Knowledge Partner

Unexplored
tourism destinations
of India
Knowledge Partner
Unexplored
tourism destinations
of India
Statement of limiting conditions
The inferences/analyses made by EY and FICCI in this report are
based on information collated through limited primary
research, secondary research and our knowledge of the
industry. We have taken due care to validate the authenticity
and correctness of the information from various sources, but
no representations or warranty, expressed or implied, is given
by EY or FICCI any of its respective partners, officers,
employees or agents as to the accuracy or completeness of the
information, data or opinions provided to us by third parties or
secondary sources.

Nothing contained herein, to the contrary and in no event

shall EY or FICCI be liable for any loss of profit or revenues and
any direct, incidental or consequential damages incurred by
the client or any other reader of this report.
Table of Contents
Executive summary ................................................................................01

1. Unexplored tourism destinations in India ..........................................09

1.1 Auroville (Tamil Nadu) ...............................................................10

1.2 Chitrakoot (Madhya Pradesh) ......................................................11
1.3 Desert camps of Rajasthan (Rajasthan) .........................................13
1.4 Diu (Daman & Diu) ....................................................................14
1.5 Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh) ..........................................16
1.6 Elephanta Caves (Maharashtra) ...................................................17
1.7 Hampi (Karnataka) ...................................................................19
1.8 Lahaul and Spiti (Himachal Pradesh) ............................................20
1.9 Majuli Island (Assam) ................................................................22
1.10 Great Rann of Kutch (Gujarat) .....................................................24
1.11 Sundarbans Delta (West Bengal)..................................................25
1.12 Gurez/Gurais (Jammu and Kashmir) .............................................26

2 Conclusion .....................................................................................29
Executive Summary
 Executive Summary

The Indian tourism and hospitality industry has emerged as the largest service
sector in India. Although the countryis the seventh-largest in the world in
terms of its geographical area, it is unparalleled in its beauty, uniqueness,
culture and history, which make it a top tourist destination.

India sees the 11th largest tourist inflow in the

Tourist inflow into India Asia-Pacific region and the 42nd worldwide,
grew at 7% year-on-year according to India Tourism Statistics 2013. Its
from 2010 to 2014. tourism industry is flourishing due to an
increase in foreign tourist arrivals and a larger
number of Indians travelling to domestic destinations. Tourist inflow into the
country grew at 7% annually from 2010 to 2014. In 2013, India had 6.97 million
registered foreign tourist arrivals — 0.64% of the total foreign tourist traffic in
the world.

In 2014, the tourism sector contributed INR7.64 trillion to the GDP and
provided employment to 36.7 million people. By the end of 2015, these
numbers are expected to increase to INR8.22 trillion and 37.4 million
respectively. This would mean that tourism will account for 7% of India's GDP in
2015. In 2014, travel and tourism investments in India accounted for INR2.11
trillion or 6.2% of the total investments – which is expected to rise by 9.3% in
2015.1

1
“Travel and tourism industry to grow 7.5% in 2015: report”, Live Mint,
http://www.livemint.com/Politics/h3ejs6Bz6NJ0BOW86ar1VL/Travel-and-tourism-industry-to-grow-75-in-2015-
report.html, accessed 24 March 2015

02 | Unexplored tourism destinations of India

Figure 1: Foreign tourist arrivals and domestic tourist visits in India

8.0 7.00 7.46

6.30 6.50
5.70
6.0 5.10 5.20 5.10
4.40
3.90
4.0

2.0 0.75 0.86 1.05 1.15

0.39 0.46 0.53 0.56 0.67
0.0
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Foreign tourist arrivals (in million) Domestic tourist visits to all states and UTs (in billion)

Data for 'Domestic Tourist visits' was not available for the year 2014

Source: “India Tourism Statistics 2013 at a glance”, Ministry of Tourism, India

While the Government has been mainly focusing on more famous tourist
destinations such as those in Rajasthan, Kerala and Gujarat; there are many
other unique destinations with significant tourism potential, which, if
developed and positioned intelligently, can add to the growth of the tourism
sector in India.

