ø the problem ø aims and objectives ø research methodology ø

Ø THE PROBLEM

Ø AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Ø RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Ø REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Ø CHAPTERIZATION

INTRODUCTION

Since time immemorial man had a quest for wandering. Travel for fun emerged centuries after and became a luxury affair of some affluent people. In the western world the lords and in India the royal class enjoyed what in recent years is termed as ‘tourism’. Earlier this privilege of affluent groups latter on became a mass affair which came to be known as Mass tourism. Slowly then this mass movement of people to some popular places created over usage of natural resources of the destinations. Since then the phenomena of tourism underwent a sea change. Traditional behavior of tourists to look for modernized cities, star hotels, amusement parks, night clubs has been shifting due to a variety of factors. Travel to relatively less polluted undisturbed natural areas for the purpose of studying, admiring and enjoying the nature, its wild plants, animals and local culture are getting popular these days. This form of tourism is beneficial as on one hand it satisfies the changing fashion of tourists on the other it sustains the industry environmentally and economically. (Singh, 1983).

The inclination of general people to natural beauty are evident from the fact that the imaginations of ancient poets, saints and intellectual masses have been solely concentrated on natural settings (Sankrityayan, 1953). Be it Kalidasa’s Meghadutam, or Valmiki’s Ramayana the descriptions are concentrated on scenic beauties. Because of this, mountains have been a centre for attraction since time immemorial as evident from the following hymn of Mahakavi Kalidas.

“Asti uttarasyam disi devatatma Himalayo nama nagadhiraja Purva parau toya nidhi avagahya sthitah prutyhivya iva manadanda”

The above verse in the “Kumara Sambhavam” describes the Himalaya as the mightiest of mountains and backbone of the earth (Bhatt, 2003). The Himalaya, known for its beauty and majesty is shared by countries like China, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Russia. The area is inhabited by over 300 million people and many more living in adjacent large river basins.

Believed to be the abode of God, the Himalaya became popular amongst tourists only after Sir Edmund Hillary climbed the Mount Everest in 1954. Inspite of all natural resources the Himalayas is known for its fragile ecosystem. Thus all sorts

of planning for developmental works need to furnish environmental clearances before their implementation (Panwar, 1985).

Uttaranchal: A State of Mountain Tourism Uttaranchal came into existence on 9th November 2000 as the 27th state of the

Republic of India. It is one of the most beautiful, well preserved and enchanting regions located in the northern part of India. The state comprises 13 districts of the erstwhile Uttar pradesh, namely Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat, Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, Udham Singh Nagar and Uttarkashi. According to Uttaranchal 2001 census the population is 84,79,562 and the area of the State is 55,845 sq. km. Table 1.1 furnish the details of population density and decadal growth rate of Uttranchal State and its various districts.

Table-1.1

Population, decadal growth rate, sex ratio and density – States/Districts:

2001

Population 2001 Decadal growth rate

Sex ratio Density

India and State/ Union

territory*/District

Code No.

Persons Males Females 1981-1991

1991-2001

1991 2001 1991 2001

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Uttaranchal 05 8,479,5624,316,4014,163,16124.23 19.20 936 964 133 159 Uttarkashi 01 294,179 151,599 142,580 25.54 22.72 918 941 30 37 Chamoli 02 369,198 183,033 186,165 21.97 13.51 982 1,017 43 48 Rudraprayag 03 227,461 107,425 120,036 17.51 13.44 1,0941,117 106 120 Tehri Garhwal 04 604,608 294,842 309,766 16.59 16.15 1,0481,051 128 148 Dehradun 05 1,279,083 675,549 603,534 34.66 24.71 843 893 332 414 Garhwal 06 696,851 331,138 365,713 9.05 3.87 1,0581,104 124 129 Pithoragarh 07 462,149 227,592 234,557 14.11 10.92 992 1,031 59 65 Champawat 08 224,461 110,916 113,545 34.22 17.56 945 1,024 107 126 Almora 09 630,446 293,576 336,870 9.43 3.14 1,0991,147 198 205 Bageshwar 10 249,453 118,202 131,251 14.92 9.21 1,0551,110 99 108 Nainital 11 762,912 400,336 362,576 30.01 32.88 881 906 149 198 Udhamsingh Nagar 12 1,234,548 649,020 585,528 44.46 27.79 863 902 332 424 Haridwar 13 1,444,213 773,173 671,040 28.44 26.30 846 868 485 612

Source: Uttaranchal Statistics Report

The Himalayas are an integral part of the mother earth in the mountain

ecosystem formed by almost parallel tertiary ranges, which constitutes a gigantic

arch, separating the Indian planes from North Tibet and Central Asia. The Western

Himalayas having length approximately 320 km., is the smallest among the four

Himalayan regions and lies between river Kali and the great defile of river Sutlej and

comprises the Garhwal and Kumaun hills. In the heart of this majestic mountains lies

the state of Uttaranchal. The mountainous region offers a wonderful panorama of

high snow clad peaks. The unparallel beauty, mystic surroundings and breath taking

views make one fall in love with the Himalayas and feel closer to God. (Ahluwalia,

1985)

Nature has endowed this region with so much beauty and spiritual bliss that

the land is also known as Dev Bhumi (Land of Gods). It includes a large number of

pilgrimage places but the significance of the four most sacred and significant Hindu

shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri is of immense importance.

This is the land where Vedas and Shastras were composed and the great Indian epic-

the Mahabharata was written (Babulkar, 1982). The region has always been the

source of inspiration for nature lovers and seekers of peace and spirituality. The

Ganga, the Yamuna and scores of other rivers originated from Uttaranchal. Among

them, the Ganga is the most holy and prominent among them. It represents the soul

of India and played a significant role in the reshaping India's culture, history and

civilization (Bagri, 2000). The credit of weaving the country into one religious entity

goes to the unique thread of the holy Ganga. The source of the Ganga is at Gaumukh.

It is named Gaumukh as the shape of the ice formation is like a cow’s mouth, where

the mighty river emerges from the depth of Gangotri glaciers. Here the river is

known as ‘Bhagirathi’ after the name of king Bhagirath. Rising in the icy caves of

Gangotri glaciers, the gushing, tossing and gurgling Bhagirathi starts its long journey

downwards where it joins rivers ‘Alaknanda’ at Devprayag and thereafter known as

Ganga. (Batten, 1851)

Map 1.1: Uttaranchal Map showing all districts

The Garhwal region is known for five Kedars and Badris. The Kedarnath

shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a most sacred holy place situated

against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. There are about 200 shrines

dedicated to Lord Shiva in Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts itself and the most

important sacred haunts are Badrinath and Kedarnath (Negi, 1995). Kedarnath

because of having close association with lord Shiva, is associated with myths and

legends. According to a legend, the Pandavas after having won over Kauravas in

Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the

blessing of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while feeling

took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. The arms of Lord Shiva appeared at

Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madmaheshwar and his locks (hair)

with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath with these four shrines came to be known as

Panch Kedar (Dabral, 1960). As regards to Panch Badri, Badrinath is situated in the

lap of Narayan Parvat with the towering Neelkanth peak in the background.

Badrinath is one of the most reversed Hindu shrines of India.

Badrinath is devoted in the worship of Lord Vishnu who, according to an

amusing tale, usurped this place from Lord Shiva. It is said that Lord Vishnu had

come here to offer penance. According to legendary accounts he loved the place so

much that he plotted to unseat Lord Shiva from his meditation here. He took on the

form of a beautiful child and began to wail. Shiva’s wife, Parvati picked him up but

could not calm the child. Since his wailing continued to disturb Shiva, he shifted to

Kedarnath in exasperation, leaving the spot free for Lord Vishnu to occupy.

