Rural Tourism Evaluation Study

Submitted to
M R Division,
Ministry of Tourism (Govt. of India)
C-1, Hutments, Dalhousie Road
New Delhi- 110011
India
EVALUATION STUDY
OF RURAL TOURISM
SCHEME
Executive Summary
June 2007
Mott MacDonald
Executive Summary Mott MacDonald
Evaluation Study of Rural Tourism Scheme MR Division, Ministry of Tourism (Govt. of India
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India is implementing Rural Tourism Scheme to promote
village tourism as the primary tourism product to spread tourism and its socio-economic benefits to
rural and its new geographic regions in India. The primary beneficiaries are rural communities
(especially women and unemployed youth), PRI representatives, tourists etc. The implementation is
done through a Convergence Committee headed by the District Collector/ District Magistrate. To
achieve rural tourism objectives, various hardware and software activities were coordinated with key
identified project partners/implementing agencies.
RURAL TOURISM SCHEME
Under the 10th Five Year Plan, thrust has been given to promote village tourism as the primary tourism
product to spread tourism and its socio-economic benefits to rural and its new geographic regions. The
States/UT Governments submitted proposals for promotion of rural tourism in their respective states.
After shortlisting of the proposals, the State/UT Governments were requested to draw up a detailed
plan of action. For creation or improvement of infrastructure at the selected site, various activities have
been undertaken, viz, improvement of surroundings of the village which include landscaping,
development of parks, fencing, compound wall etc; improvements of roads within the Panchayat
limits; illumination in the village; provision for improvement in solid waste management and
sewerage management; procurement of equipments directly related to tourism, like water sports,
adventure sports, eco-friendly modes of transport for moving within the tourism zone; refurbishment
of the monuments; signages; reception centres; tourist accommodation and other work/activities
directly related to tourism
Further to build capacity and enhance the participation of local community, various software activities
are undertaken by implementing agencies like Non Government Organisations (NGO) / Panchayat Raj
Institutions (PRI)/ etc. The objectives of the software activities is to develop a sustainable Rural
Tourism product, convergence with the Ministry’s Rural Tourism Scheme (Hardware) through tourism
awareness, capacity building for tourism/hospitality services, gender equity, creation of Gurukul,
environment care and marketing of traditional art and folk forms.
Various activities at the selected sites that have been undertaken include the baseline survey of the
site; enhancing local community awareness of the tourism process; gender sensitization; capacity
building/design inputs related to art & craft skills, cultural & natural heritage; Gurukul process;
capacity building for various aspects of visitor handling; convergence with other yojanas/schemes in
the site; environment care and access to cleaner technology with local material, local skills and local
traditional styles; marketing convergence including the travel trade for domestic and international
visitors.
Based on the Tenth Five Year Plan goals of the Government of India, and on the United Nations
Development Assistance Framework priorities of strengthening decentralization and promoting gender
equality, Government of India- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country
Programme (2003-2007) has been initiated. UNDP has committed funding support to the Government
of India (Ministry of Tourism) for the Endogenous Tourism Project initiative. The Project seeks to
promote local culture and craft based eco-tourism for sustainable livelihoods and integrated rural
development during the 10th Five Year Plan. The primary facilitation of the Endogenous Tourism
Project is for capacity building/direct training; thereby enabling low-income village communities
create and articulate their skills from within.
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THE STUDY
In order to assess the impact of Rural Tourism Scheme, Mott MacDonald India (MMI) has been
entrusted by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, to undertake the impact assessment of
Rural Tourism Scheme.
TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)
The scope of work for the assignment as per the requirement of the Ministry of Tourism and outlined
in the basic document requesting for proposal for the proposed study is as follows:
(a) To assess the impact of Rural Tourism projects, particularly on:
• Tourist arrivals
• Employment generation-overall and for the local population
• Employment generation, income generation, and other socio-economic aspects of lives
of local population
• Preservation and improvement of environment.
(b) To calculate/estimate direct revenue generated from the projects since completion, and
compare with any forecasts/assessments made at feasibility/inception stage;
(c) To assess the self-sustainability of projects
(d) To evaluate the system of maintenance of facilities for tourists
(e) To evaluate the publicity/ campaign launched by the agency implementing the project for
attracting tourists.
(f) To evaluate the involvement of Travel agents/ Tour operators to promote these destinations.
(g) To get the perception, experience and expectation of tourists about the facilities available.
(h) To make recommendations, based on the findings of the study, for bringing about
improvements in the scheme
Approach and Methodology
The team of Mott MacDonald has carried out the assessment by using a consultative and participatory
approach. The inputs for the study were collected mainly from primary sources duly supported by
secondary information. As per the information provided to the study team by Ministry of Tourism, till
date only 25 projects have been successfully completed or are in the verge of completion in the 16
states. The remaining projects are either not completed or have been recently sanctioned. Out of these
25 completed / partially completed projects, 24 projects were selected randomly and visited by the
study team
The primary research involved visiting 24 identified rural tourism sites in 16 states for the impact
assessment study and interacting with the relevant respondent categories. The data collected from both
secondary and primary sources was analysed to assess the impact of the rural tourism scheme.
In order to assess the socio-economic benefits of the Rural Tourism Scheme in the villages covered by
the scheme vis-à-vis those not covered, the study of a village in the close vicinity was undertaken
where the scheme has not been implemented. The 24 control villages have been selected on the basis
of interaction with NGOs, PRI representatives and state tourism department
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The detailed assessment of visited sites is given in following chapters of the report.
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF SCHEME
Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism projects, particularly on Tourist arrivals
Most of the sites chosen for rural tourism project have inherent advantages in terms of historic
importance, craft, culture, cuisine, natural beauty etc. It was assessed that prior to the intervention of
Ministry of Tourism, there were five basic issues hindering the flow of tourist.
• Lack of basic infrastructural facilities for tourists like sanitation, drinking water facility,
wayside amenities
• Lack of accommodation and fooding facilities
• Lack of awareness about the site importance and the need for local guides
• Need to maintain hygienic and good sanitation conditions at the sites
• Xenophobia among the local population
With the intervention of Ministry of Tourism, there has been considerable change. Though, it is too
early to assess quantitatively the increase in the number of tourists (in most of the cases, the project is
not yet completed), but our study shows that the Xenophobia (fear towards unknown) has been
removed from the mind of the local people. The smaller radii in the tourism circuit have been
identified within the destination for keeping the tourist stay for more than a day. Different goal setting
exercises have been conducted with the host community in due participation and suggestion of village
committee as well as the District Coordination Committee. The following factors have complemented
and are indicative of the fact that Rural Tourism scheme has been successful in attracting more tourists
and elongating their period of stay in the village.
• Effective documentation of the site by preparation of Brochures, cards, websites etc depicting
the site attractions. This has helped in marketing the sites even among foreign tourists.
• Equipping the artisans to produce the artistic products with good quality. Encouraging product
diversification and provision of marketing linkages as well as credit facilities has increased
sales of the local art and craft forms from the craft interpretation centre.
• Documentation of traditional festivals and folk lore has been carried to the tourists.
• Improvement in the cleanliness and hygiene in the village and environmental awareness among
the people has fostered a conducive atmosphere for tourists at few places. The drainage system,
garbage disposal system etc has changed the Sanitation and health of the village
• Guide training among the local youths has led to an increasing number of youths helping the
tourists in knowing the places of attraction in the villages.
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• Concept of homestays with food, clean water and toilets being promoted among the host
community has resolved the problem of accommodation on one hand and on the other hand
helped the tourists to feel a part of the local community.
• Training of the women/ the host community in preparation of different types of cuisine and
other hospitality aspects has also resulted in increasing the satisfaction level of the visitors.
The tourist arrival to control villages is constant over a period of time. Not much of efforts have been
done by local community members to increase the total inflow to the destinations.
Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects, Particularly on Employment Generation –overall

and for the Local Population
The overall goal of the rural tourism is to create a community managed rural tourism model through
strengthening livelihoods of the local communities and the preservation and development of local
heritage of the villages. Due to the initiatives taken by the Ministry of Tourism to promote rural
tourism, a number of avenues for employment of local population have opened. The direct and indirect
sources of income are enumerated below:
• The employment of local youths as tour guides has given gainful employment to a large
number of unemployed youth in the village.
• The concept of homestays with toilets has supplemented the income of the host population.
• A large number of tea stalls, small restaurants, pan shops etc have started functioning due to
the increase in inflow of tourists, which has again improved the socio-economic conditions of
the local people.
• As local resources (labour and material) were used to construct the hardware structure under
this scheme in the villages, a number of people have got employed.
• The revival of Tourism products like folk arts by formation of activity groups has also helped
the local population. These folk arts provides link with the past and bring alive ancient
traditional art forms and culture. They also helped in perpetuating legacy for the future. The
support to rejuvenate the folk arts has lead to the revival of the folk arts and also providing
livelihoods to the practitioners of the arts.
• A vital aspect of the Rural Tourism Scheme was to check the migration of the artisans from the
village. To tackle the problem of migration, the artisans in different categories like stone
carvers, pot makers, wood carvers, painters, weavers etc have been given trainings and
exposure visits. Their product has been effectively promoted via different means and they have
been taught about product diversification and demand of market, which has ultimately
enhanced their income and stopped the migration.
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• Integration of gender perspectives into the tourism industry has also evolved as an important
concept through the Rural Tourism Scheme, as it is the major employer of women and offers
various opportunities for independent income generating activities for them. The Self Help
Groups (SHGs) which were either non functional or disintegrated and have been provided/ will
be provided financial and marketing linkages helping them to increase their income.
In control villages, due to lack of concept of integration of existing economic activity with the tourism,
the villagers lack the basis understanding of alternative livelihood opportunity
Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects, Particularly on Preservation and Improvement

of Environment
One of the biggest challenges of the tourism industry is that success should not destroy, what attracts
the visitors in the first place i.e. the environment. During the field visits, it was observed that there is
change in villager’s attitudes towards cleanliness, hygiene and sensitiveness towards environment. The
changes in relation to preservation and improvement of environment that were noticed during the field
visit are listed below:
• Solid Waste Management: Solid Waste Management (SWM) Training has been imparted by
the NGOs/ implementing agencies to the villagers covering issues like awareness generation;
appropriate waste segregation; disposal of plastics; reuse and recycling of plastic, composting
and vermi-composting. The measures adopted have improved the environment and facilitated
the tourists. After training, the villagers have initiated waste management and started
collection, segregation and dumping of the waste in designated areas. The SWM brought in the
much required scientific approach to the whole process of waste management and a proper
disposal of plastic which was unchecked. It also gave Waste Management a new perspective in
terms ‘waste as wealth’ and ‘waste as source of income’.
• Beautification and Landscaping of the village: It has been reported that the rural tourism has
improved the natural beauty of the rural tourism sites. Beautiful parks; renovation of old and
heritage buildings, temples, mosques etc; decoration of entry gates etc have gone a long way in
attracting the tourists by presenting them a clean and environment friendly village.
• Sanitation and Personal Hygiene: The quality of the living conditions of the local community
and their standard of living has improved at select rural tourism sites. For the development of
village, people have showed their priority towards sanitation. For instance, in Lachen (Sikkim),
the cows and yaks roam in plenty and pose a threat to health of the villagers. To spread
awareness among people, various measures have been undertaken under the rural tourism
scheme. For instance, for improvement in health and hygiene, camps and demonstrations of
hygienic practices; workshop on cleanliness has been organized. This has resulted in improved
living condition of the local community through proper hygienic practices. Again, for
improvement in the sanitation facilities, need assessment was done with the local community to
identify the needs of the people in the improvement of sanitation. Environmental awareness
workshops were organized. The output of all these has been creation of sanitation facilities
such as the toilet facilities for the usage of local community and enhancement in awareness on
the utilization of created infrastructure.
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In control villages, the participation of local community members for improvement of sanitational
condition is limited and lack the concept of improved sanitational conditions in the village can
increase stay period of tourist which would ultimately lead to enhancement of income generation
Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects on Direct Revenue Generated
One of the most important objectives of the rural tourism programme is to increase the income flow of
the local population and improving their quality of life. After receiving training on various aspects like
hospitality management, guide training, visitor handling, linguistic ability etc, many rural unemployed
youths have come forward and started working as guides.
Youth who were already employed in the profession, have improved their skills on visitor handling.
Most of them neither could speak in English nor had any formal degree. These guides have now
become much more organised and many have opted for various courses and certification, which will
increase their income in future.
Besides, the development of homestays in this programme has resulted in a smooth flow of income for
the host community. They have been given training on cleanliness, preparation of cuisines and other
vital aspects of visitor handling. During the field survey, it was found that in Kumbhalanghi (Kerala),
the charges of rooms are as high as Rs 1200 per day. Besides, the host community also earns by
serving the guests with different types of cuisines.
Artisans and craftsmen in the villages are another set of people whose earning has moderately
increased due to the efforts taken under rural tourism scheme. They have participated in various
workshops and training sessions, updating their knowledge and skill on modern designs, colours,
technology and experimented with different models. While participating in the local festivals or in
national events, they have earned good profit by selling their products.
In control villages, artisans still use traditional techniques and designs for their product. It leads to low
demand for their product in the market.
Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects on Self-Sustainability of Projects
Another major objective of the rural tourism is to build the capacity of local communities so that the
projects may be sustainable in long run. In most of the rural tourism sites, the community has been
effectively mobilised and their capacity being built (especially for UNDP supported sites). The local
community has been trained to manage the tourism site, all by its own for sustainability. The
community has been equipped through the goal setting exercises in the maintenance of the site;
outcomes of the tourism through community participation and effective monitoring of all the said
activities. The Village Coordination Committee, consisting of both genders has enabled the local
community in the activities for the successful results. The active participation in need assessment,
group discussion, disadvantaged groups, women, and unemployed youth has also been ensured in this
process. This institution building among the artisan community has resulted in the formation of
Federation of artisans, VLCs, SHGs, producer groups etc. These institutions are constituted to manage
the site on sustainable basis.
In control villages, the concept of self sustainability totally lacking amongst the local communities
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Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects on System of Maintenance of Facilities for

Tourists
The maintenance of the facilities created is an aspect which requires a lot of attention or else the
utilities and civil structures created would either be destroyed due to sheer negligence or would not be
able to draw the desired number of tourists. At Paranpur (Madhya Pradesh), it has been observed that
the structures like Kala Kendras, Craft Museums, Toilets, Parking sheds, rest rooms etc are maintained
by the villagers under the direct supervision of the village panchayat. This also serves an important
objective of the rural tourism i.e. to increase the livelihood opportunities of the locals. For maintaining
these facilities, in many places (or already in place in many sites) the local youths and women are
working as sweepers, guards, cleaners, facilitators, receptionists etc. Thus not only the structures gets
utilized and maintained, but the people also get gainful employment resulting in self sustainability.
Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects of Publicity/ Campaign Launched by the Agency
Implementing the Project for Attracting Tourists
The publicity/campaign launched by various NGOs and implementing partners has helped in
projecting the particular sites as places in the tourism circuit of India. Earlier, the visitors were either
unaware about the site or didn’t stop over in the village. Due to the publicity and marketing efforts of
the Ministry of Tourism, State departments and the implementing partners, situation is gradually
changing. Various publicity methods have been adopted to promote tourism at the sites like
documentation of the site with the campaign of “Incredible India”; preparation of brochures, cards
depicting the site attractions; developing websites explaining in details the history, culture, food, craft
etc of the site; strategic tie-up with various tour operators and travel agents to market the site; video
shooting; Taking natives to exposure visits to unknown places, thereby spreading the culture through
word of mouth ; putting up signages in villages so that visitors know exactly what to see or where to
go and conducting workshops in places like Delhi Haat etc where the true art form of the natives is
showcased thereby getting more recognition to the villages.
Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects on Involvement of Travel agents/ Tour Operators
to Promote destinations
The travel agents and tour operators are playing an important role in promotion of the destinations.
Most of these places were till recently unknown to many domestic and foreign tourists. However, most
of tour operators who conduct package tours, (taking the people for sight seeing to different places and
arrange for their accommodation and food too) have started taking the visitors to these sites now.
Though it is still at a nascent stage, with volume of tourists slowly increasing to the sites, however the
efforts are in place to promote these sites. During interaction with private tour operators, it has been
reported that the situation is slowly changing and visitors are now desirous to see these destinations.
Perception, Experience and Expectation of Tourists about the Facilities Available
During the interaction with tourists (both domestic and international), overall the visitors seem to be
truly satisfied with their trip to India. While some of them were in the site for the first time, few others
had repeated their tour. The positives of the rural tourism according to them are enumerated below:
• India being a land of diversity, this type of trips gives a platform to visit the hinterlands and
meet the rural people.
• Local community warmth and the natural beauty of the places is really enchanting
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• Their expectations have been fulfilled, as they felt a part of the family itself
• They really enjoyed the homestays and talking and mixing with people
• Added attraction for them was that the local art and crafts were being made in front of them
and the process being explained to them.
• It was a great experience to witness the way of living, to exchange views with rural people and
being close to nature.
• They enjoyed the hospitality of the people who were very receptive.
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Evaluation Study of Rural Tourism Scheme MR Division, Ministry of Tourism (Govt. of India)
The following table summarises the impact of the various activities undertaken in rural tourism scheme
ACTIVITY OUTCOME OUT PUT IMPACT

Mapping of the current status Identification of potential groups to Better understanding of the culture
of the site like existing be covered under the scheme of the village in terms of food, arts,
activities, physical status and Enhancement of knowledge about leisure sports, architecture and
human assets & potential livelihood of people and their status events
capacities (“what is possible”) Enhancement of knowledge about Assessment of community’s
to be used during the socio economic status of families livelihood
BASELINE SURVEY
implementation scheme To form the villages into cluster Active participation of community
PRA done and resource map, based on potentiality for objective, implementation plan
seasonal map and venn map and activities of the scheme
for the village drawn Formation of clusters in the village
based on potentiality
Plan of action in place
SETTING UP OF TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE
Identification of basic Deriving the role plan of the Effective community participation
infrastructure required to community, NGOs and the during need assessment for tourism
Need assessment for tourism
promote tourism in their government infrastructure
infrastructure
respective villages Effective participation of the
government department
Creation of common utilities
Development / improvement Improved pathways without potholes, Local labour, technology and
of pathways resulting in waterlogging etc like in resources being optimally utilised
improved village connectivity Kumbhalanghi village (Kerala) Increased comfort for the villagers
Improvement of pathways & surrounding. Travelling through vehicles atleast and tourists
two wheelers has become possible Improvement in natural beauty of the
like in case of Karaikudi (Tamil village
Nadu) Improvement in hygiene conditions
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Development of Interpretation Development of common platform Increase in tourists flow to the site
Center for artisans to sell their product like Enhancement in income of artisans
Creation of interpretation in case of Raghurajpur village Wider promotion of handicraft
centre (Orissa). items made in the village
Increase in sales of the local
handicrafts from interpretation centre
Maintaining and restoring old Beautification of ailing monuments Increase in tourist attraction to the
heritage, pride and culture of like in Samod village (Rajasthan) monuments resulting in more inflow
the village. Preservation of rare and vanishing Satisfaction of religious sentiments
Refurbishment of monuments
paintings and sculptures of the local community
Improvement in natural beauty of the
village
Improving the environment Improved Solid waste management Clean environment and facilitation
and providing the tourists, an facilities like the garbage disposal of cleaner technology.
eco-friendly tour and eco- system in Annegundi village Beautification and landscaping of
friendly get together for the (Karnataka). the village.
Improvement of the villagers Creation or modification of lanes, Tourist satisfaction towards
surroundings of the village – parks etc like the sculpture garden in sanitation and personal hygienic
landscaping, development of Annegundi village (Karnataka). conditions
parks, fencing, compound wall Creation of facilities like Rain water
harvesting system, bio gas plant etc
as observed in Kumbalanghi village
(Kerala).
Proper drainage system in the village.
Development of lighting Installation of solar lights and Increased tourist satisfaction
arrangement in the village normal light posts at important places Improved accessibility to the village.
in the village like in Lachen village Proper illumination in the village
Illumination in the village
(Sikkim)
Optimum use of local/ non-
conventional material and technology
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Facilitation of tourist Information flow among villagers Increase in knowledge of tourists
information and places of about the rural tourism programme about the various places in the
interest and its vital aspects. village
Installation of information boards at Help to visitors in approaching
Signage important places in the village like in places
Sulibhanjan-Khultabad
(Maharashtra)
Installation of signage to guide the
tourists
Development of Availability of ethnic Increase in comfort of tourists
accommodation facilities in accommodation facilities at nominal resulting in prolonging the stay
Tourist accommodation the village rates to make them feel a part of the Increase in the level of satisfaction
village as observed in Puttaparthi among tourists.
(Andhra Pradesh)
Facilitation centres
Creation of facilitation center Providing platform to crafts persons Collective production and marketing
for crafts persons to display to showcase the arts and crafts, of the arts & craft products.
local arts and crafts. history &culture, nature and heritage Enhancement in motivation of the
of the site like in Raghurajpur rural artisans by providing a space.
Gram Kala Kendras (Orissa) A common platform where visitors
Encouraging the product can easily see the various local skills
diversification of the village
Repeat visits and increase in
domestic & international tourist flow
Development of institution to Ethnic craft items are persevered as Creation of community owned
Craft Museums showcase unique craft items in the Jyotisar (Haryana). facility centres for showcasing to
tourists
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Continuation and permanent Optimal utilization of hardware Increase in employment
facilities created for the structure opportunities for people working as
benefit of the local community Improvement in quality of life maintenance staff
Systems for maintenance of as well as the tourists indicators like hygiene and Upholding and sustenance of the
facilities sanitation. basic objectives of rural tourism
Employment to the locals for the scheme
maintenance of the Common Increase in income generation due to
facilities like in Lachen (Sikkim). constant flow of tourists.
Awareness building among the Creation of sustainable livelihood Revival of traditional skill of the
community for the effective opportunities as observed in village
participation and monitoring Banavasi Village (Karnataka). Exposure of the villagers to new
CAPACITY BUILDING of the systems for Enhancing the skill sets of the local concepts
sustainability community.
Imbibing strong sense of institution
building among the local community.
Creating sense of ownership Street plays, one to one meetings, Create an ambience of harmony
about the project among family visits etc are used to capture resulting in the community being
community the attention and to create awareness more open and being a part of the
on diverse issues including project
Enhancing local community
environment, benefits of the training All the arrangements including the
awareness
in the site, waste management direction of the event undertaken
with the help of the PRI members-
Brought about a sense of sharing
responsibility
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Awareness of the women Organizing the women folks for the Active participation of the women
community common purpose of being self- Continuous Capacity building to
Mobilization of women dependent. equip themselves to meet their own
artisans in the active Formation of activity based groups needs
participation in the tourism and self help groups, benefiting Effective skill building of the
Gender sensitization programme. women community Kazhugumalai women community
Mainstreaming women folk in and Kaikudi villages (Tamil Nadu). Provision for additional income
the society through capacity building exercise
Capacity building of the women in
the traditional activities, so as to earn
additional income.
Disseminate the traditional Development of institution like Ensured livelihood opportunities for
knowledge and art of the Gurukul platform to learners and gurus/teachers
village teachers as observed in Raghurajpur Instilled in the native population a
village (Orissa) pride for their traditional skills and
Gurkul Process
Disseminating knowledge among urge to preserve the same
visitors on the glory of the village Showcasing the skills abroad and
Revival of precious and traditional broadcasting it among the youths.
knowledge/ dance form/music
Equipping the natives through Number of capacity building Increased livelihood opportunities
skill building to provide program for local community for the local community
increased satisfaction to member Improved skill set of the local
tourists Providing a feeling of freedom, spirit community.
and flavour both for the domestic and People becoming more receptive
international tourists towards tourists
Capacity building for visitor More number of local youths opting Prolonging the stay of tourists
handling for courses/training of guides like in
Jageshwar village (Uttaranchal)
Host community getting trained on
different types of hospitality
management, cuisine preparation,
tourist handling etc leading to
sustenance.
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Homely and congenial Homely atmosphere and ethnic Increased livelihood opportunity for
environment for tourists to cuisine for the tourists at nominal the host family
enjoy the rural flavour rates as in Samod village (Rajasthan) Prolonged period of stay by
Tourists getting a chance to interact domestic and foreign tourists in the
Host families
much more with the local community villages.
Local resources and technology
getting optimally utilised leading to
sustenance
Active participation of rural Number of guide training sessions Increased motivation level of youths.
youth to work as guide have been organised Increased community participation.
Active Participation of the local Youth taking more ownership of the
Guide Training
community and youth as in Jyotisar project.
Village (Haryana). Elongation in the period of stay by
tourists in the village.
PUBLICITY AND AWARENESS
Increase in awareness on the Successful in increasing community Strengthening the process of
importance of the site participation and generating institutional building leading to
awareness among the tourists, sustenance
Seminars/Workshops
thereby facilitating institutional Increase in knowledge about the site
building process like Samod village
in Rajasthan.
Development of publicity Wider publicity of the site through Important features have been
Development of Publicity
material like Posters, post publicity material developed under highlighted about the site
Material like post cards,
cards the project as in Ballabhpur danga Wider coverage leading to increase
websites,
village of West Bengal in tourist inflow
TECHNICAL AND MARKETING SUPPORT TO ARTISANS
Mapping of artisans of the Documentation of the crafts, arts and Revival of the traditional arts.
village and their capability folk lore as in Karaikudi village of Providing livelihoods to the
Artisans Identification Tamil Nadu practitioners of the art through
Enhancing the level of motivation tourism.
among the artisans
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Support the artisans with Need assessment of the community Resulted in formation of Federation
various marketing and in various aspects such as production, through institution building exercise
technical inputs marketing, improvement in the among the artisan community
Skill upgradation to meet the quality, changes in the design Activity based groups are in the
international market through various workshops. process of formation for
specifications Continuous skill building of the sustainability
Promotion of traditional artisan community in various aspects Effective skill building of the
products for marketing. Community mobilization through the artisans
Knowledge enhancement in promotion of activity based groups. Production of quality products in
Capacity Building back ward and forward Collaboration with different business line with the market need
linkages institutions for market tie-ups. Increase in product diversification
Practical sessions provided them with and adoption of modern technology
an opportunity to understand the
theory as well as assess themselves
Exposure visits to the locations to
draw parallels like the artisans of
Lachen village of Sikkim
Organizing workshops, fairs, Products are sold in the national and Sustainable Livelihood opportunities
exhibitions etc for equipping international markets and their through the strong community
them to meet the international livelihood activities have increased organization.
standards, through product Promotion of the traditional arts and Skillset of the craftsmen increased.
diversification and to meet crafts to the outer world like in Creation of more livelihood
Participation in both the needs and standards Pochampalli village of Andhra opportunities and income generation
Fairs/Exhibitions of local and international Pradesh. measures among the locals.
market Increasing the level of involvement
of the community.
Increase in the awareness of the
artisans about the worth of their
products.
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CONSTRAINTS IN IMPLEMENTATION
During interaction with various stakeholders, it was found that there were project constraints during
the implementation of the rural tourism scheme. These include:
• The initial common understanding developed among all the stakeholders gets diluted with the
frequent transfer of focal personnel, like the District Collector (DC) /District Magistrate (DM).
• At the sites which did not have a software component (especially Non UNDP sites), there was
a lack of awareness among the people about the scheme.
• There has been no direct synergy between the hardware activities and the software activities
under Rural Tourism Scheme. In few of the sites, hardware activities have preceded the
software activities. Wherever there is a lack/ incompletion of software activities, the
community awareness, understanding, participation and ownership in the project is suboptimal.
• The community participation and ownership can be achieved only when the local governing
institutes like Gram Panchayat cooperate with the NGO. Unfortunately, in some cases due to
vested interests, there seems to be a lack of coordination between the gram panchayats and the
local NGOs.
• There are many stakeholders like the Rural Department, the Ministry of Environment,
Archaelogical Survey of India, PWD, Water Department etc in the implementation of the
scheme. Due to the involvement of different stakeholders in the scheme, sometimes, there is a
problem in creating or refurbishing the existing structures.
• The size and population of the village also needs to be taken into consideration before deciding
the duration of software activities. The formation of the community groups, product
development and marketing is expected to take longer time to reach a reasonable standard for
foreign and domestic tourism markets. The initial project time period of two years was too
short.
• The challenges in rural tourism have been compounded by institutional obstacles, i.e. the
administrative complexity. During the field visit, it was reported that in some cases the
software implementing partner cannot continue with their efforts, due to delay in the release of
the funds.
• At various locations the concept of integrated tourism products is still in the infancy stage.
• Another major constraint in the rural tourism scheme has been the lack of statistics about the
site. For instance, in many cases, the correct data of tourist inflow to a particular site was
impossible to obtain. No one had ever maintained such records.
• Rural Tourism scheme is constrained by strong competition from other nearby tourism
destinations and from other packages sold by tour operators.
• It has been reported that the interest of tourists looking for authentic rural experiences very
often conflict with the interest of locals looking for urban comfort.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The rural tourism scheme is based on principles of sustainable development and the aim is to promote
tourism sites in India. The scheme emphasizes entrepreneurship and active community participation in
development and policy-making in rural tourism. Following are few recommendations that can be
S- 17 -
undertaken for the sustenance of the capacity building and better utilisation of the infrastructure and
other materials provided under rural tourism scheme.
• The present system of selection of activities in the rural tourism sites is appropriate. However,
it can be underlined that more community based activities within the scope of project should be
identified by the NGOs. This would pave the way for sustenance in the long run as the
community would get more returns.
• A vital aspect for the success of rural tourism scheme is the selection of NGOs as
implementing partners. Thus, it is recommended that NGO’s having presence across the state,
relevant experience in project implementation and community mobilisation for atleast 5-10
years should only be selected.
• The present system of selection of software activities is appropriate. However, it is

recommended that Logframe with clearly defined Key Performance Indicators (KPI) should be
developed to monitor the progress of activities.
• Effective documentation of all the “Incredible India” sites is an imperative. Media persons and
Jornalists should be contacted and invited for the same. For instance in Pochampalli, it was
observed that journalists were invited by the Andhra Pradesh State Government to write about
the site.
• It is important that all the stake holders evolve a similar kind of understanding about the project
and understanding evolved is further retained among them. So there should be permanent
posting of key staffs till the project is completed.
• Further clear cut delegation of responsibility among the stakeholders to avoid any confusion
during implementation.
• The software activities should start 6-8 months before the hardware funds are released, so that
actual need is identified and fulfilled.
• A complaint redressal cell to facilitate the coordination between implementing partner (

PRI/State Government) and NGO should be set up and the DPIC meetings should be held more
frequently.
• A micro database capturing the updated tourism related information of the village, should be
maintained by the gram panchayat.
• The rural sites should be aggressively promoted via tour operators.
• More national level exposure trips should be organized to create awareness among the natives.
• Last but not the least, a special monitoring cell or steering committee to evaluate the rural
tourism scheme should be set up. This committee should work under strict deadlines and
periodically monitored by an external agency.
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To conclude, rural tourism is not only the end, but the means to stimulate economic growth, to
increase the viability of underdeveloped location, and to improve the living standards of local
populations. Rural tourism scheme has been a valuable vehicle to bring the ultimate rural stakeholders
in touch with tourism sector to increase employment. In order to make the scheme more meaningful, it
is very important that the sustenance issues be discussed with the community before the start of the
project and also aggressive marketing of the destinations be taken up with the local and international
Tour Operators
S- 19 -
Final Report Mott MacDonald
M R Division,
Ministry of Tourism (Govt. of India)
C-1, Hutments, Dalhousie Road
New Delhi- 110011
India
Final Report
Evaluation Study of Rural
Tourism Scheme
June 2007
Mott MacDonald Pvt Ltd

A-20, Sector 2
NOIDA – 201 301
Uttar Pradesh
India
Phone : +91 120 2543582-85
Fax : +91 120 2543562
e-mail: delhi@mottmac-india.com
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Desktop\Final Report\Final Report.doc/

Final Report
Evaluation Study of
Rural Tourism
Scheme
Issue and Revision Record

Rev Date Originator Checker Approver Description
Mr. Anisur Dr. Rajesh Ms. Shoma
3rd December Rehman, Mr. Khanna Majumdar
A Draft Report
2006 Trinanjan, Mr
Bandu Sona Das
Mr. Anisur Dr. Rajesh Ms. Shoma
th
10 February Rehman, Mr. Khanna Majumdar
B Draft Final Report
2006 Trinanjan, Mr
Bandu Sona Das
21st June Mr. Trinanjan Dr. Rajesh Ms. Shoma
C Final Report
2007 Khanna Majumdar
This document has been prepared for the titled project or named part thereof and should not be relied upon or used for any
other project without an independent check being carried out as to its suitability and prior written authority of Mott
MacDonald being obtained. Mott MacDonald accepts no responsibility or liability for the consequence of this document
being used for a purpose other than the purposes for which it was commissioned. Any person using or relying on the
document for such other purpose agrees, and will by such use or reliance be taken to confirm his agreement to indemnify
Mott MacDonald for all loss or damage resulting therefrom. Mott MacDonald accepts no responsibility or liability for this
document to any party other than the person by whom it was commissioned.

SUMMARY
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India is implementing Rural Tourism Scheme to promote
village tourism as the primary tourism product to spread tourism and its socio-economic benefits to
rural and its new geographic regions in India. The primary beneficiaries are rural communities
(especially women and unemployed youth), PRI representatives, tourists etc. The implementation is
done through a Convergence Committee headed by the District Collector/ District Magistrate. To
achieve rural tourism objectives, various hardware and software activities were coordinated with key
identified project partners/implementing agencies.
RURAL TOURISM SCHEME
Under the 10th Five Year Plan, thrust has been given to promote village tourism as the primary tourism
product to spread tourism and its socio-economic benefits to rural and its new geographic regions. The
States/UT Governments submitted proposals for promotion of rural tourism in their respective states.
After shortlisting of the proposals, the State/UT Governments were requested to draw up a detailed
plan of action. For creation or improvement of infrastructure at the selected site, various activities have
been undertaken, viz, improvement of surroundings of the village which include landscaping,
development of parks, fencing, compound wall etc; improvements of roads within the Panchayat
limits; illumination in the village; provision for improvement in solid waste management and
sewerage management; procurement of equipments directly related to tourism, like water sports,
adventure sports, eco-friendly modes of transport for moving within the tourism zone; refurbishment
of the monuments; signages; reception centres; tourist accommodation and other work/activities
directly related to tourism
Further to build capacity and enhance the participation of local community, various software activities
are undertaken by implementing agencies like Non Government Organisations (NGO) / Panchayat Raj
Institutions (PRI)/ etc. The objectives of the software activities is to develop a sustainable Rural
Tourism product, convergence with the Ministry’s Rural Tourism Scheme (Hardware) through tourism
awareness, capacity building for tourism/hospitality services, gender equity, creation of Gurukul,
environment care and marketing of traditional art and folk forms.
Various activities at the selected sites that have been undertaken include the baseline survey of the
site; enhancing local community awareness of the tourism process; gender sensitization; capacity
building/design inputs related to art & craft skills, cultural & natural heritage; Gurukul process;
capacity building for various aspects of visitor handling; convergence with other yojanas/schemes in
the site; environment care and access to cleaner technology with local material, local skills and local
traditional styles; marketing convergence including the travel trade for domestic and international
visitors.
Based on the Tenth Five Year Plan goals of the Government of India, and on the United Nations
Development Assistance Framework priorities of strengthening decentralization and promoting gender
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equality, Government of India- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country

