ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I take this opportunity to express my thoughtful gratitude and deep regards to my Faculty guide __________and programme leader, ____________, for his ideal guidance, monitoring and constant encouragement throughout the course of this project.
The blessing and guidance given by him, time to time, shall carry me a long way in the journey of life on which I am about to get on.
I would also like to thank ______________________, our Pro Vice Chancellor for his vital encouragement and support. I am obliged to the faculty members of Amity University NOIDA, for the valuable information provided by them in their respective fields.
I am grateful for their cooperation during the period of my project task I would specially like to thank _________________, for allowing me to interview them, and gain more knowledge due to which, the completion of this paper was possible .
I would also like to thank my parents and my friends for their constant encouragement without which this report would not be possible.
And finally, to The Almighty God, who made all things possible
Preface
Rural tourism has been the most neglected part when it comes to India. The main aim of this assignment is to provide the insights on the rural tourism of Indian Himalayas along with the problems that are faced and the prospects.
This topic is limited to the Himalayas only and the challenges we face in these areas.
In this report, I have discussed length and breadth of rural tourism along with the government schemes and the necessary steps that have been taken.
At the same time, I have discussed the short comings and problems that are faced and how we can solve these issues.
Content
Chapter 1. Introduction
a) Himalayas
b) what is tourism? Its economic impact on India.
c) what is rural tourism?
Chapter 2. Objectives
b) Limitations
Chapter 3. Important Rural tourist Places
Prospects of rural tourism
a) rural tourism place in Kashmir and government schemes
b) Rural tourism places in Himachal and government schemes
c) Rural tourism places in Uttarakhand and government scheme
d) Rural tourism places in North east and government and schemes
e) Rural Tourism in Ladakh
e) shortcomings
f) conclusion
Chapter 4. Bibliography / References
Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION
India, being such a vast country with an area of 3.287 million km provides all the ample opportunitiesfor tourism.
Tourism has been an important source of revenue generation for the government of India and at the same time provides daily livelihood to the millions of people.
The natural and scenic beauty of Himalayas is a gem in itself. The lush green forests , the lofty snow clad mountains, the deep[ and peaceful valleys, glaciers and rivers, all are the marvels in itself. However, the main focus has been on few famous places where there is a lot of potential in rural portion gf Himalayas which has been explored to some extent and at the same time the major part has been neglected
a) What is tourism? Its eonomic impact on India.
The best way in which tourism can be defined has been done by UNWTO.
UNWTO defines tourism as, " Tourism comprises the activities of persons travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes.
Tourism can be both domestic as well as International. While domestic tourism has no implications on the balance of payments, International tourism has both their going as well as out going implication on a countries balance of payments for some countries like Maldives, Indonesia, Tourism is a major source of income.
here in India also, Tourism generates great revenues to the government and at the same time also provides livelihood to the millions of people.
Due to the later recessions of 2000's and also due to the outbreak of , tourism suffered to a great extent. There was a great loss in tourism but later on we had the recovery phase as well, whether tourism boom once again.
The world travel and tourism council calculated that the tourism in India generated about 15.24 lac crores rupees, I.e, 9.4% of India's GDP in 2017 and at the same time supported 41.622 million jobs that is 8% of India's total employment.
The foreign rush of more than 10million was witnessed in India in 2017 as compared to 8.89million in 2016 that is a growth of 15.6%.
B) HIMALAYAS
The Indian Himalayas range from Jammu and Kashmir in the North to West Bengal
And in between lies Himachal pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunanchal Pradesh , Assam and West Bengal. This region is richly in doubt in flaura and fauna.
The Himalayas range consist of three parts
1) Himadri ( greater Himalayas )
2) Himachal ( lesser Himalayas )
3) Shivalik ( outer Himalayas )
The northern most range of Himalayas are Karakoram and to the south of Karakoram lies Laskar ranges and parallel to Laskar lies Pir Panjal ranges.
All these ranges lie parallel to each other and most of it is lying in the state of Jammu and Kashmir
In the Himalayas, we can see some of the most beautiful valleys, mesmerising mountains, lush green beautiful forest, glaciers, lakes, rivers.
The holy rivers like Ganga and Yamuna flow through the Himalayas.
Links- The Himalayas( abode of snow)
Himalayas north- Travel guide from Wikivoyage
Travel India Himalayas
What is Rural Tourism?
Rural tourism means the active participation in the Rural lifestyle. It can also be called a variant of eco tourism. Rural tourism acts as a replacements forms of income to the non-agricultural sector and can also contribute to the revival of lost folk art and handicrafts. The revenues generated from the rural tourism can provide the great prospects for development in the rural areas. A variety of tourism programmes like wine tours, , eco tourism, agri tourism, seasonal tourism are located in the rural areas.