Figure 2: Growth Rate of foreign tourist arrivals and domestic tourist visits in India

0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
-0.05 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Growth rate (foreign tourists) Growth rate (domestic tourists)

Data for 'Domestic Tourist visits' was not available for the year 2014

Source: “India Tourism Statistics 2013 at a glance”, Ministry of Tourism, India

With the Central Government realizing the importance of tourism in India's

economic development by according it priority sector status in the Twelfth Five
Year Plan, the tourism sector is set to grow rapidly in coming years. The
Government has also taken several steps to promote tourism, e.g., by
introducing visa-on-arrival schemes for as many as 43 countries, increasing the
Budget outlay for the Ministry of Tourism by 33% in 2015 and mulling expansion
of the scope of the Leave Travel Allowance/Leave Travel Concession (LTA/LTC) to
hotels and other expenses. This year's Budget also found special mention of
heritage sites such as Hampi,the Elephanta Caves and the Varanasi temple
town, among others, to focus on their development.

Unexplored tourism destinations of India| 03

 Some unexplored tourism destinations have been exploredas part of FICCI's
focus on the growth of India's tourism sector, and upcoming themes and
projects across the country to attract tourists. This report provides information
in a nutshell on each of these destinations, focusing on their main attractions,
their connectivity and availability of accomodation facilities in them. Some
destinations as mentioned in the current year's budget have been picked up as
well. While most of the destinations are selected basedon industry interactions
and trends.

Diverse destinations have been covered, ranging from the Majuli Islands — the
largest river islands in the Indian sub-continent — to Auroville – a spiritual
center near Pondicherry and the desert camps of Rajasthan. A snapshot of the
12chosen destinations with each of their main attractions is presented below:

Destination State Category Main attraction

Auroville Tamil Nadu Wildlife/Spiritual 4
Spiritual center at the heart of the
city
4
Surrounding greenbelt providing
ample opportunity for
development of wildlife tourism
Chitrakoot Madhya Pradesh Religious 4
Spiritual legacy of town dating
back to the period of the
Ramayana – purported to be home
to Lord Ram for a large part of his
14-year exile
Desert camps Rajasthan Adventure/Nature 4
Fully equipped tent
in Rajasthan accommodation in the desert with
toilet facilities, electricity and
food
4
Camel safaris over sand dunes

Diu Daman & Diu Adventure/Nature 4

Unique mix of heritage including
/ Heritage forts, museums and caves with
beautiful beaches.
Dudhwa Uttar Pradesh Nature/Adventure 4
Home to animals such as the tiger,
National Park / Wildlife the swamp deer – Barasingha, the
one-horned rhinoceros — and
various other animals including
almost 400 species of resident and
migratory birds

04 | Unexplored tourism destinations of India

 Destination State Category Main attraction
Elephanta Maharashtra Heritage 4
A United Nations Educational,
Caves Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) World
Heritage Site since 1987 with
beautiful rock-cut caves with stone
carvings of Hindu gods and
goddesses
Hampi Karnataka Heritage 4
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
since 1986 with remains dating
back to the 7th century.
Lahaul and Jammu & Adventure/Nature 4
Beautiful scenery and Buddhist
Spiti Kashmir / Religious monasteries the major tourist
attraction of the district
4
Adventure activities such as skiing,
yak safaris and trekking popular

Majuli Island Assam Nature/Wildlife/ 4

One of the largest river islands in
Religious the world; home to many different
types of plants and animals.
4
Also houses 36 monasteries (as of
April 2013) known as satras
Great Rann Gujarat Adventure/Nature 4
Largest salt desert in the world
of Kutch
4
Rann Utsav – annual winter festival
with music and dance programs,
cultural shows, camel safaris, food
festivals, etc.

Sundarbans West Bengal Nature/Wildlife 4

Largest single block of tidal
Delta halophytic2 mangrove forest in the
world
4
Sundarbans National Park is a
national park, a tiger reserve and a
biosphere reserve

Gurez Jammu and Nature/Adventure 4

Famous for its natural beauty,
Kashmir being located in a valley
surrounded by snowcapped
mountains
4
Has historical significance and fell
along a section of the ancient Silk
Route
4
Culture and language of the native
tribe is different from that of the
rest of the Kashmir
2
Halophyte - A halophyte is a plant that grows in waters of high salinity, coming into contact with saline water through its
roots or by salt spray, such as in saline semi-deserts, mangrove swamps, marshes and sloughs, and seashores.