Programme (2003-2007) has been initiated. UNDP has committed funding support to the Government
of India (Ministry of Tourism) for the Endogenous Tourism Project initiative. The Project seeks to
promote local culture and craft based eco-tourism for sustainable livelihoods and integrated rural
development during the 10th Five Year Plan. The primary facilitation of the Endogenous Tourism
Project is for capacity building/direct training; thereby enabling low-income village communities
create and articulate their skills from within.
THE STUDY
In order to assess the impact of Rural Tourism Scheme, Mott MacDonald India (MMI) has been
entrusted by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, to undertake the impact assessment of
TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)
of local population
Approach and Methodology
The team of Mott MacDonald has carried out the assessment by using a consultative and participatory
approach. The inputs for the study were collected mainly from primary sources duly supported by
secondary information. As per the information provided to the study team by Ministry of Tourism, till
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date only 25 projects have been successfully completed or are in the verge of completion in the 16
states. The remaining projects are either not completed or have been recently sanctioned. Out of these
25 completed / partially completed projects, 24 projects were selected randomly and visited by the
study team
The primary research involved visiting 24 identified rural tourism sites in 16 states for the impact
assessment study and interacting with the relevant respondent categories. The data collected from both
secondary and primary sources was analysed to assess the impact of the rural tourism scheme.
where the scheme has not been implemented. The 24 control villages have been selected on the basis
of interaction with NGOs, PRI representatives and state tourism department
The detailed assessment of visited sites is given in following chapters of the report.
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF SCHEME
Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism projects, particularly on Tourist arrivals
Most of the sites chosen for rural tourism project have inherent advantages in terms of historic
importance, craft, culture, cuisine, natural beauty etc. It was assessed that prior to the intervention of
Ministry of Tourism, there were five basic issues hindering the flow of tourist.
• Lack of basic infrastructural facilities for tourists like sanitation, drinking water facility,
wayside amenities
• Lack of awareness about the site importance and the need for local guides
• Need to maintain hygienic and good sanitation conditions at the sites
With the intervention of Ministry of Tourism, there has been considerable change. Though, it is too
early to assess quantitatively the increase in the number of tourists (in most of the cases, the project is
not yet completed), but our study shows that the Xenophobia (fear towards unknown) has been
removed from the mind of the local people. The smaller radii in the tourism circuit have been
identified within the destination for keeping the tourist stay for more than a day. Different goal setting
exercises have been conducted with the host community in due participation and suggestion of village
committee as well as the District Coordination Committee. The following factors have complemented
and are indicative of the fact that Rural Tourism scheme has been successful in attracting more tourists
and elongating their period of stay in the village.
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• Equipping the artisans to produce the artistic products with good quality. Encouraging product
diversification and provision of marketing linkages as well as credit facilities has increased
sales of the local art and craft forms from the craft interpretation centre.
• Documentation of traditional festivals and folk lore has been carried to the tourists.
the people has fostered a conducive atmosphere for tourists at few places. The drainage system,
garbage disposal system etc has changed the Sanitation and health of the village
• Guide training among the local youths has led to an increasing number of youths helping the
• Concept of homestays with food, clean water and toilets being promoted among the host
community has resolved the problem of accommodation on one hand and on the other hand
helped the tourists to feel a part of the local community.
• Training of the women/ the host community in preparation of different types of cuisine and
other hospitality aspects has also resulted in increasing the satisfaction level of the visitors.
The tourist arrival to control villages is constant over a period of time. Not much of efforts have been
done by local community members to increase the total inflow to the destinations.
Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects, Particularly on Employment Generation –overall

and for the Local Population
The overall goal of the rural tourism is to create a community managed rural tourism model through
strengthening livelihoods of the local communities and the preservation and development of local
heritage of the villages. Due to the initiatives taken by the Ministry of Tourism to promote rural
tourism, a number of avenues for employment of local population have opened. The direct and indirect
sources of income are enumerated below:
number of unemployed youth in the village.
• The concept of homestays with toilets has supplemented the income of the host population.
• A large number of tea stalls, small restaurants, pan shops etc have started functioning due to
the increase in inflow of tourists, which has again improved the socio-economic conditions of
the local people.
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• As local resources (labour and material) were used to construct the hardware structure under
this scheme in the villages, a number of people have got employed.
• The revival of Tourism products like folk arts by formation of activity groups has also helped
the local population. These folk arts provides link with the past and bring alive ancient
traditional art forms and culture. They also helped in perpetuating legacy for the future. The
support to rejuvenate the folk arts has lead to the revival of the folk arts and also providing
livelihoods to the practitioners of the arts.
• A vital aspect of the Rural Tourism Scheme was to check the migration of the artisans from the
village. To tackle the problem of migration, the artisans in different categories like stone
carvers, pot makers, wood carvers, painters, weavers etc have been given trainings and
exposure visits. Their product has been effectively promoted via different means and they have
been taught about product diversification and demand of market, which has ultimately
enhanced their income and stopped the migration.
• Integration of gender perspectives into the tourism industry has also evolved as an important
concept through the Rural Tourism Scheme, as it is the major employer of women and offers
various opportunities for independent income generating activities for them. The Self Help
Groups (SHGs) which were either non functional or disintegrated and have been provided/ will
be provided financial and marketing linkages helping them to increase their income.
In control villages, due to lack of concept of integration of existing economic activity with the tourism,
the villagers lack the basis understanding of alternative livelihood opportunity
Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects, Particularly on Preservation and Improvement

of Environment
One of the biggest challenges of the tourism industry is that success should not destroy, what attracts
the visitors in the first place i.e. the environment. During the field visits, it was observed that there is
change in villager’s attitudes towards cleanliness, hygiene and sensitiveness towards environment. The
changes in relation to preservation and improvement of environment that were noticed during the field
visit are listed below:
• Solid Waste Management: Solid Waste Management (SWM) Training has been imparted by
the NGOs/ implementing agencies to the villagers covering issues like awareness generation;
appropriate waste segregation; disposal of plastics; reuse and recycling of plastic, composting
and vermi-composting. The measures adopted have improved the environment and facilitated
the tourists. After training, the villagers have initiated waste management and started
collection, segregation and dumping of the waste in designated areas. The SWM brought in the
much required scientific approach to the whole process of waste management and a proper
disposal of plastic which was unchecked. It also gave Waste Management a new perspective in
terms ‘waste as wealth’ and ‘waste as source of income’.
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• Beautification and Landscaping of the village: It has been reported that the rural tourism has
improved the natural beauty of the rural tourism sites. Beautiful parks; renovation of old and
heritage buildings, temples, mosques etc; decoration of entry gates etc have gone a long way in
attracting the tourists by presenting them a clean and environment friendly village.
• Sanitation and Personal Hygiene: The quality of the living conditions of the local community
and their standard of living has improved at select rural tourism sites. For the development of
village, people have showed their priority towards sanitation. For instance, in Lachen (Sikkim),
the cows and yaks roam in plenty and pose a threat to health of the villagers. To spread
awareness among people, various measures have been undertaken under the rural tourism
scheme. For instance, for improvement in health and hygiene, camps and demonstrations of
hygienic practices; workshop on cleanliness has been organized. This has resulted in improved
living condition of the local community through proper hygienic practices. Again, for
improvement in the sanitation facilities, need assessment was done with the local community to
identify the needs of the people in the improvement of sanitation. Environmental awareness
workshops were organized. The output of all these has been creation of sanitation facilities
such as the toilet facilities for the usage of local community and enhancement in awareness on
the utilization of created infrastructure.
In control villages, the participation of local community members for improvement of sanitational
condition is limited and lack the concept of improved sanitational conditions in the village can
increase stay period of tourist which would ultimately lead to enhancement of income generation
Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects on Direct Revenue Generated
One of the most important objectives of the rural tourism programme is to increase the income flow of
the local population and improving their quality of life. After receiving training on various aspects like
hospitality management, guide training, visitor handling, linguistic ability etc, many rural unemployed
youths have come forward and started working as guides.
Youth who were already employed in the profession, have improved their skills on visitor handling.
Most of them neither could speak in English nor had any formal degree. These guides have now
become much more organised and many have opted for various courses and certification, which will
increase their income in future.
Besides, the development of homestays in this programme has resulted in a smooth flow of income for
the host community. They have been given training on cleanliness, preparation of cuisines and other
vital aspects of visitor handling. During the field survey, it was found that in Kumbhalanghi (Kerala),
the charges of rooms are as high as Rs 1200 per day. Besides, the host community also earns by
serving the guests with different types of cuisines.
Artisans and craftsmen in the villages are another set of people whose earning has moderately
increased due to the efforts taken under rural tourism scheme. They have participated in various
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workshops and training sessions, updating their knowledge and skill on modern designs, colours,
technology and experimented with different models. While participating in the local festivals or in
national events, they have earned good profit by selling their products.
In control villages, artisans still use traditional techniques and designs for their product. It leads to low
demand for their product in the market.
Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects on Self-Sustainability of Projects
Another major objective of the rural tourism is to build the capacity of local communities so that the
projects may be sustainable in long run. In most of the rural tourism sites, the community has been
effectively mobilised and their capacity being built (especially for UNDP supported sites). The local
community has been trained to manage the tourism site, all by its own for sustainability. The
community has been equipped through the goal setting exercises in the maintenance of the site;
outcomes of the tourism through community participation and effective monitoring of all the said
activities. The Village Coordination Committee, consisting of both genders has enabled the local
community in the activities for the successful results. The active participation in need assessment,
group discussion, disadvantaged groups, women, and unemployed youth has also been ensured in this
process. This institution building among the artisan community has resulted in the formation of
Federation of artisans, VLCs, SHGs, producer groups etc. These institutions are constituted to manage
the site on sustainable basis.
In control villages, the concept of self sustainability totally lacking amongst the local communities
Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects on System of Maintenance of Facilities for

Tourists
The maintenance of the facilities created is an aspect which requires a lot of attention or else the
utilities and civil structures created would either be destroyed due to sheer negligence or would not be
able to draw the desired number of tourists. At Paranpur (Madhya Pradesh), it has been observed that
the structures like Kala Kendras, Craft Museums, Toilets, Parking sheds, rest rooms etc are maintained
by the villagers under the direct supervision of the village panchayat. This also serves an important
objective of the rural tourism i.e. to increase the livelihood opportunities of the locals. For maintaining
these facilities, in many places (or already in place in many sites) the local youths and women are
working as sweepers, guards, cleaners, facilitators, receptionists etc. Thus not only the structures gets
utilized and maintained, but the people also get gainful employment resulting in self sustainability.
Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects of Publicity/ Campaign Launched by the Agency
Implementing the Project for Attracting Tourists
The publicity/campaign launched by various NGOs and implementing partners has helped in
projecting the particular sites as places in the tourism circuit of India. Earlier, the visitors were either
unaware about the site or didn’t stop over in the village. Due to the publicity and marketing efforts of
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the Ministry of Tourism, State departments and the implementing partners, situation is gradually
changing. Various publicity methods have been adopted to promote tourism at the sites like
documentation of the site with the campaign of “Incredible India”; preparation of brochures, cards
depicting the site attractions; developing websites explaining in details the history, culture, food, craft
etc of the site; strategic tie-up with various tour operators and travel agents to market the site; video
shooting; Taking natives to exposure visits to unknown places, thereby spreading the culture through
word of mouth ; putting up signages in villages so that visitors know exactly what to see or where to
go and conducting workshops in places like Delhi Haat etc where the true art form of the natives is
showcased thereby getting more recognition to the villages.
Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects on Involvement of Travel agents/ Tour Operators
to Promote destinations
The travel agents and tour operators are playing an important role in promotion of the destinations.
Most of these places were till recently unknown to many domestic and foreign tourists. However, most
of tour operators who conduct package tours, (taking the people for sight seeing to different places and
arrange for their accommodation and food too) have started taking the visitors to these sites now.
Though it is still at a nascent stage, with volume of tourists slowly increasing to the sites, however the
efforts are in place to promote these sites. During interaction with private tour operators, it has been
reported that the situation is slowly changing and visitors are now desirous to see these destinations.
Perception, Experience and Expectation of Tourists about the Facilities Available
During the interaction with tourists (both domestic and international), overall the visitors seem to be
truly satisfied with their trip to India. While some of them were in the site for the first time, few others
had repeated their tour. The positives of the rural tourism according to them are enumerated below:
• India being a land of diversity, this type of trips gives a platform to visit the hinterlands and
meet the rural people.
• Local community warmth and the natural beauty of the places is really enchanting
• They really enjoyed the homestays and talking and mixing with people
• Added attraction for them was that the local art and crafts were being made in front of them
and the process being explained to them.
• It was a great experience to witness the way of living, to exchange views with rural people and
being close to nature.
• They enjoyed the hospitality of the people who were very receptive.
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The following table summarises the impact of the various activities undertaken in rural tourism scheme

Mapping of the current status Identification of potential groups to Better understanding of the culture
of the site like existing be covered under the scheme of the village in terms of food, arts,
activities, physical status and Enhancement of knowledge about leisure sports, architecture and
human assets & potential livelihood of people and their status events
capacities (“what is possible”) Enhancement of knowledge about Assessment of community’s
to be used during the socio economic status of families livelihood
BASELINE SURVEY
implementation scheme To form the villages into cluster Active participation of community
PRA done and resource map, based on potentiality for objective, implementation plan
seasonal map and venn map and activities of the scheme
for the village drawn Formation of clusters in the village
based on potentiality
Plan of action in place
SETTING UP OF TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE
Identification of basic Deriving the role plan of the Effective community participation
infrastructure required to community, NGOs and the during need assessment for tourism
Need assessment for tourism
promote tourism in their government infrastructure
infrastructure
respective villages Effective participation of the
government department
Creation of common utilities
Development / improvement Improved pathways without potholes, Local labour, technology and
of pathways resulting in waterlogging etc like in resources being optimally utilised
improved village connectivity Kumbhalanghi village (Kerala) Increased comfort for the villagers
Improvement of pathways & surrounding. Travelling through vehicles atleast and tourists
two wheelers has become possible Improvement in natural beauty of the
like in case of Karaikudi (Tamil village
Nadu) Improvement in hygiene conditions
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Development of Interpretation Development of common platform Increase in tourists flow to the site
Center for artisans to sell their product like Enhancement in income of artisans
Creation of interpretation in case of Raghurajpur village Wider promotion of handicraft
centre (Orissa). items made in the village
Increase in sales of the local
handicrafts from interpretation centre
Maintaining and restoring old Beautification of ailing monuments Increase in tourist attraction to the
heritage, pride and culture of like in Samod village (Rajasthan) monuments resulting in more inflow
the village. Preservation of rare and vanishing Satisfaction of religious sentiments
Refurbishment of monuments
paintings and sculptures of the local community
Improvement in natural beauty of the
village
Improving the environment Improved Solid waste management Clean environment and facilitation
and providing the tourists, an facilities like the garbage disposal of cleaner technology.
eco-friendly tour and eco- system in Annegundi village Beautification and landscaping of
friendly get together for the (Karnataka). the village.
Improvement of the villagers Creation or modification of lanes, Tourist satisfaction towards
surroundings of the village – parks etc like the sculpture garden in sanitation and personal hygienic
landscaping, development of Annegundi village (Karnataka). conditions
parks, fencing, compound wall Creation of facilities like Rain water
harvesting system, bio gas plant etc
as observed in Kumbalanghi village
(Kerala).
Proper drainage system in the village.
Development of lighting Installation of solar lights and Increased tourist satisfaction
arrangement in the village normal light posts at important places Improved accessibility to the village.
in the village like in Lachen village Proper illumination in the village
Illumination in the village
(Sikkim)
Optimum use of local/ non-
conventional material and technology
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Facilitation of tourist Information flow among villagers Increase in knowledge of tourists
information and places of about the rural tourism programme about the various places in the
interest and its vital aspects. village
Installation of information boards at Help to visitors in approaching
Signage important places in the village like in places
Sulibhanjan-Khultabad
(Maharashtra)
Installation of signage to guide the
tourists
Development of Availability of ethnic Increase in comfort of tourists
accommodation facilities in accommodation facilities at nominal resulting in prolonging the stay
Tourist accommodation the village rates to make them feel a part of the Increase in the level of satisfaction
village as observed in Puttaparthi among tourists.
(Andhra Pradesh)
Facilitation centres
Creation of facilitation center Providing platform to crafts persons Collective production and marketing
for crafts persons to display to showcase the arts and crafts, of the arts & craft products.
local arts and crafts. history &culture, nature and heritage Enhancement in motivation of the
of the site like in Raghurajpur rural artisans by providing a space.
Gram Kala Kendras (Orissa) A common platform where visitors
Encouraging the product can easily see the various local skills
diversification of the village
Repeat visits and increase in
domestic & international tourist flow
Development of institution to Ethnic craft items are persevered as Creation of community owned
Craft Museums showcase unique craft items in the Jyotisar (Haryana). facility centres for showcasing to
tourists
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Continuation and permanent Optimal utilization of hardware Increase in employment
facilities created for the structure opportunities for people working as
benefit of the local community Improvement in quality of life maintenance staff
Systems for maintenance of as well as the tourists indicators like hygiene and Upholding and sustenance of the
facilities sanitation. basic objectives of rural tourism
Employment to the locals for the scheme
maintenance of the Common Increase in income generation due to
facilities like in Lachen (Sikkim). constant flow of tourists.
Awareness building among the Creation of sustainable livelihood Revival of traditional skill of the
community for the effective opportunities as observed in village
participation and monitoring Banavasi Village (Karnataka). Exposure of the villagers to new
CAPACITY BUILDING of the systems for Enhancing the skill sets of the local concepts
sustainability community.
Imbibing strong sense of institution
building among the local community.
Creating sense of ownership Street plays, one to one meetings, Create an ambience of harmony
about the project among family visits etc are used to capture resulting in the community being
community the attention and to create awareness more open and being a part of the
on diverse issues including project
Enhancing local community
environment, benefits of the training All the arrangements including the
awareness
in the site, waste management direction of the event undertaken
with the help of the PRI members-
Brought about a sense of sharing
responsibility
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Awareness of the women Organizing the women folks for the Active participation of the women
community common purpose of being self- Continuous Capacity building to
Mobilization of women dependent. equip themselves to meet their own
artisans in the active Formation of activity based groups needs
participation in the tourism and self help groups, benefiting Effective skill building of the
Gender sensitization programme. women community Kazhugumalai women community
Mainstreaming women folk in and Kaikudi villages (Tamil Nadu). Provision for additional income
the society through capacity building exercise
Capacity building of the women in
the traditional activities, so as to earn
additional income.
Disseminate the traditional Development of institution like Ensured livelihood opportunities for
knowledge and art of the Gurukul platform to learners and gurus/teachers
village teachers as observed in Raghurajpur Instilled in the native population a
village (Orissa) pride for their traditional skills and
Gurkul Process
Disseminating knowledge among urge to preserve the same
visitors on the glory of the village Showcasing the skills abroad and
Revival of precious and traditional broadcasting it among the youths.
knowledge/ dance form/music
Equipping the natives through Number of capacity building Increased livelihood opportunities
skill building to provide program for local community for the local community
increased satisfaction to member Improved skill set of the local
tourists Providing a feeling of freedom, spirit community.
and flavour both for the domestic and People becoming more receptive
international tourists towards tourists
Capacity building for visitor More number of local youths opting Prolonging the stay of tourists
handling for courses/training of guides like in
Jageshwar village (Uttaranchal)
Host community getting trained on
different types of hospitality
management, cuisine preparation,
tourist handling etc leading to
sustenance.
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Homely and congenial Homely atmosphere and ethnic Increased livelihood opportunity for
environment for tourists to cuisine for the tourists at nominal the host family
enjoy the rural flavour rates as in Samod village (Rajasthan) Prolonged period of stay by
Tourists getting a chance to interact domestic and foreign tourists in the
Host families
much more with the local community villages.
Local resources and technology
getting optimally utilised leading to
sustenance
Active participation of rural Number of guide training sessions Increased motivation level of youths.
youth to work as guide have been organised Increased community participation.
Active Participation of the local Youth taking more ownership of the
Guide Training
community and youth as in Jyotisar project.
Village (Haryana). Elongation in the period of stay by
tourists in the village.
PUBLICITY AND AWARENESS

Increase in awareness on the Successful in increasing community Strengthening the process of
importance of the site participation and generating institutional building leading to
awareness among the tourists, sustenance
Seminars/Workshops
thereby facilitating institutional Increase in knowledge about the site
building process like Samod village
in Rajasthan.
Development of publicity Wider publicity of the site through Important features have been
Development of Publicity
material like Posters, post publicity material developed under highlighted about the site
Material like post cards,
cards the project as in Ballabhpur danga Wider coverage leading to increase
websites,
village of West Bengal in tourist inflow
TECHNICAL AND MARKETING SUPPORT TO ARTISANS
S-14

Mapping of artisans of the Documentation of the crafts, arts and Revival of the traditional arts.
village and their capability folk lore as in Karaikudi village of Providing livelihoods to the
Artisans Identification Tamil Nadu practitioners of the art through
Enhancing the level of motivation tourism.
among the artisans
Support the artisans with Need assessment of the community Resulted in formation of Federation
various marketing and in various aspects such as production, through institution building exercise
technical inputs marketing, improvement in the among the artisan community
Skill upgradation to meet the quality, changes in the design Activity based groups are in the
international market through various workshops. process of formation for
specifications Continuous skill building of the sustainability
Promotion of traditional artisan community in various aspects Effective skill building of the
products for marketing. Community mobilization through the artisans
Knowledge enhancement in promotion of activity based groups. Production of quality products in
Capacity Building back ward and forward Collaboration with different business line with the market need
linkages institutions for market tie-ups. Increase in product diversification
Practical sessions provided them with and adoption of modern technology
an opportunity to understand the
theory as well as assess themselves
Exposure visits to the locations to
draw parallels like the artisans of
Lachen village of Sikkim
S-15

Organizing workshops, fairs, Products are sold in the national and Sustainable Livelihood opportunities
exhibitions etc for equipping international markets and their through the strong community
them to meet the international livelihood activities have increased organization.
standards, through product Promotion of the traditional arts and Skillset of the craftsmen increased.
diversification and to meet crafts to the outer world like in Creation of more livelihood
Participation in both the needs and standards Pochampalli village of Andhra opportunities and income generation
Fairs/Exhibitions of local and international Pradesh. measures among the locals.
market Increasing the level of involvement
of the community.
Increase in the awareness of the
artisans about the worth of their
products.
S-16
CONSTRAINTS IN IMPLEMENTATION
During interaction with various stakeholders, it was found that there were project constraints during
the implementation of the rural tourism scheme. These include:
• The initial common understanding developed among all the stakeholders gets diluted with the
frequent transfer of focal personnel, like the District Collector (DC) /District Magistrate (DM).
• At the sites which did not have a software component (especially Non UNDP sites), there was a
lack of awareness among the people about the scheme.
• There has been no direct synergy between the hardware activities and the software activities
under Rural Tourism Scheme. In few of the sites, hardware activities have preceded the
software activities. Wherever there is a lack/ incompletion of software activities, the
community awareness, understanding, participation and ownership in the project is suboptimal.
• The community participation and ownership can be achieved only when the local governing
institutes like Gram Panchayat cooperate with the NGO. Unfortunately, in some cases due to
vested interests, there seems to be a lack of coordination between the gram panchayats and the
local NGOs.
• There are many stakeholders like the Rural Department, the Ministry of Environment,
Archaelogical Survey of India, PWD, Water Department etc in the implementation of the
scheme. Due to the involvement of different stakeholders in the scheme, sometimes, there is a
problem in creating or refurbishing the existing structures.
• The size and population of the village also needs to be taken into consideration before deciding
the duration of software activities. The formation of the community groups, product
development and marketing is expected to take longer time to reach a reasonable standard for
foreign and domestic tourism markets. The initial project time period of two years was too
short.
• The challenges in rural tourism have been compounded by institutional obstacles, i.e. the
administrative complexity. During the field visit, it was reported that in some cases the
software implementing partner cannot continue with their efforts, due to delay in the release of
the funds.
• At various locations the concept of integrated tourism products is still in the infancy stage.
• Another major constraint in the rural tourism scheme has been the lack of statistics about the
site. For instance, in many cases, the correct data of tourist inflow to a particular site was
impossible to obtain. No one had ever maintained such records.
• Rural Tourism scheme is constrained by strong competition from other nearby tourism
destinations and from other packages sold by tour operators.
• It has been reported that the interest of tourists looking for authentic rural experiences very
often conflict with the interest of locals looking for urban comfort.
S-17
RECOMMENDATIONS
development and policy-making in rural tourism. Following are few recommendations that can be
• The present system of selection of activities in the rural tourism sites is appropriate. However,
it can be underlined that more community based activities within the scope of project should be
identified by the NGOs. This would pave the way for sustenance in the long run as the
community would get more returns.
• A vital aspect for the success of rural tourism scheme is the selection of NGOs as
implementing partners. Thus, it is recommended that NGO’s having presence across the state,
relevant experience in project implementation and community mobilisation for atleast 5-10
years should only be selected.
• The present system of selection of software activities is appropriate. However, it is

recommended that Logframe with clearly defined Key Performance Indicators (KPI) should be
developed to monitor the progress of activities.
• Effective documentation of all the “Incredible India” sites is an imperative. Media persons and
Jornalists should be contacted and invited for the same. For instance in Pochampalli, it was
observed that journalists were invited by the Andhra Pradesh State Government to write about
the site.
• It is important that all the stake holders evolve a similar kind of understanding about the project
and understanding evolved is further retained among them. So there should be permanent
posting of key staffs till the project is completed.
• Further clear cut delegation of responsibility among the stakeholders to avoid any confusion
during implementation.
• The software activities should start 6-8 months before the hardware funds are released, so that
actual need is identified and fulfilled.
• A complaint redressal cell to facilitate the coordination between implementing partner (

PRI/State Government) and NGO should be set up and the DPIC meetings should be held more
frequently.
• A micro database capturing the updated tourism related information of the village, should be
maintained by the gram panchayat.
• The rural sites should be aggressively promoted via tour operators.
S-18
• More national level exposure trips should be organized to create awareness among the natives.
• Last but not the least, a special monitoring cell or steering committee to evaluate the rural
tourism scheme should be set up. This committee should work under strict deadlines and
periodically monitored by an external agency.
To conclude, rural tourism is not only the end, but the means to stimulate economic growth, to
increase the viability of underdeveloped location, and to improve the living standards of local
populations. Rural tourism scheme has been a valuable vehicle to bring the ultimate rural stakeholders
in touch with tourism sector to increase employment. In order to make the scheme more meaningful, it
is very important that the sustenance issues be discussed with the community before the start of the
project and also aggressive marketing of the destinations be taken up with the local and international
Tour Operators.
S-19
List of Contents Page
Summary S1- S19
Chapters
1 GENESIS AND BACKGROUND 1

1.1 Objective 1
1.2 Scope of Work 1
1.3 Approach & Methodology 2
1.3.1 Approach 2
1.3.2 Methodology 2
1.4 Sampling Framework 5
1.4.1 The Project and site selection 5
1.4.2 Selection of Projects 6
1.4.3 Selection of Projects 7
1.5 Study Limitations 9
2 ROLE OF KEY STAKEHOLDERS 10

2.1 Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India 10
2.2 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 10
2.3 State Tourism Department 10
2.4 Focal Point 11
2.5 Tour Operators 11
2.6 Non Government Organisation (NGO) 11
2.7 Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRI) Representative 11
2.8 Artisans 12
2.9 Tourist 12
2.10 Self Help Group (SHG) Members 12
2.11 Other Government Departments 12
3 PROJECT OBJECTIVES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND IMPACT 13

3.1 Selection of the Site for Rural Tourism Project 13
3.2 Mechanism Followed for Carrying Out Baseline Survey 18
3.3 Setting up of Tourism Infrastructure 19
3.3.1 Need Assessment for creation of Tourism Infrastructure 19
3.3.2 Creation of Tourism Infrastructure 25
3.3.3 Status of Tourism Infrastructure 32
i
3.3.4 Facilitation Centres 35

3.4 Procedure for Maintenance of Facilities 39
3.5 Capacity Building 42
3.5.1 Enhancing Local Community Awareness 42
3.5.2 Gender Sensitization 43
3.5.3 Gurkul Process 47
3.5.4 Capacity Building for Visitor Handling 48
3.6 Publicity and Awareness 57
3.6.1 Seminars/Workshops 57
3.6.2 Development of Publicity Material like Post Cards, Websites 57
3.7 Technical and Marketing Support to Artisans 61
3.7.1 Artisans Identification 62
3.7.2 Capacity Building 62
3.7.3 Participation in Fairs/Exhibitions 64
3.7.4 Participation in National and International Events 64
3.8 Consumer Satisfaction 69
3.8.1 Impact on Tourist Inflow 69
3.8.2 Perception, experience and expectation of tourists 71
3.9 Environment Care 74
3.9.1 Environmental Safeguards 74
3.10 Additional inputs 79
3.10.1 Employment generation and income generation 79
3.10.2 Direct Revenue Generated from the Project 81
3.10.3 Involvement of Travel Agents/ Tour Operators to Promote Rural Tourism
Destinations 82
3.10.4 Role of PRI members in rural tourism sites 83
3.10.5 Participation, Contribution and Monitoring by Villagers 84
3.10.6 Rural Tourism sites managed by NGOs and PRI Representative 88
3.10.7 Rural Tourism sites supported by UNDP and State Government 89
3.10.8 Role of Self Help Groups 89
3.10.9 Linkages with other Government departments 92
3.10.10 Comparative Assessment of sampled village and control villages 94
4 PROJECT CONSTRAINTS 96
4.1 Frequent Transfer of Personnel 96
4.2 Lack of Proper Understanding 96
4.3 Lack of Synergy between Hardware and the Software Activities 96
4.4 Lack of Coordination 97
4.5 Inter-Departmental Problems 97
4.6 Duration of Software Activities 97
4.7 Gap between the Expected and the Realised Profitability 97
4.8 Institutional Obstacles 98
ii
4.9 Lack of Concept of Integrated Tourism Products 98

4.10 Lack of Statistics 98
4.11 Strong Competition from Nearby Tourist Destinations 98
4.12 Interest of Locals 98
5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SUSTAINABILITY 99

5.1 Conclusions 99
5.2 Recommendations for Sustainability 101
5.2.1 Clear cut Delegation of Responsibility 101
5.2.2 Need Assessment for Hardware Infrastructure 101
5.2.3 Convergence between Implementing Agency and PRI Representatives 101
5.2.4 Frequency of District Project Implementation Committee’s (DPIC) Meetings
102
5.2.5 Exposure Trip 102
5.2.6 Management Information System 102
5.2.7 Marketing of Sites with the help of Tour Operators 102
5.2.8 Creation of Special Monitoring Cell 102
5.2.9 Aggressive Marketing 103
Tables
Table 1.1: State wise Rural Tourism Projects Completed/ about to be completed ................................. 6
Table 1.2: Geographical coverage of the Evaluation Study .................................................................... 7
Table 1.3: Project Completion State at Selected Sites............................................................................. 7
Table 1.4: Non UNDP and UNDP supported Sites ................................................................................. 7
Table 1.5: Number of Sampled Project Sites with Gurukul Concept...................................................... 7
Table 1.6: Projects Managed by PRI, NGO and State Government........................................................ 8
Table 1.7: List of 24 Projects Selected for Evaluation study .................................................................. 8
Table 3.1: Rationale for selection of Sites under Rural Tourism Scheme............................................. 13
Table 3.2: Participation of Implementing Agency (NGO/ PRI) in Hardware Selection ....................... 20
Table 3.3: Methodology adopted for Need Assessment for Tourism Infrastructure ............................. 20
Table 3.4: Present Status of Toilets ....................................................................................................... 26
Table 3.5: Present Status of Parking Space/ Shed ................................................................................. 27
Table 3.6: Present Status of Pathways................................................................................................... 27
Table 3.7: Present Status of Refurbishments of Monuments ................................................................ 28
Table 3.8: Present Status of Landscaping.............................................................................................. 29
Table 3.9: Present Status of Illumination .............................................................................................. 30
Table 3.10: Present Status of Signage ................................................................................................... 31
Table 3.11: Present Status of Tourist Accommodation ......................................................................... 32
Table 3.12: Present Status of Infrastructure Developed under Rural Tourism Scheme ........................ 32
Table 3.13: Present Status of Facilitation Centre .................................................................................. 37
Table 3.14: Status of Facilitation Centres at Sampled Site under Rural Tourism Scheme ................... 37
Table 3.15: System for Maintenance of Infrastructure at Sampled Site under Rural Tourism Scheme 40
Table 3.16: Status of Gender Sensitization at Sampled Site under Rural Tourism Scheme ................. 44
Table 3.17: Number of Host Families and its Estimated Earning ......................................................... 50
Table 3.18: Status of Host Families at Sampled Site under Rural Tourism Scheme ............................ 50
Table 3.19: Number of Guides at each of the Sampled Sites ................................................................ 53
iii
Table 3.20: Status of Guide Training at Sampled Sites under Rural Tourism Scheme......................... 54
Table 3.21: Assessment of Publicity & Training under Rural Tourism Scheme .................................. 59
Table 3.22: Status of Artisans at Sampled Site under Rural Tourism Scheme ..................................... 65
Table 3.23: Overall Satisfaction level of Tourist Visited Sampled Sites .............................................. 71
Table 3.24: Ranking of Facilities by Respondents ................................................................................ 72
Table 3.25: Tentative Number of Visitors at Sampled Sites ................................................................. 72
Table 3.26: Status of Environment Safeguard under Rural Tourism Scheme....................................... 76
Table 3.27: Various Avenues of Employment and Income Generation ................................................ 80
Table 3.28: Coordination Between Implementing Agency and PRI ..................................................... 83
Table 3.29: Local Community Participation at Sampled Site under Rural Tourism Scheme ............... 85
Table 3.30: Comparative Assessment of Sites Managed by Large and Small Scale NGOs ................. 88
Table 3.31: Profit Earned by the SHGs and Individual Artisans(Year 2005- 2006) ............................. 90
Table 3.32: Number of SHGs at Sampled Sites .................................................................................... 91
Table 3.33: Linkages with Government Department at Sampled Site under Rural Tourism Scheme .. 92
Table 3.34: Comparative Assessment of Sampled and Control Villages .............................................. 94
iv
LIST OF ANNEX
Annex 1 : Data Collection Tools

• State Tourism Department
• District Collector / District Magistrate
• Project Site Details
• Tour Operators
• Association/ Institution
• PRI Representative
• Tourists
• Government Departments (Rural/ Forest/Heritage/ Archaeological)
Annex 2 : Contact List
Annex 3 : List of Control Villages
Annex 4 : Fact sheets of the Sampled Sites
v
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
AP : Andhra Pradesh
APTDC : Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation
ASI : Archaeological Survey of India
BDO : Block Development Officer
CBO : Community Based Organisation
DC : District Collector
DM : District Magistrate
DPIC : District Project Implementation committee
DRDA : District Rural Development Authority
ETP : Endogenous Tourism Project
GP : Gram Panchayat
HQ : Head Quarters
KCBP : Kalinjam Community Banking Programme
KPI : Key Performance Indicators
NITHM : National Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
NGO : Non Governmental Organisation
NPD : National Project Director
PC : Partially Completed
PRA : Participatory Rural Appraisal
PRI : Panchayati Raj Institution
PWD : Public Works Department
QTS : Quick Tourist Survey
RES : Rural Engineering Services
SHGs : Self Help Groups
SRTRI : Sri Ramananda Teertha Rural Institute
SWM : Solid Waste Management
UNDP : United Nations Development Programme
UNESCO : United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UT : Union Territory
VDC : Village Development Committee
VLC : Village Level Committee
vi
1 GENESIS AND BACKGROUND
The development of a strong platform around the concept of rural tourism is useful for a country like
India where 74% of the population resides in 7 million villages. Rural tourism is one of the few
activities which can provide solution to problems like falling income levels and lesser job
opportunities. The potential of Rural Tourism has been harnessed as a strategy for rural development.
Besides, increasing level of awareness, growing interest in heritage and culture, improvement in
accessibility and environmental consciousness is enabled by rural tourism.
The X th Five year Plan has identified tourism as one of the major sources of generating sustainable
livelihoods and employment in India. Rural India has a rich tradition of art, craft and culture. Rural
Tourism is therefore, seen as a major avenue for this endeavour and the Government of India has given
priority to tourism in this plan as it has great potential, particularly in rural areas, to create jobs and to
ensure ‘sustainable livelihood.’. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has launched the
Scheme for Rural Tourism in this Xth Five year Plan period in order to promote village tourism as
primary tourism product to spread tourism and its socio- economic benefits in various geographical
regions all over India. Under this Scheme, substantial funds also have been given to State
Governments. The Rural Tourism project has also been taken up with United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) support under the Ministry’s Endogenous Tourism Project with the local
involvement of grass-root workers and village Panchayats.
MR Division, Ministry of Tourism, has entrusted Mott MacDonald (MM) to carry out the evaluation
of the Scheme of Rural Tourism.
1.1 Objective
The objective of the proposed study is to evaluate the Rural Tourism Scheme of Ministry of Tourism,
Government of India.
1.2 Scope of Work

of local population
1
1.3 Approach & Methodology
1.3.1 Approach
A participatory and collaborative approach has been undertaken based on the following:
• Team mobilization and use multi-disciplinary team of appropriate personnel with adequate
qualification and experience in relevant fields
• Understanding the project and the needs of the client thoroughly
• Developing an effective evaluation system and framework indicating the goal, purpose,
outcomes, activities, verifiable indicators, timeline etc., in consultation with the client and other
stakeholders
• Designing comprehensive data-collection instruments and analysis plan
• Conducting field surveys as per the evaluation system and framework, collect data and prepare
reports
• Establishing and maintaining a close contact with the client and other stakeholders during the
project period and taking their inputs and constant feedback in achieving the project objectives.
1.3.2 Methodology
The methodology involved the following steps
(i) Team Mobilization
A team of multi-disciplinary consultants having the relevant experience and expertise in the tourism
sector and evaluation of schemes/projects has been selected to undertake the study. The study
2
commenced with the mobilization of the project team each having pre-defined roles and
responsibilities. The Project Manager had a preliminary kick-off meeting with the key officials of
Ministry of Tourism with an objective to collect basic information about the scheme, details of
implementing agencies, project completion status etc
Based on the information received from Ministry of Tourism and further consultations with them, the
team finalized the list of rural tourism projects which were visited for primary research.
(ii) Understanding the project
Before developing the evaluation plan and undertaking the evaluation activities, our team assessed the
genesis of the scheme. A clear and comprehensive situation analysis was carried out, enabling the task
of identification of evaluation indicators easier. We interacted with the client and other agencies to
collect detailed information pertaining to the system, procedures and activities undertaken in the
scheme. The relevant secondary data / information which provide insight of the scheme were
collected. During secondary research, information was collected from sources like in-house database;
available published material and reports from the MR Division of Ministry of Tourism & other
Government departments/ agencies/associations; Internet search and documents related to scheme.
We interacted with the key people in the Ministry involved in the implementation of the scheme to
collect first hand information on the genesis, implementation and completion of the scheme.
(iii) Reconnaissance of Project Area
The project team visited Samode village in

Jaipur District with the objective to
understand the procedure followed for
selection of project, project implementation,
activities undertaken etc. The team
interacted with representatives of project
implementation agency and Gram
Panchayats (GP). This visit was useful in
identification of key stakeholders
responsible for implementation of the project
under the scheme and also to finalise the questionnaire that was developed to collect information for
this project.
(iv) Development of data collection formats
Before initiating the primary research, various quantitative and qualitative data collection formats (like
questionnaire/ interview guidelines/ checklists) were developed in due consultation with Ministry of
Tourism. The feedback received during reconnaissance survey was incorporated suitably in the
3
questionnaires and other data collection tools and submitted to the Ministry of Tourism. The designed
data collection tools focussed on following issues for the evaluation:
• Impact of Rural Tourism projects on the Tourist arrivals at the site
• Overall Employment generation and its benefits to the local communities
• Assessment of socio-economic benefits to the local communities
• Initiatives taken under the project for preservation and improvement of environment
• Evaluation of direct revenue generated from the projects
• Self-sustainability model followed by project implementation committee
• Understanding the system of maintenance of facilities for tourists
• Evaluating the publicity/ campaign launched by the agency implementing the project for
• Role played by Travel agents/ Tour operators to promote the project site
• Perception, experience and expectation of tourists about the facilities available
• Baseline survey of the site, local community.
• Enhancing local community awareness of the tourism process.
• Gender sensitization.
• Capacity building/design inputs related to art & craft skills, cultural & natural heritage.
• Inclusion of the Gurukul process.
• Capacity building for various aspects of visitor handling.
• Convergence with other yojanas/schemes in the site.
• Care for the Environment and access to cleaner technology with the usage of local material,
local skills and local traditional styles.
• Marketing convergence including the travel trade for domestic and international visitors.
The data collection tools are given as Annex 1
4
(v) Conducting Evaluation Survey
After the finalization of data collection tools, an evaluation of the projects covered under the rural
Tourism scheme was carried out. The progress and benefits from the scheme activities were assessed.
Since the scheme has started, it was difficult to collect the pre-scheme information. The data on the
perceived benefits envisaged from the scheme was collected from Ministry of Tourism. The study
team conducted evaluation to collect the information pertaining to each evaluation indicators.
At the selected project site, the study team interacted with village community members to understand
the impact of the scheme on employment generation and socio-economic benefits of the scheme.
Based on the primary field survey and interactions with the state government officials & other
important stakeholders, report has been prepared indicating how the scheme has affected/benefited
different groups, constraints faced by them and recommendations for continuation of the scheme. The
contact list is given as Annex 2
where the scheme has not been implemented. These control villages have been selected on the basis of
interaction with NGOs, PRI representatives and state tourism department. The list of control village is
given as Annex 3
(vi) Data analysis & report preparation
The data collected through the evaluation study has been compiled as the Evaluation Report. This draft
evaluation report is being submitted to the Ministry of Tourism for their comments. The report will be
finalized after incorporating the suggestions and recommendations of the client.
1.4 Sampling Framework
1.4.1 The Project and site selection
The objective of the rural tourism scheme is to promote village tourism as the primary tourism product
and to stretch tourism and its socio-economic benefits to rural and new geographic regions. The
shortlisting of the sites was initiated with State/UT Governments submitting proposal for promotion of
Rural tourism. After shortlisting of the proposals, the State/UT Governments were requested to draw
up a detailed action plan. This included creation or improvement of infrastructure at the selected site.
Further, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has committed funding support to the
Government of India (Ministry of Tourism) for the Endogenous Tourism initiative. The Government
of India- UNDP Country Programme (2003-2007) is based on the Xth Five Year Plan goals and on the
United Nations Development Assistance Framework priorities of strengthening decentralization and
promoting gender equality. The primary facilitation by the Endogenous Tourism Project is for
5
Capacity Building/Direct Training, thereby enabling low-income village communities create and
articulate their skills from within. The key stakeholders of the rural tourism scheme are UNDP,
Ministry of Tourism, State Tourism Department, Implementing Agencies (NGO/PRI) and the District
Collector/ District Magistrate ( Focal Point).
1.4.2 Selection of Projects
The selection of projects within the various states was based on interactions with the relevant officials
in the Ministry of Tourism. As per the information provided to the study team by Ministry of Tourism,
till date only 25 projects have been successfully completed or are in the verge of completion in the 16
states as detailed in Table 1.1. The remaining projects are either not completed or have been recently
sanctioned. Out of these 25 completed / partially completed projects, 24 projects were selected
randomly and visited by the study team as shown in Table 1.7.
Table 1.1: State wise Rural Tourism Projects Completed/ about to be completed
S. Selected
Projects Projects
No Projects-
States Completed about to be Total
Evaluation
till date Completed
study **
1. Andhra Pradesh 4 0 4 3
2. Chattisgarh 0 1 1 1
3. Gujarat 1 0 1 1
4. Haryana 0 1 1 1
5. Himachal Pradesh 0 2 2 2
6. Karnataka 2 1 3 3
7. Kerala 1 0 1 1
8. Madhya Pradesh 1 1 2 2
9. Maharashtra 1 0 1 1
10. Nagaland 1 0 1 1
11. Orissa 1 0 1 1
12. Rajasthan 1 0 1 1
13. Sikkim 1 0 1 1
14. Tamil Nadu 1 1 2 2
15. Uttaranchal 1 1 2 2
16. West Bengal 0 1 1 1
TOTAL 16 9 25 24
Source: Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
** In each project location, another village which has not been covered by the Rural Tourism
scheme was also covered
In order to assess the impact of the scheme on an all-India basis, we selected the projects spread across
the six regions in the country i.e. West, East, Central, South, North and North East. The geographical
representativeness of the selection of the projects for the study is given in Table 1.2.
6
Table 1.2: Geographical coverage of the Evaluation Study
S. No. Region States