Badrinath’s four subsidiary Badris include Bhavishya Badri at Tapovan near

Joshimath, Yogdhayan Badri at Pandukeshwar, Dhayan Badri at Urgam near helang

chatti and Adi Badri near Karanprayag. These are came to be known as the Panch

Badris. Panch Prayag, the confluence of the most sacred river, is considered the epitome of immortal piety. River confluences in India are considered very sacred since rivers themselves are extolled as goddesses. Devprayag is situated at the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. It is commonly believed to be the birth place of river Ganga. The famous Raghunath and Shiva temple are situated here (Barthwal, 1950).

Kumaun, was the northern most division of the former United provinces,

situated almost entirely in the Himalayas, and extending from the border of Tibet to

the damp sub-montane tract known as the Terai (foot hills). There are six districts

namely Nainital, Almora, Champaewat, Pithoragarh, Bageswar and Udham Singh

Nagar. Bageshwar and Udham Singh Nagar were created a few years back. Nainital

lies on the outer ranges of the Himalayas.

A Case of Uttarkashi District

Uttarkashi district was created on February 24, 1960. It sprawls in the extreme

north-west corner of the state over an area of 7950 sq. kms.in the rugged terrain of

the mystic Himalayas. On its north lie Himachal Pradesh State and the territory of

Tibet while on its south touch the districts of Rudraprayag and Tehri Garhwal.

Himachal Pradesh and the district of Dehradun bound it in the west and territory of

Tibet and the district of Chamoli in the east. It was a part of the princely state of

Tehri till its merger in 1949 with the State of Uttar Pradesh (Raghev, 1980). The area

is frequently mentioned in ancient texts such as the Mahabharat, as the scenes of

sacrifices made by the Pandavs. The first historical mention is in the travel account of

the Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang (629-643 AD), who recorded the existence of the

existence of the Kingdom of Brahmapura. Later, it came under the rule of the Katyuri

Kings, and, in the modern age, of the Sah dynasty. Uttarkashi itself came to be

known as Barahat, being a major marketing centre (Bara mean big whereas hat is

related to market).

Map 1.2: Study Area (Uttarkashi district)

The district is named after its headquarters town Uttarkashi, an ancient place

with rich culture heritage and as the name suggests is the Kashi of north (Uttara)

held almost as high a veneration as Kashi of the plain (Varanasi). Both the Kashi of

the plain [Varanasi] as well as the Kashi of North are situated on the banks of the

river Ganga [Bhagirathi]. It is said that the area which is held sacred is known as

Kashi. Varuna and the Asi are also the names of the rivers between which the Kashi

of the plain lies. One of the holiest Ghats in Uttarkashi is Manikarnika so is the one

by the same name in Varanasi. Both have temples dedicated to Viswanath (Bisht,

1982).

The terrain and climate of Uttarkashi district provide uncongenial physical

environment for human settlement. Yet undaunted by hazards and hardships this land

was inhabited by hill tribes since ancient times. The hill tribes namely Kirates, Uttara

Kurus, Khasas, Tanganas, Kunindas and Partanganas find references in the Upayana

Parva of the Mahabharata. The land of Uttarkashi district has been held sacred by

Indians since ages where the seers and sages had found solace and spiritual aspiration

and performed penance since time immemorial (Ruskin, 1988). It is said that God

and Goddesses performed their religious practices at Gangotri. It was Bhagrirath, one

of the successors in the clan of legendary king Sagar, who prayed at Gangotri to

bring down the Ganga from heven. According to a legendary account, given in the

Mahabharata, Jada Bharata a great sage performed penances at Uttarkashi.The Kedar

Khand of Skanda Purna refers Uttarkashi and the rivers Bhagirathi, Jahanavi and

Bheel Ganga (Bose, 1972).

Physical Setup

Geographically, the district has three main watersheds, those of the

Bhagirathi, the Yamuna and the Tons. These are criss-crossed by smaller tributaries,

such as the Jadh Ganga and the Kamal rivers, as well as by perennial mountain

streams. The average yearly rainfall is 1193 mm., while 17% of this is in the form of

snow at the higher elevations. Lying in the upper Himalayas, Uttakashi contains

within itself varying from snow free valleys and outer hills to the high peaks with

perpetual snow and glaciers. The terrain runs into series of ridges and valleys. Each

ridge leads to another coiling up in seemingly unending chains. Most of the terrain is

mountainous consisting of high-rise ridges, hills and plateaus and flat pieces of land

are rare. The land in these areas is low in fertility. Generally forests occur on the

upper ridges that bound the valleys (Bose, 1968). On their sloping hillsides lies a

chain of sparsely populated settlements interspersed with terrace cultivation. The

widely varying climate and topography produce a wide range of vegetations and

serve as habitants to diverse species of wild life. Forests occupy a place of pride in

the environment of the district not only for the sheer bulk of the area they occupy but

also for the richness of variety of vegetations.

As much as 88 per cent of the total area of the district is administered by the

Forest Department. Of 695784 hectares of area under forest department, 391525

hectare is covered with vegetations while the remaining is either snow covered or

nude rocks. Pine forests occur between the altitude of 900-2000 meters followed by

Deodar forests between 2000-3000 meters and Birch and Junipers forests unto the

height of 4000 meters. Above the Fir and Spruce forests zone, alpine pastures are

found throughout the district between the height of 3500 meters to 4877 meters

above sea level (Chadha, 1988). Rich varieties of grass, shrubs and herbs come up

during June-September while during the remaining part of the year these areas

remain covered with snow. A large number of medicinal plants of great commercial

value grow spontaneously in the forests. Some of these grow in the valleys, some in

sub-montane tracts while some other on higher altitudes (Chamoli, 1993).

Forestry too does play an important role in the economy of the district. It

employs persons both in preservation and propagation of forests as well as in their

exploitation. The production of timber is estimated to be of the order of 44 thousand

cubic meters. Herbs are the most important minor forest produce. A large variety of

herbs grow wild. They are of a great commercial importance for their therapeutic

value. The herbs are collected through cooperatives. There are twelve such

cooperative societies operating, which are likely to grow to 30 during the next

decade. The herbs are collected worth Rs. 2 lakh annually. Afforestation programmes

cover 450 hectares annually.

Rivers, Canals and Waterways

Uttarkashi district is known for two great and reverent rivers of India, the

Bhagirathi, called the Ganga in the plains, and the Yamuna. The Ganga coming up in

the glaciers ‘Gaumukh’ traverses 128 km. in Uttarkashi district before flowing down

further. Hardly 18 kms. away from Gaumukh is the place ‘Gangotri’ of great

pilgrimage importance. The Yamuna rises from the west of Bandarpunch peak and

worshiped by lakhs of devotees at ‘Yamnotri’. The third important river of this

district is Tons besides host of tributaries that drain these areas.

Towns, Villages and Amenities

According to the census of 2001 the district at present comprises of 4 Tehsils

and 6 Community Development Blocks. It has 3 towns and 686 villages (678

inhabited villages and 8 uninhabited villages). The urban population of the district as

percentage of total population is indicated below. It also shows the sex ratio (females

per 1000 males) and density (population per sq. km.) in the urban population of the

district in relation to the state (Table 1.2). A brief scenario of inhabited villages with

available amenities at Uttarkashi district have been outlined by Table 1.3.

Table- 1.2

Uttarkashi: A demographic Profile Sex ratio

(females per 1000 males) Density (Population) (Per

sq. km.)