Unexplored tourism destinations of India| 05

 A study of these locations indicates that they have huge untapped potential as
tourist destinations, which can be harnessed to promote tourism in them. The
Central Government has taken a step in this direction by launching the Heritage
City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY). Various state
governments have also taken different steps and implemented policy measures
to promote tourism in their states.

4
Tourism policy:
One of the basic initiatives is to have a dedicated state tourism policy
which outlines how the states would like to project themselves. The
policy also includes focus areas of the government, specif ic
inter ventions proposed/planned, new/existing incentives to
developers/private players and vision for development of tourism in the
state, among others.

4
Brand ambassadors:
Some states such as Gujarat (Amitabh Bachchan) and West Bengal (Shah
Rukh Khan) have involved leading Bollywood stars as brand ambassadors
for the states, to promote the tourist destinations in the states. Another
initiative undertaken by the Government of Diu was to project Diu as the
‘Isle of Calm’. The government had engaged a large advertising agency –
Ogilvy & Mather for designing and conducting this campaign.

4
Social media:
To promote any destination as a tourist destination, it is important to
provide accurate information which is easily accessible through various
media. Thus, having a good website which includes information
regarding tourist attractions, connectivity, best time to travel, tourist
facilities and accommodation becomes imperative for promoting any
destination. While some of these locations have good websites such as
Hampi, Diu and Great Rann of Kutch (Rann Utsav), many locations do not
have functional sites/have outdated sites. For instance, Chitrakoot does
not have a detailed website promoting itself as a tourist destination.

The key policy interventions and initiatives proposed by FICCI and EY for these
destinations are as follows:

Organization of marquee events/ festivals

A theme-based event such as a global race, trek or excursion can be organized
at these locations. For instance, a camel race on the lines of the Boat Race

06 | Unexplored tourism destinations of India

Festival can be held in the Rann of Kutch as well as in the Deserts of Rajasthan.
These should be global events held over several days to attract tourists.

Development of theme-based activities

While natural beauty and heritage buildings attract tourists, what makes them
stay for a longer period are options of diverse activities. Therefore, based on the
nature of each location, sporting activities could be promoted. For instance, a
good mix of water sports could turn Diu (as also Goa) into a destination that is
sought after by younger tourists.

Provision of basic tourist facilities

Some of these locations lack basic tourist facilities such as security, guided
tours, clean and accessible toilets and easy access for differently abled persons.
This needs to be addressed on a priority basis.

Preservation of heritage and nature

Some of these locations are also in urgent need of preservation. It is therefore
important that tourism is promoted in an ecologically sensitive manner and
revenues from it are used to preserve monuments or the ecology. For instance,
preservation of the Elephanta Caves in Maharashtra and the ruins in Hampi
should be an ongoing process to ensure that they remain as close to their
original state as possible. Rapid erosion of Majuli Island in Assam is a problem
that can have consequences as dire as the entire island being wiped out and
thus needs immediate attention.

Unexplored tourism destinations of India| 07

1. Unexplored tourism destinations in India
 1. Unexplored tourism destinations in India

1.1 Auroville (Tamil Nadu)3

Background: Auroville, also known as the City of
Dawn, is located in the Viluppuram district in Tamil
Nadu. It was conceptualized as an ideal township
dedicated to the unity of humanity and was
founded by Mirra Alfassa in 1968 as a project of the
Sri Aurobindo society. Aurovillewas also declared a
project of importance by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) in 1966.

Main attraction: Located around 10 km north of

Pondicherry, the town has a population of 2,400
people from around 49 countries — of all age
groups and social backgrounds, representing
human diversity. The center of the town or Peace
Area is the location of the Matrimandir, a domed amphitheater with the Urn of Human
Unity containing soil from 121 countries and 23 India states. Covered with 56kg of gold,
the center of the dome holds a crystal ball that glows with a single ray of sunlight,
representing in the words of Alfassa,“a symbol of future realization.” Matrimandir is also
equipped with a solar power plant and surrounded by a lake, which acts as a groundwater
recharge area.