1. North Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal
2. Central Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh
3. East Orissa and West Bengal
4. North East Nagaland and Sikkim
5. West Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Gujarat
6. South Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh
1.4.3 Selection of Projects
The following selection criteria have been used for shorlisting the projects for the study so as to have
the representativeness of the Scheme:
• Project supported by UNDP and Ministry of Tourism
• Projects where Gurukul System has been initiated
• Projects managed by Gram Panchayats and NGOs
Out of 24 sites selected for field visit, 15 project sites have been completed and work in 9 project sites
is in progress as given table below
Table 1.3: Project Completion State at Selected Sites
Completed Partially Completed

Number of selected projects
15 9
Out of 24 sites selected for field visit, 19 sites have been supported by UNDP and 5 sites have been
managed by state government department as given table below
Table 1.4: Non UNDP and UNDP supported Sites
Type UNDP Supported projects Non UNDP projects

Number of selected projects 19 5
Out of 24 sites selected for field visit, 4 project sites have been selected where Gurukul concept have
been introduced as given table below
Table 1.5: Number of Sampled Project Sites with Gurukul Concept
Type Projects with Gurukul concept Projects without Gurukul concept

Number of selected projects 4 20
Out of 24 sites selected for field visit, 3, 16 and 5 project sites have been managed by PRI, NGO and
state government respectively as given table below
7
Table 1.6: Projects Managed by PRI, NGO and State Government
Managed by Managed by state

Type Managed by NGO
PRI government
Number of selected projects 3 16 5
The list of 24 projects selected for the study is given in Table 1.7
Table 1.7: List of 24 Projects Selected for Evaluation study
Completed ( C )/ Project with

UNDP
State Name of the Project Partially Gurukul Managed by GPs
Project
Completed (PC) concept
Andhra Development of
1 Pradesh Pochampalli, Nalgonda C √ √
Distt.
Andhra Rural Tourism at
2 Pradesh Konaseema Village, C
East Godavari Distt.
Andhra Development of
3 Pradesh Puttaparthi, Ananthpur C
Distt.
Chattisgarh Rural Tourism at
4
Nagarnar, Distt. Bastar
PC √
Gujarat Rural Tourism at
5
Hodka, Distt. Kachchh
C √ √
Haryana Rural Tourism at
6 Jyotisar, Distt. PC √
Kurukshetra
Himachal Rural Tourism at
7
Pradesh Nagar, Distt. Kullu
PC √
Himachal Rural Tourism
8 Pradesh Pragpur, Distt. Kangra PC
Valley
Karnataka Development of Attiveri
Bird Sanctuary as a
9 PC
rural tourism project,
Distt. Uttar Kannada
Karnataka Rural Tourism at
10 Banavasi Distt., Uttar C √
Kannada
Karnataka Rural Tourism project
11 in Anegundi, Distt. C √
Koppal
Kerala Development of
Kumbalangi as Rural
12
Tourism Destination,
C √ √
Distt. Ernakulam
Madhya Rural tourism at
13
Pradesh Chaugan, Distt. Mandla
C √
Madhya Rural tourism project
14 Pradesh at Pranpur, Distt. PC √ √
Ashoknagar
Maharashtra Rural Tourism at
15 Sulibhanjan-Khultabad C √
Distt. Aurangabad
Nagaland Rural Tourism at
16 Mopunchupket, Distt. C
Mokokchung
Orissa Rural Tourism project
17 at Raghurajpur, Distt. C √ √
Puri
8
Completed ( C )/ Project with

UNDP
State Name of the Project Partially Gurukul Managed by GPs
Project
Completed (PC) concept
Rajasthan Rural tourism project
18 Samode Village, Distt. C √
Jaipur
Sikkim Development of village
19
Lachen in North Distt.
C √ √
Tamil Nadu Development of
Kazhugumalai Under
20
rural tourism, Distt.
PC √
Thoothukudi
Tamil Nadu Rural tourism at
21 Karaikudi, Chettinadu, C √
Distt. Sivaganga
Uttaranchal Rural tourism project
22 at Jageshwar, Distt. C √
Almora
Uttaranchal Development of Rural
23 Tourism at Village PC √ √
Mana, Distt. Chamoli
West Bengal Development of Rural
Tourism Centre at
24
Ballabhpur Danga,
PC √
Distt. Birbhum
The fact sheets of the sampled sites is given as Annex 4
1.5 Study Limitations
• The actual benefits of the scheme will only be visible after the successful completion of both
hardware and software components of the Scheme- the study team found that in most of the
cases, the schemes have not been totally completed
• The socio-economic benefits can be assessed only when rural tourism sites could have
completed one full tourist season could not be assessed. Most of the rural tourism sites have not
completed one full tourist season-
• Due to some unavoidable circumstances i.e curfew in Aurangabad in Maharashtra and

engagement of local communities in social functions in Uttaranchal, the visit to the two sites
was deferred by 7 days.
• Due to frequent change of staff at State, District and NGO level, there was lack of
understanding about the scheme and hence getting comprehensive information on the site was
difficult at some places.
9
2 ROLE OF KEY STAKEHOLDERS
This chapter discusses the key stakeholders involved in the rural tourism scheme, the activities carried
out by these agencies to fulfil the desired objectives and their implementation procedure. All the
stakeholders/ participating agencies were briefed by Ministry of Tourism officials about the scheme
objectives, activities and expected outcome during various interactions, meetings sessions.
2.1 Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India
The Ministry of Tourism is the national executing agency for the project and is responsible for its
overall management. This includes the achievement of planned results and the use of UNDP funds.
The Ministry of Tourism has designated the Joint Secretary (Tourism) as the National Project Director
(NPD) to coordinate project execution. Further, a Project Standing Committee headed by the NPD has
been further established to facilitate timely decisions on project management issues such as budget
structure, annual work plan, financial management, implementation issues, audit follow-up, evaluation
and research strategy. Besides, Secretary (Tourism), Government of India chairs the Project
Management Board with Joint Secretary (Tourism), Government of India heading the Project Standing
Committee. The role of the board is to provide oversight and cross-sectoral linkages at the senior
policy-making level. Work Plan creation and implementation at all sites has progressed through
detailed consultation with local community stakeholders, NGO/Implementing partners, Focal Points
(District Collectors, State Tourism Departments and the travel trade.
2.2 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
UNDP has committed funding support to the Ministry of Tourism (Government of India) for the
Endogenous Tourism initiative. Under the UNDP supported projects, a sum of Rs 20 Lakhs was given
to implementing agency for undertaking the software components like awareness building, capacity
building, training etc. The UNDP sponsored architects who have provided the much needed technical
support in designing Hardware components at many sites. There has been a continuous monitoring of
the software and hardware development by the UNDP team in the sites. The team of UNDP experts
have facilitated the scheme by actively participating in the DPIC meetings and by coordinating the
activities at the central, state and district level. Due to the timely support and intervention of the
UNDP, the programme has achieved much of its desired objectives.
2.3 State Tourism Department
The tourism departments of various states have played an important role in identification of rural
tourism sites in the state. In the initial phase of the project, the State Governments were asked to
furnish proposals for the promotion of Rural Tourism in the sites identified by them. During the
implementation stage, the state tourism departments played a vital role in developing the infrastructure
in many states. The state tourism department further keeps a track of the physical and financial details.
10
The quarterly reports and utilisation certificates are also send by the implementing partners
(NGO/PRI) to the state tourism department.
2.4 Focal Point
The focal point for the scheme is District Collector (DC)/ District Magistrate (DM) at the district. The
focal point is the nodal officer and responsible for facilitating the execution of the hardware and
software activities at the site. The focal point operates under the supervision of the National Project
Director and UNDP team members. The focal point has been responsible for preparation of Detail
Project Report, fund disbursement to the implementing agencies and Public Works Department or
agency responsible for hardware implementation. The focal point has the responsibility to supervise
and monitor the implementation of Hardware and Software activities by ensuring convergence of
schemes from various government departments.
2.5 Tour Operators
The role of the tour operators is primarily conducting the tour for the tourists. The area of operation
and range of services offered to the tourists vary from place to place. It was observed that in most of
the sites, the tour operators are private parties and does not have any direct linkages with the state
tourism department. In certain rural tourism sites like Konaseema (AP), Mokokchung (Nagaland), etc
the tour operators along with the state departments conduct packaged tours to these tourism sites.
2.6 Non Government Organisation (NGO)
The NGO or implementing agency is selected based on its history of working and experience in
tourism sector. District Collector along with other key officials does the selection of the implementing
agency for developing a particular village site. Mostly, the NGOs selected have a presence nation
wide, however there are some state level and district level NGOs too. The implementing agency
undertakes the capacity building exercises and other software goals in the site.
The Implementing Agency/ Partner along with the local community have been responsible for
implementation of the software elements of the rural tourism project as per the work plan sanctioned
by the Ministry of Tourism. The NGO has also played an important role in advising hardware
components. This would further ensure effective community participation and benefit in the sites
developed under the rural tourism scheme.
2.7 Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRI) Representative
Local administration, maintaining land records, planning, welfare, etc of the villages is the prime
responsibility of PRIs. Under the Rural tourism scheme, the members of the institution are supposed to
render help to the implementing partners at the grassroot level. The members of PRIs, being the
11
popular in the village have a better understanding of the local conditions. In places like
Kumlambhalangi (Kerala), Lachen(Sikkim) or Mana ( Uttaranchal), the PRI have been given a prime
responsibility of managing the rural tourism scheme. In other sites like Banavasi village (Karnataka)
and Ballavpurdanga (West Bengal), they have coordinated well with the NGOs.
2.8 Artisans
The prime motive of the rural tourism scheme is to enhance the capacity of local artisans. The
implementing agency has conducted different workshops, seminars to provide value addition to
existing artisan’s skills. For instance, the artisans of Raghurajpur Village (Orissa), Samode Village
(Rajasthan) etc have been provided extensive training by the implementing agency in developing their
skills. This has helped in exposing the arts and crafts of the village generating income to the artisans
and overall revival of the rich heritage of the village.
2.9 Tourist
Tourist is one of the key stakeholders under the rural tourism scheme. The flow of tourist to rural
destination depends upon the facilities provided during their stay in the village. The tourists, who wish
to visit the village site, require proper accommodation, sanitation, drinking water facility and medical
facilities. Besides, the tourists look for healthy and hygienic food in the village. Proper Knowledge
sharing about the historical importance of the visited village with the tourists can be done only by a
knowledgeable tour guide. There has been 8% to 10 % increase in the arrival of tourists to the village
sites after the launch of the rural tourism scheme.
2.10 Self Help Group (SHG) Members
The empowerment of women in the village is one of the key achievements of the rural tourism scheme
by forming Self Help Groups in the village. The local people of the village are members of the group.
These members actively participate in various seminars, workshops, training pertaining to enhance
their skills. They have been provided with marketing linkages by the implementing partners. Most of
the SHGs which were earlier defunct have grown in financial strength in the villages.
2.11 Other Government Departments
The prime focus of the rural tourism scheme is convergence of other governmental schemes/yojanas.
In most of the sites, a monitoring committee has been constituted which comprises of members from
various government departments at district level with an objective of holistic development of the sites.
The state government departments, which have contributed to the development in various sites are
Conservator of Forests, State Archaeological Department, District Rural Development Agency, State
Tourism Development Corporation, Public Works Department, State Electricity and Water
Department, State Agriculture Department etc
12
3 PROJECT OBJECTIVES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND IMPACT
3.1 Selection of the Site for Rural Tourism Project
The focus of Rural Tourism is to provide quality holiday experience to domestic and international
visitors to rural sites of India in which farmstays / rural site stays are provided with certain hosting
criteria.
A wide variety of tourism opportunities exist throughout rural India and is continuously growing as
increasing number of local entrepreneurs have been identifying new ways to market previously
untapped local resources and attractions, and bring tourists into their area. Rural tourism is well-suited
to small-scale rural enterprises. Many remote areas like Mokokchung (Nagaland), Lachen (Sikkim),
Konaseema (Andhra Pradesh), Kumbalanghi (Kerala) and Pranpur (Madhya Pradesh) are ideal
locations for nature-based activities like ecotourism activities and adventure sports such as fishing,
boating, river cruise experience etc.
It was found out that travellers interested in local culture and heritage of different places find an added
benefit in knowing the local history, or having the local touch of a small traditional bed and breakfast.
Further it was observed that Heritage sites of Karaikudi (Tamil Nadu), Hodka (Gujarat), Pragpur
(Himachal Pradesh) or Khultabad (Maharashtra) attract tourists because of their rich mansions and
architectural wonders in the form of temples and mosques. Again cultural and craft based tourism
draws people to sites like Pochampalli (Andhra Pradesh), Kazugumalai (Tamil Nadu) and Raghurajpur
(Orissa) which are famous for Pattachitra, Gotipua dance, painting on coconut shell, tikkat weaving
and architectural wonders.
Due to the uniqueness of the sites in terms of skills in handicraft, art & culture, heritage etc, they have
been included as sites under the rural tourism scheme by the Ministry of Tourism based on the
recommendations of the state Tourism Department or concerned district authority or implementing
agency.
The rationale for selection of the sites (wherein study was undertaken) under rural tourism scheme is
given in table below. As can be seen from the following table, all the sites have some traditional,
ancient or eco-tourism related aspects based on which these sites have been further promoted under the
Table 3.1: Rationale for selection of Sites under Rural Tourism Scheme
S. NO NAME OF THE RATIONALE FOR SELECTION OF SITE

PROJECT
1 Development of Pochampalli is famous for its Pochampalli Patola tie and die
Pochampalli, Nalgonda sarees known as Ikat sarees. It is also known for its rich
Distt., Andhra Pradesh devotional practices and there are six famous Hindu temples,
13

PROJECT
including Markandeya temple. Besides, the place has
prominence as it is the first village for the Bhoodan movement
initiated by Vinobha Bhabe. Pochampalli is located 46 kms
from the Hyderabad city (36 kms on national highway). Ramoji
Film city is another major place of attraction, located very near
the village. The village has a lake known as Peddacheruvu with
greenery all around. Besides, there are two other lakes and the
historical 101 Darwaja House. All these draw a lot of tourists
to this site
2 Rural Tourism at Konaseema village is spread over two districts-East Godavari
Konaseema Village, East and West Godavari. The downstream of Godavari river has
& West Godavari Distt. backwaters with lush green coconut grooves all over the
Andhra Pradesh village. The village is also famous for its countryside beauty
and river cruise. Konaseema Village is close to Vijaywada
District headquarter. It is 80 Kms from Rajahmundry and buses
ply between them. Vijaywada is one of the most fertile and
resourceful districts in Andhra Pradesh. Konaseema Village is
surrounded by rivers and exotic green spots, also has potential
as sports tourism destination. The delta region has several
Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage centers, beach and wilderness
tourist destinations.
3 Development of Puttaparthi village is located 400 kms from Hyderabad and 29
Puttaparthi, Ananthpur kms from Penukonda (Ananthpur District) in the southwestern
Distt., Andhra Pradesh part of Andhra Pradesh. The village is surrounded by arid and
rocky hills of the nearby bordering state of Karnataka. It is
famous for Prasanthi Nilayam, the ashram of Sai Baba, which
is being constructed by his disciples, which attracts large
number of devotees throughout the year. It was reported that
lakhs of domestic and international tourists visit Puttaparthi
every year. The place also showcases the rich cultural heritage
of Ananthpur and Rayalaseema districts. Puttaparthi is
accessible by road from Bangalore ( 5hr), Hyderabad ( 10 hr)
and Chennai ( 11 hr)
4 Rural Tourism at Nagarnar, Naganar Village is located 19 kms from Jagdalpur, the district
Distt. Bastar, Chattisgarh headquarter of Bastar district .It is situated on NH 43 towards
south east direction 20 km away from Jagdalpur. The place is
well connected to other major cities like Visakhapatnam by bus
and train. The place is surrounded bt beautiful caves of old
ages. This place is located at a distance of 40 km form
Nagarnar village on the banks of kholab/shabri river.The
excellent roads linking Bastar passes through verdant forest
land. The nearest airport is at Raipur in the north and
Vishakhapatnam in the east. The Nagarnar village is mainly
dominated by tribal families, who are the centre of attraction
for the tourists. The village houses a variety of artisans in large
numbers-potters, blacksmiths, weavers, bell-metal artisans,
bamboo artisans etc. The village is equally rich in its cultural
heritage and attracts lot of tourists. It has its typical dance
forms like Oriya naat, Ghiroliya, Bhatri naat, Saylori, Getichait
parab and Dhundka.
5 Rural Tourism at Hodka, Hodka Village is famous for traditional mud hut bhunga. It is
14

PROJECT
Distt. Kachchh, Gujarat also known for Ecotourism as it is a Bani region (grass land).It
is known for rich embroidery culture (Mutwa, Catob, Sebha-
kudi, Chopad etc) and leather craft. It is also known for
traditional folk music. The village is located at a distance of 65
Km from Bhuj and there is train upto Bhuj. The white run of
Kuttch is just 15 km away from the village, another tourist
attraction
6 Rural Tourism at Jyotisar, Jyotisar Village is famous for its ethnic craft bazaar and is also
Distt. Kurukshetra, famous for its rich wood carvings and pottery paintings. The
Haryana place is famous as the battle field of Mahabharata and has
ancient temples like Geeta Upadesh temple, Brahma Sarovar
etc.
7 Rural Tourism at Nagar, Nagar village is situated in the left bank of river Beas at an
Distt. Kullu, Himachal altitude of 1851 m above sea level and 28 km from Kullu town.
Pradesh The village is famous for ecotourism as the place has excellent
valley view and mountain safari. It is known for its rich art
gallery, old gol sarai, dari and galicha. The place has a
commanding location over the valley and the castles have a
spectacular view. The tourists enjoy the old architecture of
ancient temples like Krishna temple, Jagatipati temple, Gouri
Shankar temple and Narseeng temple, Tripura Sundari temple
etc located in the village.
8 Rural Tourism Pragpur, Pragpur Village is a famous heritage site and has historical
Distt. Kangra Valley, monuments. It is a land of traditional culture and handicrafts
Himachal Pradesh particularly shawl. The village is cuddled in the Kangra valley
in Himachal Pradesh. It is surrounded by the Dhauladhar range
at an elevation of 1800 feet above sea level. The area flaunts
the crystal clear waters of the river Beas-the mythological river
Vipasa. The village is primarily known for its rich heritage
having old traditions and buildings. The local residents are
passionate about the resplendent buildings of their ancestral
villages.
9 Development of Attiveri Attiveri village is surrounded by 23 islands and has 79 species
Bird Sanctuary as a rural of domestic birds and draws around 70 species of migratory
tourism project, Distt. Uttar birds in winter. After the construction of Attivery dam, the
Kannada, Karnataka birds started breeding on the haven of peripheral Jali trees. This
is an excellent site for bird-watching and sight seeing. It is a
paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers between
September and December.
10 Rural Tourism at Banavasi, Banavasi is popularly known as Kashmir of Karnataka. It is
Distt. Uttar Kannada, located 22 kms from Sirsi in Uttar Karnnada District .It is
Karnataka strategically located at a distance of 430 kms from Bangalore
and 125 km from Hubli. Also called the first capital of
Karnataka, it is a large village on the banks of river Varada
having historical significance. Banavasi has a history of more
than 1800 years. The main attraction of Banavasi is the temple
of Shri Madhukeshwara. Besides this, there are other famous
temples in this region. It is surrounded by a fort (1500 feet in
length and 1200 feet in breadth). The village is earmarked as a
hilly region in the agricultural division of Karnataka. Around
350 tourists visit the village every year.
15

PROJECT
11 Rural Tourism project in Anegundi Village is the cradle city of Hampi and lies in the
Anegundi, Distt. Koppal, core zone of the world Heritage Site of Hampi. It is famous for
Karnataka its prehistoric architecture, cave paintings, Vijayanagara
history etc. Besides, the natural beauty of the place is amazing
with scenic river, 200 types of birds and other wild life. The
place has great mythological importance as this place is
referred as Kishkinda, where Hanuman was born. Besides, this
place is also known for the Cave of Shabri, Pampa sarovara,
Durga Temple etc. Festivals like Budde Kallu Puja and the
Local Jatra Garuda Incarnation festival also attracts a huge
number of domestic tourists. Anegundi is accessible from
Hospet by train and from Gangawati by Bus
12 Rural Tourism at Kumbalanghi is a small beautiful village in Ernakulam District.
Kumbalangi, Distt. The prime occupation of the village is fishing, boat building,
Ernakulam, Kerala agriculture and carpentry. Kumbalanghi Village is known for
its traditional dance, ethnic food, traditional fishing methods
and organic food production. Besides it is an excellent place
for sunrise and sunset view. It draws a lot of tourists due to the
backwaters, Chinese fishing nets, beautiful islands, boating
experience etc. It is a perfect place for developing ecotourism.
13 Rural tourism at Chaugan, Chaugan Village is a tribal village and has a picturesque scenic
Distt. Mandla, Madhya beauty with the mountain ranges and perennial river passing
Pradesh through the village. The tribal sacred seat called Madhiyaji
attracts lot of people from various places. It represents
traditional knowledge and heritage. There are number of places
of worship within 20 Kms radius of Chougan and the place has
a rich forest belt with stretches of natural trekking and
adventure tourism. The Kanha national park is located 70 Kms
from the site. Tourists usually follow the route from Jabalpur to
Kanha. The village is surrounded by other villages which are
famous for ancient historical importance and its central
location. The Kala Pahar-Black Mountain formed in about 65
million years ago is also a picturesque seen on the way to
Chaugan area via Ramnagar.
14 Rural tourism project at Pranpur Village is situated in the lap of Chanderi. It provides
Pranpur, Distt. the tourists with every day life of weavers, potters, stone
Ashoknagar, Madhya carvers, metal casters and green vendors. It is also famous for
Pradesh Chanderi sarees and old monuments. Pranpur Village is from
those few villages of the world that have the mingling of an
enthusiastic art, flourished culture and true romance of life.
This is an ideal novel spot where foreign travelers could
experience a closer contact with the Indian ways of life.
15 Rural Tourism at Khultabad, located 24 kms from Aurangabad is 0.5 Km from
Sulibhanjan-Khultabad the famous caves of Ellora. Among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India,
Distt. Aurangabad, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga temple is situated 2 Kms from the
Maharashtra town. Other attractive spots include the garden of Mani
Begum, the tomb of Burhanudin, the Malik Umbars tomb, the
fort wall with eight gates, the Dargah of Zarzari Zarbaksh and
the Aurangzeb’s tomb.
Sulibhanjan was the ancient capital of the Rashtrakuta kings.
At present it is a famous pilgrimage center and the famous
16

PROJECT
yatra is held on the Dutajayanti day. Close to the site is the
beautiful lake called Pariyon Ka Talab which also attracts
tourists. The village has maintained its rural life and has
adopted all possible measures for environmental protection.
The countryside is green and panoramic; the location is
sparsely populated, away from urban development.
16 Rural Tourism at Mopungchuket is famous for rich culture and old traditional
Mopungchupket, Distt. stories. Mopungchuket is close to the Dist Headquarters of
Mokokchung, Nagaland Mokokchung. The village is famous for eco tourism due to the
presence of high mountains, rivers and natural beauty, which
attracts tourists. Tourists have easy access to Mopungchuket
Village through Kohima and Jorhat. Efforts have been made to
construct Morungs, carve the time pillar and to preserve some
artifacts in a village museum. Tourists visit this place to enjoy
traditional Ao village lifestyle.
17 Rural Tourism project at Raghurajpur Village is famous for rich craftsmanship which
Raghurajpur, Distt. Puri, includes world class Patta Paintings and Gotipua Dance.
Orissa Raghurajpur Village is close to Puri and Bhubaneshwar. The
Village has a strong community and has prominent world
class artisans. It is hometown of eminent Padamshree
personalities excelling in different fields of arts and crafts.
The village gave birth to late Padmabibhusan Guru Kelu
Charan Mohapatra, the doyer of Odissi Dance.
18 Rural tourism project Samode Village is famous for old monuments, forts and
Samode Village, Distt. bawadies. It is also famous for camel safari. The village is also
Jaipur, Rajasthan known for rich embroidery work, lac work, stone cutting work
etc. The village is 42 Kms from Jaipur. Samode Palace is a
major source of attraction, which was built 400 years ago and
is an unique blend of Rajput-Mughal architecture. One can
also see 250 year old Bawadies, ensuring the water supply to
the entire. It is the home to bangle & jewellery, stone & paper
craftsmen, carpet weavers, potters, metal workers and bed &
cushion cover makers.
19 Development of village Lachen is surrounded by snow capped spurs of Mount
Lachen in North Distt., Kanchenjunga and has beautiful landscape The place also has
Sikkim number of hot springs, ancient monuments and places of
archaeological interest. Lachen is a high altitude heritage
village. It is the gateway to the cold desert and attracts people
due to its big valley. This valley starts from “Denangya” near
Munshithang, 12 kms from Chungthng to the source of
beautiful river Teesta in Cholamu. The local dance festival
known as Gumpa Chaam is very famous among tourists.
Loosung and Loshar are the major local festivals. The Lichen
Monastery, which was built in 1806, is an ancient place of
worship. Snow Leopard, Wild Ass, Musk Deer, Himalayan
Black Bear and Shapi are some of the rare fauna of the region.
Lachen is connected to the state capital Gangtok (130 Km) and
Mangan ( 52 Km) by road. Taxis also ply between Siliguri and
Darjeeling, which are also very close
20 Development of Kazugumalai has cultural and archeological importance.
Kazugumalai Under rural Kazugumalai is located between Sankaran Koil and Koilpatti
17

PROJECT
tourism, Distt. near Tiirunelveli. Kazhugusalamoorthy (Lord Muruga) is
Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu enshrined as beautiful rock cut image in a cave. The
Monolithic rock temple locally known as Vettuvan temple is
called the South Indian Ellora and attracts a lot of visitors.
Besides, 8th century Jain rock carvings are very interesting
sight. The temple and the picturesque tank are located at the
foothills of the 300 feet high hillock. The temple dates back to
the 8th century of the early Pandya kings as testified by
inscriptions.
21 Rural tourism at Karaikudi, Karaikudi attracts a lot of tourists because of its warm climate,
Chettinadu, Distt. calm environment, sight seeing points like Architecture,
Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu Temples, Hand made tiles, Brass metal works, Village shandy
& Kandanki saree weaving, enchanting natural resources like
Vettankudi bird sanctuary, the view of Pillaiyarpatti Karpaga
Vinayagar Cave temple etc. The location provides details of
Hindu culture, Customs, Practices and Village life
22 Rural tourism project at Jageshwar is located 36 kms from district head quarter of
Jageshwar, Distt. Almora, Almora of Uttaranchal State and provides the picturesque view
Uttaranchal of Himalayas. Old temples and. traditional homes are the
attraction of this village. High mountains with dense Devdar
forest are seen in and around the village. 124 old temples are
situated in a single site. The peak tourist season is from March
to September and December to January.
23 Development of Rural Mana is a tribal village and borders Tibet. It is close to
Tourism at Village Mana, Badrinath attracting 5 lakh tourists every year. Mana has many
Distt. Chamoli, scenic spots. The region is famous for its rich flora and fauna,
Uttaranchal numerous herbs and other vegetation of high medicinal value.
The village is also known for Chipko movement.
24 Development of Rural Ballabhpur Danga is about 2 kms from Santiniketan and is
Tourism Centre at close to Ballavpur sanctuary. Ballabhpur Danga is
Ballabhpur Danga, Distt. picturesquely located in the laterite region wherein a canal
Birbhum, West Bengal runs. There are large water bodies attracting lot of migratory
birds. There is a rural market (HAAT) near the village. The
sanctuary with three vast lakes along the southern periphery of
the location offers a serene environment to the visitors. The
Sanctuary is maintained and well protected by the Forest
Department. The sanctuary has about 200 deers and thousands
of migratory birds. Nearly 3500 tourists visit Ballabhpur Danga
in normal days and 40000 tourists on festive days.
3.2 Mechanism Followed for Carrying Out Baseline Survey
At the start of the project, baseline survey was conducted at site by the implementing agencies or state
tourism departments to compile information about the site, status of rural people, socio-cultural issues
etc. To have overview about the site, secondary data was collected from Block Development Officer
(BDO), Balwadi teachers, Government Hospitals, Agricultural Departments, Taluk Offices, Electricity
Departments and other agencies at the block level. For further detailed information about the village,
the village profile was prepared in consultation with Gram Panchayat representatives to capture the
status of rural people, the socio-economic and developmental issues involved and so on.
18
During the course of the baseline study, the objectives were planned to map the current status of the
site, to identify and assess the community’s livelihood needs, to map potential capacities to be used
during the scheme, to brief the local population about the scheme, to ensure that the local population
become aware of the objectives as well as activities, to mobilise social groups in the village and to
arrive at common consensus on implementation mechanism of the scheme, to collect the qualitative
and quantitative data for the formulation of scheme and to evolve the view, opinion and perception of
the host community.
The implementing agencies were thoroughly briefed and trained to carry out baseline scientifically,
especially at the sites supported by UNDP. It has been reported that technical inputs given by UNDP
team has helped the implementing agencies in producing comprehensive baseline reports. The baseline
data has served as guiding tools for implementing agencies in mapping the existing resources in the
village and developing a software & hardware components of the scheme.
3.3 Setting up of Tourism Infrastructure
A well planned infrastructure or hardware component addressing the basic needs of the natives is a
must to promote rural tourism. Besides, it is also required for large number of tourists to feel at ease in
the rural atmosphere.
3.3.1 Need Assessment for creation of Tourism Infrastructure
Most of the sites chosen under rural tourism scheme lacked basic common facilities like Vishram
sthals, good connecting roads and pathways, illumination facilities and other basic utilities like toilets,
parking facilities and drinking water. Besides, there was a total absence of facilitation centres like
Gram Kala Kendras and craft museums to display the local art & craft forms and other elements which
display the village culture and heritage.
To develop a well planned infrastructure, the initial need assessment for tourism infrastructure was
evolved by conducting various workshops and deriving the role plan of the community, NGOs/PRIs
and the government. For example, in case of Mana (Uttaranchal), the tourism infrastructure plan at the
site was prepared in consultation with village pradhan, DM, other important district officials and Rural
Engineering Services (RES). Similarly in Jyotisar village, infrastructure like Ethnic craft bazaar and
Reception centre was constructed after detailed discussions and the DRDA drafted the master plan
along with the NGO.
The basic needs of the local population were identified and discussed in various planning workshops
or consultation meetings. The suggestion of village level intellectuals and other senior members of the
Panchayat were also taken. Along with this, basic findings derived from the PRA exercise were
incorporated and the initial plan for implementation was drawn. Based on these activities, people’s
needs were prioritized.
19
At few places like at Jageshwar (Uttaranchal),, it was reported that requirement of the hardware at the
site was assessed by the DC/DM in consultation with few influential persons. In case of Jageshwar
(Uttaranchal), the hardware amount was spent on refurbishment or renovation of Kumaon Mandal
Vikas Nigam’s Guest House at the site. Now with the transfer of DC/DM and intervention of NGO in
consultation with local community, the NGO has submitted request for hardware fund again.
Out of the 24 sampled site, in 19 sampled sites, implementing agencies (NGOs/ PRIs) have played a
crucial role in implementation of software component of the scheme. Out of 19 sampled sites, at 14
sites, the implementing agencies have played a role in selection of the hardware components too and in
remaining 5 sites, the role of the implementing partner was restricted to software activities alone as
given Table below
Table 3.2: Participation of Implementing Agency (NGO/ PRI) in Hardware Selection
PARTICIPATION OF IMPLEMENTING AGENCY IN NUMBER OF SITES

HARDWARE SELECTION
Participation of Implementing agency (NGO/ PRI) in
14
hardware selection
Non participation of Implementing agency (NGO/ PRI) in
5
hardware selection
The methodology adopted for need assessment of tourism infrastructure at sampled sites is given in
table below.
Table 3.3: Methodology adopted for Need Assessment for Tourism Infrastructure
NEED ASSESSMENT FOR TOURISM

S. NO NAME OF THE PROJECT
INFRASTRUCTURE
Development of Pochampalli, Based on the reality assessment, perspective plans for the
Nalgonda Distt., Andhra tourism project in the village was drawn which was
Pradesh divided into two parts viz weaving plan and tourism plan.
An internal workshop was conducted with the
1
stakeholders of the project in order to validate the finding
and plans. The need to develop hardware structures like
craft museum, amphitheatre, cafeteria, toilet block etc
was identified in the tourism plan
Rural Tourism at Konaseema Konaseema Village required Guest Rooms for tourists
Village, East Godavari Distt. stay during their visit to the exotic village. There was
Andhra Pradesh paucity of sufficient rooms in the village. The village also
required Cafeteria. Konaseema Village was planned as
2 sports tourism site by the APTDC which required house
boats for tourists. All these activities were well surveyed
by APTDC in discussion with villagers. As a result 3
houseboats have been introduced. Besides, the activity for
a resort and a cafeteria (which was also felt) is underway.
Development of Puttaparthi, The scope of tourism at Puttaparti is tremendous and a
3 Ananthpur Distt., Andhra need was felt to market Rayalaseema region as a whole
Pradesh through Puttaparty. The facilities were not sufficient to
20

INFRASTRUCTURE
make the requirements and a need was felt to create
decent restaurant and accommodation by APTDC. Hence,
it was decided by APTDC to build a resort for tourists’
facilitation. APTDC has plans to construct tourism
complex at Puttaparthi to showcase the rich art and
culture of Rayalseema region.
Rural Tourism at Nagarnar, The baseline study was conducted to map the current state
Distt. Bastar, Chattisgarh of activities –physical and human assets of Nagarnar
village. The villagers interacted with the NGO about the
basic needs of the village. During the meetings with the
community, the villagers, teachers and ward members
were invited to give suggestions on infrastructure
development in the project area. Besides key role of
communities, various agencies and sources of fundings
were discussed in the meetings. The need to construct a
4
hand pump platform in the village for excess water supply
in the village and a proper street drainage system was felt.
For the beautification of village, squares/construction of
small meeting places, construction of training cum
production centres for textiles/ Iron/ Pottery, Construction
of sale outlet with furniture and interior, tailoring unit for
girls with stitching machines was also felt. To Display
Information, a Mini Library in the village premises was
also proposed.
Rural Tourism at Hodka, Distt. It was assessed that there was no accommodation for the
Kachchh, Gujarat tourists available in the village. This was felt and
discussed by the NGO, Hodka Paryatan Committee and it
was decided that a resort be set up in the village. The
need for hygienic food for the tourists in the village
5
required a good cafeteria in the village resort. There was
no mode of entertainment in the village and hence it was
planned to construct a theatre stage so that the artisans
could perform on the stage and provide entertainment to
the tourists.
Rural Tourism at Jyotisar, The Ethnic Craft Bazaar has been constructed in Jyotisar
Distt. Kurukshetra, Haryana village as there was no proper selling place for artisan’s
products. A Reception Centre has been constructed in the
village to provide information in the village for the
visitors. The choupal required renovation as there was no
place to perform local dance for the entertainment of the
6 tourists. Need was also felt to improve the pathways and
drainage to the village for better connectivity of the roads.
The District Rural Development Authority designed the
master plan for all construction work and the NGO has
implemented it. There was a requirement of lights in the
village. Therefore eight solar lights have been installed in
the village for facilitating the tourists.
Rural Tourism at Nagar, Distt. Community toilets have been built to facilitate the tourist
Kullu, Himachal Pradesh as there were no toilets for the tourists in the village
7
resulting in poor sanitation. The development of temples
to attract the tourists was also felt. For disposal of
21

INFRASTRUCTURE
garbage, garbage drums were required. Solar lights for
lighting the village in the night were also required.
Rural Tourism Pragpur, Distt. In the Baseline survey that was conducted in Pragpur
Kangra Valley, Himachal village, the villagers were open to restoration of the age
Pradesh old structures and felt that their village be the tourist
destination with special emphasis on rural heritage
tourism. It was felt that old buildings required restoration
using the original techniques but with a contemporary
touch to attract tourists. All such issues were discussed
8
with the villagers before submitting master plan to the
civil department. A need for Reception Centre to facilitate
the tourists was also felt. The village was devoid of
proper electrification, hence the need for solar lights in
the village were identified. In order to provide the
landscaping, the need to develop herbal park and
restoration of water body at Garli was felt.
Development of Attiveri Bird Attiveri bird sanctuary is surrounded by twenty-three
Sanctuary as a rural tourism islands. However, there was no provision of guest house
project, Distt. Uttar Kannada, for stay and enjoy the beauty of nature. There was no
9 Karnataka proper cafeteria in the site. Thus it was observed that
there is requirement of a guest house for tourist comfort, a
restaurant for fooding, a toilet for public usage and a spot
for bird’s view. The roads required restoration.
Rural Tourism at Banavasi A Quick Tourist Survey(QTS) of all tourists for a month
Distt., Uttar Kannada, and a proper situation analysis was carried out for a year.
Karnataka The results of QTS was used as a tool for development of
hard and soft component. It was found that the approach
roads to Banavasi were in bad condition and travelers
found it difficult to reach there. The important sculptures
in the temples were getting destroyed and tourists were
10 not able to appreciate the beauty of the sculptures.
Lodging facility was not available for the tourists in the
village. Banasavi did not have proper public toilets and
bathing facility. Lack of infrastructure hindered flow of
tourists to a certain extent. The need to develop shopping
complex, information center, solar lighting, children’s
park, drinking water facility, dust bins, tourism complex
and sign boards was also felt during the PRA exercise.
Rural Tourism project in There was no hotel facility for tourists in the village. This
Anegundi, Distt. Koppal, was discussed by the NGO along with the executive body
Karnataka of the organization. There was no platform like craft
centre in the village to display the handicrafts of the
artisans .This created the need to construct a craft centre
in the village. Besides there was no information centre for
11 the tourists in the village. Thus the need was felt by the
NGO to built a tourist information centre, to improve the
four main streets, to provide proper illumination, to
practice proper waste disposal method in the village. The
concept of stay in the homes of the villagers was also
planned. Plans were also made to market the site and
proposal to put up signages was given.
22