Year 1991 2001 1991 2001

Uttaranchal 936 964 133 159 Uttarkashi 918 941 30 37 Source: Uttaranchal Statistics Report, 2001

Table 1.3

Uttarkashi: A Brief Scenario of Inhabited Villages with Available Amenities

S. No. Amenities Number of Inhabited

villages

Percentage

1. Education 510 75.22

2. Medical 100 14.75

3. Drinking Water 678 100.00

4. Post and Telegraph 126 18.58

5. Market/Hat 62 9.14

6. Communication 273 40.27

7. Approach by Mettled

Road

205 30.24

8. Power Supply 542 79.94 Source: Uttaranchal Statistics Report, 2001 PEOPLE: LIFESTYLES, CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

The simply folk of this vibrantly alive district, lying in the heart of majestic

Himalaya, are hard working, laborious and pains taker. Only those along the yatra

route have had interaction with tourists from the length and breadth and eventually

modified their culture and ethnicity to some extent. Predominantly, the population is

Hindu, but with the time passes the Buddhist, Muslims, Jains and the Sikhs are often

found in some isolated pockets. The Jads, with Tibetan ancestry, are found in Bagori

village near Harshil, and have quaint beliefs, totemic rituals and taboos (Dabral,

1960). Tall and swarthy Gujjars, a nomadic people, are frequently encountered with

their herd of cattle, which are taken to bygyals for grazing. Entire families move with

the herd and camp wherever pastures are available.

The local people of town areas wear modern dress but people from far flung

areas wear a distinctive dress, which is locally hand- spun, hand- woven and hand-

tailored. The usual dress in rural areas for men consists of a long, loose kurta, a

pyjama tight at the calf, a coat, a round cap and a waistband. The women wear a long

woolen dress covering the whole body from the neck to the toes, called ‘cholti’. Gold

and silver ornaments are preferred and a wide variety is worn. Some of the more

popular ornaments are the nath (nose ring), jumka (ears ring), hansuli (wear around

neck), kara (near around wrist), and the sheesh- phool (wear with hair).

Marriages are arranged by family elders and usually take place within the

caste. Both polygamy and polyandry are practiced in certain pockets, the latter in the

Fateh Parvat region of Tashil Purola. Among certain communities, such as the Doms,

Shilpkars and Khasas, the custom of purchasing the bride by giving ‘bride-money’ to

the guardian is still prevalent. In the Rawain area, a widow is allowed to co-habit

with a man, called ‘kathala’, for the purpose of begetting heirs. There is a strong

feeling in favour of family cohesion, so as to avert fragmentation of land holdings.

However these practices are banishing away as the local people have become aware.

(Dabral, 1960)

Communications

Uttrarkashi district is not served by railways and communications depends

solely on roads and pathways. A national highway does not pass through this district.

The district is served by the total length of 667 km. of roads giving a ratio of 8.32

km. of roads per 100 sq. km. of area that keeps the infrastructure of the area at a low

key. Of the total road length 524 km. falls under the category of main district roads

entirely managed by the Public Department. Other district roads measure to mere ten

km. Out of which 9 km. is under the management of local bodies while State

highway account for 133 km. out of which only 10 km. of roads is managed by the

Public Works Department.

Agriculture and Irrigation

Agriculture in Uttarkashi suffers from many constraints. The availability of

cultivated land itself is the greatest restraining factor on the development of

agriculture. It can be seen from the fact that as much as 88 per cent of area is either

covered by forests or is barren and uncultivable. The land is low in fertility except in

the valleys and even land is too few and far between. Shorter agricultural season, low

temperature, high altitude, smallness of land holding, perpetual problem of soil

erosion due to steep gradients etc. are other inhibiting factors effecting agriculture.

The agriculture therefore, does not offer too much hope for bringing about well being

to the people of the area (Datar, 1961). Sheep rearing for production of wool and

meat, orchard raising, spinning and weaving of wool and other cottage industries etc.

offer much scope and their potential can be exploited to the fullest extent.

The cultivation in Uttarkashi district is carried on largely by making terraces

on the sloping hillsides. Some cultivation is done on steep hills also where terracing

and tilling cannot be done and the place is cleared by burring scrubs and bushes. The

seeds are sown with the help of hoe. This particular type of cultivation is known as

‘Katil’.

Both Rabi as well as Kharif crops are harvested. The main Kharif crops are

paddy, small millets and potato and chief Rabi crops are wheat and barley. These

crops account for over 80 percent of the total cropped area. The largest area is under

wheat (14222 hectares) followed by small millets (12410 hectares), paddy (9817

hectares), barely (1001 hectares) and potato (631 hectares). (Deewan, 1990). The

cultivation of potato offers good commercial prospect. Efforts are under way to

double the present production of 2500 tones by increasing the yield per hectare of

land by 2010. The last decade has witnessed greater application of improved

agricultural practices. The area under improved seeds increased from 1.78 thousand

hectares to 11.56 thousand over the last decade.

A Brief Profile of Tourist Attractions

The district is part of the area known as ‘Kedar Kshetra’, possesses religious

importance since time immemorial. Gangotri, are of the sacred shrines at a distance

of 99 km. from Uttarkashi is situated at a height of 3140m. This is primarily because

it is the origin of the most sacred of India’s rivers, the Holy Ganga, and its illustrious

sister, the Yamuna. Gangotri is one of the greatest sanctum sanctorum places in

Hindu pantheon. It is said to be the place where the river Bhagirathi, also known the

Ganga, first descended on the earth. It is situated on the bank of the river Bhagirathi

in the serene setting of picturesque terrain. The temple dedicated to Bhagirathi (the

Ganga) opens on the auspicious day of ‘Akshay-Tirth’, generally in the first week of

May, and closes on Diwali in the month of November. The temple was constructed

by Gorkha commander Amar Singh Thapa in 1830. It is an Aryan style of temple and

a big icon of Mother Goddess Ganga is in its sanctum (Fonia, 1977). The holy temple

also the idols of Yamuna, Bhagirathi and Lakshmi believed to have been brought to

the site by Adi Guru Shankaracharya. Near the temple is a great stone slab- the

‘Bhagirath Shila’- dedicated to Bhagirath, whose penance is believed to have brought

the Ganga down from the heavens. Situated nearby is Kedar Prayag, the confluence

of the rivers Bhagirathi and Kedar Ganga. A short distance away down stream the

Bhagirathi falls onto what is known as Gauri Kund. It is so named after Gauri,

daughter of Himalaya and spouse of Lord Shiva, who performed severe austerities at

this place to win Shiva as her husband (Gupta, 1983). The water before fall is

considered extremely holy and is collected for worshipping Lord Shiva at

Rameshwaram, in the extreme South of India. During the snow bound winter months

the idols are worshipped at Mukhba, home to the main Pandas (Brahmins) of

Gangotri. Gaumkh, situated hardly 19 km. away from Gangotri is the junction of 15

glaciers and the cave formed thus resembles the mouth of a cow. The river Bhagirathi

rises from these glaciers (Kala, 1987). This is one of the places of great importance

of pilgrimages of India and is visited by many undeterred enthusiasts by the

difficulties of uncongenial and difficult approach. Tourist Statistics of main tourist

places in Uttaranchal have been outlined by Table 1.4. It is revealed through the

tourist statistics that Uttarkashi district has a vast potential to attract large number of

tourists.

Table 1.4 Tourist Statistics of Main Tourist Places in Uttaranchal

Year 2000 Year 2001 S. No.