There are four planned zones in the city — the Residential Zone, providing a habitat of
balanced living for individuals and the collective; the Industrial Zone with small- and
medium-scale industries to help it achieve self-sufficiency; the Cultural Zone, which is to
be a site for educational, sports and cultural facilities, and International Zone, which will
demonstrate the contribution of various countries to diversity. Agreen belt lies is
envisaged, which will surround the city as a zone for farms, forestry and wildlife habitats.

3
“Auroville – The City of Dawn”, Official Website, http://www.auroville.org/, accessed 22 March 2015.

10 | Unexplored tourism destinations of India

Connectivity: Auroville is located around 150 km south of Chennai and 10 km north of
Pondicherry town. It can be easily reached by the East Coast Road connecting Chennai and
Pondicherry. The town is around a three-hour taxi journey away from Chennai. Moreover,
one can take a Chennai-Pondicherry bypass bus to the Pondicherry bus station, and a taxi
or auto rickshaw onwards to Auroville. The nearest airport is the Chennai International
Airport and the nearest railway station the Chennai Central Railway Station.

Getting around: A visit to the Visitors’ Centre provides information on activities in the
town through videos and brochures. There are boutiques selling products manufactured at
Auroville, restaurants, cycle rentals, etc. The Mantrimandir is a 15-minute walk from the
Centre. Guided tours are also available.

Accommodation: Guest houses, maintained as Auroville units, offer simple options,

depending on space and budgets. Home stays are another accommodation option. These
can be booked through the Auroville Guest Accommodation Service located at the Visitor’s
Centre or online.

Recommendations: The town is not designed with a specific goal to attract tourists, and
the following would help it build its potential as a tourist destination:

4
Accommodation options for tourists looking for a more luxurious stay while
enjoying the peace and serenity of the town

4
Restaurants serving multi-cultural cuisine

4
Involvement of tourists in city’s activities in the areas of education, culture and
art,and green practices

4
Nature tours in the Green Belt, which can be conducted by locals

4
Eco-friendly conveyance within the city and to nearby areas to maintain the
environmental balance

1.2 Chitrakoot (Madhya Pradesh)4

Background: Chitrakoot is a town and Nagar Panchayatlocated in the Satna district in
Madhya Pradesh. It borders the Chitrakoot district of Uttar Pradesh and lies in the
Chitrakoot region, which has significant historical and religious significance. The region is
known for its many temples and sites (mentioned in the Hindu scriptures).

4
“Chitrakoot – Official District Website”, http://chitrakoot.nic.in/, accessed 23 March 2015.
“Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh”, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chitrakoot,_Madhya_Pradesh, accessed 23
March 2015.

Unexplored tourism destinations of India| 11

 Main attraction: The town’s spiritual legacy
dates back to the period of the Ramayana.
According to the Ramayana, lord Ram, along
with his brother and wife, stayed in
Chitrakoot for a large part of his 14-year exile
from his kingdom. Chitrakoot’s top tourist
attractions include Ram Ghat on the bank of
the Mandakini river, the Gupt Godavari Caves,
the Hanuman Dhara temple, the Bharat Milap
temple and the Kamadgiri temple, among
others. The Sati Anasuya Ashrama, located 16 km from the town, is another tourist
attraction and finds special mention in the Ramayana. Several fairs and festivals are
organized in the region, such as the Ramayana Mela, and people gather there every year on
Diwali, Makar Sankranti and Ramanavami.

Connectivity: Chitrakoot is closest to the

Allahabad airport, which is located 116 km it.
The Chitrakoot Dham (Karwi) railway station
in Uttar Pradesh is situated 10 km from
Chitrakoot. The townis connected through a 5
km approach road to National Highway 76.

Accommodation: Accommodation facilities

available in the town are limited and include
basic hotels. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism
Development Corporation (MPTDC) has two properties, which have air-conditioned rooms.

Recommendations: The Chitrakoot region, which is spreadover both Uttar Pradesh and
Madhya Pradesh, has significant religious and cultural importance. The region’s appeal as
a tourist destination could be developed by implementation of the following initiatives:

4
Smart toilets with bio-digester facilities at all temples and hotels to maintain the
green environment

4
Eco-friendly conveyance for tourists to travel from the town to nearby attractions

4
Specialized heritage tours with knowledgeable guides to answer tourist’squeries
(Local people can also conduct such tours.)