INFRASTRUCTURE
Development of Kumbalangi as It was observed that there was no means of entertainment
Rural Tourism Destination, for the tourists in the village. The PRI observed the need
Distt. Ernakulam, Kerala to have boating facilities and planned to ply boat jetties
on the river. As the road condition in the village was
12
poor, the need was felt by the PRI to construct thirteen
walk ways in the village. Besides it was felt that the
entrance of Kumbalanghi Village be beautified to attract
tourists.
Rural tourism at Chaugan, It was observed by the villagers that there was a scarcity
Distt. Mandla, Madhya of water in the village. So it was decided that the water
Pradesh harvesting structure be constructed in the village. The
NGO has discussed this issue with the Irrigation
Department and planned to build it. There was no bus
shed for convenience of the visitors in the village,
necessitating the need to build the same. The roads
13 leading to the village were in poor condition, causing
discomfort to tourists. This was observed by the PRI and
NGO in the village. The master plan was prepared by the
DRDA after discussion with the PRI and NGO to
construct roads in the village. There was no provision for
collecting garbage in the village which ultimately led to
extreme pollution, necessitating the installation of
garbage dustbins in the village.
Rural tourism project at There was no proper connectivity of link roads to the
Pranpur, Distt. Ashoknagar, main roads in the village. This urgency was observed by
Madhya Pradesh implementing agency BIRD and PRI of the village. Thus
the internal roads connecting to the village site has been
14 built. The existing baolies in the village were in poor
condition. It was decided to renovate the baolies in the
village, as this was one of the main sources of
contamination of water. This issue was discussed with the
PRI, DRDA and NGO of the village.
Rural Tourism at Sulibhanjan- During the Participatory rural approach done by
Khultabad Distt. Aurangabad, GOMUKH, the locals were invited to give their
Maharashtra suggestions for infrastructure development in the area.
Their suggestions, as also those of various agencies
15
involved were discussed in the course of several meetings
at Khultabad. For instance, there was a need for
developing the toilets; construction of interpretation
centre etc. These have been completed.
Rural Tourism at There was no proper infrastructure built for tourist
Mopunchupket, Distt. facilitation. This need was studied by the state tourism
Mokokchung, Nagaland department of Nagaland. .This issue was then discussed
with the village level community. The need was felt for
16
developing a rest house, cafeteria and some water sports
in the village. The proposal was sent to the state tourism
department for preparing the draft plan for executing the
infrastructure at the site.
Rural Tourism project at Raghurajpur Village is a place of traditional craft work
17 Raghurajpur, Distt. Puri, and there is a requirement of craft centre, facilitation
Orissa centre, amphi theatre for performance. This need was felt
23

INFRASTRUCTURE
during the PRA exercise. Raghurajpur Village needed a
guest house for accommodation. It also required a
cafeteria for fooding, signage and better connectivity to
city roads. All these things felt and discussed by the PRI
and the State Tourism Department.
Rural tourism project Samode The road leading to Samod Palace from Chamugate is in
Village, Distt. Jaipur, poor condition, requiring renovation. The requirement of
Rajasthan sewage treatment in the village was also identified. There
were no public toilets in the village, necessitating
18 construction of the same in the village. The renovation of
Bawadi is required for solving the water crisis in the
village. The old monuments need to be refurbished in
order to attract the tourists. These needs were felt during
the PRA.
Development of village Lachen Need assessment for tourism infrastructure was done in
in North Distt., Sikkim Lachen along with complete participation of the
community. During the baseline survey, the
infrastructural bottlenecks were identified, so that the full
potential of the place could be harnessed. The roads were
one such issue. During the monsoon time, which is the
19
tourist season, the road connectivity usually gets
disrupted. The internal roads are also in bad shape and
snow fall creates problems. The drainage system also
needs major overhaul. The urgent need for illumination
and telecommunication was also identified to give the
village more accessibility.
Development of Kazhugumalai UNDP sponsored architect Mr. Benny inspected the site
Under rural tourism, Distt. and the proposal for construction of Kala Kendra cum
20 Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu guest house was made. Need assessment for infrastructure
was made during the PRA exercise being conducted in
the site.
Rural tourism at Karaikudi, The need assessment of tourism infrastructure in
Chettinadu, Distt. Sivaganga, Karaikudi was identified by the NGO DHAN Foundation
Tamil Nadu along with the villagers. The roads were in very poor
shape in the village and during the tourist inflow, there
21
was lot of congestion in the village. As a result, 10 streets
of Chettinad have been improved by layering Bituminous
tar over the streets. A parking space has also been
constructed.
Rural tourism project at The baseline survey was carried out in and around
Jageshwar, Distt. Almora, Jageshwar village. Phulai, Jageshwar and seven other
Uttaranchal adjoining villages were taken under consideration.
Primary and secondary survey was carried out and data
were collected. The government officials like statistical
officers, Vikas khand, and tourists department were
22
consulted during the survey. There was involvement of
local representative of Jageshwar village. It was felt that
road needs to be constructed from Jageshwar to the
nearby villages. There was requirement for proper public
toilets, park, permanent onfoot road and availability of
water for local people of the village. There was need for
24

INFRASTRUCTURE
providing better travel facilities to the tourists.
Development of Rural Tourism The baseline survey was carried out in the Mana village
at Village Mana, Distt. through PRA and resource mapping. There were thirty
Chamoli, Uttaranchal young boys and girls of the village who had actively
participated in the survey. Besides there was involvement
of village panchayat, various governmental and non
governmental organizations in conducting the survey. It
23
was observed that there was need for development of
toilets, upgradation of old buildings and monuments in
the village. It was felt that there was need for constructing
tourist reception centre and handicraft sales centre in the
village. There was requirement of proper signage to
properly guide the tourists in the village.
Development of Rural Tourism The baseline survey showed the requirement of a
Centre at Ballabhpur Danga, restaurant with kitchen, rest shed, facilities for fishing
Distt. Birbhum, West Bengal activities, platform, cottages for staying/accommodation,
retail outlet with public booths, gate office, a stage or
amphitheatre, land development for floriculture etc,
Plantation and landscaping, morum for roadways,
developing weekly markets (haat) cum artists shed.
24
Besides the need was felt to improve the water system
and power supply system in the village. Thus the
approach is to project the village as a destination for
piscculture and angling, row boating for tourists and
develop poultry, floriculture, herb, garden, vegetable
garden for tourists and restaurant and promote the rich
cultural heritage of the village.
3.3.2 Creation of Tourism Infrastructure
The creation of common facilities has been given importance in the rural tourism scheme as it provides
the local people a quality life and also helps in providing the satisfaction to the tourists.
Creation of facilities like toilets, parking space, drinking water, café, vishram sthals, improvement of
pathways, refurbishing of monuments and landscaping have improved the surroundings of the villages.
With creation of common facilities, the environment in the rural tourism sites has become clean &
beautiful and has increased the satisfaction level among the local population
The development and improvement of infrastructure has benefited the village communities in
projecting a good image of the rural areas and also enhancing the chances of providing the good
infrastructure support to the tourists. Tourism is leading to better infrastructure and public amenities in
rural villages and is benefiting the local residents.
25
(i) Creation of Common Utilities
The creation of common utilities like toilets, parking sheds, drinking water facilities are necessary for
improving the hygienic conditions in the villages as well as targeting the fundamental requirements of
the local population.
• Toilets: The toilet blocks have been constructed by using indigenous materials and methods.
The architectural designs have been such that they have blended with the surrounding
landscape as was observed at Raghurajpur (Orissa), Lachen (Sikkim), Sulibhanjan-Khultabad
(Maharashtra) etc . The separate toilet facilities for men and women have been created
strategically in places where there are either maximum congregation of tourists or in places it
could be used by maximum number of villagers. The toilets are also fitted with septic tanks and
soak pits of adequate capacity. The maintenance of the toilets has been taken care by the village
panchayats at the site. In Kazugumalai village (Tamil Nadu), the pay and use toilet block has
been created costing Rs 2.5 Lakhs. It was reported during the field survey that these toilet
blocks are used optimally by the visitors and natives. It is important to mention that in the
control villages, due to lack of toilet facilities, visiting tourists and local communities face
problem. Out of 24 sites it was observed by MMI that in 10 sites construction of toilets has
been completed. In 5 sites, the construction of toilets is underway and rest 9 sites, the work is
not under the scheme as shown in Table below
Table 3.4: Present Status of Toilets
NOT PART OF
ACTIVITY COMPLETED IN PROGRESS
SCHEME
Status of Toilets 10 5 9
• Parking Space: In few sites like Karaikudi (Tamil Nadu), parking space has been created by
using local labour and resources, which has helped the visitors. The parking space is cement
concrete structure facilitating a dust free environment as it was observed at Karaikudi (Tamil
Nadu). Here, provision of parking facilities for 2 wheelers and 4 wheelers have been created
alongwith four rooms costing Rs 4.10 Lakhs. Likewise in Chougan village (Madhya Pradesh),
a bus waiting shed has been created. Prior to the creation of this facility, there was no space for
vehicle parking and there used to be unnecessary congestion during peak tourist time. The
creation of the parking space also avoids the vehicular pollution in the villages. The
maintenance of the parking space has been entrusted to the village panchayats to keep it in
proper condition. In control villages, due to lack of proper parking space, vehicles are parked
haphazardly leading to congestion on the roads. Out of 24 sampled sites, it was observed by
MMI team that at 5 sites, the construction of parking sheds has been completed. In 2 sites, the
construction of parking sheds is underway and in rest of the sites, it was not the part of
hardware component of the scheme as shown in Table below
26
Table 3.5: Present Status of Parking Space/ Shed
NOT PART OF
SCHEME
Status of Parking
5 2 17
Space/ Shed
(ii) Improvement of Pathways
The pathways have helped people to travel to various places of interest in the village. Sometimes, the
main roads adjacent to the villages are in good condition, but the internal roads are mostly neglected.
So the pathways have been developed for the benefit of the villagers and the tourists. Earlier the roads
used to be muddy and especially during the rainy season, commuting from one place to another in the
village was a problem.
ROADS IN KAZHUGUMALAI- A CASE
During monsoon, the unpaved roads in most villages STUDY
In Kazhugumalai Panchayat, there are four
used to be slushy and unusable for visitors. However,
main roads in the village ,viz,. Kovilpatti to
in few places like Samode (Rajasthan), Kaghugumalai, Kayathar to Kazhugumalai,
Kumbhalanghi (Kerala), Lachen (Sikkim), Sivakasi to Kazhugumalai and Sankaran koil to
Kazhugumalai. Out of this, only Kovilpatti to
Sulibhanjan-Khultabad (Maharashtra), the pathways Kaghugumalai road was in good condition and
have been improved connectivity between various others were not. In few cases, even two
wheelers cannot reach the village since roads
wards which have ultimately resulted in convenience
are highly undulated. The mud roads have been
for everyone and desired upliftment as regard to the degraded over time due to rains. During
natural beauty. In few places, there has been emergency or any health disorders people faced
severe problems to move in the village. In some
blacktopping of the main connecting roads of the locations though there were tar road or mud
villages. For internal roads, in Lachen (Sikkim), for roads, it was not sufficient. Hence, the
instance, stone lying on the road has been done by development of roads in Kazhugumalai was
critical, which has been developed costing Rs
employing local labour and local resources to develop 3.03 Lakhs under the Rural Tourism Scheme.
flat stone footpath approach to every heritage house. This improvement in infrastructure has
immensely benefited the local community and
The state Public Work Department (PWD) engineers tourists visiting the village.
or local engineering department have provided the
technical inputs in consultation with UNDP team. Further it was reported that after witnessing the
impact of pathways development, local Panchayat and district administration have started taking
initiatives in developing other pathways in the village. In few of the control villages, the internal
connecting roads are in poor conditions leading to problems to the tourists visiting these locations. Out
of 24 sites selected, it was observed by MMI team that at 6 sites, the improvement of pathways has
been completed. In 7 sites, the improvement of pathways is underway and in rest of the sites, it was
not the part of hardware component of the scheme as shown in Table below
Table 3.6: Present Status of Pathways
NOT PART OF
SCHEME
Status of Pathways 6 7 11
27
(iii) Refurbishment of Monuments
Before the initiation of the rural tourism programme, the old monuments were in poor shape and
required repair & maintenance. They gave a bad taste to the tourists and the precious paintings and
carvings were getting distorted. Under the rural tourism scheme, the Archaeological Survey of India
(ASI) has taken up the refurbishment of the old monuments, thereby restoring the old heritage sites of
the villages, this was observed in Jageshwar (Uttaranchal). The ASI has initiated the activity of
renovation and refurbishment of Jageshwar Temple and has developed the boundary wall of the
temple. ASI has nominated Jageshwar Temple as heritage site to UNESCO. The involvement of ASI
shows equal participation and the urge in restoring the historical heritage of the site. In Banavasi
(Karnataka), the Inspector’s bunglow was in poor condition due to lack of maintenance, this has been
taken up by the ASI to convert it into an Archeological Museum.
Likewise in Nagar (Himachal Pradesh), the maintenance of the old Nagar Mandir and castle has been
taken up by the Archaeological Survey of India. The restoration of old chhataries (umbrella) has been
taken up by the ASI in Samod (Rajasthan) on a 33:66 basis (33% to be contributed by the private
trust). Maintaining the structural stability of the monuments and preventing further damage has been
the prime objective of the restoration work. In control villages, the ASI is supporting the activity of
refurbishment of the monuments.
Out of 24 sites selected, it was observed by MMI team that in 8 sites, the refurbishment of monuments.
is underway and in rest of the sites, it was not the part of hardware component of the scheme as shown
in Table below
Table 3.7: Present Status of Refurbishments of Monuments
NOT PART OF
SCHEME
Status of
Refurbishments of 8 16
Monuments
(iv) Improvement of the Surroundings of the village – Landscaping etc
The village surroundings have been considerably improved with the creation of beautiful parks,
fencing and entry gates. Wherever a new construction has been done or an old construction been
repaired, it has been in harmony with the spirit of the local architecture of the village.
28
• Entry Gate: Repair of the traditional gates and adjoining walls have been carried out
sensitively using traditional techniques and materials. The aim of this restoration is not to make
it look new, but rather to arrest and in cases where structural stability is in question, to reverse
the damaging effects of time, weather and decay. However, the aged characters of the gates
have not been compromised in LANDSCAPING AT CHOUGAN VILLAGE IN

many cases as it was observed. For MADHYA PRADESH- A CASE STUDY
In Chougan village in Madhya Pradesh, a stop dam and a
instance, the beautification of the Chougan anicut has been constructed with the help of
gate at Chomu Mahal in Samode Hardware funds sanctioned under the scheme. Both these
works are fully completed and has served the purpose of
(Rajasthan) has been fully landscaping and beautification of the surroundings of the
completed with a sum of Rs 2.5 village. A well planned and hydraulically designed Stop
Lakhs by PWD. In Annegundi dam has been constructed in the village and has been
carried out by the technical inputs provided by the Water
village of Karnataka, the northern Resource Department and employment of direct local
gate entry to the village has been labour. This is a permanent water retaining structure and
provides a systematic water body for the daily use to the
repainted and restored to its residents and safe drinking water for the animals. This
original appearance. The area has adds to the beauty of the village. Similarly the anicut
been cleaned up with the assistance constructed on a local naala at about 35 Km away from
Mandla, has improved the ground water conditions and
of workers from state ASI improved the irrigation facilities. A weir has been built
department. Sculpture ruins which across the Nalla and it now holds appreciable quantity of
water. Earlier the Nalla used to get dry in the months of
were strewn around the village was
Feb/ March, but post construction of this well planned
collected and used to adorn the barrier, the water will last upto month of May/ June. It
village entrance gate. can irrigate upto 150 acres of land and hence serves the
water scarce area. This has not only served the demand of
the locals but added to the beauty of the village.
• Landscaping: It was observed that the beautification of the entry point of the villages, with a
touch of village ambience, has been done in project sites like Lachen (Sikkim). Landscaping of
the garden, plantation of shady trees, providing stone benches for people etc has been done in
Annegundi (Karnataka) to increase the level of satisfaction among the visitors. In Pragpur
village (Himachal Pradesh), herbal park has been built and the plantation is underway. Out of
24 sites selected, it was observed by MMI team that at 9 sites, the landscaping work is
completed. In 7 sites, the landscaping work is underway and in rest of the sites, it was not the
part of hardware component of the scheme as shown in Table below
Table 3.8: Present Status of Landscaping
NOT PART OF
SCHEME
Status of
- 8 16
Landscaping
It is pertinent to mention that UNDP team has provided good support in designing and developing
architectural framework of the tourism infrastructure at its sites through its empanelled architects.
29
(v) Illumination in the Village
The villages are now accessible even during the evenings, as a number of light posts have been erected
at strategic locations in Lachen (Sikkim) and
ILLUMINATION IN NAGAR VILLAGE IN
Annegundi (Karnataka). Wherever, there has been HIMACHAL PRADESH
the problem of electricity, innovative measures like There was no street light facility in the Nagar and
this restricted the movement of visitors and locals
solar light facilities have been created as was in the night. Due to this, 8 Solar Light posts have
observed in Banavasi (Karnataka) where solar been installed costing of Rs 2 Lakhs. The lights
are placed at various strategic locations in the
lights have been installed in front of temple, Police
village. Besides, training by HIMRUJA
Station, Ratheebeedi curving and Dasankoppa (department of Non-conventional energy
Road starting point. In Karaikudi Village (Tamil Sources) for maintenance and upkeep of the solar
light equipments and batteries have been given to
Nadu), 9 solar lights have been erected. In Jyotisar the locals. This has considerably solved the
(Haryana), 8 solar lights have been erected. In problem of illumination in the village
places like Lachen (Sikkim), the state power
division has provided the technical inputs and local people were employed for erection of the facilities.
This has solved the problem of the villagers while travelling during night and has added to the
beautification of the villages. Out of 24 sites selected, it was observed by MMI team that at 12 sites,
illumination in the village is completed. In 3 sites, illumination in the village is underway and in rest of
the sites, it was not the part of hardware component of the scheme as shown in Table below
Table 3.9: Present Status of Illumination
NOT PART OF
SCHEME
Status of Illumination 12 3 9
(vi) Signage
Earlier, there was lack of proper direction boards/ information boards in the rural sites. In some places
the existing signage developed by state tourism department was in poor condition. It was reported that
often tourists would drive past the points of interest since they were not marked at all. With
government intervention, various signage have been created in various places in the villages. Prior to
the erection of these signage, the tourists were facing a lot of problems while commuting or gaining
knowledge of the historic importance of the places. Boards conveying information and direction have
increased the accessibility of the sites. Different types of signboards have been created such as:
• Location map showing all points of historical/natural/cultural/ religious and heritage value
• Signposts indicating direction of the sites at the turnoff from the main road
• Information Boards at each tourist spots
For example, Signages were observed in sites like Sulibhanjan-Khultabad (Aurangabad, Maharastra).
With the help of INTACH, an NGO, 3 signages have been erected at various places of interest.
Similarly signages have been erected in Annegundi (Karnataka). An inscription providing information
30
on Annegundi history and its presence in Indian mythology has been erected in the village center in
front of Gagan Mahal , a 16th century structure. Signages have also been installed at the entrance of
Talwarghatta and indicating the location of the facilities available. While interacting with tourists and
tour guides, it was reported that signages have helped in projecting the site and providing correct
information about the site to the tourists. In control villages, either signage are totally missing or
inadequate thereby tourists face problems in locating important destinations in the village. Out of 24
sites selected, it was observed by MMI team that in 6 sites, signages are completed. In 8 sites, signages
are underway and in rest of the sites, it was not the part of hardware component of the scheme as
shown in Table below
Table 3.10: Present Status of Signage
NOT PART OF
SCHEME
Status of Signage 12 3 9
(vii) Tourist Accommodation
One of the primary reasons for tourists not

preferring to stay in the villages was lack of HOUSEBOAT CRUISES AT KONASEEMA VILLAGE
IN ANDHRA PRADESH- A CASE STUDY
proper accommodation facilities or Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation has made
accommodation facilities with rural touch. the backwater cruise in Konaseema more memorable with its
Houseboat cruises. Three house ( in total there are 5 ) boats
This issue has been addressed aptly under
plying between Dindi and Sevakodulanka, have been built
this scheme. The guesthouses (managed by with the Hardware fund given under the rural tourism
local people) have been built in traditional scheme. Each house boat is equipped with two double
bedrooms and attached baths. There is a sit out cum dinning
houses and in the rural setting as was area on the deck. On board, to attend to the comforts, there
observed at Hodka village (Gujarat). A are trained attendants. The cruiser sets sail at 10 AM and
resort comprising of three luxury bhungas takes tourists along the winding tributaries of Godavari,
Vynateyam and Vasistha. Food is served (breakfast and
and eight tents has been completed and Lunch, veg) on the boat and dinner ( non veg) at an island in
functional. The Hodka Paryatan Committee typical rustic style. The menu is a compilation of the best of
ethnic cuisine- fresh veg and spicy non veg food which brings
has formed a group to monitor the the true taste of Andhra Pradesh. The boat drops the tourists
maintenance of the tourism infrastructure at at Sivakodilanka for the night. The packaged tour costs Rs
the project site. An accommodation block 2500 per couple per day with extra Rs 300 for an additional
person. Children below 5 years are not charged for the stay
with 2 rooms and toilet at Raghurajpur and tour.
(Orissa) has been constructed for the
tourists In Mokpunchunpket (Nagaland), 3 rest houses have been built (interior work yet to be
completed). For maintenance of the infrastructure in these sites, the villagers are being involved.
Training for house keeping and services has also been given to the host population. Likewise, a guest
house and a toilet block has been constructed in the integrated tourism complex at Pochampally
(Andhra Pradesh). The tourists now feel themselves as a part of the family while enjoying superior
facilities like good toilet, clean drinking water, bathrooms etc.
31
Out of 24 sites selected, it was observed by MMI team that at 7 sites, construction of tourist
accommodation is completed. In 8 sites, construction of tourist accommodation is underway and in
rest of the sites, it was not the part of hardware component of the scheme as shown in Table below
Table 3.11: Present Status of Tourist Accommodation
NOT PART OF
SCHEME
Status of Tourist
7 8 9
Accommodation
3.3.3 Status of Tourism Infrastructure
The present status of infrastructure developed at sampled sites under the Rural Tourism scheme is
given in table below.
Table 3.12: Present Status of Infrastructure Developed under Rural Tourism Scheme
S. NO NAME OF THE PROJECT PRESENT STATUS OF INFRASTRUCTURE

Development of Pochampalli, Most of the civil construction of structures like crafts
Nalgonda Distt., Andhra museum, amphitheatre, cafeteria, toilet block etc are
Pradesh complete with only some interiors left. In the Museum
1 block, only flooring & painting is left. The
Amphitheatre is complete with some portion of
plastering left. Besides, the Guest house, Cafeteria,
Toilet Block, Compound wall have also been completed.
Rural Tourism at Konaseema Konaseema Village has three house-boats plying
Village, East Godavari Distt. between Dindi and Sevakodulanka. The river cruises
Andhra Pradesh are basically leisure cruises with soft activity included
like angling in the river Godavari, cruising at low speeds
and enjoying the village ambience of local agricultural
and fisherman communities. The boats are designed to
carry tourists for night halt and sight seeing. The
Construction of Coconut Country Resorts at Dindi spot
is still under progress. It houses guest rooms, restaurant
cum bar, conference room, reception centre. The house-
2
boats are equipped with two double bedrooms with
attached baths and a sit-out cum dining area on the deck.
There are attendants to attend to the comforts of the
tourists on the deck. The Cruiser sets sail at 10 AM
takes tourists along the winding tributaries of Godavari-
Vynateyam and Vasishta. Food is served -breakfast and
lunch (veg) on the boat and dinner (nonveg) on an island
in typical rustic style. The boat drops anchor at
Sivakodilanka for the night .The complete to and fro
journey of the house boat costs Rs 5000.
Development of Puttaparthi, A resort has been constructed for the tourists .It consists
Ananthpur Distt., Andhra of a AC and non AC dining hall, kitchen, shop for
3
Pradesh handicraft items, six AC rooms, six non AC rooms, an
office cum information centre, a meditation hall and
32

another information centre at Puttaparthi bus stand. The
entire infrastructure has beeen completed. The
landscaping of the garden is under way.
Rural Tourism at Nagarnar, It was observed that the State Tourism Department of
Distt. Bastar, Chattisgarh Chattisgarh had started constructing infrastructure at a
site around 10 kms from the earlier proposed site in the
village. The PRI of the village as well the NGO didn’t
support the activity as they wanted to build it in the
village. Besides the PRI of the village was not involved
4
in the project. The PRI of the village as well the NGO
complained against the MD of Chattisgarh Tourism
Board to the Ministry of Tourism , Government Of
India. Thus, the construction had to be stopped and a
fresh master plan has been drafted for constructing it in
the village site.
Rural Tourism at Hodka, Distt. The resort which consists of three luxury bhungas and
Kachchh, Gujarat eight tents has been completed and is functional .The
5
Restaurant as well as theatre stage have been completed
.
Rural Tourism at Jyotisar, Distt. The Ethnic Craft Bazaar is partially completed and work
Kurukshetra, Haryana is under progress. The construction of reception centre,
6 renovation of choupals and improvement of pathways is
under progress. The village site has been provided with
8 solar lights which have been successfully installed.
Rural Tourism at Nagar, Distt. The construction of Community toilet is under progress.
Kullu, Himachal Pradesh No work has been done on drainage system. The
7 refurbishment of temples is also under progress. The
solar lights have installed in the village and 100% work
has been completed.
Rural Tourism Pragpur, Distt. It was observed by the study team that landscaping at
Kangra Valley, Himachal Garhi is still under progress. Herbal Park has been
8 Pradesh developed but plantation has not been completed.
Compound wall along with park is being partially
developed , work is still underway..
Development of Attiveri Bird The work has been partially completed by Karnataka
Sanctuary as a rural tourism Tourism Department. The 1.5 km road connectivity
project, Distt. Uttar Kannada, from Sirs Highway to Attiveri Village has been
Karnataka constructed by Karnataka Rural Development
Department in 2004. The storm water drainage is under
9 construction. The refurbishment of MI building to
convert into dormitory, construction of modern
information centre with illuminated photographs,
description of birds and their habits etc is under
progress. The construction of cafeteria, toilet complex is
also in progress.
Rural Tourism at Banavasi The construction of tourism complex, toilet & bathroom,
Distt., Uttar Kannada, information centre, handicraft sales centre is partially
Karnataka completed while the solar light system is more or less
10 complete. Besides the work is in progress for the
construction of drinking water supply, children’s park,
installation of dust bins and name-plates of roads and
buildings. This work has commenced from January,
33

2006.
Rural Tourism project in The restaurant has been constructed; Solar Lights have
Anegundi, Distt. Koppal, been clamped at different junctions of the village.
Karnataka Beautification of four streets as well as village centre
and sculpture garden has been undertaken by the trust.
11
Riverside Landscaping, construction of Craft shop,
Information Center 1 & 2, Signages, Tourist
Accommodation, Eco Transportation, and waste
management has been taken up.
Development of Kumbalangi as Two Boat Jetties have been constructed to facilitate the
Rural Tourism Destination, shortest linkage to the nearby towns. Thirteen walk ways
12 Distt. Ernakulam, Kerala have been constructed with stone slabs to facilitate the
villagers and tourists. The beautification of
Kumbalanghi Village Entrance has been done.
Rural tourism at Chaugan, Distt. Two water harvesting structures have been 100 %
Mandla, Madhya Pradesh completed. Besides a bus waiting shed and four garbage
drums have been completed. A 2 km road has been 50 %
13
completed. It was observed that road from Chougan to
Kala pahar has been constructed for easy accessibility of
the tourists.
Rural tourism project at Pranpur, The Resort in the site is under construction. Two school
Distt. Ashoknagar, Madhya rooms have been fully completed. The garbage drums
14
Pradesh have been set up. Renovation of baolies as well as
construction of internal roads has been fully completed.
Rural Tourism at Sulibhanjan- Construction of toilets for tourists at Sulibhanjan has
Khultabad Distt. Aurangabad, been completed. An interpretation centre has been
Maharashtra established at Sulibhanjan. The Black topping of the
approach road from Kot gate to Bani Begum Baug and
construction of the approach road from the NH to Bani
15
Begum Baug has been completed. 3 signages have been
put up by INTACH.The other activities like desiltation
of tanks in the Cascade Lake system, cleaning and
repairing of drains and bylanes at Sulibhanjan is
partially completed.
Rural Tourism at Three Rest Houses have been almost completed. The
Mopunchupket, Distt. restaurant has been completed, landscaping yet to be
Mokokchung, Nagaland done. Tourist spots include open stage theatre, few old
16 statues and a pond. Few boats ply in the pond for tourist
entertainment. A long drum has been constructed for
tourist attraction. It was observed that almost all
activities are in the final stages of completion.
Rural Tourism project at The construction of tourism infrastructure has been done
Raghurajpur, Distt. Puri, Orissa by INTACH, the implementing agency. It has
constructed accommodation block (2 rooms).It has
constructed craft centre, amphitheatre, street furniture .It
has constructed grama kutira, interpretation centre for
17
the artisans. It has developed a pond at the site. It has
constructed a cafeteria for food to the tourists. It has
planned and designed signages, entrance gateway for
guiding the tourists. Besides it has developed and
designed other contingencies.
18 Rural tourism project Samode The identification of the park has been done. The
34

Village, Distt. Jaipur, Rajasthanconstruction of roads has stopped due to the problems
between the PRI and NGO-JKMS. The proposal phase
for public toilets, old monuments, and renovation of
bawadi has been completed. The beautification of gate at
Chomu, Jaipur and Mahal has been fully completed.
Development of village Lachen The construction of flat stone footpath within the village
in North Distt., Sikkim has been completed and is functional. The work on
erection of light posts is also complete. A toilet near the
19 Dzumsa complex has been erected .The giant prayer
wheel and development of the surrounding area of the
wheel is almost complete with hardly 20% work left. No
work has been done on the erection of signages.
Development of Kazhugumalai The creation of Kazhugumalai park at Ambal Oorani
Under rural tourism, Distt. parking shed has been completed. The arboriculture of
Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu Kazhugumalai village by planting by avenue trees is
complete. The improvement of roads and village
20 illumination is also complete. The construction of
60,000 liter over head tank and pay and use toilet is
complete. Besides, construction of guest room and
refurbishment of monument steps with handrails from
Ambal Oorani to Vettuvan temple is underway.
Rural tourism at Karaikudi, Providing blacktop surface of 10 Streets of Chettinad of
Chettinadu, Distt. Sivaganga, total length 6.02 m is complete. Parking facility for two
21 Tamil Nadu wheelers and cars and construction of 4 rooms is
complete. Erection of 11 signages and 9 Solar lights is
also complete.
Rural tourism project at The renovation and extension of Kumaon Mandal Vikas
22 Jageshwar, Distt. Almora, Nigam guest-house has been completed under this
Uttaranchal scheme
Development of Rural Tourism The proposal for creation of physical infrastructure in
23 at Village Mana, Distt. Chamoli, the village is being submitted to the Ministry of Tourism
Uttaranchal for their approval
Development of Rural Tourism The first stage of work for constructing the tourism
Centre at Ballabhpur Danga, infrastructure has begun. The Land Development,
Distt. Birbhum, West Bengal Boundary wall /Fencing work is in progress. The
24 construction of restaurant is under progress. Besides
work on supplying water, electricity to the village site is
still under progress. The construction of the weekly
market cum artisans shed is also under construction.
3.3.4 Facilitation Centres
Most of the rural sites were till recently unknown in the tourism circuit. Awareness about these sites
among the domestic and international tourists can only increase the inflow of visitors. To meet the
aforesaid purpose, facilitation centres is one of the most important component of the scheme. The
interpretation centres, serves as an introduction to tourists of the site and its various attraction viz.
people, history, culture, flora and fauna. The tourist information centres, also provides a platform
through which visitors can know about the location and details about the tour operators. Besides, the
community owned Gram Kala Kendras serve the purpose of showcasing the rich and varied art, craft
35
and folk forms of the region. The craft museums also serve in developing the nascent tourism product
by displaying a wealth of information about the rare artefacts, thereby enriching the tourist knowledge.
(i) Gram Kala Kendras
Gram Kala Kendras are proposed to be used as common platform for craftsmen and it is to be used for
showcasing the arts and crafts, history, culture, nature and heritage of rural India. It is also to be used
as a tourism interpretation centre, providing the details and attractions of the rural tourism site to the
visitors. For instance in Raghurajpur (Orissa), a
Grama Kutira interpretation centre with 2 rooms
for the artisans has been constructed. It has an
exhibition space where it is proposed that the
history of Raghurajpur, history of the traditional
arts, ritual and religious contexts, process and
techniques, making of natural colors, pioneering
artists like Late Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra
(Master- Odissi Dance) & Late Guru Jagannath
Mahapatra (Master- Pattachitra Paintings),
Gotipua Dance Tradition, Festivals and social
life would be showcased.
In the future, this type of community owned Gram Kala Kendras will act as an arena for selling the
artisans products with higher profit margin and without the intervention of any middleman. Moreover,
emphasis has been laid on group business as can be seen in Kazhumalai and Karikudi (Tamil Nadu),
which has ultimately benefited many artisans. In control villages, due to absence of Kala Kendre,
generally artisans sell their
products in local haats or CRAFT/ WEAVER MUSEUM IN POCHAMPALLI VILLAGE OF
through middleman in nearby ANDHRA PRADESH- A CASE STUDY
A building to house the exhibition on traditional weaving has been
towns. constructed in Pochampally village of Nalgona district. The main purpose of
creating the museum is not only to exhibit the weaving, but to focus on the
life of the weaver, the weaving techniques and also on the textile pattern
In most of the places, the Gram made at this weaver’s village. There is a central hall which displays the
making of dyes, dyeing of the yarn, looms demonstrating the weaving
Kala Kendra are in the process process. The idea is to showcase to the tourists, the process, source of
of development, hence benefits material, history of Andhra handlooms etc. The structure has been completed
and is being maintained by state tourism department of Andhra Pradesh. It
of these Kala Kendras can be will soon become operational and discussions are going on for handing the
assessed after successful maintenance to the local gram panchayat
completion. These Gram Kala

Kendras will act as a permanent institution for the benefit of the artisans to be maintained by the
artisans or the community. The MM study team was told during the survey that the Gram Kala
Kendras in Banavasi Village (Karnataka) would also act as a centre for the need assessment of the
people, so that the quality, design of the products would be modified.
36
(ii) Craft Museums
A craft museum serves to showcase the traditional materials created especially for the tourism
development. These facilities are well maintained
by the local population enabling ownership at work
place. Many of the treasures used by the people
have been lost over the period of time and the
remaining could be seen in these museums or
centres as it was observed at Raghurajpur (Orissa).
The craft museums serve the purpose of displaying

the rare art, craft and artefacts of the region. The
visitors obtain a wealth of information about all these products thereby enriching their knowledge
about the site.
Out of 24 sites selected, it was observed by MMI team that at 5 sites, construction of facilitation
centers is completed. In 12 sites, construction of facilitation center is underway and in rest of the sites,
it was not the part of hardware component of the scheme as shown in Table below
Table 3.13: Present Status of Facilitation Centre
NOT PART OF
SCHEME
Status of Facilitation
5 12 7
Centre
The present status of facilitation centre at sampled sites under rural tourism scheme is given in table
below.
Table 3.14: Status of Facilitation Centres at Sampled Site under Rural Tourism Scheme
S. NO NAME OF THE PROJECT STATUS OF FACILITATION CENTRE

Development of Pochampalli, The amphitheatre has been completed in the Pochampalli
Nalgonda Distt., Andhra village with some work of postering left. The craft
1
Pradesh museum is also completed with only flooring and
painting left. The civil construction is over.
Rural Tourism at Konaseema There is no facilitation center in the Konaseemsa Village.
Village, East Godavari Distt. The tourists willing to visit the village get in touch with
Andhra Pradesh the private tour operators. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism
2
Development Corporation has its own facilitation centre
at Hyderabad, Vijayawada and other major cities of
Andhra Pradesh.
Development of Puttaparthi, One office cum information centre has been constructed
3 Ananthpur Distt., Andhra in the village to facilitate the tourists.
Pradesh
Rural Tourism at Nagarnar, No facilitation centre has been constructed in the village.
4 Distt. Bastar, Chattisgarh It was reported that there is a facilitation centre at
37

Jagdalpur which is 16 km from Nagarnar Village.. The
tourists usually collect relevant information from this
place. They prefer to stay at Jagdalpur which has
luxurious hotels and well connected by roads and rail.
Rural Tourism at Hodka, Distt. The facilitation centre in the Hodka village resort is
Kachchh, Gujarat completed. It was observed that the tents and huts are
5
being used for displaying the crafts and a stage is being
used for dance performance
Rural Tourism at Jyotisar, The reception centre in the Jyotisar village is yet to be
6 Distt. Kurukshetra, Haryana established and work is underway. Talks are underway to
hand it over to the Hodka Gram Panchayat.
Rural Tourism at Nagar, Distt. There is no facilitation centre in Nagar village.
7
Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Rural Tourism Pragpur, Distt. The facilitation centre in Pragpur Village is completed.
8 Kangra Valley, Himachal
Pradesh
Development of Attiveri Bird No facilitation Centre is available in this village site.
Sanctuary as a rural tourism
9
project, Distt. Uttar Kannada,
Karnataka
Rural Tourism at Banavasi The composite tourism complex is partially completed.
10 Distt., Uttar Kannada, Approximately 22% of the work has been done.
Karnataka
Rural Tourism project in An information centre along with internet café is being
Anegundi, Distt. Koppal, set up to connect visitors to outer world. There is a crafts
11
Karnataka shop constructed and maintained by the Trust where they
showcase the handicrafts of the artisans.
Development of Kumbalangi as At present, there is no facilitation centre in the village site
12 Rural Tourism Destination, but the PRI has proposed to set up a Kala Gramam at the
Distt. Ernakulam, Kerala site.
Rural tourism at Chaugan, The Facilitation Centre is yet to be established. There is
Distt. Mandla, Madhya information centre at Mandla and Jabalpur..There are
Pradesh places like MP Tourism Department, Jabalpur Tourism
13
Department(120 km form Chaugan Village), local hotels
at Mandla(25 km form Chaugan Village),Railway Station
at Jabalpur etc.
Rural tourism project at The Facilitation Centre is yet to be established The
Pranpur, Distt. Ashoknagar, tourists obtain all relevant information about rural
14 Madhya Pradesh tourism site from the information centre at Jhansi.The
distance between Jhansi and Pranpur Village is
approximately 100 km by road.
Rural Tourism at Sulibhanjan- The construction of an interpretation centre at
15 Khultabad Distt. Aurangabad, Sulibhanjan by the PWD is under construction
Maharashtra
Rural Tourism at There is a State Museum which stores all old statues;
Mopunchupket, Distt. handicrafts which represent the rich Naga culture.
Mokokchung, Nagaland Tourists collect all information from the tour operators
16 located at Mokokchung, Kohima and other major cities of
the North East. They could find information centre at
Dimapur airport, Railway Station and Hotels at Kohima,
Dimapur etc.
17 Rural Tourism project at The Facilitation Centre has been constructed and
38