Name of the Tourist Places Indian Foreignr Total Indian Foreigner Total

1 Dehradun 450391 9321 459712 442828 12667 455495 2 Rishikesh 230857 6414 237271 224792 6536 231328 3 Mussoorie 847191 3555 850746 888870 3068 891938 4 Pauri 113942 276 114258 124979 160 125139 5 Srinagar 108634 109 108743 113603 237 113840 6 Kotdwar 99283 34 99317 99102 13 99115 7 Rudraprayag

(Distt) 242370 570 242940 304062 963 305025

8 Kedarnath 120000 - 120000 151465 2163 171628 9 Joshimath (with

Ghangaria and Govind Ghat)

406228 1143 407371 2114581 1060 215641

10 Badrinath 695332 - 695332 430044 21 430065 11 Auli 8323 407 8730 6459 167 6626 12 Hemkund

Sahib 327550 - 327550 210980 - 210980

13 Valley of Flower

1089 12 1101 2349 132 2481

14 Uttarkashi 2,63,379 1178 264557 265308 731 266039 15 Gangotri 208407 - 208407 131311 188 131499 16 Yamunotri 88672 - 88672 54015 59 54074 17 Haridwar

(Distt) 5316980 7659 5324639 5502273 6276 5508549

18 Almora 64989 3633 68622 67108 1664 68772 19 Ranikhet 62487 842 63329 65747 663 66410 20 Kosani (with

Bageshwar) 67460 722 68182 66577 733 67310

21 Pithoragarh 63929 504 64433 70805 444 71249 22 Champawat

(Distt) 33820 81 33901 33171 90 33261

23 Nainital 250947 7589 258536 356941 5793 362734 24 Kathgodam 40642 266 40908 42899 251 43150 25 Corbett

National Park 57877 3624 61501 57113 3775 60888

26 Udhamsingh Nagar (Distt)

61673 86 611759 62203 207 622410

Source: Uttaranchal Statistics Report, 2001

Table 1.5 to 1.16 furnish the details of tourist arrivals to major destinations of the study area from 1995 to 2006. The tourist statistics depicts that Gangotri, Yamunotri and Uttarkashi town have become a prime and popular pilgrims destination to receive the maximum number of tourists. Primarily, there is a close competition between Uttarkashi and Gangotri.

Table 1.5 Tourist Arrivals to Major destinations of the Study Area from 1995

Ø 1995 Ø Tourist Places

Ø Domestic Ø Foreign Ø Total

ØDodital Ø 14746 Ø 580 Ø 15326

ØHar-ki-dun Ø 15910 Ø 1120 Ø 17030

Ø Gaumukh Ø 42280 Ø 1375 Ø 43655

Ø Yamunotri Ø 98690 Ø 1040 Ø 99730

Ø Gangotri Ø 102475 Ø 1860 Ø 104335

Ø Uttarkashi Ø 89530 Ø 1950 Ø 91480

Ø Total Ø 363631 Ø 7925 Ø 371556

Source: Regional Tourism Office, Uttarkashi Table 1.6

Tourist Arrivals to Major destinations of the Study Area from 1996 Ø Tourist Places Ø 1996

Ø Ø Domestic Ø Foreign Ø Total

Ø Dodital Ø - Ø 727 Ø 727

Ø Har-ki-dun Ø 52832 Ø 879 Ø 53711

Ø Gaumukh Ø 75025 Ø 932 Ø 75957

Ø Yamunotri Ø 128345 Ø 1207 Ø 129552

Ø Gangotri Ø 187090 Ø 1731 Ø 188821

Ø Uttarkashi Ø 112199 Ø 2848 Ø 115047

Ø Total Ø 555491 Ø 8324 Ø 563815

Source: Regional Tourism Office, Uttarkashi





Ø Har-ki-dun Ø 64735 Ø 511 Ø 65246

Ø Gaumukh Ø 134992 Ø 1061 Ø 136053

Ø Yamunotri Ø 180406 Ø 1222 Ø 181628

Ø Gangotri Ø 258080 Ø 1496 Ø 259576

Ø Uttarkashi Ø 144370 Ø 1997 Ø 146367

Ø Total Ø 782583 Ø 7308 Ø 789891






Ø Har-ki-dun Ø 70405 Ø 609 Ø 71014

Ø Gaumukh Ø 123302 Ø 987 Ø 124289

Ø Yamunotri Ø 195406 Ø 1376 Ø 196782

Ø Gangotri Ø 285161 Ø 2313 Ø 307474

Ø Uttarkashi Ø 167260 Ø 2406 Ø 169666

Ø Total Ø 841534 Ø 9776 Ø 871310



Ø 1999

Ø Tourist Places Ø Domestic Ø Foreign Ø Total


Ø Har-ki-dun Ø 57537 Ø 493 Ø 58030

Ø Gaumukh Ø 85487 Ø 1023 Ø 86510

Ø Yamunotri Ø 163607 Ø 1019 Ø 164626

Ø Gangotri Ø 199259 Ø 991 Ø 200250

Ø Uttarkashi Ø 126115 Ø 1863 Ø 127978

Ø Total Ø 632005 Ø 11564 Ø 643569






Ø Gangotri Ø 208236 Ø 171 Ø 208407

Ø Gaumukh Ø 10121 Ø 86 Ø 10207

Ø Hanumanchatti Ø 59838 Ø 94 Ø 59932

Ø Harsil Ø 73246 Ø 38 Ø 73284

Ø Uttarkashi Ø 238695 Ø 629 Ø 239324

Ø Yamunotri Ø 88588 Ø 84 Ø 88672

Ø Har-ki-dun Ø - Ø 27 Ø 27

Ø Total Ø 678724 Ø 1330 Ø 680054






Ø Gangotri Ø 131311 Ø 188 Ø 131499

Ø Gaumukh Ø 4069 Ø 102 Ø 4171


Ø Har-ki-dun Ø 1451 Ø 7 Ø 1458

Ø Harsil Ø 90475 Ø 0 Ø 90475

Ø Uttarkashi Ø 108999 Ø 506 Ø 109505


Ø Total Ø 436970 Ø 978 Ø 437948






Ø Gangotri Ø 118221 Ø 153 Ø 118374

Ø Gaumukh Ø 30360 Ø 59 Ø 30419


Ø Har-ki-dun Ø 2795 Ø 0 Ø 2795

Ø Harsil Ø 76459 Ø 0 Ø 76459

Ø Sahashratal Ø 80 Ø 0 Ø 80

Ø Uttarkashi Ø 124659 Ø 532 Ø 125191


Ø Total Ø 443551 Ø 860 Ø 444411






Ø Gangnani Ø 113493 Ø 146 Ø 113639

Ø Gangotri Ø 139752 Ø 182 Ø 139934

Ø Gaumukh Ø 41930 Ø 78 Ø 42008


Ø Har-ki-dun Ø 1527 Ø 11 Ø 1538

Ø Harsil Ø 93641 Ø 0 Ø 93641

Ø Sahsratal Ø 0 Ø 5 Ø 5

Ø Uttarkashi Ø 169056 Ø 482 Ø 169538


Ø Total Ø 700212 Ø 1060 Ø 701272






Ø Gangnani Ø 112442 Ø 182 Ø 112624

Ø Gangotri Ø 160540 Ø 249 Ø 160789

Ø Gaumukh Ø 51422 Ø 115 Ø 51537


Ø Har-ki-dun Ø 3450 Ø 47 Ø 3497

Ø Harshil Ø 111807 Ø 58 Ø 111865

Ø Uttarkashi Ø 188919 Ø 521 Ø 189440

Ø Yamunotri Ø 103034 Ø 127 Ø 103161

Ø Total Ø 818093 Ø 1447 Ø 819540





Ø Gangotri Ø 222834 Ø 228 Ø 223062

Ø Yamunotri Ø 168899 Ø 160 Ø 169059

Ø Uttarkashi Ø 269423 Ø 646 Ø 270069

Ø Gaumukh Ø 54749 Ø 146 Ø 54895

Ø Har-ki-dun Ø 8293 Ø 53 Ø 8346

Ø Harsil Ø 109218 Ø 0 Ø 109218

Ø Dodital Ø 3388 Ø 58 Ø 3446


Ø Gangnani Ø 62813 Ø 64 Ø 62877

Ø Total Ø 954417 Ø 1421 Ø 955838





Ø Gangotri Ø 263556 Ø 250 Ø 263806

Ø Yamunotri Ø 216723 Ø 160 Ø 216883

Ø Uttarkashi Ø 299696 Ø 743 Ø 300439

Ø Gaumukh Ø 59599 Ø 160 Ø 59759

Ø Har-ki-dun Ø 4176 Ø 134 Ø 4310

Ø Harsil Ø 46724 Ø 0 Ø 46724

Ø Dodital Ø 4937 Ø 124 Ø 5061


Ø Gangnani Ø 56959 Ø 58 Ø 57017

Ø Total Ø 1003656 Ø 1683 Ø 1005339


The Gangotri Temple is held in great reverence by the Hundus, and it

experienced the large influx of tourists annually. Further downstream, 10 km. from

