 the tourist arrivals were the least which was recorded as
US$ 2889 millions
In the year 2012,the foreign tourist arrivals were the highest reaching up
to US$17737 millions
We know
Mean = (sum of the observation) /( number of observations)

68

Calculated mean of the table came out to be US$7972.375 for the foreign
tourist arrival in India and the mean of percentage change over the
previous year is 13.07

SHARE OF TOP 10 STATES OF INDIA IN NUMBER OF FOREIGN

TOURIST VISITS IN 2012
Table 3.3
Rank

State

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Maharashtra
Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Uttar Pradesh
Rajasthan
West Bengal
Bihar
Kerala
Karnataka
Himachal Pradesh
Total of top 10
Others
Total

Number of
tourists
5120287
3561740
2345980
1994495
1451370
1219610
1096933
793696
595359
500284
18679754
2051741
20731495

Source: Ministry Of Tourism India

Fig. 3.3
69

Percentage
share (%)
24.7
17.2
11.3
9.6
7.0
5.9
5.3
3.8
2.9
2.4
90.1
9.9
100.0

70

EXPENDITURE INCURRED DURING VARIOUS YEARS BY

MINISTRY OF TOURISM
Table 3.4
YEAR

1997-98
1998-99
1999-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
MEAN

BUDGET
ESTIMATE (Rs.
Cr.)
110.35
160.50
160.50
135.00
150.00
290.00
350.50
560.00
870.00
953.00
1000.00
1000.00
1050.00
522.296

Source: Ministry Of Tourism India

Fig. 3.4
71

EXPENDITURE

98.14
110.46
109.71
124.48
146.43
285.67
342.36
535.23
833.21
951.81
980.47
934.48
997.13
496.12

Observations of the above table are as follows:

It can be observed from the table 3.4 that the trend of budget estimate and
also the expenditure in India is been increasing from 1997 to 2011.
In the year 1997-98 the budget estimate was the least so as the
expenditure as 110.35 Cr. and 98.14 Cr. respectively.
In the year 2010-11, the budget estimate was the highest so were the
expenditure reaching up to 1050.00Cr. and 496.12 Cr. respectively.
We know
Mean = (sum of the observation) /( number of observations)
Calculated mean of the table came out to be 522.296 for the budget
estimate in India and the mean of actual expenditure occurred came out
to be 496.12

72

Flow chart for rural knowledge

As we have seen in the KCC example, similar domain service provider call
centres are required in commerce and industry, entrepreneurial skill
development and employment generation, travel and tourism, banking and
insurance, meteorological forecasting, disaster warning, education and HRD,
and healthcare.
These call centres will act as service providers to the PURA Nodal
Knowledge Data Centres located in the PURA complexes, which in turn
will provide the area-specific and customised knowledge to the VKCs.
There have been many attempts across the country in taking information and
communication technology (ICT) to rural areas. Each of the proponents of
these efforts is passionately attached to the core idea and continues to pursue
it even when it does not make economic sense or when it is proven not

73

scalable or sustainable. Some of these efforts are successful only when

centered on a creative leader.
What we need now is a serious and impartial review to decide on the best
practices for nationwide deployment a best of breed solution for
sustainable PURA.

CHAPTER-4
74

CONCLUSION &
RECOMMONDATATIONS

CONCLUSION
RURAL TOURISM known the world over as the land of hospitality is
today in the defining stages of the business of hospitality. While the
possibilities for growth are immense, it will take an earnest effort, both from
the industry's key stakeholders in the private sector and the relevant
government bodies to truly change the hospitality's landscape in the years
ahead. Perhaps, the industry is in need of a champion who will work towards
the several reforms and ideas discussed in this article with the same zeal and
enthusiasm as is characteristic of our industry's service culture. The ten
influencers discussed in this article are but a drop in the ocean. Hospitality

75

has come a long way since 2000; however, it has a steep climb ahead and
HVS looks forward to being an integral part of this journey.
Rural Tourism is essentially an activity which takes place in the
countryside.
It is multifaceted and may entail farm/agricultural tourism, cultural tourism,
nature tourism, adventure tourism, and eco tourism. As against conventional
tourism, rural tourism has certain typical characteristics: It is experienceoriented; the locations are less populated, it is predominantly in natural
environments and it is based on the preservation of culture, heritage and
traditions.
.
The scheme of Rural Tourism was started by the Ministry of Tourism in
2002-03 with the objective of highlighting rural life, art, culture and heritage
at rural locations and in villages which have core competence in art, craft,
handloom, textiles and natural environment. The intention was to benefit the
local community economically and socially as well as to enable interaction
between tourists and local population for a mutually enriching experience.
The promotion of village tourism was also aimed towards generating
revenue for rural communities through tourist visits, which may stop exodus
from rural to urban areas.
Infrastructural Development for Rural Tourism
Rural Tourism can be harnessed as a strategy for rural development. The
development of a strong platform around the concept of Rural Tourism is
definitely useful for a country like India where almost 74 per cent of the
population resides in its 7 million villages. On the other hand, the growing
trend of urbanization has led to falling of income levels, lesser job
76

opportunities leading to desertion of villages. Rural Tourism could be a

solution to this.

CHALLENGES
The major challenges of Rural Tourism are viz. need to preserve the
environment and natural resources, the need for education, proper
understanding for both tourists and local people, and the need to generate a
democratic movement which helps people at all levels to participate in
tourism development.
Also they need to focus on occupation training, handicraft promotion, and
improvement of both the landscape and the basic infrastructure, to increase
the quality of life of villagers by creating a healthy environment. The
cooperative system in Rural Tourism can be an effective approach in
77

bringing positive impact in rural areas. Local people can monitor and control
the negative impacts of tourism on their own society, if they have an equal
stake and authority in management and
development.
. Rural Tourism projects at 186 villages in 29 States/Union Territories have
been sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism since the inception of the
scheme of these sites are located in the NorthEastern region. A total amount
of Rs.55.40 crores was sanctioned for Rural Tourism projects during the 11th
Five Year Plan.
Projects at 90 sites have been completed by December 2012. During the
Twelfth Five Year Plan, the scheme of Rural Tourism is being replaced with
the scheme of Rural Tourism Cluster. The Modified scheme aims at
developing a cluster of villages a Tourism Product

RECOMMENDATIONS
Below are some suggestions to help promote growth of rural tourism in
India-

Community involvement: For an area to become a rural tourism

destination, not just a stop off point, structured networks and
collaborative agreements between public and private sector actors are
essential. Community involvement is a key part of the equation.

78

Proximity to generate a market or gateway: Rural tourism

destinations must be easily accessible to potential visitors through
reliable transportation systems.

A visitor center: Rural communities must have a welcoming center

where visitors can seek information on local attractions, activities, and
accommodations, and ask questions of people who are knowledgeable
about the area.

Partnership Collaboration: Key to maximizing rural tourism

marketing efforts is the need to create potential partnerships with
cultural/heritage segments. It may help to provide value-added
services for consumers, including providing directions and creating
awareness for rural tourism locations and historical/cultural activities
successfully differentiating them from other destinations.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

INTERNET
1. www.google.com
2. www.ask.com
3. http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-rural-tourism-in-indiaa-complete-guide-1855598
4. http://tourism.gov.in/Default.aspx
5. http://www.indiastat.com/default.aspx

MAGAZINE
79

1)Travel Times
2)First City

NEWSPAPER
1)The Times of India
2)Hindustan Times

80