Raghurajpur, Distt.
Puri, currently under operation at Raghurajpur Village. There
Orissa is a reception centre in the village site which maintains a
record of the tourists.
Rural tourism project Samode Facilitation Centre has been proposed in the village. Till
18 Village, Distt. Jaipur, date they have not identified any location for the same.
Rajasthan
Development of village Lachen There is no facilitation centre created under the scheme in
19 in North Distt., Sikkim Lachen. A tourism information centre exists in Lachen,
run by the state Tourism Department.
Development of Kazhugumalai No facilitation centre has been constructed
20 Under rural tourism, Distt.
Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu
Rural tourism at Karaikudi, Facilitation centre is under construction
21 Chettinadu, Distt. Sivaganga,
Tamil Nadu
Rural tourism project at No facilitation Centre is available in the village site
22 Jageshwar, Distt. Almora,
Uttaranchal
Development of Rural Tourism No facilitation Centre is available in the village site
23 at Village Mana, Distt.
Chamoli, Uttaranchal
Development of Rural Tourism The retail outlet is being designed and planned for
Centre at Ballabhpur Danga, displaying the handicrafts of the village to the tourists.
Distt. Birbhum, West Bengal The work of the retail outlet is under progress. Besides
the construction of the amphitheatre in the village is
under progress. This would facilitate the villagers to
24
showcase their traditional and folk dance to the tourists.
There has been encouragement from the organization to
showcase the tribal culture, arts and crafts ,history and
culture, preservation of nature and heritage of Adivasis,
especially that of the Santhals .
3.4 Procedure for Maintenance of Facilities
The maintenance of the facilities created under the scheme is very vital so as to have long term
sustainability of the scheme. In absence of proper maintenance, the utilities and civil structures created
would either be destroyed due to sheer negligence or would not be able to draw the desired number of
tourists (where the hardware structure is in place). In most of the sites under rural tourism scheme, it
was assessed that the structures like Kala Kendras, craft museums, toilets, parking space, rest rooms
etc are maintained by the villagers under the direct supervision of the panchayat/ committee in rural
tourism scheme. This also serves an important objective of increasing the accountability of the locals.
For facilities maintenance, it has been proposed in many places (or already in place in many sites like
Lachen in Sikkim) that local youth and women would either working as sweepers, guards, cleaners,
facilitators etc. Thus, this ensures the maintenance of the structures and also provides gainful
employment to the people resulting in self sustainability. The tourists can now avail essential public
utilities like toilets, parking facilities, restrooms etc during their stay in the village.
39
This feeling of ownership of the facilities through the mechanism adopted for its maintenance by local
community members is the first step towards sustainability of the infrastructure created. It is pertinent
to note that created infrastructure would be integral part of the village. Therefore it is essential that
village level communities should take an active role in maintenance of created infrastructure.
The system for maintenance of infrastructure at sampled sites under rural tourism scheme is given in
table below.
Table 3.15: System for Maintenance of Infrastructure at Sampled Site under Rural
Tourism Scheme
SYSTEM FOR MAINTENANCE OF

INFRASTRUCTURE
Development of Pochampalli, The whole facility is created and maintained by Andhra
Nalgonda Distt., Andhra Pradesh Tourism. Though, the civil construction has been
1 Pradesh completed, it is not yet operational as some minor interior
works are left. It is yet to be handed over to the local
village panchayat
Rural Tourism at Konaseema The civil structure in Konaseema Village is maintained
2 Village, East Godavari Distt. and managed by Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development
Andhra Pradesh Corporation (APTDC).
Development of Puttaparthi, APTDC is maintaining the project site.
3 Ananthpur Distt., Andhra
Pradesh
Rural Tourism at Nagarnar, Not applicable, as work is yet to be completed. It has been
Distt. Bastar, Chattisgarh proposed that the State Tourism Department would
4 construct the tourist infrastructure and the PRI of the
village would look after the maintenance of the tourists
infrastructure.
Rural Tourism at Hodka, Distt. Hodka Paryatan Committee has formed a group which
Kachchh, Gujarat monitors the maintenance activities of the infrastructure at
5 the project site. The group has been trained in hospitality
management. Day to day work is done by the staff of
Hodka village committee
Rural Tourism at Jyotisar, PRI, Jyotisar looks after the maintenance of the site
6 Distt. Kurukshetra, Haryana infrastructure. There has been intervention of PRI in every
hardware structure being built.
Rural Tourism at Nagar, Distt. Nagar Village Committee has been formed to look after
7
Kullu, Himachal Pradesh the maintenance of the site and infrastructure.
Rural Tourism Pragpur, Distt. Pragpur Heritage Committee which consists of PRI/VLC
8 Kangra Valley, Himachal does the maintenance of the complete tourism
Pradesh infrastructure.
Development of Attiveri Bird Ranibennur Forest Division looks after the maintenance of
Sanctuary as a rural tourism the project.
9
Karnataka
Rural Tourism at Banavasi The local village committee and the gram panchayat is
10 Distt., Uttar Kannada, maintaining the structures created in the village
Karnataka
11 Rural Tourism project in The Kiskinda Trust has been maintaining the
40
SYSTEM FOR MAINTENANCE OF

INFRASTRUCTURE
Anegundi, Distt. Koppal, infrastructure at the site. However the trust is planning to
Karnataka handover to the local community.
Development of Kumbalangi PRI is maintaining the infrastructure at the site.
12 as Rural Tourism Destination,
Distt. Ernakulam, Kerala
Rural tourism at Chaugan, PRI, NGO and Irrigation Department are responsible for
13 Distt. Mandla, Madhya maintenance of infrastructure. NGO has involved two
Pradesh members from the village to look after the maintenance.
Rural tourism project at The Village Level Committee is responsible for
Pranpur, Distt. Ashoknagar, maintenance of the site. Besides all types of local activity
14
Madhya Pradesh as well as tourism development are also managed by
Village Level Committee.
Rural Tourism at Sulibhanjan- The Local gram panchayat is responsible for the
15 Khultabad Distt. Aurangabad, maintenance of the created facilities.
Maharashtra
Rural Tourism at The Village Level Council looks after the maintenance
Mopunchupket, Distt. and management of the tourism infrastructure. The State
16
Mokokchung, Nagaland Tourism Department monitors the entire activity of
tourism infrastructure through the village level council.
Rural Tourism project at INTACH as an implementing agency has formed a group
Raghurajpur, Distt. Puri, of villagers for maintenance of infrastructure at the site.
17
Orissa The villagers are involved in cleaning the rooms and
maintenance of the works
Rural tourism project Samode DRDA, PRI are solely responsible for maintenance of the
18 Village, Distt. Jaipur, tourism infrastructure.
Rajasthan
Development of village Lachen The construction and also the maintenance of the toilets,
in North Distt., Sikkim roads etc created are done by the local governing body of
Lachen valley. The system is called Dzumsa system and is
very powerful in the village, the head known as Pipon. In
19
fact nothing can be done in the village without his
permission. This system of self governance ensures
participation of each family in the village and is a unique
system in the country.
Development of Kazhugumalai Maintained by the local gram panchayat and village
20 Under rural tourism, Distt. committee.
Rural tourism at Karaikudi, Maintained by local gram panchayat.
21 Chettinadu, Distt. Sivaganga,
Tamil Nadu
Rural tourism project at Maintained by Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam
22 Jageshwar, Distt. Almora,
Uttaranchal
Development of Rural Tourism Not yet started
23 at Village Mana, Distt.
Development of Rural Tourism It was reported that SSDA has become the partner of
Centre at Ballabhpur Danga, Birbhum Zilla Parishad for implementation and Visva
24 Distt. Birbhum, West Bengal Bharati will provide the aesthetic support. It has been
decided that once the infrastructure is fully completed, it
will be handed to the village community.
41
3.5 Capacity Building
Under the capacity building initiative, traditional skills have been revived. Various capacity building
activities were organised on issues like environment, hygiene, mainstreaming the weaker section
(specially the women folk) and reviving the old heritage of the sites. A number of such programmes
and workshops have taken place to increase the awareness of the people and build their capacity for
promotion of sustainable livelihood opportunities.
3.5.1 Enhancing Local Community Awareness
Systematic tourism development in rural sites through public participation has contributed towards the
socio-economic development of the areas. Tourism has ensured that heritage, history and culture, both
tangible and intangible is conserved in its right context and at the same time generates livelihood
opportunities for the villagers. To achieve this output, creation of awareness about the importance of
rural tourism among local community has been one of the most important tasks carried out in the
villages.
Villagers migrate to towns and cities KALANJIAM COMMUNITY BANKING

PROGRAMME (KCBP)- A CASE STUDY IN
looking for opportunities leaving behind KALUGUMALAI
traditions and cultures which are The Kalanjiam Community Banking Programme (KCBP)
is a pioneering model of involving people in Micro
subsequently lost, while the younger
finance programmes. The programme organizes poor
generation loses pride in its culture and women into Self Help Groups (SHGs) under the name of
adopts urban ways of the cities. To address “Kalanjiams” and inculcates savings and credit habits
among them. The Kalanjiams are federated at the block
these issues, awareness was created among level. DHAN Foundation so far has promoted 38
the younger generation, so that they start Federations of Kalanjiam groups at the block level.
afresh on the work of their forefathers and
infuse it with new designs and ideas. Alternative employment avenues as guides and cooks in the
tourism sites have been adopted by the youth as alternative livelihood opportunities while continuing
to practice their inherited crafts.
Awareness has also been created in the community by village level consultation meetings, door to door
visits, street plays, community workshops etc to educate the community to understand the role of
community in preserving the environment and enriching it further through maintaining hygiene and
adopting waste disposal measures.
Publications, guidelines and brochures have been distributed among people, so that they are aware of
the benefits of clean and sustainable technology. Besides, awareness about traditional arts, crafts and
other tourism products have been created among people in the fairs and exhibitions.
To ensure equal participation of women community members, various awareness building activities
like (camps and yatras) have been carried out. Initiatives have been taken to build the awareness
among the community has had positive impact and can be observed through the effective participation
of the community members in the scheme. Since in most of the places, the capacity building
42
programmes have not been fully completed, therefore, it will take some more time to observe the
community participation in effective and efficient manner. Most of the villagers in control villages
lack the basic understanding about the benefits of tourism and thus improvement in quality of life.
3.5.2 Gender Sensitization
Empowering the rural women, so that they can become productive citizens of the global economy has
been aim of rural tourism. Integration of gender perspectives in the tourism industry is one of the most
important aspects of rural tourism, as it is the major employer of women and offers various
opportunities for independent income generating activities for them.
The assessment of the study team indicates that gender sensitization has been successful in most of the
rural sites. The women folk in the villages have been given necessary skill building programme for
sustainable livelihood. Prior to the
intervention of the government, in most of
the places, there were no self help groups. In
places where they existed, most of them had
no financial power and were not organized.
The rural tourism programme has
undoubtedly helped the women artisans and
the women community in and around the
villages, thereby improving their livelihood.
In some places like Karaikudi (Tamil Nadu),

Kazeugumalai (Tamil Nadu), it was observed that due to this project, sustainable institutions for the
women artisans and the rural women folks have been promoted. These institutions are working hard to
improve the socio-economic status of the women in the village. The women folk have been given
training on cuisine preparation, hospitality management, institution building and other craft forms, due
to which their outlook has changed. Thus, the programme has empowered them economically and also
enabled them to make their own decisions.
The village level councils formed under this programme have considerable participation of women and
all the members are consulted before taking any major decision. Thus, through this endeavour,
employment opportunities for the rural women in the tourism sector has been explored and provided,
resulting in their livelihood promotion. In control villagers, women participation is limited to
household activities. Even at places where SHGs are functioning, they are in process of disintegration
or trying to seek support from the various government institutions.
The present status of gender sensitization at sampled sites under rural tourism scheme is given in table
below.
43
Table 3.16: Status of Gender Sensitization at Sampled Site under Rural Tourism
Scheme
S. NO NAME OF THE PROJECT STATUS OF GENDER SENSITIZATION

Development of Pochampalli, The women in Pochampalli have always been hard
Nalgonda Distt., Andhra working, helping their men in winding bobbins, making
Pradesh warps, tying resist areas,etc. The Kalanetha committee in
the village is the community level implementing partner
having all female members. This also acts as the village
level committee. It has representation from weaving
community (5 members), Leather work (2), Neera making
1 and tailoring community (4), Basket weaving (2),
Vadrangi (1), Kummari (1), Chakali(1) and 1 from the
almond making community. There are in total 18
members and this was formed in November 2005. The
Kalanetha committee has resulted in encouraging the
women. Another local NGO has been involved in creating
the bag making women members. Such activities have
resulted in empowerment of the women
Rural Tourism at Konaseema The status of gender sensitization in Konaseema village is
Village, East Godavari Distt. still under progress as construction of resort at Dindi is
Andhra Pradesh underway. Besides it is envisaged that the role of women
2
would be primarily towards hospitality like serving local
cuisines, cleaning rooms etc, as they are currently doing
on the house boat plying at Dindi .
Development of Puttaparthi, 12 Self Help Groups have been formed in the Puttaparti
3 Ananthpur Distt., Andhra village.
Pradesh
Rural Tourism at Nagarnar, Men and Woman play equal role in the decision making
Distt. Bastar, Chattisgarh in this village. Women in the village have equal rights
over family income and are found to be quite empowered.
Women SHGs have been formed. The first phase of
improved agricultural practice training was given to
WSHG. A group of WSHG was identified and imparted
training for identification of local herbs in their medicinal
4
use. The women in the village decided to do organic
farming such as Nadep, Vermicomposting. Orientation
regarding Jaggery, Honey, fruits and minor forest
produced packaging has been given. Monthly meetings of
SHGs for their smooth running are being conducted every
month. Overall the participation of women has been
significant.
Rural Tourism at Hodka, Distt. Several initiatives have been taken on Gender
Kachchh, Gujarat Sensitization. Leadership Training for women have been
5 provided for seven days. The women are actively
involved in embroidery items. They have been given
training to negotiate and market their products.
Rural Tourism at Jyotisar, Distt. The women are progressive in the village. Gender
Kurukshetra, Haryana sensitization training has been done by SM Sehgal
6 Foundation. 4 SHGs formed and the FLE center has 77
girls. 24 Women were selected for training in NIFD.
The craft production is for women only.
7 Rural Tourism at Nagar, Distt. Inter group gender sensitization including men and
44

Kullu, Himachal Pradesh women was held in early 2005 in this village. Training of
women on cuisine making & different varieties of food (
for 25 stakeholder families taking to renovation of
houses) was provided.
Rural Tourism Pragpur, Distt. Gender Sensitization has not been done in this village.
Kangra Valley, Himachal The families in Pragpur are still very conservative and
8
Pradesh orthodox. Girls are not allowed to go out for earning
livelihood
Development of Attiveri Bird Six Self Help Groups, comprising 15 members each, have
Sanctuary as a rural tourism been formed in this village.
9
Karnataka
Rural Tourism at Banavasi Residential training for members of women SHG have
Distt., Uttar Kannada, helped them to learn the art of making banana fibre
Karnataka articles. They are in a process of getting linked with
financial institutions for availing loans. Formation of
SHG federation has helped to spread message faster and it
has become a platform for project discussion and debate.
SHG book keeping training was conducted in DC Shetty
10 institute, Dharawad. The women SHG formed in the
village have been given residential training to learn the art
of making banana fiber articles. Sub-committees have
been formed in the village level to expedite such
activities. SHGs are being linked with financial
institutions for availing loan. The SHGs have been
trained in book keeping and institution building. This has
led to the empowerment of women in the village.
Rural Tourism project in Meetings have been organized to uplift the women in the
Anegundi, Distt. Koppal, area. The Kiskinda Trust has arranged meetings for the
Karnataka SHG at Mereda House which is around 70 kms from
Anegundi. Three Self Help Groups were trained on
Hospitality Management at NITHM (National Institute of
11
Tourism and Hotel Management).The women
participation in the village level committee is significant.
The SHGs formed under the scheme is functioning very
well. They have been provided training and taken to fairs
in Hyderabad.
Development of Kumbalangi as There is no gender related problem in the village and the
Rural Tourism Destination, women have been participating in the development of the
12
Distt. Ernakulam, Kerala village. Apart from household work, they are involved in
making carpets and Paper glass/ paper weight
Rural tourism at Chaugan, Distt. Induction workshop for Village women groups has been
Mandla, Madhya Pradesh conducted by NIWCYD, the implementing agency. In the
occasion of Chougan mandi, an event of tribal arts and
music was organized for tribal women community
members. A group of selected women members were
13
encouraged to participate in traditional food festivals. 2
women participated in team building orientation. 11
women participated in formation of children eco club.
Training has been imparted to the women group in honey
harvesting.
14 Rural tourism project at VLC and SHG have been actively involved in Gender
45

Pranpur, Distt. Ashoknagar, Sensitization. Life skill education training –beauty
Madhya Pradesh parlour to adolescent girls has been initiated. Training of
master trainers, LSE to adolescent girls on pottery, cone
work, and embroidery has been initiated by the NGO.
Rural Tourism at Sulibhanjan- One SHG on an average has fifteen members. Regular
Khultabad Distt. Aurangabad, meetings are held in the village for upliftment of the
Maharashtra women members. They have been taught as to how to
15 keep books of accounts and conduct meetings. Few
members of the cuisine making SHG had recently
participated in a local food festival and earned well. The
women in the village are quite progressive.
Rural Tourism at VLC and SHG are dong well for Gender Sensitization.
16 Mopunchupket, Distt. The status of women is quite good in the village.
Mokokchung, Nagaland
Rural Tourism project at It has been observed that a community of women artisans
Raghurajpur, Distt. Puri, Orissa has been formed in the village. The women artisans are
17
facilitated to display the craft manufactured in the craft
centre and generate income and livelihood.
Rural tourism project Samode The Gender Sensitization Training has been done by
18 Village, Distt. Jaipur, JKMS, Samode.
Rajasthan
Development of village Lachen The women in the village take part in all the
in North Distt., Sikkim developmental activities. There is no gender
discrimination wrt health, education, income,
19
participation and empowerment. There are few SHGs
working in the village, however, no fresh SHGs were
formed in this project
Development of Kazhugumalai Gender sensitization has been successful in the
Under rural tourism, Distt. Kazhugumalai village. The palm crafts group and the
Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu ethnic cuisine makers are mostly women. They have
20
formed activity based groups and are in a path of self
sustenance. They are being imparted with skill building
exercises and have requisite market linkages too
Rural tourism at Karaikudi, Skill building exercises have been conducted for
Chettinadu, Distt. Sivaganga, Chettinad cuisine makers. 3 programmes, benefiting 38
Tamil Nadu women SHGs have been conducted. 30 people adept in
21
making Kandanki sarees have been trained on
institutional governance. The women participation has
been successful.
Rural tourism project at From the 8 villages in Jageshwar, 9 SHGs have been
Jageshwar, Distt. Almora, formed under the rural tourism scheme. On an average
Uttaranchal around 10 to 18 women are present in each group.
Training has been given to them in the area of health and
22 other art forms like carpet weaving, charkha, cloth
stitching etc. They have opened bank account and have
started depositing money. However, they still face
problems in acquiring raw materials due to lack of
marketing facilities.
Development of Rural Tourism Under the motivation and education component of this
at Village Mana, Distt. Tourism Scheme, equal participation of women was
23
Chamoli, Uttaranchal encouraged. Further, various women weavers were
selected for exposure visits and oriented about the
46

concepts of SHGs
Development of Rural Tourism It was found that the Women’s Interlink Foundation has
Centre at Ballabhpur Danga, formed several SHGs in the village, which include
Distt. Birbhum, West Bengal women as well as young girls of the village. Different
sensitization workshops have been organized by the
implementing agency to educate the women on the
development of the socioeconomic condition of the
village. This would definitely improve the income
24
generation as well spread awareness .Training has been
imparted to both men and women of the village in
preparing delicious Bengali cuisines and also local
cuisines of the village. Training has been imparted to the
villages who are artisans in their respective fields.
Besides training in horticulture and medicinal plants has
been provided to the local people of the village.
3.5.3 Gurkul Process
The Gurukul process is an important element of the rural tourism programme which imparts
knowledge among the youth or the new learners about the traditional history, art, culture and craft of
the place. The rural tourism model seeks to revive those art forms; where the master craftsmen are few
and the migration of the younger artisans is high. The knowledge is imparted by a guru or a number of
gurus in the rural setting itself, where learners stay & learn about art & culture. The concept behind
such a process is to enable the young people to have awareness and pride for their culture. In sites like
Raghurajpur (Orissa), under gurukul concept, housing space and practise hall for the artists/ crafts
person etc have been provided. Few design-cum-training workshops have also been conducted for
more participation of the youths.
During the field survey, it was observed that the Gurukul Concept is at a nascent stage at all the visited
sites. For instance, in Pochampalli (Andhra Pradesh), the local NGO AKSHARA Network is working
to develop the Gurukul concept in the village, not much has been done yet.
47
3.5.4 Capacity Building for Visitor Handling
The capacity building for handling visitors has been undertaken in most of rural tourism sites. The
employment of guides, managers, administrators, cooks, etc, from outside the village could have led to
a loss in interest of the community in sustaining and promoting the rural tourism. Hence community
members were encouraged to take active part in the training process. A whole range of capacity
building exercises have been formulated
GURUKUL PROCESS- A CASE STUDY IN RAGHURAJPUR
by the community to enhance the VILLAGE OF ORISSA
Raghurajpur is a village which is famous for its traditional world
capacity of the villagers so that they can famous dance “Gotipua Dance”. The village is known because of the
undertake the administration and legendary Odssi dancer, Kelucharan Mohapatra who hails from the
village. The concept of Gurukul Process has been existing in the village
management of tourist facilities. long time back, but INTACH, the implementing agency has supported
it to promote it universally. The idea behind reviving the concept of
Gurukul in the village is to attract the tourists to know about the rich
For instance, NGOs have facilitated the tradition of the village and ensure longer stay. This would ensure
training of women in preparation of enhancement of rural tourism of the village. Padma Bhusan Guru
Maguni Das, a reputed dancer of Gotipua Dance in Orissa, has been
cuisines. Training for house-keeping selected as the Guru by the implementing agency. INTACH has
and other aspects of hospitality has also constructed a room for the guru to educate the learners of the dance.
Guru Magani Das selects students from nearby districts like Puri. etc.
been provided in most of the places by There are four musicians.who are skilled artists and perform along with
the Institute of Hotel Management. the guru. There are seventeen students in the group.The students are
selected from the poor families of Orissa. The implementing agency has
Management. English conversational intervened with the group when it started the hardware activities under
the rural tourism scheme. The construction of the Gurukul was
skills and guide training has been completed in the year 2003-04. There are three groups of Gotipua
provided to the local youth in the Dance in the village but the oldest one is the group led by Guru Maguni
Das. The gurus do not charge any fees from the students at the
villages by the specialists. beginning. The fooding and lodging facilities are provided by the guru.
It was learnt that the students who have excelled in the dance are
allowed to perform in different shows organized by the Guru or by
INTACH. The group charges fees from the show which is estimated to
(i) Host Families
be around Rs 5,000 to Rs 6000 per show. It has been found that the
Guru provides support to the families of his students by rendering
The hospitality industry consists of two money as and when required by them. The duration of the course
depends upon the skill of the students. INTACH has constructed the
important parts: one is the guest or building for practice of Gotipua Dance in the house of Guru Maguni
Das. It was found out that no tourists have come to learn the Gotipua
tourist and the other is the service
Dance in the Gurukul. The tourists come to the Gurukul to see the
provider which can provide the services dance performance and inturn give money as a token of appreciation.
by many means like homestay, hotel,
lodge etc. While the visitors have their own needs and expectations viz. quality food, value for money,
quality service, comfortable surroundings, safety and hygiene, the service providers must also be
equipped to meet the expectations.
The hosts of the rural tourism know that a

satisfied customer is the customer that is
treated like someone from the family. The
rationale for selection of host families lies in
the assumption that if expectations of income
are low, tourism can be run as a
complementary sideline. Rural houses have lot
of unused space, Tourism being a seasonal
activity which also suits the rural schedule i.e. the peak for tourist business is higher during season,
48
before the demand of the harvesting season starts.
The concept of host family in the rural villages is an interesting concept which serves the dual purpose
of increasing livelihood opportunities as well as resolving the accommodation problem for the visitors.
Host families have been identified in most of the sites and in Samode (Rajasthan), Jageshwar
(Uttaranchal) and at few other places, they are already functional. These families have traditional
accommodation facilities and have converted one/two/three of their rooms for homestay purpose. The
services in the homestays include room, food, beverage, toilets, drinking water, and information about
the life in village. Suitable technical know how on the specifications for such accommodation and
modalities for keeping paying guests has already been provided to the host families. Most of these
homestays are equipped with the facilities like personnel to attend the tourists, products of good
quality, services of high standard, environment which is clean and comfortable, family members for
interaction and opportunity for the tourist to
engage in household chores & activities.
The rationale for developing these homesteads

visitor’s love to stay in the rural atmosphere and
want to be a part of the community. This is only
possible, when they stay with the native
families, eat food with them and enrich their
experience about the history and culture by
conversing with them. On the other hand, this
type of accommodation also ensures immediate economic benefits to the host families.
It was observed that many host families have entered with the assumption that making use of their
property will reap financial reward as a form of supplementary income. Although these ventures may
be financially relatively unrewarding, a great number of stakeholders reported that the social benefits
such as making friendships, or widening children's horizons outweigh the lack of financial return. It
contributed to the health and sustainability of rural communities. At the same time, it was reported that
social rewards alone are insufficient to meet their needs and seek to improve the financial returns from
their rural tourism diversification.
WORKSHOP ON CUISINE FOR HOST FAMILY IN
SAMODE VILLAGE RAJASTHAN- A CASE STUDY
Revenue to local households that is A 7-day workshop on cuisine took place in Samode at Primary
Girl’s School, in February. In the beginning of the workshop, the
directly attributable to these participants discussed about the meaning of host family and the
initiatives and easily measurable is hygienic conditions for their own kitchen and the problems
quite small so far. For example, the involved in it. During this discussion, solutions for existing
problems were identified. In this, the participants received
stay for one night in the host family training for preparing breakfast. While showing the preparation of
is priced at around Rs 250 per night. the various dishes, the participants were made aware of the
hygienic issues. They were told to wash fruits and vegetables,
The cumulative revenue generation with boiled water, to wash their hands with soap all the time.
from this activity can not be assessed According to the participants, workshop was important as it
as it has not completed one full taught the villagers how to keep their food and kitchen clean and
to improve their living conditions
tourism season. However, it is
expected that average 10 host
49
families in one village will be able to earn approximately Rs 1,50,000 per season (10 families* INR
250 per night * 15 days in month for 4 months in a year). This does not include earnings from meals.
In control villages, the concept of host families is completely missing and community members are not
aware of benefits.
The number of host families and their estimated earning at each site is given in Table below
Table 3.17: Number of Host Families and its Estimated Earning
Name of the Sites Number of host Estimated Earning per host family
families
Rural Tourism at Nagar, Distt. Kullu, 25 Rs 150-200/ day
Himachal Pradesh
Rural Tourism Pragpur, Distt. Kangra 10 Families have been identified with 32 bed
Valley, Himachal Pradesh capacity.
Rural Tourism project in Anegundi, 2 Rs 1200/ day
Distt. Koppal, Karnataka
Rural Tourism at Kumbalangi, Distt. 25 1100-1500/ day
Ernakulam, Kerala
Rural tourism at Chaugan, Distt. 5 Rs 1000/month
Mandla, Madhya Pradesh
Rural Tourism at Mopungchupket, Distt. 3 Families have shown their interest
Rural tourism project Samode Village, 22 Rs 500/day
Distt. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Rural tourism at Karaikudi, Chettinadu, 9 Rs 1200/day
Distt. Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu
Rural tourism project at Jageshwar, 16 Rs 100 per visitor/ day
Distt. Almora, Uttaranchal
Development of Rural Tourism Centre at 3 Rs 500 per visitor/ day
Ballabhpur Danga, Distt. Birbhum, West
Bengal
The present status of host families at sampled sites under rural tourism scheme is given in table below.
Table 3.18: Status of Host Families at Sampled Site under Rural Tourism Scheme
S. NO NAME OF THE PROJECT STATUS OF HOST FAMILIES

Development of Pochampalli, Till now, no host famiies have not been developed in the
Nalgonda Distt., Andhra village. The village is close to Hyderabad city and the
Pradesh village is visited by tourists mainly to purchase Ikkat Sarees.
1
It is treated as a business centre more than a tourist spot. It
is indeed a challenge to convert these business travelers into
tourists.
Rural Tourism at Konaseema There are no homestay in Konaseema Village. The village is
2 Village, East Godavari Distt. close to Rajamundry, Vijayawada where the tourists find
Andhra Pradesh luxury hotels for staying /accommodation.
3 Development of Puttaparthi, There are no host families available in the Puttaparthi
50

Ananthpur Distt., Andhra village as hotels are readily available in the village. The
Pradesh charges are very low and reasonable.
Rural Tourism at Nagarnar, There are several well furnished Hotels and government rest
Distt. Bastar, Chattisgarh houses located in Jagdalpur, the district headquarter.
4 Tourists who visit the Nagarnar village prefer to stay in the
hotels as there are no proper home stay in the village .Thus
the concept of host families does not exist in the village.
Rural Tourism at Hodka, Distt. The concept of host families is not applicable in Hodka
5 Kachchh, Gujarat village. The people are very conservative and are hesitant to
convert their room to homestays.
Rural Tourism at Jyotisar, There is no provision of host families at the village site. The
Distt. Kurukshetra, Haryana NGO has already carried out the feasibility for homestays.
6
But due to its proximity to Kurukshetra, visitors don’t prefer
to stay there.
Rural Tourism at Nagar, Distt. 25 Host Families are present in the village. They charge Rs
Kullu, Himachal Pradesh 150/ day(Rs 50 each for lunch and dinner). Majority of
7
people have well decorated two rooms with traditional
toilets.
Rural Tourism Pragpur, Distt. The concept of host families is not applicable in Pragpur
Kangra Valley, Himachal Village. The villagers are conservative in nature .However
8
Pradesh 10 families in the village have now agreed to provide paying
guest facility .
Development of Attiveri Bird
9 There are no Host Families in the project site.
Karnataka
Rural Tourism at Banavasi The host families’ concept is not available in Banavasi.The
Distt., Uttar Kannada, tourists stay in Sirsi (taluka HQ) which is located very
Karnataka nearby at a distance of 22 km from Banavasi. They do not
stay a day in Banavasi due to lack of accommodation
facilities. Conducted exposure visit to famous hotels of
Bangalore and to adventure sports club. Conducted
exposure visit to Madikeri to have first hand experience for
10
the participants those are willing to accommodate tourists in
their houses. Hotels like Halli Mane, Nanmoora Hotel and
Loka ruchi have given new insights to the participants. CEO
of Halli mane hotel has advised to document all traditional
foods of Banavasi and prepare a standard recipe and serve
them to tourist. Exposure visit to Madukeri-6-7 participants
to convert their house has been undertaken
Rural Tourism project in It was observed that 2 families from the village have agreed
Anegundi, Distt. Koppal, to convert themselves as host families for the tourists. Two
11
Karnataka houses have already been taken on lease by the Kiskinda
Trust ( local NGO) to function as Home Stay.
Development of Kumbalangi The concepts of host families exist in the village .There are
as Rural Tourism Destination, twenty five host families which are operating in the village.
12
Distt. Ernakulam, Kerala The PRI has plans to raise the number of host families from
twenty five to hundred.
Rural tourism at Chaugan, 5 families have shown their interest as host families. Most
13 Distt. Mandla, Madhya of the tourists prefer to stay at Jabalpur and Mandla which
Pradesh are big towns nearby and have luxurious hotels.
14 Rural tourism project at The Host Families are yet to be developed in the village site.
51

Pranpur, Distt. Ashoknagar,
Madhya Pradesh
Rural Tourism at Sulibhanjan- There are no host families in the village. The tourists
Khultabad Distt. Aurangabad, usually stay in Aurangabad which is very near. During Urs,
Maharashtra each family takes in guest for period upto a week. There are
15
no hotels in Sulibhanjan. In Khultabad, there are 83
establishments offering food, refreshment and
accommodation to tourists.
Rural Tourism at
16 Mopunchupket, Distt. 3 households have shown their interest as host families.
Rural Tourism project at
There are no Host Families in the village .This is due to
17 Raghurajpur, Distt. Puri,
small houses in the village.
Orissa
Rural tourism project Samode 22 Host Families are set up in the village for the hospitality
Village, Distt. Jaipur, of the tourists. They have been given training on cuisine
18 Rajasthan making. Various types of cuisines, sweet dishes and drinks
were prepared in the workshop conducted last year (6th feb
to 12th feb, 2006).
Development of village Presently there is no Homestays in Lachen. However, there
Lachen in North Distt., are a number of hotels and lodges in Lachen and adjoining
Sikkim areas. There are 9 hotels in Lachen itself with a total 180
19 beds. The hotels have grown since 1999, when tourists
started visiting Lachen more. Very little on Homestays can
be done in this village through education as people prefer
hotels/lodges.
Development of No homestays are there in Kaguzumalai. Mostly locals visit
Kazhugumalai Under rural the place. Sometimes foreigners come, but they do not stay
tourism, Distt. Thoothukudi, in the village because there are no lodging facilities and
Tamil Nadu proper hospitality. No government guest house is present.
20
Though one private lodge is present, it has very limited
rooms. So under the Hardware scheme, a Vishram Sthal is
proposed to be constructed and it will be used for tourists
who wish to enjoy the rural tourism and project site
Rural tourism at Karaikudi, Chettinad Mansion, the typical mansions of the Chettiar
Chettinadu, Distt. Sivaganga, community in Tamil Nadu, is going to open 30 rooms at
Tamil Nadu affordable rates. Presently there are 9 mansions which are
21
open for lodging and fooding purpose in the village. It was
reported that more than 3000 people have come and stayed
in the homestays till date.
Rural tourism project at Currently there are 16 host families in the village. It was
Jageshwar, Distt. Almora, reported that at a time one host family serves 10 tourists.
22 Uttaranchal They charge Rs 100 per accommodation. But the number of
host families in the village could be increased by creating
more awareness among the families in the village.
Development of Rural
23 Tourism at Village Mana, No host families in the village
Distt. Chamoli, Uttaranchal
Development of Rural The concept of host families exists in the Ballavpur Danga
Tourism Centre at Ballabhpur village .It was observed that there are three host families in
24
Danga, Distt. Birbhum, West the village. The facility provided by the host families in the
Bengal village is only for serving local cuisine to the tourists.
52

Training has been imparted to the families in the village to
develop themselves as host families. The host families in the
village do charge nominal fees of Rs 500 for six hours
facilitation to the tourists.
(ii) Guide Training
Guide training has been another important aspect of this scheme due to which a lot of local youths in
the villages have found gainful employment.
In most of the sites, where the local youths were already acting as guides, they have been given proper
training and education. The tour guide is selected from the local community so that he is well
acquainted with the locality and people. It is responsibility of the tour guide to provide information
about the village or any other important place to the tourists.
The guides have sound knowledge of cultural heritage of the tourist destination, fluency in common
languages like Hindi and English to communicate with the tourists. Therefore training has been given
to the tour guides in hospitality management, language etc. Besides, training on first aid, cleanliness,
basic service techniques, client handling & behavior skills etc is also covered in the guide training
programmes.
It was found that tourists visiting north-eastern states like Nagaland and southern states like Tamil
Nadu face language problem Since, a guide needs to act as an advisor and interpreter so linguistic
courses and public speaking skills have been imparted to them. The guide training has helped the
youth in understanding and appreciating the local mythologies and historical importance of their
village. At the same time, they have been able to provide Ethno perspective of important destinations
in the village to the tourists. In control villages, no such guide trainings were conducted. Therefore
most of the youth members of the village are either unemployed or work in nearby cities, leading to
migration.
The number of guides at each of the sampled sites is given in table below.
Table 3.19: Number of Guides at each of the Sampled Sites
NAME OF THE SITES NUMBER OF GUIDES

Development of Pochampalli, Nalgonda Distt.,
11
Andhra Pradesh
Rural Tourism at Konaseema Village, East & West
4
Godavari Distt. Andhra Pradesh
Development of Puttaparthi, Ananthpur Distt.,
20
Andhra Pradesh
Rural Tourism at Nagarnar, Distt. Bastar, Chattisgarh 4 people have been identified as guides
53
NAME OF THE SITES NUMBER OF GUIDES

Rural Tourism at Hodka, Distt. Kachchh, Gujarat 5 youth are working as guides
Rural Tourism at Jyotisar, Distt. Kurukshetra,
10 local youths
Haryana
Rural Tourism at Nagar, Distt. Kullu, Himachal
15
Pradesh
Rural Tourism Pragpur, Distt. Kangra Valley,
9
Himachal Pradesh
Rural Tourism at Banavasi, Distt. Uttar Kannada,
5 ( undergoing training)
Karnataka
Rural Tourism project in Anegundi, Distt. Koppal,
7
Karnataka
Rural tourism project at Pranpur, Distt. Ashoknagar,
3 women have been identified as guide
Madhya Pradesh
Rural Tourism at Sulibhanjan-Khultabad Distt.
10 local youths and 2 women are act as guide
Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Rural Tourism at Mopungchupket, Distt.
5
Rural Tourism project at Raghurajpur, Distt. Puri,
5
Orissa
Rural tourism project Samode Village, Distt. Jaipur,
5
Rajasthan
Development of village Lachen in North Distt.,
10
Sikkim
Development of Kazugumalai Under rural tourism,
6
Distt. Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu
Rural tourism at Karaikudi, Chettinadu, Distt.
10
Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu
Rural tourism project at Jageshwar, Distt. Almora,
15
Uttaranchal
Development of Rural Tourism at Village Mana, Distt.
100 village youths have been given training
Development of Rural Tourism Centre at Ballabhpur
Youth groups are undergoing training
Danga, Distt. Birbhum, West Bengal
The present status of guide training at sampled sites under rural tourism scheme is given in table
below.
Table 3.20: Status of Guide Training at Sampled Sites under Rural Tourism Scheme
S. NO NAME OF THE PROJECT STATUS OF GUIDE TRAINING

Development of Pochampalli, There are 11 guides in the village. They have been given
Nalgonda Distt., Andhra training on linguistic courses, hospitality management and
Pradesh other visitor handling aspects by the NGO. The guides
1
training was undertaken at the National Institute of
Tourism and Hospitality Management in Hyderabad. The
local youths in the village are quite eager to take up Tour
54

Guide as a profession.
Rural Tourism at Konaseema Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation has
Village, East Godavari Distt. provided guide trainings to 4 local people. The content of
Andhra Pradesh training involved hospitality management, language
management, information management. The period of
training was between 3 days to 6 months. Besides the
2
organization has tied up with various tour operators like
Maruthi Travels, Gayatri Travels etc located at strategic
locations of Andhra Pradesh. The tour operators regularly
impart tour guide training to the local youths. Thus, the
organization is not directly involved in tour guide training.
Development of Puttaparthi, APTDC has imparted guide training programme in
3 Ananthpur Distt., Andhra Puttaparthi wherein 20 youths have been trained over two
Pradesh different programmes.
Rural Tourism at Nagarnar, The implementing agency, Saathi Samaj Sevi Sansthan has
4 Distt. Bastar, Chattisgarh identified 4 local youths and girls for guide training.
Rural Tourism at Hodka, Distt. Guide Training has been provided to five boys for seven
5 Kachchh, Gujarat days. Besides another five days training has been provided
on bird watching.
Rural Tourism at Jyotisar, Distt. Guide Training has been provided to 10 local youths for 3
Kurukshetra, Haryana months. Besides training as tourist guides has been given
6
to 10 youths for 3 months. Guides training in English
speaking course have been conducted.
Rural Tourism at Nagar, Distt. 15 local youths have been trained as guides during the last
Kullu, Himachal Pradesh three months. Foreign language training for guides in
7 Russian & French was given by Mr. Rajeswar Pal & Mr.
Gilbert. Training to guides ws given on culture, heritage,
Architecture & History
Rural Tourism Pragpur, Distt. 9 local people have been identified as a guide Training has
Kangra Valley, Himachal been provided. However the implementing agency has
Pradesh selected three persons in Pragpur and six persons in Garli
8
as guides and basic criterion for selection of candidates for
tour guide is their language skill and historical /cultural
knowledge of Himachal Pradesh.
Sanctuary as a rural tourism No Guide Training was done by the Forest Department or
9
project, Distt. Uttar Kannada, by Tourism Department
Karnataka
Rural Tourism at Banavasi Training of guides has been partially completed by the
Distt., Uttar Kannada,
implementing agency. These guides are trained to facilitate
Karnataka the tourists who come to the village. They are imparted
10
training on behavioural management and language
management. 14 members were exposed to Goa to learn
about tourist information centres.
Rural Tourism project in Tour Guide Training has been imparted to a group of
Anegundi, Distt. Koppal, Seven members. The content of training was the Historical
11 Karnataka Importance of Anegundi. Besides trainings have been
provided to the local youths on Hospitality and Language
to handle the tourists.
12 Development of Kumbalangi as Currently there are no guides in the site. Tourists are
55