Gangotri, is the picturesque forested halting place of Bhaironghati. Tradition has it

that after leaving the matted hair of Lord Shiva, Ganga followed King Bhagirath and

reached this sacred spot, but disturbed the Sage Jahnu, in the middle of a sacrifice.

Incensed at this, Jahnu took in the water flow, with his thigh, but when propitiated by

Bhagirath, allowed it to emerge from his ears (Kandari, 2001). There exists a small

temple of Bhairon, appointed by Shiva to safeguard this region which gives the place

its name. Another 16 km. downstream lies the township of Dharali, where again

Bhagirath is supposed to have undergone penance. Here one may see the submerged

remains of a temple, termed Kedar Kund. Once, some 200 temples are believed to

have flourished in this region, until a major landslide wiped them out. Hot springs are

encountered at Gangnani, 56 kms, downstream from Gangotri on the road to

Uttarkashi. Near the tank called Rishi-Kund is a temple dedicated to the sage

Parasher, believed to be the father of Ved Vyas, author of the historical epic the

‘Mahabharata’ (Jagdish, 1995). It is considered auspicious by the pilgrims

proceedings to Gangotri, to take a dip in the warm waters of the Kund (Uniyal,

1982).

One of the major historical tourist attractions in the region is Wilson Cottage

at Harsil. This impressive stands close to the present day military encampment, and

was built in 1864 by the British adventurer, Wilson. The building was partially

destroyed by fire, but still remains an embodiment of fine Garhwali architecture. It’s

situation is most appealing as it sets maximum amount of sunshine, a necessity at this

high altitude. The wooden pillars are finely carved, while the meadow like expanse in

front once boasted a fine orchard. Now, it has been converted in a Himalayan

Museum with separate sections on Arts and Crafts, the Ecology, Wilson’s life and so

on (Negi, 2001).

After crossing the tahsil headquarter at Bhatwari, one arrives at uttarkashi, a

pilgrim centre of considerable importance. Uttarkashi is the district headquarters

situated 150 km. away from Rishikesh. It is also one of the important place of

pilgrimage only next to Gangotri. The place is perched on the bank of Bhagirathi in

picturesque surroundings against the backdrop of hills. The most important temple is

dedicated to Shiva by the name of Vishwanath as name revered at Varanasi

(Banaras) flanked by the temples of Durga and Lord Hanuman (Kohli, 1989). At the

fringes of the town is the temple of Laksheshwar. Other important temples of the

town are those dedicated to Parshurama Duttatraya and Annapurna, Ekadashrudra

and Bhairav. Many persons who have renounced the world or retired otherwise from

life have settled down in the holy soil of Uttarkashi. An ashram of the royal sage,

Jada Bharat, who gave up his throne to lead the life of a wandering ascetic, is also

located here. 13 km. from Uttarkashi is the small village of Nakuri, which features

the temple of Renuka Devi, who was the wife of the sage Jamdagni. Her sister,

Benuka, married to Raja Sahastrabau of Barkot also has a temple to her name, at

Dunda, another 4 km. downstream (Uniyal, 1982).

While proceeding toward Dharasu, the road to Yamunotri branched off 3 km.

from the township. Another 55 km. away is Barkot, affording a fabulous view of the

Bandarpunch range. Barkot is also approachable by road directly from Delhi (334

kms.) via Saharanpur, Herbertpur, Nainbagh and Naugaon. 8 km. from Barkot is

Gangani, a place of pilgrimage, on the left bank of the Yamuna. The holy tank at this

place, called Ganganayan Kund, is believed to receive its supply of water through an

underground channel from the other side of the mountain (Singh, 1989). Water from

the tank is taken for puja purposes to the opposite village of Than, housing the

imposing temple of rishi Jamdagni. The motorable road continues till Hanumanchatti,

36 km. from Barkot. From Hanumanchatii to Yamuntori is a 13 km. trek, fro which

ponies, dandies and kandies (baskets fro carrying children and old aged people) are

available. The trek starts with a gentle ascent to Phulchatti, 5 km. away, and then

another 3 km. to Janakichatti. Overnight accommodation can be arranged here, as

further on no facilities for staying exist. Known somewhat incongruously as ‘Beef’ in

the revenue records, the village has small temple dedicated to Narain Bhagwan. From

Janakichatti, a trek leads toward Kharsali on the opposite bank, the home of the

Pandas (Brahmins) of Yamunotri temple. A temple at Kharsali in the olden days, is

believed to have been 15 stories high. It is now only three stories high and has been

rebuilt since its destruction, presumably by fire. A beautiful statue of a leopard sits

atop the structure, which exhibits strong Buddhist influences. To the North East a

view from the top of the temple is of the Yamunotri peaks.

From Janakichatti to Yamunotri (height 3233 m.) is a steep, continuous climb

of 5 km. Yamunotri is another place of spiritual importance situated at the left bank

of river Yamuna near its source Bandarpunch. The famous Yamuna temple is

dedicated to the goddess Yamuna. It was constructed during the time of king

Sudarshan of Royal Tehri Kingdom. However, glacial movements in this region are

so strong and pronounced that no structure is stable, and a new temple is needed

every few years (Raturi, 1920). The place is famous for its hot springs and varying

temperature. These numerous springs are associated with twelve Rishis who followed

Mahadeva from Lanka to Yamnotri. The most important, Surya kund, is a tank full of

boiling water into which rice and potatoes are dipped to be cooked and taken as

‘prasad’. Near the kund, a rock slab, the ‘Divya shila’, is worshipped before puja is

offered to the black marble idol of Yamuna. Off the pilgrim route, too, there are a

number of exquisite temples of local importance. In the Ganga valley, 16 km. from

Uttarkashi, on the road to Mahidanda, is the picturesque village of Sangrali, housing

the temple of Kannad devta. Above Bhatwari, 30 km. from the district headquarter, is

the tiny village of Kyark closed by are three temples with Ganesh idols. Another

impressive temple is that of Nagini Devi, at a height of some 2850 mt., reached after

a 4 km. trek from the Uttarkashi-Dhanari roads which also affords a panoramic and

glorious view of the Himalayan ranges (Panwar, 1985).

In the Yamuna valley, and particularly in the Fateh-Parvat region, the

prevailing religioin is Kaurav worship. At Taluka, a temple is dedicated to

Duryodhana, the eldest Kaurav and chief rival of the Pandavas. It is interesting to

note that the worship of Duryodhana is done by throwing shoes upon the idol. Also

Raja Bhog Datt, who supported the Kauravas in the battle of Kurukshetra, has a

temple named after him. Above Netwar, a temple with intricate carvings is dedicated

to Karna, another Kaurav warrior. 2 km. away is the temple of Pokhu Devta, where

the idol is worshipped with the back facing the devotees.