The best part about rural tourism is that it is the most closest thing to man's origin, nature's care and the eternal spiritual presence.
Who won't be pleased by all this?
The mesmerising petrichoo , sounds of flames from an earthen port of fire, that fragrance of the staple curry , children playing with anything and everything. Who will not love that?
The Rural areas are richly endowed with the art, culture, heritage, handloom and crafts.
Rural tourism as defined by Ministry of tourism policy paper, " any form of tourism that showcases rural life, art, cultures and heritage at rural locations, there by benefitting the local community economically and socially as well as enabling interaction between the tourists and the locals for a more enriching tourism experience, can be termed as rural tourism."
Chapter 2 OBJECTIVES
> To study rural areas
> To identify the potential rural areas
> To study the government schemes meant to promote the rural tourism
> To recommend measures to strength the rural infrastructure
RESEARCH METHODOLY
The main source of my study has been the secondary sources like journals, magazines, news papers, travel blogs, different websites.
Though I have been to a number of rural areas in Himachal and Uttarakhand but that has been in the part. What so ever little I remembered, I have put it here in the paper. So, the visits that I had made in the past to these places and taking a leaf out of that has helped me a lot
LIMITATIONS
> Lack of data
> Lack of first hand sources
> Inexperiences since this is my first presentation
> International journal of innovation research and greater relationship
the prospects of rural tourism
the rural tourism is todays obvious need also it should be prepared for proper accomplishment and best results as the world surrounding it unfolds .
*as economy booster
tourism is the most stable growth sector , and world leading industry . dubai is a great example of using tourism as a major source for increasing their economy as more then 70% of the money spent their is of foreigners and hence directly increases the economy enormously . the beautiful infrastructure , facilities provided by government irrespective of the countries whether condition , accommodation and transport attracts more tourist because of less no of problems they face .
*just like that we can use our nations territory to increase the economy and our nations pride too.
india is full of gemstones in every city , if we talk about the mountain trenches of himalaya its a crown for our county . if we manage to work in the correct pace after 30 years we can see himalayan mountains as a big cause for increase in gdp , there can be an increase in hotels which also gives job opportunity for many people hence increasing employment rate .
*more tourist spots because of high altitude of himalayan range of mountains
the high altitude of himalayan range also offers a breath takin view of the sky at night, the light pollution in the cities deteriorate the beaty of night sky many builders can take advantage of the rural areas (light pollution free specially ) to build tourist spots for stargazing
*agriculture tourism
75% of people in himalayan range of india are involved in agriculture or its other allied practices for income .
ChAPTER 3
Rural tourism places in Jamuz Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir being one of the most beautiful places in the world. Endowed by the most scenic beauty, folded mountains, alpine pastures, beautiful lakes, mesmerising waterfalls, apple orchards, benevolent
People, fishing culture, rich heritage, tradition and cultures. Jammu Kashmir has been endowed by nature the boundless which attracts people from all the parts of globe. Still these are hidden rural areas and virgin valleys which can actually boom the tourism.
The northern frontiers of Kupwara has one of the most beautiful virgin valleys "Bungus". The valley has the green beautiful carpet all along, and is bestowed with a beautiful flair and fauna.
The Lolab Valley again laying in the district Kupwara is so beautiful that is made Dr. Iqbal to pause and write the beautiful poem narrating the scenic beauty of Lolab valley.
The Gurez valley endowed by nature with the picturesque beauty, as if nature itself has painted it on a canvas
Government schemes:
872 carp culture units ans 250 carp culture units and 250 front rearing units under RKVY scheme
High density Apple plantation scheme in Kashmir
Apiculture development scheme
Gulmarg- Barundla- Kupwara – Leh circuit
Mantalai- sudmahalev – Patnitop circuit
Important Rural tourism places in Himachal and Government schemes
Shimla in Himachal Pradesh used to be the summer capital of British India. This speaker in values about the natural beauty weather and picturesque beauty of Himachal Pradesh some of the most visited and beautiful places of Himachal Pradesh are Shimla, Manali, Mcloedganj, Kasol, but what people give people give the miss is the rural tourism in Himachal Pradesh. Village tours in this state is by far the best and the most efficient way to get closer to the cultural life of people.