Rural Tourism Destination, helped by the Host family who have the knowledge of the
Distt. Ernakulam, Kerala place.
Rural tourism at Chaugan, No proper guide training has been given to the local
Distt. Mandla, Madhya youths. However, the villagers have taken voluntary
Pradesh participation in managing the tourists in the village. They
13
are being paid Rs 1000 per month by the NGO. The
tourists visit the site through private tour operators who
have their own trained guides.
Rural tourism project at
14 Pranpur, Distt. Ashoknagar, 3 local youth has been provided guide training.
Madhya Pradesh
Rural Tourism at Sulibhanjan- 12 local people have been trained to work as guides.
15 Khultabad Distt. Aurangabad, Though they do not know English, they have good
Maharashtra knowledge of the historical significance of the place
Rural Tourism at 5 local youth has been provided guide training. Guide
16 Mopunchupket, Distt. Training has been provided by the State Tourism
Mokokchung, Nagaland Department. Private tour operators conduct guide training
17 5 local youth has been provided guide training.
Raghurajpur, Distt. Puri, Orissa
Rural tourism project Samode
There are five guides in the village and they have been
18 Village, Distt. Jaipur,
Rajasthan given training in visitor handling
Development of village Lachen There are 10 people who work as guides in Lachen and
in North Distt., Sikkim take people to special treks like the green lake trek and
other places of attraction. There are other guides from
19
nearby places also who accompany the tourists and come
from other villages in packaged trips to places like Thangu,
Chopta Valley, Muguthang, Gurudongmar Lake etc.
Development of Kazhugumalai
20 Under rural tourism, Distt. 6 local youth has been provided guide training.
Rural tourism at Karaikudi, Currently, the host families have employed their own
21 Chettinadu, Distt. Sivaganga, people who act as guides. They have been trained by the
Tamil Nadu host families.
Rural tourism project at Guide training has been provided to the people of the
Jageshwar, Distt. Almora, village by the NGO. The number of guides is sufficient in
22 Uttaranchal the village. They require more training in English speaking
course. About 15 guides have been trained by the NGO.
Development of Rural Tourism Exposure visits cum training have been organised for 100
at Village Mana, Distt. village youths. Since these training have been organised
23 Chamoli, Uttaranchal very recently therefore, the real benefits can be assessed
till they complete one tourist season
Development of Rural Tourism The youth groups (both men and women) have been
Centre at Ballabhpur Danga, formed for acting as guides under the leadership of the
24 Distt. Birbhum, West Bengal female Sardar (chief) of the village. They would be trained
as guides and be involved in the tourism reception centre.
56
3.6 Publicity and Awareness
The publicity/awareness campaigns launched by the various NGOs and implementing partners have
helped in projecting the rural tourism sites as important destination in the tourism circuit of India.
Earlier, the visitors were either AWARENESS MEASURES IN RAGHURAJPUR VILLAGE,
unaware of the site or did not stop ORISSA- A CASE STUDY
To market the Raghurajpur site and the indigenous crafts, the
in the village. This situation is
implementing agency has linked the various crafts to the website of
gradually changing. Raghurajpur. It has conducted few workshops at Delhi Haat along
with the art historians, educators as well as senior artists of the
village. These workshops and discussions were initiated at different
3.6.1 Seminars/Workshops places of the state and major display platforms. The issues displayed
are the tourism site characteristics, rich cultural heritage, local
cuisine, flora and fauna of the tourist destination and attraction of
One of the prime objectives of the various tourist spots.
Ministry of Tourism through the Besides, an Interpretation Centre has been made where visitors were
allowed to sign up for 30-40 minutes workshops. They could get an
rural tourism project is to ensure overview of the rural tourism site and experience the arts and culture
that the heritage, history and of the village. They were provided with materials, visitors
information brochures etc.
culture of Rural India is conserved There have been signages made at specific points in the main roads
in its right context and at the same which connect with the village roads for guiding the tourists.
time various livelihood INTACH has conducted an evening show at Raghurajpur, the craft
village for visitors to enjoy the cultural extravaganza of the village.
opportunities are created for the Further, it has been inviting management graduates, school students,
villagers. To achieve this and other people to the village on a programmed pre-arranged visit.
Some of the mediums selected for promoting the craft village of
objective, awareness generation on
Raghurajpur are Brochures, posters on different products made in
the importance of heritage sites the village, profile of Raghurajpur, profile of the folk dance Gotipua
among tourists and providing and a separate website for Raghurajpur.
technical & marketing inputs to the
local residents has been one of the most important tasks.
Besides, there is a constant need to develop the capacity and skills of the people in aspects like, tourist
handling, product diversification, institution building and management aspects. It is not only sufficient
to create awareness and build the capacity of the people, but the sites need extensive promotion. Thus,
the prime objective of these seminars and workshops has been to fulfill the three objectives viz.
awareness creation, capacity building and promotion. It was observed in sites like Karaikudi and
Kazugumalai (Tamil Nadu), Banavasi (Karnataka), Sulibhanjan-Khultabad (Maharashtra) etc, that
people were highly aware and participative in various meetings and workshops to promote the tourism.
3.6.2 Development of Publicity Material like Post Cards, Websites
In the rural tourism programme, efforts have been taken to promote the heritage sites and to create a
separate brand for each of the sites. A majority of the publicity and awareness level has been created
through printing post cards, brochures and leaflets about the site with an objective to create more
awareness and to project the heritage, culture, art, language, craft etc among the visitors.
57
Whenever the tourist looks at the brochure or leaflet of a particular site, he gets immediate information
about unique features ( art, heritage, culture etc) of the site. Besides, separate websites having
important links with the history and tradition has been put up like Raghurajpur (Orissa). In other sites,
like Lachen (Sikkim), the work is still in progress. In some cases the NGOs are trying to link their
websites to the national rural sites like www.exploreruralindia.org or to the state tourism development
sites to promote rural tourism sites among foreign tourists who want to have a hinterland experience.
Through these promotion campaigns, innovative and traditional craft making process, festivals, folk
dances etc also get promoted.
It was observed that majority of the publicity and awareness has been created through newspapers,
leaflets, brochures, etc. The role of conducting workshops and seminars has been quite beneficial in
promoting the concept of rural tourism as it was observed at Banavasi village (Karnataka),
Kaguuzumalai (Tamil Nadu), Ballavpur Danga Village (West Bengal). It was observed that various
implementing agencies like the NGO’s, State Tourism Departments are trying to promote the rural
tourism at various platforms like Delhi Haat, State Museum, regional festivals and local melas etc by
adopting various methods like
• Effective documentation of the site with the campaign of “Incredible India”.
• Preparation of Brochures, cards depicting the site attractions.
• Putting up separate websites for each village explaining in details the history, culture, food,
craft etc.
• Tying up with different tour operators and travel agents to market the site among people.
• Video shooting the perception of tourists about the site and showing it to new visitors
• Taking natives to exposure visits to unknown places, thereby spreading the culture through
word of mouth.
• Putting up signages in villages so that visitors know exactly what they see or where to go
• Conducting seminars and workshops in places like Delhi haat, etc where the true art form of the
natives is showcased, thereby the village gets more recognition.
• Facilitation centres like the gram kala kendras and craft museums being created where the
traditional products are displayed and sold off.
It is important to mention that UNDP team is playing an important role in providing a platform to
various implementing agencies by initiating the activity like visual documentation, preparation of
guide book etc. The technical inputs provided by UNDP officials for promotion of rural tourism sites
are appreciated by various implementing agencies.
58
The assessment of publicity & training at sampled sites under rural tourism scheme is given in table
below .
Table 3.21: Assessment of Publicity & Training under Rural Tourism Scheme
S. NO NAME OF THE PROJECT PUBLICITY & AWARENESS

Development of Pochampalli, The publicity has been done by printing leaflets, brochures
Nalgonda Distt., Andhra and participation in seminars, workshops. Information
Pradesh about the village is also given in the NGO’s own site and
1 prospectus. The location map, places of interest, way to
reach Pochampalli etc is given in these publicity material.
A film made on the village is in finalization stages and a
website particularly for the site is under construction.
Rural Tourism at Konaseema APTDC as implementing agency has done several
Village, East Godavari Distt. publicity campaigns through its website by launching of
Andhra Pradesh Konaseema Village and has published brochures; leaflets
etc.It has provided training to the people for packaging the
2 rural tourism. The villagers have been trained to provide
service to the tourists who take a ride in the houseboat.
Different types of activities like serving food , room
service, tour guide training are conducted by APTDC with
the help of the help of local people of the villages
Development of Puttaparthi, APTDC has tried to promote rural tourism in Puttaparthi
Ananthpur Distt., Andhra by launching the details in websites, brochures, and
3 Pradesh hoardings. Few publicity workshops have been conducted
in different places of the state like in Hyderabad in 2004-
05
Rural Tourism at Nagarnar, The publicity of Nagarnar village as rural tourism site is
Distt. Bastar, Chattisgarh done through brochures and leaflets. Besides, there has
been extensive training imparted to the villagers of
4 Nagarnar on developing marketing skills and promoting
the arts and culture of the village. Different exhibitions and
workshops have been conducted in Delhi Haat, Pragati
Maidan etc to market this rural tourism destination.
Rural Tourism at Hodka, Distt. Handbills, websites and brochures have been designed for
5
Kachchh, Gujarat publicity and awareness purpose..
Rural Tourism at Jyotisar, Distt. The only source of publicity of rural tourism at Jyotisar
6
Kurukshetra, Haryana village is through brochures.
Rural Tourism at Nagar, Distt. The publicity of rural tourism at Nagar is done through
Kullu, Himachal Pradesh brochures, leaflets. The Publicity material “Great
Himalayan National Park” is one such material which
depicts the rural tourism at Nagar. The website at this site
is yet to be launched. Workshop on “Statues of
7 Endogenous rural project, Nagar was conducted on 6th
June, 2006 at New Delhi. Convergence meetings were
conducted in August 2005 at Kullu. Public meeting was
conducted in the month of October 2001 at Kullu. State
government has taken huge initiatives for creating
awareness.
Rural Tourism Pragpur, Distt. No publicity materials like post cards, websites have been
8 Kangra Valley, Himachal developed to promote rural tourism at Pragpur .Work has
Pradesh been going on to promote rural tourism
59

The publicity of Bird Sanctuary at Attiveri as rural tourism
9 site is done through brochures. Besides, hoardings is being
used on Sirshi-Hubli Highway for promotion.
Karnataka
Rural Tourism at Banavasi The publicity is done by BAIF, the local NGO along with
Distt., Uttar Kannada, the State Tourism Department. They have printed
10 Karnataka brochures, cards, games, conducted exposure trips to
market the site etc. A separate site on Banavasi has been
developed.
Rural Tourism project in The publicity of Anegundi Village has been done by
Anegundi, Distt. Koppal, brochure, postcards ,booklets and website. They have
11 Karnataka created a short film on Anegundi. For the visitors, a unique
lone traveller book which takes them from Annegundi to
Hampi has been created.
Development of Kumbalangi as
The Kumbalanghi Village has launched its own website.
12 Rural Tourism Destination,
They have printed brochures and postcards.
Rural tourism at Chaugan, The publicity and awareness of rural tourism at Chaugan is
Distt. Mandla, Madhya done through brochures. Besides convergence workshop
13
Pradesh has been organized by NGO for development of Chaugan
Rural Tourism.
Rural tourism project at It was observed by the study team that brochures of
Pranpur, Distt. Ashoknagar, Pranpur Rural Tourism site have been published and
14 Madhya Pradesh websites partially completed. Few workshops on
documentation and awareness of Folk Literature of
Pranpur Village were organized in 2005.
Rural Tourism at Sulibhanjan- Signages have been erected. Besides, publicity is done by
15 Khultabad Distt. Aurangabad, Gomukh, the NGO. It has published posters, magazines
Maharashtra and brochures.
Rural Tourism at It was observed that brochures, leaflets, magazines on
Mopunchupket, Distt. Nagaland Rural Tourism have been published to promote
16 Mokokchung, Nagaland rural tourism in Nagaland. Besides few workshops on
Naga Art and Culture have been organized in different
parts of India like Delhi Haat, Pragati Maidan.
Rural Tourism project at There has been strong publicity campaign done by
Raghurajpur, Distt. Puri, Orissa INTACH through launching websites, publishing
17 brochures, leaflets, postcards etc. Training has been
provided for packaging Raghurajpur Village as the art and
culture village of Orissa.
Rural tourism project Samode Literature on Samode Village has been published.
18 Village, Distt. Jaipur, Publicity has been done via leaflets, brochures and word of
Rajasthan mouth.
Development of village Lachen It has been observed that brochures ,leaflets, magazines on
in North Distt., Sikkim Sikkim Rural Tourism have been published to promote
19 rural tourism. Besides few workshops on local Art and
Culture have been organized in different parts of India like
Delhi Haat, Pragati Maidan
Development of Kazhugumalai The publicity in Kazhugumalai has been done by printing
Under rural tourism, Distt. brochures, posters, local newspapers and websites. The
20 Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu NGO has conducted a lot of training workshops and
seminars, in which the site has been marketed. Footage of
the site along with its importance and traditional culture
60

has been made
Rural tourism at Karaikudi, The awareness and branding of the site has been done via
Chettinadu, Distt. Sivaganga, brochures, cards and posters. Video documentation of the
Tamil Nadu site is also done. Different types of trainings in
collaboration with Export Import Bank of India, NID,
NHB, friends of DHAN Netherlands for the market linkage
21 of artisans’ products. Market linkage has been provided for
wood carving, Brass metal works, Athangudi tiles,
Kandanki sarees. Participation of artisans in Dilli Haat,
sponsored by UNDP, and different exhibitions organized
by SIDBI, EXIM, CII and INFO-EXPO of Government of
India has also resulted in awareness about the site.
Rural tourism project at Seminars and workshops have been arranged by the
Jageshwar, Distt. Almora, implementing agency. More than 20 seminars and
22 Uttaranchal workshops have been arranged. Six different types of
posters have been published and the implementing agency
is in the process of developing guides for the site.
Development of Rural Tourism Till date no advocacy workshop has been organized. Have
23 at Village Mana, Distt. prepared a video coverage of local dance and culture of the
Chamoli, Uttaranchal site by inviting media personnel to the site.
Development of Rural Tourism Women’s Interlink Foundation facilitates direct marketing
Centre at Ballabhpur Danga, of the village and its products without the involvement of
Distt. Birbhum, West Bengal any middleman. It was informed that the marketable
products are confined to latest trends, so selling is
immediate and it is linked to poverty reduction of the
villagers. The organization has executed different modes of
publicity like brochures, leaflets and magazines in and
around West Bengal.Besides an effort has been made to
portray the true picture of the village as tourist destination
24
through local channels in West Bengal.Thus promotion
and skill upliftment and up gradation has resulted in more
marketable items. Currently plans are underway to display
various village products in local Haat on Saturdays. An
outlet has been built for the products which would be sold
through exhibition centre, advertisement stall at the “Pous
Melas” and other melas too. The organization has plans to
launch websites through which it would promote the
village as tourist destination..
3.7 Technical and Marketing Support to Artisans
Various trainings covering technical &

marketing aspects were given to small-scale
artisans and entrepreneurs with an objective
to encourage entrepreneurial skills to the
newcomers to start their activity by sharing
information. It is difficult to measure the
direct impact of these training sessions since
other factors may be involved in decision
61
making to set up a new tourism related enterprise in their village.
The training has helped to create a network of new tourism entrepreneurs which will lead to long-term
capacity development through experience sharing.
3.7.1 Artisans Identification
In most of the villages, local artisans till recently were seeking alternative occupation, as there was no
demand for their traditional skills. For instance, new buildings do not need wood carvers or traditional
crafts. Similarly, imported blankets and machine made sarees have put an end to the requirement of
local weavers made items. The potters and hand craftsmen find it very difficult to match up to the
superior quality of plastic alternatives. The rural tourism programme aims to revive and sustain these
art forms as the artistic value of these products has no alternative. Besides, the master craftsmen are
very few and the migration of the younger artisans is very high. Under the Rural Tourism Scheme,
various types of artisans have been identified and their capacity has been built. The strength,
weakness, opportunities and threat analysis of the rural art and handicraft was done along with the
participatory rural appraisal and necessary tasks being put forward for the livelihood promotion of the
people.
3.7.2 Capacity Building WORKSHOP OF LAC ARTISANS IN SAMODE VILLAGE AT

RAJASTHAN- A CASE STUDY
The objective of 23 days workshop was to provide value addition to
To preserve the traditional and the existing skills and technologically advanced inputs to the cluster
rural artisans, skills have been of lac artisans. Lac work is a traditional profession of a special caste
known as “Lakera”, who produce traditional bangles. The Lac artisans
developed through appropriate in Samod are facing huge competition in the market due to lack of
capacity building programme. innovation in the existing designs, shapes and manufacturing process.
The skill building programme The product quality is also decreasing and they don’t have any
strategic linkages with financial institutions or technical design
provided them the confidence of institutions. To address all these issues, the workshop was conducted.
improving their art. For the During the workshop, master trainer Mr.Abdul Karim Ji trained the
participants to prepare the raw materials for the production, to make
revival of art forms, either the them aware of the importance of the effect of heat on the production,
skills have been imparted right to produce using cost effective techniques, new designs, patterns and
from the beginning or the skills new techniques. Total number of people who attended the workshop
was 12 ( 16 got registered), out of which 4 were women. The results
have been upgraded. achieved in the workshop were active participation of disadvantaged
artisans group, blend of traditionalistic methods coupled with
scientific process and way forward to link products to the organized
Need assessment of the sector.
community in various aspects
such as production, marketing, improvement in the quality, changes in the design through various
workshops were initially conducted for the skill building exercise. The artisans have been empowered
to face the competiton. The capacity building programmes, such as the programmes on institutional
governance, have been imparted for effective running of the institutions. Similarly, skill building
programme was given to the artisans for the skill upgradation and to equip themselves to meet the
need and standards of the market. In concrete terms, their skills have been utilized properly and
completely for the effective running of their institutions.
62
Revival of arts forms, survival of artisans and checking their migration to other places and other
profession is one of the most important aspects of
NABARD HELPS WEAVERS IN
the rural tourism programme. To preserve the
POCHAMPALLI- A CASE STUDY
traditional and rural artisans, skills have been NABARD has taken up the task of registering the
developed through appropriate capacity building products of Pochampalli handloom silk cluster
under the Intellectual Property Rights-
programme. The skill building programme Geographical Indication of goods ( Registration
provided them the confidence of improving their & Protection) Act 1999, on behalf of local
arts. In product development, most of the rural weaver’s organisations. The two organisations
are the Pochampalli Handloom Weavers Co-
artisans face financial constraints. Hence, the operative Society and the Pochampalli Handloom
skill-building programme is not sufficient, as they Tie and Dye Silk Sarees Manufacturers’
Association. The registration prevents
need to market their products. This gap has been unauthorised use of Pochampalli designs and
filled by the provision of market linkages, through brand and enhance market opportunities in the
the collaboration with other agencies. country as well as in foreign countries and bring
economic prosperity to weavers.
Besides, important people business concept have

been insisted among the community so that in future they are able to run small but sustainable
producer units involving various trades. In many project sites, the artisan community has been
organized either in the form of small
marketing groups/ federations or self help
groups. The group formation promoted
community ownership among the artisans.
These groups have been given collaboration
with different business institutions for
market tie-ups. Efforts have also been taken
to promote the traditional products for
marketing. It is heartening to see that in most
of the sites, the SHGs are functioning in a
very organized manner. They have been
given training on aspects of book keeping
and management. Many of these are more
than one year old and have accumulated
healthy savings. Each member in the group
saves some amount every month and a bank account is opened in their name. Whenever, there is a
need of loan, they can approach the group. Hence, these groups are on a path of sustainability.
Besides, they have been given training on product diversification so that they cater to the changing
need of the market. Besides, effective quality checks and interventions has resulted in superior output
and rendered competitiveness of their products.
There has been a tremendous effort to help the artists with crafts development and marketing
initiatives through strategic collaborations, websites development and tourism promotion campaigns.
With publicity, visitors have a prior knowledge and get keen to see the process in which the product is
made. When they actually see the labour of craftsmen, raw material used etc, they seldom bargain on
63
the price, allowing the craftsmen to get a premium. Thus, indirectly the livelihood opportunities are
also promoted.
3.7.3 Participation in Fairs/Exhibitions
The handicrafts and rural art products have been marketed by

participation in various exhibitions. These exhibitions or the
so called fairs and mela, lasting for at least a week provides
many positive results by generating awareness about the
traditional products among the public.
The customer obtains the products at a fair rate, since the

artisans are directly involved in the marketing and there is no
involvement of any middle man. On the producer side, the
artisans get more profit. Moreover, it also provides the
artisans an opportunity to learn the taste of the customers,
with which the quality, design of the products could be further improved. Support has been given to
the artisans in product development, both in designs and quality after getting the feedbacks of the
exhibition. These types of exhibitions have very less risk and are successful in promoting locals crafts.
3.7.4 Participation in National and International Events
Participation in National and international events like a food mela or an exposure visit provides the
required exposure to the artisans and instills a sense of competition. The artisans meet people from
other parts of the country specializing in the same trade domain and learn the worth of their product.
Such events like the one organised by
POUS MELA EXHIBITION AT BALLAVPUR DANGA
UNDP at Delhi Haat, gave the
VILLAGE IN WEST BENGAL- A CASE STUDY
requisite exposure to the rural people. A Local festival called Pous Mela is organized every year in
The project site also gets marketed and Santiniketan which draws lot of visitors. Last year, during this
festival the Women’s Interlink Foundation organized an
the awareness spreads through the exhibition for 4 days. The Women’s tribal team of
word of mouth. Though till now, there Ballavpurdanga welcomed all guests by performing their
has been no participation in foreign traditional dance. Batik, Terracotta and carpentry items were
displayed for selling purpose. 21 stalls were put up in the
events. village and 20 people from tribal background participated in
the exhibition. The profit made during the whole programme
was Rs 4000. In the stalls, video about the rural site was shown
The sale of handicrafts to the tourists to the visitors which created awareness about the village. The
and in local melas has generated little women were praised by visitors for their hand made products.
money. In addition to income, two The District Magistrate of Birbhum also visited the stall and
applauded the efforts and skills of the tribal women in
forms of non-financial benefits are Ballavpurdanga village.
considered particularly important
impact of the scheme. The first is the revival of cultural values and associated social network and
activities. Before the project commenced, most of the rural sites were in a serious state of degenaration
and in some cases were overseen by PRI with scarce resources. The wider community, especially the
64
youth and women, had no inclination towards the tourism. The scheme has initiated the regeneration
of physical structure, traditional and cultural skills such as handicraft, music and dance. This has
encouraged several rural communities to resume their traditional roles and recommence the cultural
functions at the sites. Secondly, the involvement of community members in participatory and tourism
business planning is important for developing local capacity, even if this is not immediately reflected
in enterprise development and revenue.
Since this project is still in the final stages of completion, the demand for an organised supply of rural
tourist products is basically low.
In control villages, the artisans are not as skill ful as in sampled villages.They also lack basic
knowledge about the demand of their product and still follow traditional methods. Unlike, the sites
under rural tourism scheme, no marketing, promotional or financial support has been provided to these
artisans. Consequently, many have left the village or shifted to other professions.
The status of artisans at sampled sites under rural tourism scheme is given in table below.
Table 3.22: Status of Artisans at Sampled Site under Rural Tourism Scheme
S. NO NAME OF THE PROJECT STATUS OF ARTISANS

Development of Pochampalli, The status of Palm craft workers and Ikkat sarree
Nalgonda Distt., Andhra Pradesh weavers has improved. The Kalanetha has emerged as a
Pochampally Development (Livelihoods and Tourism)
Community Organization. The weavers in the village
have been integrated into SHGs and their federations
formed. They meet twice in a month and discuss their
issues and progress. There are 138 Self Help Groups in
the village. Mandal Mahila Samaika, a federation of all
1 the SHGs at the Mandal level is co-ordinating with
them. These community level federations are on the path
of self-reliance through managing enterprises that
benefit the community. An exposure of Handicrafts
made on Palm leaves has been held in Hyderabad where
the artisans got exposure in price structure and sales
avenue. Sri Ramananda Teertha Rural Institute (SRTRI),
the training institute has been tied to give skill-building
inputs to the artisans as per their emerging need
Rural Tourism at Konaseema Konaseema Village is famous for its backwaters
Village, East Godavari Distt. beauty. The village is projected more as adventure
2
Andhra Pradesh tourism destination as compared to cultural tourism
destination.
Development of Puttaparthi, The artisans have been provided the facility to showcase
3 Ananthpur Distt., Andhra their products in the craft centre in the village.
Pradesh
Rural Tourism at Nagarnar, Distt. Nagarnar village is famous for the handicraft skills of
Bastar, Chattisgarh the village. Around 20% of the village population
4
comprises of artisan families. There are 52 potter
families, 40 weaver families, 5 Blacksmith families and
65

around 25 Bell Artisan families. Training has been
provided to artisans in skill development. 16 artisans
were trained in pottery and 8 weavers in traditional
textile under guidance of experienced master craftsmen.
The weavers were exposed to various kinds of artistic
products like motifs, sarees, chunries etc. The artisans
have been trained to make artistic artifacts as per market
demand. These artisans provide extensive training in
product related marketing and developing presentation
skills. They are allowed to attend different workshops
/seminars organized in different regions of the country.
Rural Tourism at Hodka, Distt. It has been assessed that the artisans at Hodka village
Kachchh, Gujarat are in-born skilled persons. They have been provided
training on presentation skills, craft and marketing skills.
5 The artisans participated in various trade fairs,local
festivals like sarod utsav where they have displayed
different embroideries. They have participated in
national events like Delhi Haat and Pragati maidan.
Rural Tourism at Jyotisar, Distt. The artisans are mainly Dari and Galicha Weavers .They
Kurukshetra, Haryana participated in Local Utsav and National Utsavs like
Kurukshetra Utsav, Gita Jayanti, Surajkund Mela etc
where their arts and crafts were displayed. Computer
6
training and swimming has been given to 10 people and
5 respectively. Staff training was given in Delhi Indian
hand craft & scope of livelihood given from times
foundation.
Rural Tourism at Nagar, Distt. The artisans are mainly handicraft weavers The locals
Kullu, Himachal Pradesh make woollen shawl, caps and sweaters, gloves and
socks. Kullu shawl is very famous.They participated in
Banzar fair and Himalayan fair. Training on waste
management for panchayat & VDC members. EDP &
Exposure visits for SHGs, Guides and Beauticians was
7 also conducted. Bakery training, Training to SHGs and
woodwork, metal work and wool work and training on
authenticity of handicrafts has been completed. Training
on classification and segregation of degradable and non
degradable wastes, Vermin composting and bi-
management techniques to people of Nagar has been
given.
Rural Tourism Pragpur, Distt. There is a handicrafts shop in Pragpur which
Kangra Valley, Himachal manufactures good variety of shawls. It is a small
Pradesh industrial unit comprising of seven to eight workers who
8 work and sell from the shop. The shawls are also taken
and sold off to the nearby villages. There is a
government shop in Pragpur main market which stores
various stuffs including clothes , dharis ,spices etc.
Development of Attiveri Bird The site attracts people because of the variety of birds. It
Sanctuary as a rural tourism does not have specialized artisans.
9
Karnataka
Rural Tourism at Banavasi Distt., The artisans have formed a society which looks after the
10
Uttar Kannada, Karnataka development of the artisans of the village. The artisans
66

have been facilitated to participate in different
exhibitions so that they could popularize their products.
Besides trainings have been imparted to the artisans to
upgrade their skills. Artisans of the village had
participated in the Krishimela for three days and their
stall got first prize. Brochure on artisans is designed.
Exposure visit to artisans to the best outlets in
Bangalore, bidadi and Mysore has helped them to gain
confidence and visit has helped them to widen their
horizon. Preliminary discussions were held with
department of handicrafts and Canara Bank training
institute regarding training and skill up gradation of
artisans. Exposure visit to Annegundi and Bangalore
craft exhibition has opened up new potential to rural
entrepreneurship.
Rural Tourism project in The artisans are mainly producing bags made of banana
Anegundi, Distt. Koppal, trunk, shorba, river grass along with IIKAL.They have
Karnataka been provided training on different designs and styles.
11 The master craftsman does the sample and others copy
it. They have exhibited their handicrafts and skills at
different exhibitions like Delhi Haat, Bangalore
Exhibition and Koppal Exhibition.
Development of Kumbalangi as The site is famous for ecotourism. However, country
Rural Tourism Destination, Distt. boat making, different forms of fish net, coir making and
Ernakulam, Kerala coconut processing are the lesser known craft forms in
12
the village. The Kudumbsree or the community
development society, has identified them and is planning
to integrate these artisans
Rural tourism at Chaugan, Distt. Chaugan Village has lots of local crafts. 2 groups have
Mandla, Madhya Pradesh been trained in tribal folk performing art forms. Training
has been provided in handicrafts, polant fibers, lantana
13
wood craft, pottery. 6 women were trained in
performing art drama. The artisans have participated in
local trade fair.
Rural tourism project at Pranpur, The artisans in the Pranpur village are weavers and
14 Distt. Ashoknagar, Madhya make handicraft items of bamboo. They have been
Pradesh provided training on weaving and handicrafts.
Rural Tourism at Sulibhanjan- In Khultabad, there are 5 potter families. Besides,
Khultabad Distt. Aurangabad, vermicelli is locally made by a very large number of
Maharashtra women. Another important handicraft of the region is
Zari-Zardozi. There are 5 families who work full time in
15
this, whereas several women practice it as hobby. These
people have been integrated into groups and provided
skill building training. They have started making their
own savings and giving loans to each other.
Rural Tourism at Mopunchupket, The artisans have displayed their items in local shops for
16 Distt. Mokokchung, Nagaland show casing. Rural tourism at Mopunchupket is
projected as adventure tourism.
Rural Tourism project at The artisans have been provided a common platform for
Raghurajpur, Distt. Puri, Orissa displaying their arts at the interpretation center. The
17
have been sent to various places like Delhi Haat to host
Gotipua dance shows. Different wall paintings of
67

Raghurajpur artisans are displayed in exhibitions across
the country.
Rural tourism project Samode Some of the artisans and crafts persons have been
Village, Distt. Jaipur, Rajasthan awarded by the Indian Government and they have
displayed their products within India and abroad in
countries like France, USA and Britain. The artisans are
mainly leather workers, stone cutting workers; iron
18
workers. The artisans have participated in various
festivals like Teej festival, Basant Panchami. A
workshop on Lac artisans was conducted from July 6th to
July 28th in Samode last year. Similarly a workshop for
leather artisans was conducted in Samode village.
Development of village Lachen in Woodcarving, weaving and Buddhist paintings are the
19 North Distt., Sikkim crafts, practiced in the village. It is visited because of its
natural beauty, rather than crafts.
Development of Kazhugumalai DHAN Foundation has empowered a number of SHGs
Under rural tourism, Distt. through its special community banking programme
Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu called Kallinjam. They have revived and rejuvenated the
20
folk arts and rural crafts by organizing activity based
groups. Further, the NGO has provided Market Linkage
for the activity group involving local community
Rural tourism at Karaikudi, The Tourism Scheme has promoted 20 institutions
Chettinadu, Distt. Sivaganga, among the artisan community, covering 223 artisans; out
Tamil Nadu of which 195 are women. Pro-poor livelihood
21 orientation with the poor artisans through savings and
credit system has been the means of intervention. With
the primary savings of around Rs.1.75 lacs these groups
are on a path of sustenance
Rural tourism project at Various artisans have been identified by the NGO and
Jageshwar, Distt. Almora, requisite capacity building and training have been
22
Uttaranchal imparted to them covering various issues related to
product development and marketing.
Development of Rural Tourism at More than 100 artisans have been trained by Master
23 Village Mana, Distt. Chamoli, Trainer of DC (H) of Chamoli on design drawing and
Uttaranchal weaving.
Development of Rural Tourism The artisans have been imparted training on leather
Centre at Ballabhpur Danga, Distt. craft, mat weaving, terracotta, Batik work. The
Birbhum, West Bengal organization has imparted training to form Self Help
Groups where artisans of the village have been provided
training in handicrafts like mat weaving, leather works
etc . Besides, training has been imparted in organic
farming, horticulture and medicinal plants, Bengali
24 cuisines, hospitality and various others related activities
which in turn would increase income generation of the
villagers. Training programme for field workers was
conducted with the help of NABARD. Training on
carpentry, leather is given in Birbhum district. Food
preservation training, which was a joint venture between
WIF and Rathindra Krishi Vigyan Kendra was
organized in Bishwa Bharati in March 2006.
68
3.8 Consumer Satisfaction
It has been reported that the tourists visiting rural sites have a main motivation of relaxation. Of
course, these visits contribute to the development of infrastructure in the given areas, and also to the
retention of certain services (especially retailing).
The rural tourism destinations and their people expect to receive mainly foreign visitors. The foreign
tourists are mostly interested in two types of rural tourism: Firstly accommodation in the vicinity of
popular tourist destinations (being motivated by the much lower prices) and secondly in cultural /
heritage / historical aspects of the area.
The study team interacted with a number of tourists, both domestic and foreign in all these rural sites.
The responses received clearly indicate that tourists are fairly satisfied with the developments at these
sites. Some of these tourists were repeat customers and could clearly identify the changes that have
taken place in the villages. For instance, prior to the intervention of the government, there was no
street illumination which restricted the movement of the villagers. Besides, the creation of facilities
like toilets, drinking water and restaurants was highly appreciated by the visitors. There has been a
drastic change in the attitude of the people towards hygiene and cleanliness. The visitors specially the
foreigners have appreciated the beautification and landscaping in the villages.
Another factor which has really helped the tourists is the increase in the knowledge of the guides. The
guides seem to be much more organized and some of them could communicate properly in English.
According to a Belgian professor ( with whom the study team had interactions) who was in India for
the third time, the attitude of the local youths and natives have improved towards the foreigners. The
people have become far more receptive and the training provided to them in hospitality aspects has
worked wonders. Some of the tourists interviewed have stayed in the homesteads developed under the
scheme. They were thrilled by the experience of staying in the rural atmosphere and to be a part of the
community. It was a great experience for them to interact with people much more, to share with them
their thoughts and to taste the local cuisines. Places which are known for craft based tourism, have also
received lot of appreciation. The local people and guides have taken the pain to show around the
process in which the different products have been made. Witnessing the entire process has been value
addition for them as now they understand the value of the labour involved.
3.8.1 Impact on Tourist Inflow
Most of these sites choosen for rural tourism scheme have their inherent advantages in terms of
historical importance, craft, culture, cuisine and natural beauty. However, prior to the intervention of
government, there were five basic issues hindering the flow of tourist.
• Lack of basic infrastructural facilities for tourists like Sanitation, Drinking water facility and
medical facilities.
69
• Lack of awareness about the historical importance and the need for guides
• Need for maintaining hygiene and cleanliness in the local community
There has been considerable change after the systematic intervention through this scheme. Though, it
is too early to assess the increase in the number of tourists quantitatively (in most of the cases, many
project components have not yet been completed), but the study team found that the xenophobia (fear
towards unknown) is out from the minds of the people. The smaller radii in the tourism circuit has
been identified within the destination for keeping the tourist stay for more than a day. Different goal
setting exercises have been conducted with the host community and with the participation and
suggestion of village committee as well as the district coordination committee; there has been changes
in the people’s attitude.
Specifically the following factors have complemented and are indicative of the fact that the rural
tourism scheme has been successful in attracting more tourists and prolonging their stay in the village.
• Installation of Information centre with the support of government with rich documentation of
the rural tourism site. More number of visitors are utilizing these types of Information centers
and knowing more about destination.
• Equipping the artisans to produce the artistic products with quality and of International
standards. Encouraging the product diversification and provision of marketing linkages as well
as credit facilities has increased sales of the local art and craft forms in craft interpretation
centre. More number of tourists are now buying these local products.
• Documentation of the traditional festivals and folklore has been done and disseminated to the
tourists.
the people has fostered a conducive atmosphere for tourists. The drainage system, garbage
disposal system etc has changed the landscape of the village
• Guide Training among the local youths has led to an increasing number of youths helping the
• Concept of homestays with toilets being promoted among the host community has resolved the
problem of staying and has helped the tourists to feel a part of the local community.
70
• Training of the women/ host community in preparation of different types of cuisine and other
hospitality aspects has also resulted in increasing the satisfaction among the visitors.
It is anticipated that visitor numbers to these Rural tourism sites will grow as several tour operators
have expressed interest and hoteliers are currently incorporating rural tourism sites into their
itineraries.
3.8.2 Perception, experience and expectation of tourists
The study team interacted with tourists, both domestic and foreigners, during the survey. Overall the
visitors seem to be satisfied with their trip to India. While some of them were in the destinations for
the first time and few others were on repeat visit. The positives of the rural tourism according to them
are enumerated below:
• India being a diverse land, this type of tourism provides a platform to visit the hinterlands, meet
the rural people apart from the urban India.
• The warmth that the people showed and the natural beauty of the places is really enchanting
• They enjoyed the homestays and talking & mixing with people
• Other attraction included the local art and crafts being made right in front of them and the
process being explained to them.
• It was a great experience to witness the way of living, to exchange views with people and the
nature as a perfect landscape.
• They enjoyed the hospitality of the people as they were very receptive
The MMI team interacted with approximate 242 tourists at 24 sites. Tourists were asked to share there
overall experience and whether they were satisfied with their experience. While 72% tourists were
satisfied with their overall experience, 16% tourists said that they are not did satisfied with their
experience. 12 tourists did not answer the question. The result obtained is tabulated percentage wise in
given in table below
Table 3.23: Overall Satisfaction level of Tourist Visited Sampled Sites
Satisfied Unsatisfied Percentage Not answered

Percentage 72% 16% 12%
During survey, the MMI team asked the tourists to rate the facilities (In terms of accommodation,
safety, guide, interaction with local community and sanitation ) in the tourist destinations in a scale of
71
1 to 5, with 1 being poor and 5 being excellent. According to the responses obtained and considering
the majority, the facilities have been ranked below in table below .
Table 3.24: Ranking of Facilities by Respondents
Interaction
Accommodation Safety Guide with Local Cleanliness/Sanitation
Communities
Ranking of Facilities
by Respondents 3 4 2 5 1
• Interaction with Local Communities: This factor was given the highest rating by the tourist.
Most of the tourists were extremely happy as they got an opportunity to interact with the local
community in local condition.
• Safety: Most of the tourists interviewed felt safe while travelling in the hinterland. A majority
gave the second highest rating to safety factor.
• Accommodation: Accommodation facilities were given the 3rd rank. Most of the tourists
interviewed felt that the accommodation facilities were satisfactory. Most of the sites have
hotels and lodges in the nearby talukas/districts. Some of the sites like Samod ( Rajasthan),
Kumbhalanghi ( Kerala), Annegundi ( Karnataka), Karaikudi ( Tamil Nadu) have homestay
facilities.
• Guides: During the survey, most of the tourists faced a lot of difficulty while visiting places of
interest. There were very few guides and they did not know English. However, guide training is
one factor which is slowly evolving. Hence it was given second rank.
• Cleanliness/Sanitation: Most of the tourists interviewed were very unhappy with the
sanitation condition in the village and suggested that it requires massive improvement. Hence,
this factor has been given a rank of 1.
The tentative number of visitors at sampled sites under rural tourism scheme is given in table below.
Till date, no formal system of collecting information about tourist visiting rural tourism sites is
implemented, therefore the information about number of visitors to sampled sites is gathered from
NGOs representatives, PRI Representatives, state government officials etc.
Table 3.25: Tentative Number of Visitors at Sampled Sites
NAME OF THE SITES NUMBER OF VISITORS