To go further to wildlife, Gobind National Park was first set up in 1955 as a

Wildlife Sanctuary, named after the first Chief Minister of U.P., Pandit Gobind

Vallabh Pant. Occupying an area of 953 sq. km., it is a superb microcosm of the

Himalayan environment. The entire sanctuary nestles in rugged mountainous terrain,

ranging in height from Netwar (1439 m.) to Bandarpunch peak (6,325 m.) It is

especially fame for its colourful high-altitude meadow (bugyals), dense forests, and

rich faunal wealth. It has been declared a National Park in 1990 to combat the

menace of over-grazing, poaching and indiscriminate felling of trees. The varied

range of temperature alpine and arctic vegetation may be seen in the abundance of

the pine, oak, deodar, blue pine, silver birch and rhododendron species. Among the

animals inhabiting the region are the rare snow leopard, Himalayan black bear,

brown bear, civet cat, bharal, wild boar, musk deer and d barking deer (Painuli,

1982).

Trekking Attractions in Uttarkashi District

Uttarkashi is a trekker’s Paradise. There are largely, relatively untouched

regions of natural beauty, hospitable people with quaint customs, and a variety of

flora and fauna to be visible. Treks may be undertaken in the Bhagirathi, Yamuna

and Tons valleys, and have been graded by their extreme toughness. One of the

important trek route is of Dodital. Dodital is at a height of 3024 m., an emerald lake

surrounded by dense forests of oak, pine and deodar. Entire lake is filled with

Himalayan Golden Trout fish, but angling is completely prohibited to facilitate re-

stocking of this rare species. The surrounding forests are rich in wildlife and one can

also see a wide variety of birds. Occasionally, the Himalayan Black Bear may be

sighted, as even large number of unusually coloured butterflies which gives a perfect

look to the lake. Another important trek route leads to Dayara Bugyal from Bhatwari.

Dayara Bugyal trek route is undoubtedly Uttarkashi’s answer to ‘The valley of

Flowers’ in Chamoli district. Nestling at a height of 3, 307 m., it consists of an

immense vista of gently sloping hillsides, richly dense forested trail in patches, with a

number of small lakes formed in the rocky hollows. In the flowering season, it is

fully carpeted with beautiful flowers of every hue, fragrance and shape, making it the

naturalist’s delight. The easy gradients also indicate that the region could be

profitably developed for skiing on the pattern of Auli. Gangotri, Gaumuk, Nandanvan

and Tapovan trek is best recommended for adventure-lovers fond of rock-climbing,

boulder-hopping and glacier-traversing. Abundance of silver birch has given birth to

the name ‘Bhojbasa’ while ‘Chirbasa’ is so called because of the clumps of blue pine

in the region. The another trek route which is famous among adventure lovers’ is

Har-ki-Dun, a small, unspoilt valley nestling under the great Bandarpunch ranges.

Situated at a height of 3,566 m., it’s route is lined by virgin forests, rich in wildlife.

This area, also known as the Fateh Parvat region, forms part of the Govind Pashu

Vihar, which has been declared a National Park. In the rainy season, the area is

carpeted by brilliantly hued flowers. Game birds such as black partridges are

frequently spotted (Saklani, 2001).

Natural Attractions

Uttarkashi district offers a Himalayan panorama of natural delights, perhaps

unmatched elsewhere. It is a treasure-trove of lush green valley, soaring peaks,

crashing waterfalls balmy hot water springs and other bounties of Motherly nature.

The beautiful forested trails, gurgling brooks and Himalayan view is accentuated by

the mesmerizing beauty of the flowers blooming in the wild. Peaks in the region can

be grouped as the Gangotri Group and the Bandarpunch Range. The Gangotri Group

is bounded by the Jadh Ganga and the Bhagirathi at one end, and may be approached

through the Bhagirathi valley. Thaley Sagar, Jogin I and II Bhrigu Parbat, to name a

few are the peaks in the vicinity of Gangotri Group. Apart from peaks in the region

glaciers spread in the higher regions of the district is indeed awesome and pristine

(Ramsay, 1861). The longest glacier in the Himalaya, the Gangotri Glacier, with a

length of 25 km., starts from the Chaukhamba group of peaks at an elevation of

7,143m. It is believe that originally the glacier terminated at Gangotri and may have

even stretched as far as jangla (Panwar, 1985). Innumerable gushing waterfalls in

both the Bhagirathi and Yamuna valleys, some seasonal, others the whole year round.

In the Bhagirathi area, one of the most prominent is near Limchi Gad, 2 km. from

Ganganani. In the Yamuna valley, there is spectacular, steep waterfall close to

Yamuntori, which has a step-like descent. Waterfalls at Surya Kund at Gangori has a

quaint charm on its own, meandering, gushing and rolling like silk. Hot springs can

be viewed at four place in the district, at Gangnani, Yamunotri, Chaula-Dhungi and

Banas, a village 2 km. from Hanumanchatti. The hot-spring at Gangnani is believed

to possess medicinal and curative properties (Bhandari, 2001).

The Research Problem

The present problem is basically a twofold task. The first one is related to

check out the untimely migration of local people from the region due to high

population pressure on limited land and lack of income earning opportunities. Further

heavy dependence on agriculture with its low productivity, industrial backwardness,

lack of social services, inadequate infrastructure and harsh geographical features are

some of the peculiar characteristics of the region. Under such circumstances there is

significant lack of employment opportunities. The second problem is related to how

to protect and conserve the mountain ecosystem. Some parts in the higher altitude

like alpine pastures are most vulnerable. Parks and sanctuaries in lower altitude

though have been able to retain its primeval grandeur on account of the

inaccessibility and remoteness of the habitat, the natural environment in most areas is

being increasingly threatened by over-grazing, poaching, forest fires, herb gathering,

shifting cultivation, green felling and road construction etc. As the tourism is slowly

but steadily picking up, the mountain environment is likely to be exposed to a variety

of implications. However, if tourist activities are promoted in consonance with the

environmental norms, tourism may prove instrumental in safeguarding the Himalaya

in many ways.

Aims and Objectives

Numerous critical objectives must be considered to ensure mountain tourism

to deliver its potential for economic advancement, resource conservation, and

environmental education. Responsibility for implementing these objectives will

normally be shared by various public and private organizations and individuals. The

complex nature of the shared responsibilities of mountain tourism development

demands considerable consultation and coordination in the areas of strength and

opportunity. The specific objectives of the present study are:

• Objectively assess the potential resources of the study area.

• To assess the attitude and active involvement of local people.

• To evaluate the nature and scale of existing infrastructure.

• To propose environmentally sound infrastructure in accordance to future trends of

tourists.

• To forecast required amenities and facilities.

• To estimate tentative budget.

• To review that State Tourism Plan Proposal.

Based on the above aims and objectives, the findings of the present study

would be meaningful for planners and decision makers in tourism promotion. The

way the present planning and management of tourism development have been

envisaged would hardly yield purposeful result in the years to come. Once we know

the overall profile of inbound visitors, percentage of people getting benefits of

tourism industry, increased proportion of involved service organizations and level of

tourist satisfaction, efforts could be made to promote quality tourism with the aim to

generate maximum benefits to local people.

Research Design and Methodology

Since there are many issues involved in determining ideal tourism

development for the study area an attempt has been made to design questionnaires for

the following stakeholders separately.

• Questionnaire for tourists.

• Questionnaire for local people.

• Questionnaire for tourism entrepreneurs.