Naggar Tourism :- Even Tiny is beautiful , Tiny is the village with a charm of its own and lies in the mystic aura, spread by deodars, untained Roads and lofty snow clap mountains
Main attractions :- Nag-gar castle
– Jagtipath temple
– Gauri shakar temple
– Deorich museum
– Tripura Sundari temple
Paragpur Village;- The first ever government recognised heritage village of India and its introduces you to the Kangra. The village has a beauty of its own with the rural houses and sloping roofed ceilings. The village is one of its kind in the whole of Himachal Pradesh and has been acclaimed for its natural pemorana
Government Schemes :-
Home stay scheme 200 facilitated by the
-Ministry of tourism under 'Incredible India'. Bread and breakfast scheme
-Naa rahein nma manzilein
-Eco tourism policy 2017
Rural tourism in ladakh
ladakh’s whether may be harsh and inhospitable , but malevolence ends there ,ladakh greets the traveler with all its heart . with the culture and terotiry so diverse from other parts of india . the charms of ladakh are a class apart . travellers loves to visit the traditional ladakhi villages with beautiful landscapes , valleys and rocky mountains . the lifestyle of ladakh is steeped in cultural heritage , and influenced by religion .
the monastic festivals in themselves makes ladakh different from other cities and makes it appealing for tourism .
monasteries
a number of different monistys with different archialogical structure attract locals and foreigners too .thiers festivals adds colour to the modesty and these can be enjoyed between the monastics , monks and nuns .each monastery itself is a marvellous piece of art itself.
lakes are at this much high altitude are breathtaking , and the wildlife surrounding them adds to its beauty .
change people
culture of changpa people who move around with herds around korzok .
hand crafted boots , woollen jackets , gotcha , chogtse carpets , can be purchased .
if the traveling and infrastructure of ladakh gets better no doubts locals and foreigners both will be attracted .
trekking
Ladakh is heaven for trekkers, with many trails to choose from – for the beginner and for professionals also. One condition necessary for all though, is acclimatization.
Festivals
The festive season is best part of the year to travel to Ladakh. People form far and wide visit the place to join , experience and celebrate the festivals of Ladakh. The monasteries are decorated in the traditional way and the lamas their carry on some interesting prayers. It is relaxing to hear them praying the mantras. The colourful costumes, frightful masks and lamas create an enchanting ambiance Some of the festivals of Ladakh include Hemis Festival, Matho Nagrang, Hemis Festival, Stok Guru Tsechu, Phyang Tsedup, Buddha Purnima and Losar Celebration_New Year Celebration.The monastic festivals are very known, which are performed by monks who wear colourful garments and facial mask.
mountaineering
ladakh which have all the towering mountains and rocky terrain of karakoram , zanskar and mountain ranges of ladakh , not surprisingly is also a heaven for a mountaineering lover .the mountaineering season starts from mid-may to mid -octuber .the climbs are in sure and zanskar valley .
popular climbing spots are in khangri (stok khangri) in the zanskar mountain range ,which is mostly accessible. the peak provide a marvellous view of the indus valley and the karokoram mountain range which makes mountaineers eager to climb .
it can become a major climbing spot for all the indians and also tourist.
Biking in Ladakh
Ladakh, a heaven of scenic beauty and rugged landscape , gives opportunities for a great number of adventure sports , biking being 1 of them.
The most common route is the Manali-Leh one. Also known as the Army Road, it was opened to foreigners in nineteeninety , and have a distance of 520 kms. Except for a small patch of 30 kms at Taglang Pass, remaining road s is metalled.
Bikers often take generally 12 to 13-day rides of bike, involving steep climbs through wonderful landscapes of glaciers and snow-capped Himalayan ranges. After a bunch of days of easy biking along the Manali-Leh route, the difficult ones begin with the climb to Baralcha (4,880m) as the altitude is more higher. There are two small brackish lakes in this area – Deepak Tal and Suraj Tal.
rafting , camping , num and kum expedition (pair of himalayan peaks ) , overland jeep safari , wildlife , magnetic hills , double humped camel rides , are the other major factors for ladakh’s good chances of being a tourists host of india .
SHORTS COMINGS
Though government is trying to utilise to utilise the resources but still a lot needs to be done. The work needs to be done in infrastructure which is the basic building block to enrich and engross the rural tourism. The roads are not properly connected nor are properly maintained. At the same time, we need yo look at the eco system of these rural areas. Development should not hamper the ecological balance of the areas. The growth should be sustainable. There is a need of sustainable development along with it there is a need to look at the local traditions and culture.
The introduction of city clad people to the rural areas can hamper their tradition and culture which needs to be in continuous vigils.
The local needs to be educated about the benefits of the rural tourism. The media, whether it is the television news channels or print media or social media need to address and promote the rural tourism.
Conclusion
The Rural tourism in India is still in the infant stage and it needs to be harnesses with much care at this stage.
Rural Tourism has got the vast potential and can tiptoe resources which can lead to the growth of the country both economically as well as culturally.
There has been a number of government sponsored schemes going on and in future a number of schemes are going to be formulated to enhance the Rural tourism.
At the same time, the normal citizens of the country should also understand the role and play it in a positive manner. Much work has been done and still a lot needs to be done.