Development of Pochampalli, Nalgonda Distt., 8500-9000 domestic tourists and around 120
Andhra Pradesh foreign tourist
Rural Tourism at Konaseema Village, East & West Around 3-4 Lakhs domestic visitors and 1636
Godavari Distt. Andhra Pradesh foreign visitors in 2005-06.
Development of Puttaparthi, Ananthpur Distt.,
Andhra Pradesh Around 10000 visitors annually
72
NAME OF THE SITES NUMBER OF VISITORS

Rural Tourism at Nagarnar, Distt. Bastar, 10-15 tourist visit per month. In winter it
Chattisgarh increases to 25.
Rural Tourism at Hodka, Distt. Kachchh, Gujarat In 2005-06, 1000 tourists visited the site. From
Jan to April 2006, 202 visitors came.
Rural Tourism at Jyotisar, Distt. Kurukshetra,
Haryana In 2005-06, 8500 tourists visited the site.
Rural Tourism at Nagar, Distt. Kullu, Himachal
Pradesh In 2005-06, tourist inflow has been 2782
Rural Tourism Pragpur, Distt. Kangra Valley, 13500 visitors in 2005-2006. 6500: domestic
Himachal Pradesh and 7000: foreign visitors
Development of Attiveri Bird Sanctuary as a rural 12000 tourists in 2005-06. 367 foreign tourists
tourism project, Distt. Uttar Kannada, Karnataka during 2005-06. Till October 2006, 13135
domestic tourist and 316 foreign tourist.
Rural Tourism at Banavasi, Distt. Uttar Kannada,
Karnataka 13000 tourists visit on an average.
Rural Tourism project in Anegundi, Distt. Koppal,
Karnataka 21000 tourists on an average
Rural Toursim at Kumbalangi, Distt. Ernakulam,
Kerala 25000 tourists visited last year
Rural tourism at Chaugan, Distt. Mandla, Madhya
Pradesh In 2006, 50 tourists visited
Rural tourism project at Pranpur, Distt. 15000-20000 visitors in a year. 117 tourists for
Ashoknagar, Madhya Pradesh the first time in village in 2005-06. 41
foreigners and 76 domestic tourists.
Rural Tourism at Sulibhanjan-Khultabad Distt.
Aurangabad, Maharashtra On an average 2400 visitors per month
Rural Tourism at Mopungchupket, Distt.
Mokokchung, Nagaland In 2005-06, 60 tourists visited the site.
Rural Tourism project at Raghurajpur, Distt. Puri,
Orissa In 2005-06, visitors were 34880
Rural tourism project Samode Village, Distt.
Jaipur, Rajasthan 6500 tourists visited the site on 2006-07
Development of village Lachen in North Distt.,
Sikkim 2000 tourists on an average
Development of Kazugumalai Under rural tourism,
Distt. Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu 53000 tourists and 132 foreigners last year
Rural tourism at Karaikudi, Chettinadu, Distt.
Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu 1 Lakh tourists on an average
Rural tourism project at Jageshwar, Distt. Almora,
Uttaranchal 7000-8000 tourists every year
Development of Rural Tourism at Village Mana, Approximate 80,000 visitors have come to the
Distt. Chamoli, Uttaranchal site in 2005-06
Development of Rural Tourism Centre at
Ballabhpur Danga, Distt. Birbhum, West Bengal 3000 tourist per month on an average
73
3.9 Environment Care
At the local level, the understanding of the

relationship between commercial
sustainability, protection and conservation
of natural and cultural assets is taking
time to develop. Evaluation suggests one
to two years of intensive training and
community mobilization is require to
understand the importance of protection
and conservation of natural and cultural
assets at the rural tourism sites.
One of the biggest challenge of the

tourism industry is that our success should
not destroy the environment which attracts the visitors in the first place.The study team found that
there has been a change in the attitude of the villagers towards cleanliness, hygiene and sensitiveness
towards environment. Protection of environment is the primary aim of the rural tourism project. In
order to make the villages clean, the use of SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN
plastics have been banned at some places like ANNEGUNDI- A CASE STUDY
The Khiskinda Trust as the implementing partner in
Jyotisar (Haryana). Instead of this, paper bags,
Annegundi village of Koppal district in Karnataka has
cloth bags are being used and for non- evolved a strong Solid Waste Management practice in
degradable litter such as empty bottles, tins, the village. Initially a pilot test was done to estimate the
volume of solid waste generated in the village.The
plastic bags etc. dustbins have been put in Q&Q pilot for measuring quality and quantity of waste
different places. In some places, the use of generated in the village was conducted for a period of
10 days with 30 participants chosen in a manner so as to
polythene and plastics bags, tins, gutkas,
represent all possibilities of commercial, institutional
cigarettes have also been banned so that their and residential categories. The residences were also so
refuse do not cause pollution. chosen as to have a mix of castes/ religions with varying
household population. The selected individual houses
were informed not to spare any part of the waste for any
purpose what so ever in order to arrive at a correct
3.9.1 Environmental Safeguards measurement of waste. After, the estimate, Khiskinda
Trust has demarcated a place where the total waste
generated is dumped. They have deployed two
(i) Solid Waste Management permanent personnel for this purpose and they have
been given training on waste segregation, collection and
disposal. These personnel have to customarily wear
At Anegundi (Karnataka) and few other
gloves and caps while working. Further the waste is
places, it was noticed that effective solid used to make manure which is again used for
waste management (SWM) is practiced. SWM agricultural purpose. This effort has really improved the
environment in the village.
Training has been imparted by the NGOs /
implementing agencies to the villagers for this purpose covering issues like awareness generation,
appropriate segregation, disposal of plastic, reuse & recycling of plastic and composting & vermi-
composting.
74
After training, the villagers have initiated waste management and started collection, segregation and
dumping of the waste in designated areas. The SWM brought in the much required scientific approach
to the whole process of waste management and along with it proper disposal of plastic which was
unchecked here. It also gave waste management a new perspective in terms ‘waste as wealth’ and
waste as income Generation Avenue.
(ii) Sanitation and Health
Tourism, being expressed a “Clean industry”, requires much focus on sanitation in different regions.
Under the scheme, quality of the living conditions of the local community and their standards of living
has also improved with proper sanitation facilities. Health and hygiene of the community has
improved.
After the rural tourism scheme, people have showed their priority towards sanitation, in their village.
For instance, in Lachen (Sikkim), the cows and yaks roam in plenty and pose a threat to health of the
villagers. To spread awareness among people various measures have been undertaken under the Rural
Tourism Scheme. For instance, for improvement in health and hygiene, camps and demonstrations of
hygienic practices; workshop on cleanliness have been organized which have resulted in improved
health condition of the local community, through the proper hygienic practices. For improvement of
the sanitation facilities, need assessment was done with the local community to identify the needs of
the people for the improvement of sanitation. Environmental awareness workshops were organized.
The output of all these has been the creation of sanitation facilities for the usage of local community
such as the toilet facilities.
It is pertinent to note that with

this initiative under the scheme,
panchayat members have started
linking their village with other
sanitation related schemes of
government.
In control villages, the

environmental safeguards have
been neglected. Not only are the
villages lack good sanitational
conditions but also no awareness among villagers about health and sanitation.
The present status of environment safeguards at sampled sites under rural tourism scheme is given in
table below.
75
Table 3.26: Status of Environment Safeguard under Rural Tourism Scheme
NAME OF THE
S. NO ENVIRONMENT SAFEGUARD
PROJECT
Development of At present, there is no proper waste disposal system in the village.
Pochampalli, Nalgonda Except agriculture and dairy based families who maintain their
Distt., Andhra Pradesh own waste and manure pits, other families do not have any waste
disposal system. They dispose the waste in the open palces and
near the tank. Although 90% of the streets are covered with
drainage system, they are not in good condition. At present 6
employees are working on sanitation in the village and the
1
panchayat pays them for maintenance of drains and removing
garbage. There is a problem of high fluoride in the water of the
village, because of which many people have to buy water for
drinking purposes. The panchayat has been maintaining 5
overhand tanks and 4 ground tanks. Establishment of community
based defluoridation plant is planned to minimize the health risk
and cost of drinking water.
Rural Tourism at Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation has formed a
Konaseema Village, East committee for monitoring the environment related issues. The
Godavari Distt. committees look after the cleanliness of the surroundings in and
Andhra Pradesh around Konaseema village. It has kept dustbins at various places
2 for solid waste collection. Besides the organization is trying to
create awareness relating to clean water management in the
village. The villagers are actively involved in maintaining a clean
environment in the village as tourists are prone to clean and safe
environment at the tourist site.
Development of
APTDC is maintaining the site at Puttaparthi. It has promoted
3 Puttaparthi, Ananthpur
clean tourism and the village environment is clean.
Distt., Andhra Pradesh
Rural Tourism at Enviromental and Ecological sustainability in the village is a key
Nagarnar, Distt. Bastar, concern which needs to be addressed. The natural resources in the
Chattisgarh village like forests, water, lands, animals are rapidly decreasing.
There is less awareness of solid waste disposal and waste
management among the villagers. So this issue has been addressed
by the implementing agency and proper strategies have been made
4
to get rid of it. The village has formed 24 Self Help Groups which
takes care of the environmental related issues. Attempts have been
made to use garbage drums at strategic locations of the village,
ban on plastics/or polythene products. Different environmental
awareness camps have been organized by the SHG in
coordination with the NGO.
Rural Tourism at Hodka, The solid waste disposal system in the village is not developed.
Distt. Kachchh, Gujarat There are no dustbins and the water quality is not good. It is very
5
salty. There has been plantation around the resorts ( sham-e-
sarad). Publicity about banning liquor is also put there.
Rural Tourism at There has been plantation of trees on road sides of the village in
Jyotisar, Distt. order to protect the environment against pollution. Ban of plastics
Kurukshetra, Haryana or polythene has become mandatory in the village. Solid Waste
6
Management has been implemented in the village by installing
dustbins at strategic locations of the village. However, the
drainage system is open and no scientific disposal of garbage.
7 Rural Tourism at Nagar, It was observed that four garbage drums have been installed at
76
NAME OF THE
PROJECT
Distt. Kullu, Himachal strategic locations of the village to avoid litter of solid waste in
Pradesh the village. The NGO as well as the VLC has banned the use of
plastic or polythene in the village. Special area development
authority has taken precautions that the traditional structure can’t
be compromised.
Rural Tourism Pragpur, It was noticed that a water pond has been created for conservation
Distt. Kangra Valley, of water in the village. Besides a Herbal Park has been developed
Himachal Pradesh for traditional medicines. Water pipes connecting all houses are
8
embedded on the ground rather than underground and this
provides the street a rough look. Porper care has been taken to
improve the drainage system in the village.
Development of Attiveri Attiveri being the site for Eco tourism, several steps have been
Bird Sanctuary as a rural implemented to plant trees for environmental safeguard.
9 tourism project, Distt. Plantation is done regularly to combat soil erosion in the site.It
Uttar Kannada, was found out that substantial plantation was done by the
Karnataka implementing agency i.e Forest Department.
Rural Tourism at The awareness on environment and cleanliness for school children
Banavasi Distt., Uttar was conducted in April, 2006. The villagers had participated in
Kannada, Karnataka Malenada Mela at Sirsi in June, 2006. Conservation of local
paddy germplasm has been taken up. 2 batches of training have
been completed on medicated oil. A massive programme called
Shramadhan was organized to clean the village. Formed an
10
ecoclub in Jayanthi Hogh school comprising of 87 students. 14
opinion leadsers from banavasi were taken to Surashettikoppa for
exposure visit. Real exposure to the forests and staying in forests
has helped the students to understand issues of the environment in
a better way. Stablo on roof top water harvesting was
demonstrated during the Kadambotsava.
Rural Tourism project in Eco Transplantation is being done by the organization; TKT.
Anegundi, Distt. Koppal, Solid Waste Management has been implemented by the Trust.
Karnataka They have banned Polythene Bags and have planted Mango Trees
11
on the bank of river Tungabhadra. Dust bins have been placed and
trench toilet constructed at Kosagi street. The village is cleaned
regularly.
Development of Training has been provided to the school children on plantation.
Kumbalangi as Rural Mosquito eradication has been taken up in the village. The PRI
Tourism Destination, has banned the usage of plastic bags in Kumbalanghi Village. The
12
Distt. Ernakulam, PRI has made it clear to people and visitors, that the natural
Kerala beauty of the place should not be destroyed by any activity or
construction.
Rural tourism at Strategies have been made in different stages for environmental
13 Chaugan, Distt. Mandla, safeguard campaign such as formation of students groups in the
Madhya Pradesh village. The villagers have taken up organic farming.
Rural tourism project at
Proper care has been taken to avoid solid waste in village by
Pranpur, Distt.
14 placing garbage drums at strategic locations of the village.
Ashoknagar, Madhya
Besides trees have been planted to avoid pollution in the village.
Pradesh
Rural Tourism at There are 16 garbage dumps and 44 community dumping places.
Sulibhanjan-Khultabad Some garbage bins though installed, the collection is erratc and
15
Distt. Aurangabad, disposal unscientific. The cleaning and repairing of the drains and
Maharashtra bylanes at Sulibhanjan is underway with about 50% of the work
77
NAME OF THE
PROJECT
done. Besides, the desiltation of tanks in the cascade lake system
is also partially completed. The construction of the toilets for
tourists has also improved the environment
Rural Tourism at Mopungchupket village is known for eco tourism spot. Therefore
16 Mopunchupket, Distt. proper care has been taken to safeguard the environment .This has
Mokokchung, Nagaland been done by planting trees at different places of the village.
A number of Dustbins have been provided in the village for
17 Raghurajpur, Distt. Puri,
cleaning the village.
Orissa
Rural tourism project There is poor waste management in Samod village. The household
Samode Village, Distt. water floods the street as there is open drainage system. Drainage
Jaipur, Rajasthan system requires .proper planning. The village lacks garbage
18
collection, disposal and dumping system. Proper garbage handling
system is required and the NGO is working to create awareness on
the same.
Development of village Access to portable water for human consumption is available in
Lachen in North Distt., various seasons. The private latrines are in good condition and
Sikkim most of the houses have flush toilets with septic tank. The public
19 toilet created with the Hardware fund is also in good condition.
However, no system for garbage (solid/liquid) disposal and
management is place in the village. Whatever the village
generates is being decomposed or thrown in the nalas.
Development of
The sanitation and cleanliness in the village has been vastly
Kazhugumalai Under
improved due to the creation of toilets in the village. Besides, with
20 rural tourism, Distt.
the improvements of roadways, the environment in the village has
Thoothukudi, Tamil
considerably improved. The village is cleaned on a regular basis.
Nadu
Rural tourism at With the improvement in the drainage system and the provision of
Karaikudi, Chettinadu, garbage bins, the sanitation level in the village has improved.
21 Distt. Sivaganga, Tamil Public toilets have also been created in the village. Basic training
Nadu has been given to create awareness among the people on
environment issues.
Rural tourism project at It has been observed that the villagers are concerned about the
22 Jageshwar, Distt. environmental safeguard of the village .The mandir committee has
Almora, Uttaranchal initiated few activities to keep the surroundings clean
Development of Rural
Proper care has been taken to put dustbins at different corners of
Tourism at Village
23 the village and site has been identified for collection of solid
Mana, Distt. Chamoli,
waste at common place.
Uttaranchal
Development of Rural The environmental safeguard has been one of the key issues
Tourism Centre at which have been addressed by the implementing agency in the
Ballabhpur Danga, Distt. village. Training has been provided on Forest Management in
Birbhum, West Bengal August, 2006 which was attended by 20 participants. Mr Satya
Sunder Bhattacharya, Ranger Officer, Bolpur Division was
invited to speak on Natural Resources and its importance.
24
Training was also been imparted on sanitation to different people
of the village. The different aspects of the training included
health, hygiene, pollution, cleanliness etc. It was suggested that
villagers could save the environment of the village by planting
more trees in the village. It has been suggested that they should
develop saplings, nursery in their homes .Besides training has
78
NAME OF THE
PROJECT
been imparted on different aspects like maintaining hygiene,
pollution, cleanliness, health etc to the villagers. A five day
sanitation program was organized in August,2006 to educate the
villagers at Ballavpurdanga.
3.10 Additional inputs
3.10.1 Employment generation and income generation
Rural tourism sites create awareness about what the rural areas have to offer. Tourism supports direct
or indirect employment opportunities in rural areas without adversely affecting agricultural workforce.
Overall, its contribution to rural economy is considered to be substantial. It has helped in reducing the
out-migration by providing employment opportunities in the villages by restructuring rural
entrepreneurial system.
It has been observed that rural tourism has become a source of income for rural communities. As we
know that majority of activities in the rural tourism do not require advanced training; local residents
with minimum training on skill development are capable of providing services like food serving etc.
Since tourism is accepted as a legitimate form of economic development, it is serving as a vehicle for
other types of business development opportunities for local communities.
The overall goal of the rural tourism is to create a community managed rural tourism model by
strengthening sustainable livelihoods of the local communities for the preservation and development of
local heritage of the villages. Due to the government initiative to promote rural tourism, a number of
avenues for the employment of local population have opened up. The direct and indirect sources of
income are enumerated below:
number of unemployed in the village
• The concept of homestays with toilets has potential of enhancing the income of the host
population .
• A large number of tea stalls, small restaurants, pan shops etc have started functioning due to the
increase in flow of tourists, which has again enhanced the income of the local people.
• As local resources (labour and material) have been used to construct the hardware structure
under the rural tourism sites, a number of local people have got employed. Not only this, many
of them will be employed to maintain the facilities and utilities being created in the village like
sweepers, receptionists, watchmen, cook, guides etc.
79
• The revival of Tourism products like folk arts by formation of activity groups has helped the
local population. These folk arts provide link with the past and bring to life ancient traditions
and cultures. They have also helped in perpetuating legacy for the future. The support to
rejuvenate the folk art has lead to the revival of the folk arts and also providing livelihoods to
the art practitioners.
• A vital aspect of the rural tourism was to check the migration of the artisans from the villages.
This problem has been effectively addressed in most of the villages. The artisans in different
categories like stone carvers, pot makers, wood carvers, painters, weavers etc have been given
trainings and exposure visits to towns. Their product has been effectively promoted via
different means and they have been taught about product diversification and emerging trends,
which has ultimately enhanced their income.
• Integration of gender perspectives with tourism industry has also evolved as an important
concept through the rural tourism, as it is the major employer of women and offers various
opportunities for independent income generating activities for them. The SHGs which were
either non functional or disintegrated have been provided all sort of financial and marketing
linkages, helping them to increase their income. In many cases, bank linkages have also been
provided.
Since most of the sites have not completed one full tourist season, therefore quantification of
employment and income generation is not feasible. It is important to note that rural tourism has
enhanced the local quality of life and also supported local culture in rural areas by encouraging
restoration of historic sites.
Various avenues for employment generation under rural tourism scheme is given in table below
Table 3.27: Various Avenues of Employment and Income Generation
TENTATIVE
AVENUES ASSUMPTION
INCOME
The stay for one night in the host family is priced
at around Rs 250 per night. The cumulative
revenue generation from this activity can not be
assessed as it has not completed one full tourism Rs 15,000 per season
Host Family season. However, it is expected that average 10 per year (in samode
host families in one village will be able to earn village)
approximately Rs 15,000 per season (INR 250
per night * 15 days in month for 4 months in a
year). This does not include earnings from meals.
A guide on an average charges Rs 50/ tourist/day.
So considering 5 tourist per day, he/she can earn 15,000 per person per
Guide:
Rs ( Rs 50 per day *5 tourists* 15 days a month year (In Hodka Village)
for 4 months)
Self Help Groups In Ballavpur Danga Village, a group of 20
80
TENTATIVE
AVENUES ASSUMPTION
INCOME
women, saving Rs 1000 monthly i.e Rs
12000/year. With banking linkage to them, they
can get a loan of Rs 40000
With conservative sales figure of Rs 300/day and
Tourist Incubators Rs 36000 per year (In
a profit of 10%, a shopkeeper can earn atleast
like Shops and Sulibhanjan- Khultabad
Rs30/day. This implies, a total Income of (Rs 300
Internet Café: site)
per day sales *30 days*4 months).
As observed in Annegundi, the youths rent out
their bi cycles to foreigners at the rate of Rs 12000/year by
Youth clubs:
Rs100/day. 1 youth earns Rs (Rs 100 day *30 renting out 1 cycle
days *4 months).
Cooking fresh and homely meals and supplying
12000 per year per cook
Local Cuisine to the tourists can boost the income of a single
(In Sulibhanjan-
preparation: lady by atleast Rs ( Rs 100 per meal * 30 days *4
Khultabad site)
months)
Rs 21,600 per year (like
Masonry/ Labourers As manual labourer, villager are earning Rs (Rs
in Kumbhalanghi
at construction site 120 per day wage *30 days * 6 months).
village)
It was reported in pochampalli village that
working as receptionist and sales person in the
Sales centre craft/sales centre, a person can earn atleast Rs Rs 21600 per year
120 days *30 days *6 months)=Rs 43200 per
year
A group of 15 dancer/ musician earn atleast Rs
Organising folk/tribal 6000 per show (just 60 visitor, Rs100 per ticket). 144000 per annum.(
theatre, music and On an average atleast 2 shows are organized in a like in Raghurajpur
dance month. Thus annual income is approximate Rs village)
6000 per show *2 days per month *12 months
A minimum of Rs 10 for parking and Re 1 for Rs 55000 per annum
User charges for
toilet can bring a revenue of Rs 11 per user * (like in Kazhugumalai
parking and toilet
5000 tourists per annuam village)
As observed in sites like Raghurajpur and Rs 12000 per year per
Employment as waste Annegundi, 2-3 people have been employed to person (like in
disposers collect and clean the village. They are paid Rs Raghurajpur and
1000/ month. Annegundi)
3.10.2 Direct Revenue Generated from the Project
It was observed that rural tourism has generated three types of cash income for rural households and
community.
• Regular wages for those with jobs: It has been reported that the income from tourism activities
in the villages is not regular but spurt in cash during some season to rural families has lifted
their status socio-economically. These earnings, in turn, are partially recycled within the local
economy creating a multiplier effect.
• Casual earnings opportunities from selling food, handicraft products, etc: The artisans, casual
labourers and others sell their products or labour to tourists. They earn smaller amounts from
casual sales than is earned by those in waged employment.
81
• New Business Opportunities: Tourism generates new opportunities for industry. Even those
rural businesses not directly involved in tourism can benefit from tourist activity through
developing close relationships with tourist facilities where local food can be used as part of the
tourism offering in a locality. Rural tourism facilitates expansion of complimentary businesses
such as service stations and new businesses are created to cater to tourist needs for hospitality
services, recreational activities and arts/crafts
According to one host family, the average price for one night including the breakfast in a rural house is
Rs 300. This price is lower than the prices offered by hotels in same area. This means that the rural
tourism can be chosen as a holiday possibility by people who have lower incomes and who cannot
afford to have holidays in other places.
Rural communities have been forced to try many different agricultural activities to try and survive the
problems of rural downturn, drought and diminishing returns for their produce. Rural Tourism is
promoted as a way of diversifying their economic base via the alternative “crop” that tourism can
represent to rural communities. Diversification into rural tourism tends to stimulate new developments
and enterprises within a rural community enabling locations in decline to take control of their
economic destiny. Rural tourism development eventually diversifies the resident population of a
community along with the product offerings of the region. These offerings include changed
agricultural activity and changed mix of goods & services.
3.10.3 Involvement of Travel Agents/ Tour Operators to Promote Rural Tourism

Destinations
Travel agents and tour operators play a vital role in promoting the rural tourism destinations among the
visitors. Our survey indicates that the tour operators are active in few of the rural tourism sites. These
tour operators are private players (the Tourism Development Corporations and State Tourism
Departments are in the process of tying up), they offer different types of packages to the tourists,
which varies across sites. The factors which determine the rate is the number of people and the number
of days of tour.
The visitors are taken to various places of attraction within and surrounding the rural tourism site.
Usually a cluster of places (each having it own importance) is chosen for this purpose and the driver
acts as tour guide too. However, due to lack of volume of tourists, the tour operators do not run buses
in these sites. In many cases, when the tourist is completely unknown to the place, the tour operator
creates awareness among them about the places of interest.
Still, efficient and effective participation of the tour operators and travel agents is essentially required
to promote the rural tourism sites.
82
3.10.4 Role of PRI members in rural tourism sites
One of the key stakeholders of the Rural Tourism scheme is the members of the Panchayati Raj
Institution. The positive social impacts occur only when strong leadership and repeated & new training
opportunities are offered. These enable collective action among NGOs/ PRI representatives to provide
consistently good support. When this happens, and tourists do return on repeat visits, the community is
likely to support rural tourism and new partnerships can be built with other key stakeholders in tourism
sector.
At few of the sites, PRI have acted as the implementing partner in facilitating the whole programme.
For instance, in Kumbhalangi (Kerala), Banavasi (Karnataka) or the Lachen (Sikkim), there has been
complete decentralization of power at the Panchayat level. The entire hardware and software activities
have been carried out with participation of the members of the panchayat. The gram panchayat
members being popular in the village and having advantage of knowing the strengths and weaknesses,
have acted smoothly in building the skills and awareness among the community and specially the
disadvantageous group in the village. In these villages, the gram panchayat is so powerful that, no
single decision can be taken without the consent of president of gram panchayat. The president is
selected by equal voting rights, so his decision is taken as the consent of the whole village. At the
same time, in villages like Jageshwar (Uttaranchal), local panchayat members see the activities of
NGO with suspicion and expect a lot many hardware and software activities which are not in gamut of
the scheme (due to their bad experience with previous NGO).
Many members of the gram panchayat are also the members of the Village Level Council formed
under this scheme for sustainability. These people are mostly village intellectuals (teachers, priests,
etc) and people who know a lot about the culture, heritage and tradition of the village. Even in other
sites where the panchayat is not the implementing partner, it has whole heartedly complemented the
efforts of the NGOs in capacity building and awareness programmes. In many of the sites, it is the
gram panchayat, which is maintaining the hardware facilities being created under the rural tourism
scheme. This also ensures that there is proper participation of all and more ownership taken by the
community.
According to MMI interaction with PRI representatives and implementing agency, it has been
observed out of 24 sampled sites, in 16 projects sites, implementing agencies are working in
coordination with PRI resulting effective and efficient implementation of the scheme. However at 8
sites, the coordination between two found to be unsatisfactory leading to delay in progress.
Table 3.28: Coordination Between Implementing Agency and PRI
COORDINATION BETWEEN IMPLEMENTING AGENCY

NUMBER
AND PRI
Implementing agency (like NGOs/ state government) working in
16
coordination with PRI
Implementing agency (like NGOs/ state government) working not
8
in coordination with PRI/ Site Managed by PRI
83
3.10.5 Participation, Contribution and Monitoring by Villagers
One of the preconditions of sustainable tourism development is the consideration long-term interests
of local residents. Rural tourism cannot succeed without the participation of rural society. Under the
rural tourism scheme, the rural tourism had the multiplier effect on rural society. It has developed the
rural economy and improving the rural income by providing employment for people in the village;
providing a new market for food such eggs, fruit, vegetables and rice, all of which is produced by local
farmers, and supporting small businesses such as restaurants and art shops.
A less obvious impact, but important over the long-term is the change in attitude towards sustainable
tourism and its delivery by a large number of stakeholders who participated in consultative meetings
and training. The participants achieved a substantive shift in their attitudes to rural tourism.
The aim of rural tourism is to increase the net benefits to rural communities from tourism, and increase
their participation in managing the tourism product. If more tourism can be developed in rural areas,
particularly in way that involves high local participation in decisions and enterprises, then poverty
impacts are likely to be enhanced. In broader context, tourism has brought a range of other benefits to
rural areas, such as infrastructural development and spin-off enterprise opportunities. The project
focused on creating community institutions, not just supporting individual entrepreneurs. Community
associations are seen as the guardians of culture, the developers of the tourism resource, and the agents
for community benefit. This is more in line with a development approach in rural areas than a typical
small business approach.
The project has focused on institution building of local communities as much as developing
entrepreneurship, and it is still very early to make judgments with regard to acquisition of business
skills.
The quality of micro-enterprises inevitably varies across the artisans depending on their capacity, as
does their potential to diversify service provision.
One of the most common features of rural tourism, as offered to local communities as an incentive to
consider starting a tourism business, is its ability to generate an alternative income stream. This
income can come at times that supplements income during seasonal fluctuations but local communities
are looking for alternative income that does not impact or interfere with their ‘real’ business. The
actual level of income is not as important as the fact that they have an alternative source of income.
Factors affecting income were room capacity, visitor numbers and price. It has been reported that low
revenues from rural tourism will result in low room numbers and so many rural tourism activities may
have difficulty securing sufficient tourist numbers to be financially self-sufficient. Where direct sales
of food and beverages are a part of the tourism business there is a much-improved ability to increase
profit margins.
The employment theme is extended to include specific opportunities for young people within rural
communities in the hope that tourism may provide an incentive for them to remain. The rural tourism
84
has promoted an exciting and growing industry suited to the energies and enthusiasm of young rural
people. Career options are enhanced with the opportunities for training and direct involvement in
running tourism business.
The status of local community participation at sampled sites under rural tourism scheme is given in
table below.
Table 3.29: Local Community Participation at Sampled Site under Rural Tourism
Scheme
S. NO NAME OF THE PROJECT LOCAL COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

Development of Pochampalli, The gram panchayat and the community level implementing
Nalgonda Distt., Andhra partners like the Men and women of Bhoodan Pochampalli,
Pradesh SHGs and their federations, Kalanetha Committee and
cooperatives are working together for developing the
weavers cause. Specifically the Kalanetha Committee with
1 support from the NGO has helped in improving the level of
participation of the weaker sections of people, specially the
women. With 138 SHGs in the village and various training
programmes being conducted, the situation has improved a
lot. The level of participation will increase when the
integrated tourism complex will be given to the villagers.
Rural Tourism at Konaseema It was observed that Village Level Community has been
2 Village, East Godavari Distt. actively taking part in developing the infrastructure for the
Andhra Pradesh tourist destination.
Development of Puttaparthi, It was observed that there is a lack of active participation of
Ananthpur Distt., Andhra local community in Puttaparthi .However APTDC has
3
Pradesh taken various efforts to actively involve local mass in the
project.
Rural Tourism at Nagarnar, There is a strong participation of the local community
Distt. Bastar, Chattisgarh towards the development of the tourist infrastructure in the
village. The villagers have formed different Self Help
Groups which are actively involved in maintenance of the
infrastructure.They have participated in different
4
workshops/seminars to expose their art and culture. The
community has formed several Self Help Groups of men
and women in the village.These groups actively involve
themselves in gaining training in environment safeguard,
solid waste management etc.
Rural Tourism at Hodka, Distt. The village tourist committee has been formed which looks
Kachchh, Gujarat after the maintenance of the tourist infrastructure at the site.
5
The land for the hardware has been provided by the Hodka
committee.
Rural Tourism at Jyotisar, Construction work ie implementation of hardware work
6
Distt. Kurukshetra, Haryana started after getting full support from the villagers.
Rural Tourism at Nagar, Distt. Local community participation is appreciable. PRI members
7 Kullu, Himachal Pradesh and village committee members are involved in monitoring
of hardware activities.
Rural Tourism Pragpur, Distt. There has been active participation of village level
8 Kangra Valley, Himachal community in the development of tourist infrastructure in
Pradesh the village. The local people in the village are more
85

acceptable to changes within the rural settings. They are
open to restoration of the age old structures and tourism
development in the village. Democratic selection of village
committee members from 4 wards of Banavasi has helped to
prepare hard component plan with ease. Formation of youth
group has helped to publicize the project. Training is given
to 19 members and prepared two types of herbal medicine.
The village level committee is already registered under 1960
societies act. Visit to other places of archeological
importance has provided good insights to the members of
village committee
Development of Attiveri Bird It was found that there is no active participation of local
Sanctuary as a rural tourism community in the village development. However the
9
project, Distt. Uttar Kannada, community takes part in the plantation.
Karnataka
Rural Tourism at Banavasi Local community participation is very strong in the village.
Distt., Uttar Kannada, All the hardware construction is being carried out by the
10 Karnataka local panchayats. The sarpanch of the village along with
other intellectuals and businessman have taken active
participation in the development process.
Rural Tourism project in It has been observed that there is a lack of active
11 Anegundi, Distt. Koppal, participation of the community at the site. However, with
Karnataka the initiatives taken by TKT, things have started to improve.
Development of Kumbalangi PRI of the village runs the project. It organizes regular
12 as Rural Tourism Destination, meetings on development issues of Kumbalangi.
Rural tourism at Chaugan, Gramin Paryatan Committee has been formed for the
13 Distt. Mandla, Madhya monitoring and maintenance of the project. There are fifteen
Pradesh members who are actively working in the committee.
Rural tourism project at The village level community actively participates in
14 Pranpur, Distt. Ashoknagar, maintenance and management of tourist infrastructure.
Madhya Pradesh
Rural Tourism at Sulibhanjan- The local community participation is quite satisfactory in
Khultabad Distt. Aurangabad, the village with the village level council organizing
Maharashtra meetings. Not only have the VLC, but the Dargah
15
committee, Waqf board etc also ensures involvement of all
people of the village. The women folk take active
participation in various activities
Rural Tourism at The village level committee has been formed which looks
16 Mopunchupket, Distt. after the construction of the tourist infrastructure in the
Mokokchung, Nagaland village.
Rural Tourism project at A village level council was formed in the committte with
Raghurajpur, Distt. Puri, active participation of weaker sections of the society. A
17 Orissa youth club is also present in the village with 25 members.
The youths in the village have actively participated in the
training and skill building programmes.
Rural tourism project Samode PRI has been actively participating in maintenance of tourist
18 Village, Distt. Jaipur, infrastructure.
Rajasthan
Development of village The system of self governance called Dzumsa system
19 Lachen in North Distt., (literally meaning a gathering place) practiced in Lachen
Sikkim ensures strong community participation. Dzumsa is the
86

traditional Panchayati Raj institution of Lachen and the
Government has recognized it. Its origin may be traced back
through the centuries having metamorphosed to adapt to the
growing needs of the people. Dzumsa is the village council
formed by the head of each household. They have the voting
right to elect the highest office bearer known as Pipon.
Other office bearers in administrative hierarchy are Gyapons
and Thimpeons.
The Dzumsa keeps an account of the day to day activities
and the accounts. The people are very happy with the rural
tourism scheme, as it has improved their roads, solved the
illumination facilities and has given focus to their village
Lachen
Development of In Kazhugumalai village of Tamil Nadu, the community
Kazhugumalai Under rural participation and institution building programme has been
tourism, Distt. Thoothukudi, very successful. The community has been trained and they
20 Tamil Nadu take active participation in the village level meetings. With
44 SHGs formed last year, frequent meetings have been
held to empower them. The women have taken active
participation in such programmes
Rural tourism at Karaikudi, 20 institutions among the artisan community have been
Chettinadu, Distt. Sivaganga, promoted covering 223 artisans; out of which 195 are
21 Tamil Nadu women. Pro-poor livelihood orientation with the poor
artisans has been done, through savings and credit system
with the primary savings of around Rs.1.75 lakhs.
Rural tourism project at It has been observed that there is active participation of
Jageshwar, Distt. Almora, local community in software activities carried out in the
22
Uttaranchal village. However the awareness of local communities
requires further boost for future economic impact.
Development of Rural There has been active participation of local community in
23 Tourism at Village Mana, the development of the village. They participated in various
Distt. Chamoli, Uttaranchal workshops or seminars to enhance their skills.
Development of Rural Women’s Interlink Foundation being the implementing
Tourism Centre at Ballabhpur agency for capacity building services in the village has
Danga, Distt. Birbhum, West formed different groups of the villagers to undertake the
Bengal software activities in the village. It was observed that eleven
Self Help Groups have been formed in Ballavpur Danga.
Out of eleven SHG’s, seven are female groups and four are
male groups. There are around 110 members in eleven
SHG’s.All members of the SHG’s are crafts persons and
24
local youth of the village who take active participation in
developing the socio economic condition of the village.
Besides one village tourism committee has been formed
which involves members from different segments of the
society. There are representatives from the village
community, teachers of the BallavpurDanga Primary
School, Ruppur Gram Panchayat Pradan, Youth clubs of the
Birbhum District etc.
87
3.10.6 Rural Tourism sites managed by NGOs and PRI Representative
The study team visited number of rural sites managed by the NGOs and PRI members. In the Rural
tourism scheme, the capacity building and awareness generation of the natives in the rural site has also
been done by the implementing partners (NGO or the PRI members under the software scheme).
It was observed during the survey that the sites which are managed by the NGOs had an organised and
systematic approach towards the whole scheme. All the data and documentation were maintained by
them systematically in both hard and soft version. Though this organised approach towards the rural
tourism lacked in the sites maintained by PRI, however they have an edge over the NGOs when local
conditions and working at grassroot level is concerned.
As the working of the PRI is restricted to the particular village, they concentrate more intensely at the
site. Since the NGOs manage a lot of programmes simultaneously, sometimes in other places away
from the sites, their focus sometimes gets diluted. Besides, since the PRI’s are more aware of the local
conditions, the capacity building programmes not only take less time but are managed more
effectively. For instance, they have a prior knowledge of the local population, their skill sets and the
needs of the artisans and host community.
Another important objective of the rural tourism scheme was community mobilisation and
participation. This also becomes much easier in the case of PRI, as they can easily mobilise local
human resources resulting in effective participation and ownership of the people.
The comparative assessment of sites managed by Large and small scale NGOs is given in Table below
Table 3.30: Comparative Assessment of Sites Managed by Large and Small Scale
NGOs
CATEGORY OF ASSESSMENT
NGO STRENGTH WEAKNESS
Organised approach
Large scale NGOs Effective management approach
Involvement in multiple projects
like INTECH, Quality manpower
leads to lack of concentration
DHAN Availability of working capital
Frequent transfer of key officials
Foundation, BIRD, Linkages with international
High programme cost
INHERE etc organisations
Programme Quality conscious
Localized approach
Lack of working capital leading to
Small Scale like Focus and concentrative approach
problems in implementation.
NGOs like TKT, Good Knowledge about local socio
Non availability of quality
Akshara Network economic conditions
manpower
etc Low programme cost due to
Unorganised approach
involvement of local resources
88
3.10.7 Rural Tourism sites supported by UNDP and State Government
The rural tourism scheme attempts to match the government’s commitment to develop the rural
tourism sector in India. To that level of commitment, the combined intervention of GOI, UNDP
Endogenous Tourism Project (ETP) and State Governments play a key role in promoting the rural
tourism in the country. The UNDP ETP supports the software activities include training and capacity
building aspects of the key stakeholders involved in implementation and promotion of rural tourism
scheme.
Most of the state rural tourism sites include the development of hardware activities only. The hardware
activities include improvement in the village surroundings, landscaping, development of parks,
fencing, compound wall etc. There has been development of roads, tourist accommodation like tourist
rest house, signage, reception center and other activities directly related to tourism. It has been
observed in the Konaseema Village of the East Godavari District which has been managed by the
Andhra Pardesh State Tourism Corporation, various infrastructure developments have been made to
promote rural tourism in Andhra Pradesh. There is no involvement of software training or capacity
building services under the State specific Rural Tourism sites. State Rural Tourism sites are being
monitored and evaluated by the State Tourism Department and Ministry of Tourism, Government of
India.
The UNDP Endogenous Tourism sites are monitored and evaluated effectively and efficiently by
UNDP programme team. The regular visits and interactions of UNDP programme team with
implementing agencies has helped in successful completion of project as per the guidelines. The
emphasis of UNDP was equally on software components of the project on community mobilisation
and participation in development and further maintenance of the project, leading to long term
sustenance of the projects.
It is pertinent to mention that the sites covered under UNDP programme are in the progress of
successful completion of activities
with effective and efficient support
from the UNDP team.On the other
hand, few of the sites managed by
state tourism department, due to lack
of regular monitoring and community
participation, could not produce
desired results.
3.10.8 Role of Self Help