Questionnaires were based on Likert scale. It was prepared for the local community,

tourists, and tourism entrepreneurs regarding their views about the existing

conditions of tourism development and their perception for future requirement. The

Questionnaires were prepared with having varying degree of options. The sample of

local people, tourists and entrepreneurs selected for the present study was 100 from

each place of six circuits. The questions selected in the questionnaire were mainly

open end questions. However to know their personal profile close end questions were

asked. The questionnaires were filled up by tourists mainly in May and September

and only those tourists were interviewed who were returning back from Uttarkashi in

order to receive the authentic data about their satisfaction level.

Tools to be used in the Collection of Data

• Primary data collection

• Observation

• Experimentation

• Questionnaires

• Secondary data collection

• Reports and findings of department of Tourism Govt. of India,

Uttaranchal and interdisciplinary NGO's

• Books and periodicals on mountain tourism, alternative tourism,

visitor interpretation

• Doctoral thesis, Dissertations, project reports undertaken in Indian

universities and institutes

• E-mail surveys

• Interview

• Personal contact programmes

• Interview through tape recorders

• Survey through questionnaires

Rationale of the Study

The pilot survey of the study area has been undertaken which revealed that the

study area comprises only of shrubs, grasslands and sometimes pine trees. Hence any

project implementation in the area may create a serious threat to the fragile

ecosystem. Further the impact will be more in the lower catchment areas. Taking this

into consideration mountain tourism development in the study area will ensure a

serious look to the planning and promotion. Further the mountain tourism

development in the said area can contribute the followings.

• Broaden the knowledge base of tourism and can help further researches in the

field.

• Carry out a developmental plan for mountain tourism development in the study

area.

• Contribute to the conservation of environment and socio-cultural resources.

• Promote private participation through entrepreneurial ventures and in

management of the destination.

• Create the environmental awareness among the hosts and visitors in the study

area.

• Provide tourists a delightful experience of the nature not as a customer but as a

participant.

• Create awareness among the locals about the importance of tourism as it

contributes to the regional and national economy in addition to the socio-

economic development of local people.

• Contribute to the satisfaction of tourists by understanding their complaints and

demands.

Use and Relevance to the Present Problem

Villagers constitute a significant percentage of the environs and their

livelihood is mainly dependable on agriculture and seasonal jobs. The rate of literacy

in surrounding villages of the study area is also poor. One of the aims of promoting

mountain tourism is to generate employment to young people and women, with

relatively low levels of training or skills. The findings of the present study would

therefore play a decisive role in the following spheres:

The present study shall be of great significance due to the following reasons:

• Identification of type and typology of facilities and amenities to be opened at

various points.

• Attractions and activities to be incorporated in offered tour packages.

• Supplying factual facts and figures on use and relevance of tourism to Uttaranchal

Tourism as well as Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India.

• Disseminating quality tourist information to potential tourism markets.

• Obtaining reliable data on various tourists places projecting the nature of tourism

development by 2010.

• Introducing necessary guidelines both for static and dynamic sectors to check

unfriendly tourism.

• Deciding, designing and deploying environment friendly amenities and facilities.

• Estimating required budget for projected amenities and facilities.

• Projected total number of tourist traffic by 2015.

It's Likely Contribution to Knowledge

The present research work is first of its kind studying mountain tourism

planning in Uttarkashi district. Incidentally, much of the work is devoted on

Gangotri, Yamunotri and Uttarkashi routes. Having been involved with the present

research work we may implement project findings in other mountain destinations in

Uttarkashi district. In India, tourism has been simply recognized to visit some places

of tourist interest and to see there some sites of cultural and historical attractions. The

present work is an attempt to contribute on the emerging issues of tourism industry so

as to make it one of the leading services industries of coming decade.

Review of Literature Uttarkashi as such has not been covered intensively from tourism research

perspective. Initially, the scholar heavily depended on Kentch (1967), Prasad

(1967), Linton (1968), Lundbrurg (1974), Burkert (1976), Robinson (1976),

Clawson, Reid and Barlow (1978), Ferrario (1978), Gunn (1978), Zins (1978),

Burkard and Medlick (1981), Pearce (1981), Holloway (1983), Mill and

Morrison (1985), Seth (1985), McIntosh (1986), Bagri (1987) Bonyden (1989),

Kimmelman (1989), Meinung (1989), Witt and Manthiona (1989), Smith (1989),

Mill (1990), Holloway and Plant (1990), Richie and Anand (1991), Brooke and

Buckyel (1991), Punia (1994), Singh (1974), Bansal (1994), Punia (1994), Singh

(1995), and Singh D (1999), to assimilate the conceptual framework of the tourism

and pilgrimage system and accordingly inculcate better understanding on the

philosophical interpretation of the tourism terminology, tourism planning and

development, tourism marketing and human resource management etc.

Among others, Goodrich (1978), Crompton (1979), Beard and Raghev

(1980), Mayo and Jarvis (1981), Raghev and Beard, (1982), Cadotte and Tergon (1988), Crompton and Paul (1993), Bansal (1994) and Lewiz and Pizam, Ryan (1994) etc have been particularly useful in understanding tourist expectation/satisfaction perspectives. Besides, Cresk (1981), Pearce (1982), Woodside (1986), New Lindger and Bret (1997), Rittes and Godrich (1978), Dommermuth (1984), Hogson et al (1980), Baron (1979), Gravlter and Wakkrace (1985), Maison (1986), Gartner and Hunt (1987), Chug (1985), Crompton (1979), Lewis (1984), Britton (1979), and Braff et al (1982). Beard et al (1980), Beard et al (1983), Cadotte et al (1988), Carman (1990), Baker (1989), Crask (1981), Coppenhein (1966), Kamra (2001), Ryan (1995), Mill and Morrison (1985) have been invariably referred at various stages from questionnaire preparation and data collection to data interpretation phases. As regards the present study area, while Dabral (1967-90) - Uttrakhand ka Itihas; Saklani, A. (1987) - The History of Himalayan Princely State; Sankrityayan, Rahul (1953) - Himalaya Parichaya; Uniyal, Dharmanand (1982) - Badri Kedar Ki Our; Raturi, H. K. (1928) - Garhwal Ka Itihas; Vijayram and Baliram, Raturi (1920) -Garhwal Ka Itihas; Patiram (1916) - Garhwal: Ancient and Modern; Bisht (1982)-Garhwal and Kumaon Hills; Negi (1991) - Himalayan Rivers, Lakes and Glaciers; Negi (1995) Garhwal - The Land and People and, Kandari and Gusain, eds (2001) Garhwal Himalaya Nature, Culture and Society provided vital information on the

historical, geographic, socio-cultural and biotic perspectives of the study area, travelogues and tourism related publications by Smythe F.S. (1931) - The Valley of Flowers: Smythe, F.S. (1932) - Kamet Conquered; Tillman, H.W., (1937) - The Ascent of Nanda Devi; Dabral, S.P. (1960) - Uttarakhand Yatra Darshan; Datar (1961) - Himalayan Pilgrimage; Fonia, K.S (1977) Uttarakhand - Garhwal Himalaya; Khachar (1978) - The Nanda Devi Sanctuary; Malhotra, S.S. (1983) -Gangotri and Gaumukh: A Trek to the Holy Shrine; Gurmeet and Elizabeth Thukral (1987) - Garhwal Himalaya; Bond Ruskin (1988) -Beautiful Garhwal Heaven in Himalaya: Chamoli S.P. (1993) - The Great Himalayan- Traverse and, Kohli, M.S., (1989) - The Himalayan Playground of the Gods proved vitally important in documenting the prevailing tourism resource potential in Uttarkashi District.

Similarly, if studies undertaken by Chatwood, Penelop (1972) - Kulu: The End of Habitable World; Baumgartner, F (1978) - Trekking Tourism in Nepal; Bhattarai, S (1985) Mountaineering and Environment; U.N.D.P. and W.T.O. (1986) - Bhutan Tourism Development Master Plan; Kohli (1989) - Mountaineering in India and, Singh T.V. (1975) Tourism and Tourist Industry of UP have provided a broad overview on the tourism potential of the Himalayan Region as a whole, doctoral studies by Kandari O.P. (1984) - Wildlife of Garhwal Himalaya: A Study of Recreational Resources for Tourism Promotion; Kaur, Jagdish (1985) Himalayan Pilgrimage and the New Tourism; Adhikari P.S. (1986) - Tourism in Dehradun District; Kala S.P. (1987) - Pilgrimage in Garhwal Himalaya: A study in Tradition and Change with special Reference to Tourism; S.K. Gupta (1999) Tourism and Heritage resources in Garhwal Himalaya; Kumar Ashok (2002) - Tourism in Pindar Valley, Problems and prospects, Anjana Sharma (2004) - Tourism in Kumaon, Research Project completed by S.C. Bagri. Trekking Tourism in Garhwal Himalaya (1998), Sustainbale Tourism in Pindar Valley (2002), Ecotourism in Har-ki- Doon (2005), Ecotourism in Kedarnath Musk Deer Sancturay (2006) and Ecotourism in Dehradun, Tehri, Uttarkashi and Hardwar (2007), Mishra Jitendra Mohan (2006)- Ecotourism in Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts., provided the much needed insight on the touristic personality of the Garhwal Himalaya with

special relevance of the present study area. Apart from some published and unpublished reports of the Central and Sate Department of Tourism, some micro level studies conducted by the individual scholars on the specific destination of Uttarkashi Districts were also referred to document the existing tourist traffic in the present study area vis-a-vis other parts of the Himalayas. Singh T.V., Theuns, L.H. and GO, F. eds. (1989) - Towards Appropriate Tourism-The Case of Developing Countries, indeed proved an important reference to realistically understand the intricacies involved in sustained development of tourism especially in the context of relatively more sensitive and fragile ecological and socio-cultural environments. As obvious, the vital information on tourist use-patterns and their expectation and satisfaction level with regard the to prevailing tourism appeal, as also, their feed back on the availability and quality of tourist infrastructure facilities in the study area has been exclusively derived through a carefully designed structured questionnaire which also included some open ended questions, as well as, space for the suggestions from the respondent tourists.

LIMITATIONS

Given the ability and constraints on the part of the researcher the study area has been restricted to political boundary of Uttarkashi district. There were a large number of unexplored natural and tribal inhabitant places where I could not make survey due to the problem of accessibility and language. I attempted to cover all major tourist places and contacted local people regarding their views and attitudes. However being a resident of Pondicherry I felt a lot of problem of language and food during my field study work. Therefore despite my sincere efforts I could not make indepth interpretation of local people perception on their involvement in tourism industry.

CHAPTERISATION

The present thesis is divided into seven chapters. Chapter I provides an

insight of the problems and constraints which are very much imperative as far as the

study area is concerned along with data and statistics. It also highlights the main aims

and objectives pertaining to the study area based on the adopted research

methodology. Various literatures and research studies have been reviewed in order

to highlight the growth and development in the study area.

Chapter II deals with the general infrastructure based on accommodation,

transportation, power supply, communication, health services, travel and tour

intermediaries and other intermediary services on the tourism infrastructure reviewed

in the study area.

Chapter III concentrates on the state of existing tourism infrastructure in sequence

underlining the vast reservoir of available resources in the study area. It also reviews

the available tourism infrastructure and tourism trends of the study area and

identifying the infrastructural facilities and services which provides an insight for

further tourism development.

Chapter IV provides the conceptual understanding of use and pattern of tourism

infrastructure, evaluation of local people perceptions, hoteliers and tourists needs and

wants that defines and frames the level of expectation. Highlighting the factors

affecting the level of satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Underlying the importance of

studying and measuring tourist satisfaction at the level of destinations, with

significance to tourist-host interactions.

Chapter V forms the key part of the study, as it evaluates and highlights the

projected status of accommodation, transportation, bank and financial services, health

services, power and telecommunicaiton services, and finally travel and tour

intermediaries along with other allied services pertaining to the study area.

Chapter VI attempts to deal with the State Tourism Policy and Planners framework

with critically evaluating the policies of the Uttaranchal Tourism Development

Board. It also acknowledges the meticulous efforts of various stakeholders in the

study area.

Chapter VII brings out the conclusion of the study along with the findings,

recommendations and suggestions that may be adopted by the Tourism personnel and

Hoteliers to create effective strategies for tourism infrastructure and facilities in the

study area with a better understanding of tourists behaviour who visit the various

parts of the study area.

REFERENCES

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Kandari, O. P. & Gusain, O. P. 2001: Garhwal Himalaya: Nature, Culture & Society, Transmedia, Media House Srinagar (Garhwal). Kailr, Jagdish 1995: Himalayan Pilgrimage and the New Tourism, Himalayan Books, New Delhi. Kohli, M.S. 1989: The Himalayan Playground of the Gods, Vikas Pub. House, New Delhi. Malhotra, S.S. 1983: Gangotri and GaumuKh- A Trek to the Holy Shrine. Allied Publishers, New Delhi. Malhotra, S.S.L 1977: At the Feet of the Badri, Vikas Pub. House, New Delhi. Negi, S. S. 1995: Garhwal the Land and People, Indus Publishing Company, New Delhi. Negi, S.S. and Saklani, A 2001: Uttrakhand in Making, In Kandari O.P and Gusain O.P. (E.d), Garhwal Himalaya, Nature, Culture and Society, TransMedia Srinagar GarhwaI.

Negi, S. S. 1991: Himalayan Rivers, Lakes and Glaciers, Indus Publishing Company, New Delhi Painuli, P.N. 1982: A Tourist's View of the Valley of Gods, Vanguard Press, Dehradun.

Panwar, S. S. 1985: Garhwal Ke Pramukh Abhilekh Avam Dastavej, Purana Daber, Tehri Purohit D.R. 2001: 'Fairs and Festivals-Place, Occasion and Events, In Kandari, O.P and Gusain, O.P. (E.d), Garhwal Himalaya, Nature, Culture and Society, Trans-Media Srinagar Garhwal. Ramsay, Sir Henry 1861: Report on the State of Sub-Himalayan Forests, Government Press, Allahabad. Rawat, D.S., Bhandari B.S. and Gaur RD. 2001: Vegetational Wealth, In Kandari O.P and Gusain O.P. (E.d), Garhwal Himalaya, Nature, Culture and Society, Trans-Media Srinagar Garhwal.

Rustamji, N.K. & Ramble C. 1990: Himalaya Environment and Culture, Indus Pub. Company, New Delhi. Sankrityayan, Rahul 1953: Himalaya Parichaya, Vol. I. (Garhwal). Law Journal Press, Allahabad. Singh T.V. 1983: Tourism in the Himalaya - Case of Garhwal, How Much is Not Too Much, In Singh T.V. and Kaur, J. (Eds.), Himalayas Mountain and Men, Prints House India, Lucknow. Also Read, 'Tourism in the Himalaya- Benefit or Burden, Proceedings: Himalaya Conference' 83 House, Duetscher Alpenerein, Munich.

Singh T.V. 1989: The Kulu Valley, Impact of Tourism Development in the Mountain Areas, Himalayan Books Connaught Place, New Delhi.

Tourist Department., Uttarkashi publication ‘Unparalleled Uttarkashi’, 2003. Uniyal, Oharmanand 1982: Badri Kedar Ki Our, Haridwar. Vijayram and Baliram, Raturi 1920: Garhwal Ka Itihas, Tehri.

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