Groups
Formation and strengthening of Self Help Groups comprising of disadvantageous groups, especially
women, has been one of the achievements of the Rural Tourism scheme. In most of the sites, the study
team visited many such groups and interacted with beneficiaries. In many of the rural sites, new
89
activity specific SHGs have been formed under the rural tourism scheme. They have been functioning
for almost one year now and have been promoted as self-sustainable federation. The sustainability of
these new groups and other existing SELF HELP GROUPS IN BALLAVPUR DANGA
SHGs (which were formed prior to VILLAGE IN WEST BENGAL- A CASE STUDY
Under the Rural tourism scheme, in Ballavpur Danga Village,
the rural tourism scheme) has been 11 SHGs have been formed. Out of the 11 SHGs, 7 are women
ensured by providing a regular SHGs and the remaining 4 being Male SHGs. There are
approximately 72 craft person under these 11 SHGs. The prime
access to savings and credit. The
activity of these SHGs is making and selling Batik, Leather
members of the various SHGs have bags, terracotta items, carpentry items etc. Women’s Interlink
been given training on aspects of Foundation, the NGO working in the village has promoted these
SHGs by providing them training through a Master trainer every
book keeping, institution building day for six days of a week. Handicraft Training in Mat Weaving,
and management. They have been Terracotta and Batik, Training in Leather craft,Training in
taken to different trade fairs and Masonry, Carpentry and plumbing, Training in animal
husbandry, training in Sanitation, hygiene, waste Management
other exposure visits with an and Sanitary Mart and organising forestry as well as nature work
objective to expose them to the has been given. Besides, they are provided bank credit and
marketing facilities. For instance, leather bags made by these
trends of market and get the real groups have been supplied in different workshops, local market,
value of their products. at Sonajuri forest, Pous mela and other mela. The trainee and
trainers jointly purchase the raw materials from local markets
and from Kolkata markets. Promotion, skill upliftment and up
SHGs are growing in financial gradation has resulted in more marketable items. These items
strength and have started helping are also sold through exhibition centre and advertisement stall at
various outlets.
other members in the group to
address their socio-economic requirements. These SHGs have gone one step ahead in some places like
Ballavpur Danga (West Bengal) and have started addressing the social needs of their group members
themselves. The focus is on issues like drinking water, health, education, Housing, sanitation, basic
infrastructure, alcoholism, gender issues and community development. All these have served the
process of sustenance of these groups immensely.
To illustrate an example, at the Ballavpur Danga (West Bengal), income (Year 2005- 2006) earned by
the SHGs and individual artisans as a result of the trainings (Cookery, Woodcraft, Batik, Terracotta,
Leathercrafts , Tribal Group Dance form, poultry, floriculture, masonry, etc. ) conducted under the
rural tourism scheme in Ballavpurdanga is given in Table below
Table 3.31: Profit Earned by the SHGs and Individual Artisans(Year 2005- 2006)
Head Amount Appx Total

in Rupees Profit
1. Dance Performance by Ballavpurdanga Tribal Group at : ( 20
members)
Pous Mela 2005 300
Pous Mela 2006 2600
Club Durga Puja 2006 1700
Club Durga Puja 2006 250
Club Kali Puja 1700
Tourist Visit 600
Dol 2006 ( Tourist) 500
Workshop 300
90
Visitors 200
Total 8150 8150
2. Sales of Handicrafts at Saturday Haats 3092 3092
3. SHGs cooking midday meal for 15 months 7500 7500
4. Film shooting due to village beautification ( terracotta,
floriculture, herbal plants, fruit trees, kitchen garden etc) 2000 2000
5. Exhibition cum sale for Handicrafts items
Pous Mela Sale at Santiniiketan,,Dec ’05 3500 1500
Pous Mela Sale at santiniketan,Dec ’06 5500 2500
Delhi Haat Sale at Diwali Deep Utsav,Oct’06 30,000.00 12000
Sale in Bhutan of Handicraft Samples,May ’06 4300 2600
Delhi Workshop Leather bags – 70 pcs,June ‘06 15750 3500
Leather bags- WIF Workshop- 50 pcs ,June’06 12250 2500
Sale at Delhi Workshop Delhi Workshop,June ‘06 1050 500
Christmas Handicraft Basaar at Kolkata,Nov’06 1200 600
6. Terra cotta earning by individual craftsman from orders 5000 5000
homes – Kolkata
7. Film Shooting – in one home 1000 1000
8. Masonry in construction works 7000 7000
Source: Women’s Interlink Foundation
The number of SHGs at sampled sites is given in table below.
Table 3.32: Number of SHGs at Sampled Sites
NAME OF THE SITES NUMBER OF SHGS

Development of Pochampalli, Nalgonda Distt., Andhra Pradesh 12
Development of Puttaparthi, Ananthpur Distt., Andhra Pradesh 12
Rural Tourism at Nagarnar, Distt. Bastar, Chattisgarh 24
Rural Tourism at Jyotisar, Distt. Kurukshetra, Haryana 4
Rural Tourism at Nagar, Distt. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh 6
Development of Attiveri Bird Sanctuary as a rural tourism project, Distt.
6
Uttar Kannada, Karnataka
Rural Tourism at Banavasi, Distt. Uttar Kannada, Karnataka 24
Rural Tourism project in Anegundi, Distt. Koppal, Karnataka 16
Rural tourism at Chaugan, Distt. Mandla, Madhya Pradesh 15
Rural tourism project at Pranpur, Distt. Ashoknagar, Madhya Pradesh 17
Rural Tourism at Sulibhanjan-Khultabad Distt. Aurangabad,
15
Maharashtra
Rural Tourism at Mopungchupket, Distt. Mokokchung, Nagaland 7
Rural Tourism project at Raghurajpur, Distt. Puri, Orissa 86
Rural tourism project Samode Village, Distt. Jaipur, Rajasthan 8
Development of Kazugumalai Under rural tourism, Distt. Thoothukudi,
62
Tamil Nadu
Rural tourism at Karaikudi, Chettinadu, Distt. Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu 38
Rural tourism project at Jageshwar, Distt. Almora, Uttaranchal 9
Development of Rural Tourism at Village Mana, Distt. Chamoli,
12
Uttaranchal
91
NAME OF THE SITES NUMBER OF SHGS

Development of Rural Tourism Centre at Ballabhpur Danga, Distt.
11
Birbhum, West Bengal
3.10.9 Linkages with other Government departments
Another objective of rural tourism project is to provide linkages with other governmental schemes to
have integrated developmental approach. Although tourism is generally a private-sector industry, a
degree of government support, in terms of investment, community mobilization, providing backward
& forward linkages to the artisans etc are remarkably noticeable.
For example in Jageshwar (Uttaranchal), to encourage concentration of tourism activity in one area,
Archaeological Survey of India has started taking an initiative for repair and maintenance of famous
Jageshwar Temple. In Sulibhanjan-Khultabad ( Maharshtra), afforestation and soil-water conservation
activities are carried out by the forest department. People living in and around Bada Ali get income
from this. In Lachen (Sikkim), water is supplied through pipeline created by RDD water supply
division. Besides, the approach to the place has vastly improved, due to the efforts taken by Border
Roads Organization to create and maintain the roads leading to the site, because of this, there is no
water problem in Lachen. Likewise, for the benefit of tourists, one tourist information centre has been
created in Banavasi village (Karnataka), which is run by the state tourism department.
The linkages with government departments at sampled sites under rural tourism scheme is given in
table below.
Table 3.33: Linkages with Government Department at Sampled Site under Rural
Tourism Scheme
LINKAGES WITH GOVERNMENT

DEPARTMENT
Development of Pochampalli, The district Rural Development Authority, the
Nalgonda Distt., Andhra Pradesh Sericulture Department along with the local NGO
1
has helped in the development of Pochampalli
village.
Rural Tourism at Konaseema Village, Village Level Community has strong linkages with
East Godavari Distt. Andhra the State Tourism Department of Andhra Pradesh,
2 Pradesh District Level Authority of East Godavari ,
Engineering Wing of State Tourism Department of
Andhra Pradesh.
Development of Puttaparthi, APTDC has various linkages with the different
Ananthpur Distt., Andhra Pradesh government bodies like State Tourism Department,
3
Rural Development, Department of Power and
Electricity of Andhra Pradesh etc.
Rural Tourism at Nagarnar, Distt. It was observed that the tourism project in the village
Bastar, Chattisgarh has been selected after detailed analysis of its
4
feasibility in the village by the State Tourism
Department of Chattisgarh, State Forest Department,
92

DEPARTMENT
Department of Power and Water, District Level
Authority of Bastar and various other government
agencies of the state.
Rural Tourism at Hodka, Distt. State Tourism Department, District Level
Kachchh, Gujarat Authority,State Forest Department, Water and
5
Sanitation Department have had convergence under
the proposed Scheme.
Rural Tourism at Jyotisar, Distt. DRDA and State Tourism Department have assited
6
Kurukshetra, Haryana the development of Jyotisar village.
Rural Tourism at Nagar, Distt. Kullu, DRDA, Forest department, state tourism department
7
Himachal Pradesh and ASI were involved in developing the village.
Rural Tourism Pragpur, Distt. Kangra State Tourism Department, District Rural
8 Valley, Himachal Pradesh Development Authority,ASI are linked with the rural
tourism project at Pragpur village.
Development of Attiveri Bird Rural Development,Department of Power and
9 Sanctuary as a rural tourism project, Department of Irrigation have been involved in
Distt. Uttar Kannada, Karnataka evolving the project
Rural Tourism at Banavasi Distt., State Tourism Department of Karnataka,District
10
Uttar Kannada, Karnataka level Authority,Forest Department,ASI , PWD etc
Rural Tourism project in Anegundi, PWD,Rural Development , Department of Power,
Distt. Koppal, Karnataka State Tourism Department, Ministry of
11 Tourism,Government of India. Department of state
archaeology has helped in restoring the northern gate
entry by cleaning the place.
Development of Kumbalangi as Rural State Tourism Department, Fisheries and Harbour
12 Tourism Destination, Distt. Management Department, Rural Development,
Ernakulam, Kerala Department of Power and Water.
Rural tourism at Chaugan, Distt. State Tourism Department, District Level Authority,
13
Mandla, Madhya Pradesh Irrigation department ( developing of Hardware)
Rural tourism project at Pranpur, State Tourism Department, Rural development
14
Distt. Ashoknagar, Madhya Pradesh department and ASI
Rural Tourism at Sulibhanjan- The different departments which have closely
Khultabad Distt. Aurangabad, worked in the development of the site are PWD,
15
Maharashtra ASI, the forestry department and the Municipal
Council Khultabad
Rural Tourism at Mopunchupket, State Tourism Department, District Level Authority,
16
Distt. Mokokchung, Nagaland Engineering Wing of State Tourism of Nagaland.
Rural Tourism project at Raghurajpur, State tourism department, Rural Development
17 Distt. Puri, Orissa Department and state PWD have facilitated the
development of Raghurajpur village in Orissa.
Rural tourism project Samode State Tourism Department, District Level Authority
18
Village, Distt. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Development of village Lachen in A new tourism reception centre has come up, being
North Distt., Sikkim constructed by Tourism department, Govt of Sikkim.
Maintenance of the local monuments is taken care of
by the Dzumsa and ASI/state dept is not involved.
19 There is a community information centre supervised
by the local National Informatics Centre. Water is
supplied through pipeline created by RDD water
supply division. The state power ministry ensures
surplus electricity in the village.
93

DEPARTMENT
Development of Kazhugumalai Under The Forest department, District rural development
rural tourism, Distt. Thoothukudi, authority and the state PWD ( Buildings) and state
Tamil Nadu PWD ( Electrical division) have helped in the
development of the site. Besides, the State Tourism
Department has also helped in achieving the goals of
the programme. PWD (Buildings), Thoothukudi is
20
facilitating the “Refurbishment of monuments steps”
work. The highway department, Thoothukudi, Town
and country planning office,
Tirunelveli,Municipality, Kayalpattinam and district
forest officer, Thoothukudare also members of the
district level committeei .
Rural tourism at Karaikudi, The Forest Department, State Tourism Department,
Chettinadu, Distt. Sivaganga, Tamil DRDA and state PWD have provided technical
21
Nadu inputs and support to develop the rural tourism
scheme in Karaikudi village
Rural tourism project at Jageshwar, Archeological Survey of India, Forest Department of
22 Distt. Almora, Uttaranchal Almora and State Tourism Department are involved
in the project.
Development of Rural Tourism at Key district stakeholders like District Magistrate,
Village Mana, Distt. Chamoli, Disitrict Rural Development officials, Rural
23
Uttaranchal Engineering Service, Tourism Department etc are
actively involved in the project.
Development of Rural Tourism The various departments of the government which
Centre at Ballabhpur Danga, Distt. are linked with this rural tourism project are the
Birbhum, West Bengal State Tourism Department, Rural Department of the
District, District Level Aithority of Birbhum. There
is a sanctuary with three big lakes along the southern
24
periphery of the side. This sanctuary is protected and
maintained by the forest department. Shantiniketan
Sriniketan Development Authority has agreed to
share the excess hardware cost after becoming the
project partner.
3.10.10 Comparative Assessment of sampled village and control villages
The comparative assessment of sampled and control villages is given in table below
Table 3.34: Comparative Assessment of Sampled and Control Villages
PARAMETER SCHEME VILLAGE CONTROL VILLAGE

PRI members have taken active Local community members are
Local Community
participation in various activities of the disorganized and lack the
Participation
scheme. knowledge for site promotion
Intellectuals from the village have aided
the NGOs in creating awareness about the
scheme
94
PARAMETER SCHEME VILLAGE CONTROL VILLAGE

Construction and maintenance activities
are being undertaken by employing local
resource, material and manpower.
Formation of many women and young No SHGs formed under other
girls SHGs in the villages scheme with no concept of
integrating the activities for
promotion of tourism site.
Status of Gender SHGs have been trained on book keeping, Low level of participation of
Sensitization institution building, to conduct meetings women members of the society
and other promotional activities.
Training in various aspects of visitor Lack of knowledge about the
handling etc has been imparted to both visitors handling
men and women of the village.
Community members have knowledge The concept of integration of
about good sanitation conditions and its good sanitation practices with
link with tourism promotion. tourism promotion is missing.
Environmental
At few places, they have started No proper community based
Safeguards
collecting solid waste in scientific way. systems have been formed to
maintain good sanitation
conditions in the village
There are some host families in the There are no host families in the
villages who have been trained to villages
welcome the visitors.
Status of Host Training has been imparted to the host
Families families for generating income and
livelihood.
Cuisine making training has been
organized in many places
Capacity building on product The artisans are few in number as
diversification, value addition, marketing compared to the scheme villages
etc has been imparted to village artisans (due to out migration).
Exposure visits to other famous sites to No formal capacity building and
Status of artisans
draw parallels concept of integration with
tourism sector
Confidence building by participation in More individualist approach
state and national fairs.
Number of training programmes have No guide training programmes
been conducted for youths willing to have been conducted.
Guide Training become guides in future
Few youths are working as guides in the Local youths, from nearby
villages sampled villages guide tourists
Construction of the tourism infrastructure Lack of proper tourist
(like accommodation facilities, pathways, infrastructure or managed by state
solar lights , parking space, toilet etc) has tourism department which lacks
prolonged tourist stay or increase in community ownership
Present Status of
tourist satisfaction level
Infrastructure
Sense of ownership among community
members to maintain tourism
infrastructure
Improved quality of life
95
4 PROJECT CONSTRAINTS
During interaction with various stakeholders, the study team has identified following project
constraints during the implementation of the Rural Tourism Scheme.
4.1 Frequent Transfer of Personnel
The common understanding initially developed among all the stakeholders gets diluted with the
frequent transfer of personnel, more so the focal personnel like the District Collector (DC) /District
Magistrate (DM). During the survey, it was found that in most of the sites, the DC who was involved
since the inception of the project and development of a structured vision for the site was transferred or
got retired as in case of Lachen (Sikkim) and Jageshwar (Uttaranchal). Under such circumstances, it is
very difficult for the new officer to develop a similar kind of involvement or vision for the site. Even,
if the vision is retained, it takes him a considerable amount of time to understand the project, thus
delaying the progress of work. Apart from government officials, even the NGOs because of their
involvement in other projects cannot deploy permanent resources/personnel in the site. Whenever a
new coordinator comes to the village, he/she takes time to build rapport with the people for the project.
With this type of restructuring in the core group, the project looses much of its strength and gets
delayed.
4.2 Lack of Proper Understanding
It was observed that in most of the sites which did not have the software components (especially Non
UNDP sites), there was a lack of awareness among the people about the scheme. Though the hardware
structure was in place or under construction, the locals did not know much about the project. For
example in Pochampalli village of Nalgonda, the Gram Panchayat hardly had any idea about why the
construction was going on or who were employed for the purpose. The construction of beautiful
structures alone cannot ensure community participation. Moreover, many government schemes run
parallely in the village and the locals sometimes confuse Rural Tourism scheme with other schemes
like Balawadi, ICDS, NREGS, SSA etc. A common understanding among all the villagers about the
basic facets of the rural tourism scheme is necessary to bring a holistic development of the villages.
Thus, it is vital that there should be equal focus on the software components of the project.
4.3 Lack of Synergy between Hardware and the Software Activities
It was observed at few sites like Puchampalli (AP), Jageshwar (Uttaranchal) that there has been no
direct synergy between the hardware and the software activities under Rural Tourism Scheme. Ideally,
the software activities should precede the hardware activities. After the need identification through
PRA & Baseline survey, the physical facilities should be designed and implemented. In few of the
sites, hardware activities have preceded the software activities. The need prioritization was missing in
these sites.
96
4.4 Lack of Coordination
The success of rural tourism schemes is the responsibility of many stakeholders. The community
participation and ownership can be achieved only when the local governing institutions like Gram
Panchayats cooperate with the NGOs. Unfortunately, in some cases due to vested interests, there
seems to be a lack of coordination between the gram panchayat and the local NGO. They blame each
other of misappropriating funds and not doing any benefit to the village.
4.5 Inter-Departmental Problems
There are many stakeholders like the Rural Development Department, the Ministry of Environment,
Archaelogical Survey of India, PWD, Water Department etc in the implementation of the rural tourism
scheme. Due to the involvement of multi stakeholders in the scheme, sometimes there is a problem in
creating or refurbishing the existing structures. For instance, if a park is already being maintained by
the Ministry of Forest or a monument is being taken care of by ASI, then it cannot be renovated.
Similarly, if water bodies are maintained by the Water Department or if a land is owned by the Rural
Development Department, then sometimes there is duplication or misunderstanding among the various
stakeholders leading to stoppage or unnecessary delay of activities.
4.6 Duration of Software Activities
The size and population of the village also needs to be taken into consideration before deciding on
duration of software activities. The formation of the community groups, product development and
marketing is expected to take longer time to reach a reasonable standard for foreign and domestic
tourism markets. The initial project time period of two years was too short. Resources and expertise in
some areas have been insufficient especially for the sites supported by state government, while
funding delays exacerbated problems. The project did achieve most of its objectives over two years
although the time period was simply insufficient to fully implement a bottom-up participatory
approach to product identification and marketing and to help the communities achieve their enterprise
and management objectives.
4.7 Gap between the Expected and the Realised Profitability
The main reason behind the dissatisfaction of the rural communities is the gap between the expected
and the realised profitability. Since, many of these sites are still in the process of being developed and
the tourist inflow is yet of pick up, the local community feels demotivated about the results and gets
detached from the project. For instance, a guide training course can increase the income flow, only
when there is increase in number of visitors. Likewise, because of the relative slow growth, the
artisans or host community fail to see the economic benefit in the short run. Besides, the related
bureaucratic problems and lack of significant support from various state departments create disconnect
between the expected and realised profitability.
97
4.8 Institutional Obstacles
It was observed that challenges in rural tourism have been compounded by institutional obstacles, i.e.
the administrative complexity. It was reported to the study team that, though the funds received was
sufficient to carry out the services, however operational bottlenecks arise due to lack of co-ordination
between Rural Development and Tourism Department. On-going and repeated attempts to build
partnership / linkages with other departments working at district level has also not materialised to
extent desired.
4.9 Lack of Concept of Integrated Tourism Products
An important objective for tourism planners is to diversify the tourism product (e.g. the development
of culture, adventure tourism) with the aim to encourage visitors to stay longer and, ideally, spend
more, and/or to develop a more distinguishable destination identity. It has been observed at various
locations that the concept of integrated tourism products is still in the infancy stage. There was not
much visible change seen in the village life either. Thus the purpose of creating a separate brand for
each site is yet to be fulfilled.
4.10 Lack of Statistics
Another major constraint in the rural tourism scheme has been the lack of statistics about the site. For
instance, in many cases, the correct data of tourist inflow to a particular site was impossible to obtain.
No one had ever maintained a record of such type. During the PRA exercise, sometimes due to
unavailability or suboptimal participation, the data about the number of beneficiaries (artisans,
craftsmen etc) could not be obtained. Thus it becomes very difficult to obtain feedback for adaptive
management and marketing.
4.11 Strong Competition from Nearby Tourist Destinations
Rural Tourism scheme is constrained by strong competition from other nearby tourist destinations and
other competitive packages sold by tour operators. Being a new concept, the investment in rural
tourism cannot create a sudden boon and requires a certain time frame.
4.12 Interest of Locals
In most of the sites rural tourism is part of the general local development plans and possesses various
natural and cultural attractions. Among these, the most important ones are the clean natural
environment, the hospitality of the local people, the rural lifestyle, and, to a certain extent, the
preserved tradition and heritage. It has been reported that the interest of tourists looking for authentic
rural experiences very often conflict with the interest of locals looking for urban comfort.
98
5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SUSTAINABILITY
5.1 Conclusions
Since rural tourism development is recent and locally managed, the involvement of local people is
high. The scheme has empowered the local people by increasing their livelihood opportunities
The sites selected have been apt for the rural tourism scheme. Most of the sites have their own
traditional importance and place in history. Some of them are known for the beautiful temples,
mosques, churches and some for their scenic beauty and environment. Few of these sites like
Pochampalli (AP) are popular as business centres, where people come to buy sarees, handicrafts etc.
Each site has a speciality of its own, which cannot be duplicated. Prior to creation of the physical
structures, assessment was done to identify and prioritize the needs of the people. However, in some
cases, the synergy between hardware and software could not be established. This was due to
multifarious factors like initial ignorance of the panchayat about the scheme ( Kumbalanghi) or the
lack of community participation/ awareness as observed in Annegundi village.
This scheme has led to the creation of better infrastructure and public amenities in rural village and
benefits to the local residents. Creation of facilities like common utilities like toilets, parking space,
drinking water facilities, café etc, improvement of pathways, refurbishing of monuments and
landscaping have improved the surroundings of the villages. With creation of common facilities, the
environment in the rural tourism sites has become clean & beautiful and led to increase in satisfaction
level among the native population. For instance, even a modest erection of light post has brought
happiness and light in the life of the people. The internal roads and pathways were never a part of the
development process in earlier schemes. These basic facilities were much awaited by not only tourists,
but villagers too. It is pertinent to mention that UNDP team has provided good support in designing
and developing architectural framework of the tourism infrastructure through its empanelled architects.
However, it is too early to assess the utilisation of these structures, as most of them are either recently
constructed or are being constructed.
The capacity building for visitor handling has been undertaken at rural tourism sites. The employment
of guides, managers, administrators, cooks, etc from outside the village could have led to a loss in
interest of the community in sustaining and promoting the rural tourism. Hence community members
were encouraged to take active part in the training process. The capacity building stage is at its nascent
stage in most of the sites. For instance, in guide training programme, though youths have been
identified and training imparted, but due to low tourist visits to the site, the potential of guides is not
full utilized. Similarly, the host community needs more time to pick up the art of visitor handling or
cuisine making etc. However, the skill building programmes for visitor handling have been successful
in the short run.
99
Before planning any scheme or activity, inculcating the confidence of the people is a crucial factor,
especially in the case of women members of the community. For example, during the field visits, it
was reported that in Jyotisar (Haryana), the production could not be started, because the women were
apprehensive about running a business on their own. Also the shop which is part of hardware activity
has not come up, so they were not sure whether they would be selling the products.
Efficient and effective participation of the tour operators and travel agents is essentially required to
promote the rural tourism sites. It was found out that only at few places like Samode (Rajasthan),
Ballabhpur Danga (West Bengal); implementing agencies are in the process of establishing formal and
informal linkages with tour operators. The state Tourism Department is also in a process of tying up
with some tour operators to promote the sites. Presently, some of these sites are a part of packaged
tour, but much needs to be done in this area like creating awareness among the tourists about rural
tourism sites.
In many sites, the SHGs have been formed and trainings imparted to them on book keeping,
conducting meetings and managing their business. Now, Self Help groups need working capital
support to fine-tune perspective plans and business plans. However, financial linkages with Banks/
DRDA and other such institutions etc are still at the initial stage. Unless financial linkages are
provided, it is very difficult to develop these small activity groups into small and medium scale
enterprises in future.
People have earned moderately by participating in local melas and festivals. However, marketing
linkages or export linkages with institutions need to be provided to promote the local skills at a wider
scale.
Ongoing and repeated attempts to build partnership / linkages with other departments working at
district level are in the nascent stage. It is important to link rural tourism scheme to other schemes
effectively for the holistic development of the sites.
A project involving the community cannot be a success without the complete cooperation of the locals.
The aim of rural tourism is to increase the net benefits to rural communities from tourism and increase
their participation in managing the tourism product. Significant community participation was observed
in the sampled site. However, being a new concept, the demand for rural tourism is relatively low in
India. The number of jobs created by this activity is not high at the moment, but the diversification of
the attractions and services could induce a significant growth in this field in the near future. The
contribution of rural tourism to the local economy is relatively moderate in most rural destinations, at
least in terms of household income. There are no reliable statistics on the actual income from rural
tourism. It was observed that besides the financial results, rural tourism development has improved the
quality of life at the identified destinations (by providing broader personal contacts, by motivating
people to take better care of their environment or indirectly, by assuring preference to an area in
national development projects).
100
The supplementary income generated by rural communities can help the development of the
infrastructure or social services as well. The perceived potential of economic development (by tourism
as a catalyst) can make an area more attractive, thus more viable in the long term. Since rural tourism
is a relatively new phenomenon in India, it will require some more time to achieve the desired
expectation
5.2 Recommendations for Sustainability
development and policy-making in rural tourism. This section discusses recommendations that can be
5.2.1 Clear cut Delegation of Responsibility
There should be clear cut delegation/ appropriation of responsibility among the stakeholders involved
in implementation of the programme. Apart from the DC/DM, the other people involved in the project
should have permanent posting till the project is completed, so that the broader project understanding
is retained. The rural tourism scheme can be successful if there is a broader understanding among all
the stakeholders about key elements of the project. To develop such an understanding (so that people
do not confuse it with other schemes), a display board can be put up in all the Gram Panchayat office,
listing all the key elements of the project.
5.2.2 Need Assessment for Hardware Infrastructure
The software activities should precede the hardware activities. Only when the need is felt and the
capacity is built, the hardware funds should be disbursed. The creation of infrastructure should be done
at least after 6-8 months after the initiation of the project. This ensures, that the hardware funds are
optimally utilised and also solve the requirements of the people. Once the needs are prioritised,
hardware activities should be undertaken based on the prioritisation.
5.2.3 Convergence between Implementing Agency and PRI Representatives
The Gram Panchayat and NGO should work together and good work done by either of them should
not be disrupted by other. If there is some misunderstanding or conflict, a complaint redressal cell
should be formed at the district/ national level to solve these problems. There should be at least a
monthly meeting between the two parties.
101
5.2.4 Frequency of District Project Implementation Committee’s (DPIC) Meetings
The DPIC meetings should be held more frequently. Since, the representation in the DPIC is not by a
person, but by a department/ organisation, so members keep on changing. To orient the new members
of different departments, a fixed charter of items should be developed for each quarter and they should
be given proper insight about the genesis and progress of the study. For instance, the representative of
Rural Department should know the timeframe by which he/she is supposed to link the SHGs to a
financial institution like NABARD.
5.2.5 Exposure Trip
The tourism product offered by the rural tourism includes an ensemble of products and services
(boarding and lodging, entertainment etc.) exploited within a specific context, influenced by the
natural factors of a region & locality. The quality of the tourist product is directly related to the
exploitation of the tourist patrimony of that area, considering the natural resource, the general
infrastructure and especially the quality of the human resources used in the tourism activity. More
visits to places like Ashoka Hotel on a national scale, where the art and culture of various sites is
viewed, can help in developing the concept of integrated tourism products.
5.2.6 Management Information System
The development of micro level database like a Management Information System to capture the
number of domestic and foreigners visiting the site, number of people staying in the village, duration
of stay, places visited etc, should be maintained by the village level council or the gram panchayat.
The host families should have a structured and universal format of filling up the details of the visitors.
5.2.7 Marketing of Sites with the help of Tour Operators
As mentioned earlier, one of the major constraints of rural tourism scheme is strong competition from
other nearby tourism destinations and from other packages sold by tour operators. To solve this
problem, Tour operators have to be convinced to sell these sites. There should be a meeting at the
Central level or State level, where tour operators would be invited and given incentives to sell these
sites. This can , however, happen after the rural sites are completely developed.
5.2.8 Creation of Special Monitoring Cell
There is requirement of a special monitoring cell or steering committee to evaluate the rural tourism
scheme. The members would include members from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India,
Joint Director, State Tourism Department, District Collector, Local Sarpanch/Village Level Council
Heads, Implementing agency representative as well as local artisans’ representative. Strict deadlines
on execution of each project component should be in place and which can be periodically monitored
by an external agency.
102
5.2.9 Aggressive Marketing
The main objective for developing rural tourism in India is to promote our rich cultural heritage and
environment .This, in turn, enhances eco-tourism for sustainable livelihoods .The strategies involved
for sustainability of rural tourism projects should also include aggressive Marketing Strategies. There
is demand of rural tourism in India as modern day tourist is keen to explore and experience the cultural
heritage of the destination. India being a destination with rich cultural diversity always attracts
tourists; particularly the foreign tourists who cherish the local beauty, diversity, heritage, culture,
handicraft etc. Aggressive marketing is required to promote each destination of rural tourism based on
its uniqueness. For that proper co-ordination among different implementing departments/agencies,
both from the government and private is necessary.
On the basis of above mentioned conclusion and recommendations, we have made an attempt to
compare the actual implementation model of the scheme in sampled sites and proposed/ feasible model
for implementation of scheme to achieve the better results.
SL ACTUAL IMPLEMENTATION PROPOSED/ FEASIBLE

PARAMETERS
NO MODEL MODEL
1 Selection of NGOs were selected in consultation/ The existing system of selection is
NGO recommendation of District appropriate. However, proper NGO
Collector/ Magistrate/ State Tourism Ranking Mechanism/ Selection
Department . Criteria should be formed for
District Collector/ Magistrate/ State
Tourism Department with an
objective to facilitate the selection of
NGOs in more systematic, fair and
scientific way. Introduction of these
systems will avoid the biasness and
favouritisms.
2 Selection of Site At present, sites were selected on the The state tourism department should
basis of recommendation of District play a proactive role for selection of
Collector with consultation of State rural tourism. The rural tourism
Tourism Department. assessment for next 10 years in the
state should be carried out by the
respective states. The assessment
report should include probable rural
tourism sites, its mapping,
availability of resources, uniqueness
of the site etc. This assessment
report would act as bible for the state
and central government for
identifying the potential rural
tourism sites. The Ministry of
Tourism should thereafter select the
site after doing a proper SWOT
analysis of each site.
3 Identification of At most of the sites, hardware The hardware activities should be
103

PARAMETERS
NO MODEL MODEL
Hardware activities are selected on the basis of carried out after 6 months of
need assessment in participation initiation of software activities at the
with the villagers. However at sites site. The need for hardware
like Jageshwar, community members components should emerge out of
were never involved for the selection community based consultative
of hardware activities. meetings, recommendation of NGOs
or implementing agency etc. A
proper follow up mechanism should
also be in place to ensure time bound
building of the structures.
4 Implementation For construction of hardware The central level empanelment of
of hardware components, the PWD/ Rural architects should be created to guide
activities Engineering department is entrusted the contractors in developing the
for preparation of estimates, designs, ethnic infrastructure at the site. For
calling for tenders and overall construction of hardware
supervisions. At the UNDP components, the state level
supported sites, empanelled institutions like PWD should be
architects have provided their inputs. involved as they have got requisite
skills and capabilities.
5 Identification of The software activities are identified The present system of selection of
Software at the sites mostly by the NGO software activities is appropriate.
according to the format given by However, it is recommended that
Ministry. Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
should be developed to monitoring
the progress of activities.
6 Promotional It is done primarily by brochures, The state government should be
Activities leaflets and word of mouth by the motivated to promote rural tourism
implementing agencies. through its own website. Media
Personal should be invited to write
about the site in various magazines
and journals. Like in Pochampalli
and Kubhalanghi, journalists have
written in magazines and journals to
promote the site.
The export promotion council or
EXIM bank can be approached to
showcase the products/crafts/arts
internationally, helping the cause of
sustenance.
7 Monitoring of Presently, monitoring of the There is requirement of a special
Activities activities and targets achieved is monitoring cell or steering
done in an adhoc manner. The DPIC committee to evaluate the rural
meetings are rarely held. Key issues tourism scheme. Strict deadlines on
remain unresolved and funds are execution of each project component
unutilized. should be in place and which can be
periodically monitored by an
external agency.
104

PARAMETERS
NO MODEL MODEL
8 Functioning of Although VLCs have been formed at VLC should be strengthened in all
VLC rural tourism sites and gradually the selected rural tourism sites.
gearing up effectively Regular capacity building activities
should be carried out to strengthen
them. They should act as permanent
structures for maintaining the sites in
future. • The artisans/ craftsmen
should be mandatorily formed into
an association or CBOs in each of
the scheme, so as to continue their
way of living with these art forms.
9 Functioning of DPIC meetings are rarely held. The DPIC meetings should be held
DPIC Seldom record of minutes of at regular intervals. Key issues
meetings is kept. The role of DPIC is should be resolved in time bound
severely diluted with frequent manner. It is recommended that
transfer of key people. corporate memory system, in the
form of process document, should be
created at District and NGO level to
retain the knowledge across the
team. This system will act as
Knowledge bank and help the newly
appointed DC/ DM or other key
officials in understanding the
chronology of activities undertaken
at the rural tourism site.
10 Role of State The State Tourism Department is The State Tourism Department
Tourism maintaining tourist infrastructure in should play pro-active role rather
Department 5 sites. In remaining 19 sampled than just maintaining the
sites, their involvement is limited information. They should establish a
The state tourism department just synergy between the RTS and the
maintain a proof of the activities state specific tourism policies
taking place. Not much effort have
been made to promote the rural
tourism site.
11 Linkages with There is no proper linkage with the The State Tourism Department as
tour operator private tour operators. well as the NGO should tie up with
local tour operators to provide
attractive tour packages to the
tourists, better connectivity to the
rural sites, etc. This would increase
the inflow of tourists to the village
sites.
12 Management Village level data like inflow of The development of micro level
Information tourists at these sites are not database like a Management
System Status maintained. Information System to capture the
number of domestic and foreigners
visiting the site, number of people
105

PARAMETERS
NO MODEL MODEL
staying in the village, duration of
stay, places visited etc, should be
maintained by the village level
council or the gram panchayat. The
host families should have a
structured and universal format in
form of visitor book for filling up of
the visitors details..
13 Maintenance of Presently, the hardware structures A village tourist committee drawing
Infrastructure are not yet complete. Only at one members from the PRI and atleast
site, the village committee members two village level intellectuals
are actively involved in maintenance (teachers/ temple or mosque
of infrastructure. association president, etc) should
look after the maintenance of the
infrastructure created. They should
be selected by conducting election in
the village every year.
The concept of user fee charges
(from buyer and seller) should be
introduced to generate the revenue.
This revenue would be used for
paying the salary of keepers and
maintaining the infrastructure
The income generated by the
community should be ploughed back
to create “productive physical
assets”. The profit could be utilized
for the improvement of the
infrastructure, which helps them in
the production and marketing like
common marketing centres or
common facility centres.
14 Role of PRI In three of the sampled sites, the PRI The PRI representatives play a
representatives are managing the pivotal role for development of the
software activities. At 16 sampled village. Their active participation
sites, PRI representatives are should be encouraged. They should
providing good support to the be orientated about integration of the
implementing agencies. scheme with government
programme. District authorities
should address inter personal issues
between NGO and PRI.
106

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RURAL TOURISM SCHEME

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

Approach and Methodology

IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF SCHEME

Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism projects, particularly on Tourist arrivals

• Lack of accommodation and fooding facilities

• Need to maintain hygienic and good sanitation conditions at the sites

• Xenophobia among the local population

Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects, Particularly on Employment Generation –overall

Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects, Particularly on Preservation and Improvement

Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects on Direct Revenue Generated

Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects on Self-Sustainability of Projects

Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects on System of Maintenance of Facilities for

Perception, Experience and Expectation of Tourists about the Facilities Available

ACTIVITY OUTCOME OUT PUT IMPACT

ACTIVITY OUTCOME OUT PUT IMPACT

ACTIVITY OUTCOME OUT PUT IMPACT

ACTIVITY OUTCOME OUT PUT IMPACT

ACTIVITY OUTCOME OUT PUT IMPACT

ACTIVITY OUTCOME OUT PUT IMPACT

ACTIVITY OUTCOME OUT PUT IMPACT

• The present system of selection of software activities is appropriate. However, it is

• A complaint redressal cell to facilitate the coordination between implementing partner (

• The rural sites should be aggressively promoted via tour operators.

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Issue and Revision Record

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RURAL TOURISM SCHEME

equality, Government of India- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

Approach and Methodology

IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF SCHEME

Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism projects, particularly on Tourist arrivals

• Lack of accommodation and fooding facilities

• Need to maintain hygienic and good sanitation conditions at the sites

• Xenophobia among the local population

Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects, Particularly on Employment Generation –overall

Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects, Particularly on Preservation and Improvement

Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects on Direct Revenue Generated

Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects on Self-Sustainability of Projects

Impact Assessment of Rural Tourism Projects on System of Maintenance of Facilities for

Perception, Experience and Expectation of Tourists about the Facilities Available

ACTIVITY OUTCOME OUT PUT IMPACT

ACTIVITY OUTCOME OUT PUT IMPACT

ACTIVITY OUTCOME OUT PUT IMPACT

ACTIVITY OUTCOME OUT PUT IMPACT

ACTIVITY OUTCOME OUT PUT IMPACT

ACTIVITY OUTCOME OUT PUT IMPACT

PUBLICITY AND AWARENESS

TECHNICAL AND MARKETING SUPPORT TO ARTISANS

ACTIVITY OUTCOME OUT PUT IMPACT

ACTIVITY OUTCOME OUT PUT IMPACT

• The present system of selection of software activities is appropriate. However, it is

• A complaint redressal cell to facilitate the coordination between implementing partner (

• The rural sites should be aggressively promoted via tour operators.

List of Contents Page

Summary S1- S19

1 GENESIS AND BACKGROUND 1

2 ROLE OF KEY STAKEHOLDERS 10

3 PROJECT OBJECTIVES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND IMPACT 13

3.3.4 Facilitation Centres 35

4.9 Lack of Concept of Integrated Tourism Products 98