4
Luxury hotels and cottages near or in the town

4
Theme-based restaurants serving authentic local cuisine

12 | Unexplored tourism destinations of India

 4
Tourist support services such as signage and interpretation centers, parking
facilities and easy access provided for differently abled persons

1.3 Desert camps of Rajasthan (Rajasthan)

Background: Rajasthan, the state famous for
its alluring Thar Desert, attracts a large
number of tourists to its desert camps.

Three cities in Rajasthan — Jaisalmer,

Jodhpur and Bikaner — have large stretches
of desert. All three have various desert camps
arranged by different hospitality players. In
Jaisalmer5, the camps are arranged at the
Sam sand dunes, in Jodhpur, at the Osian
sand dunes and in Bikaner at the Katriyasar
6
sand dunes near Raiser village . These are the
7
chosen ones for desert camping .

Main attraction: The desert camps offer a variety of activities to keep tourists busy. Most
of themoffer fully equipped tented accommodation with food and toilet facilities, and
electricity. The tents are elegantly built with center rooms, verandahs, toilets with all
modern facilities including 24-hour running water.

The single night stay package includes a traditional welcome with refreshments, exclusive
deluxe camel safaris, desert jeep safaris, folk music and dances at night, camp fires, dinner
and breakfast the next morning.

The base camps are generally located 3 to 5 km away from the dunes. Safaris and excursion
trips take place at the center of the sand dunes. If a stay extends beyond a day, camel
safaris are offered inside villages, giving tourists a glimpse into Rajasthani culture.

Connectivity: Jodhpur seems to be the central location for tourists visiting Bikaner and
Jaisalmer. The Osian sand dunes are at a distance of 60 km from Jodhpur. Jaisalmer is
located 300 km from Jodhpur airport and Bikaner is located at a distance of 304 km from it.
Both Jaisalmer and Bikaner have rail connectivity with the Palace on Wheels,which stops at
the junctions. Volvo and deluxe buses also ply on NH-15 to Jaisalmer, and NH 11, 15 and 89
link Bikaner with other major Indian cities.

5
“Jaisalmer Desert”, http://www.desertsafarijaisalmer.com/, accessed 13 March 2015.
6
“Raisar Camps”, http://raisarcamp.com/, accessed 13 March 2015.
7
“Osian Dunes”, http://www.osianresortcamps.com/, accessed 13 March 2015

Unexplored tourism destinations of India| 13

 Accommodation: There are accommodation
facilities at the camping sites, but most of the
camps only have basic amenities. Moreover,
since the camps are at a distance from urban
areas, food is often stored and limited in
quantity. However, most of these desert camp
providers offer accommodation that is clean
and equipped with all necessities8.

Recommendations: Keeping in view the

region’s colorful culture, its desert areas still have huge potential in the areas of adventure
sports and camping, which need to be developed further. Some of the potential areas are
as follows:

4
Smart toilets with bio-digester facilities at all the camps to maintain the green
environment

4
Special desert tours for enthusiasts who want to know about the culture and
history of the region (Local people can also conduct such tours, since they can
present the best picture of their rich history, art and culture.)

4
Special luxury camps with all amenities

4
Adventure sports such as para sailing and desert skiing, which are yet to be
explored in the camps

1.4 Diu (Daman & Diu)

Background: Diu, part of the union territory
of Daman and Diu, is situated off the
southern coast of Gujarat. It was a
Portuguese colony, which was taken over by
India in 1961. It mainly includes Diu Island
and two small areas. The northern part of the
island is marshy and the southern part has
cliffs and sandy beaches.

8
“User Reviews”, Tripadvisor website, http://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotel_Review-g297668-d3174501-Reviews-
The_Osian_Sand_Dunes_Resort_Camp-Jodhpur_Rajasthan.html, accessed 24 March 2015.
9
“Visit Diu”, Diu Tourism Website, http://visitdiu.in/, accessed 22 March 2015.
“Gujarat Tourism”, http://www.gujarat-tourism.net/, accessed 22 March 2015.
“Diu Administration Website”, http://diu.gov.in/index.php, accessed 22 March 2015.

14 | Unexplored tourism destinations of India

 9
Main attraction : Diu Island, also known as the Island of Calm or Ilha de Calma, is rich in
Portuguese history, with churches and forts.Its main attractions include:

4
Diu Fort: Built in 1535 and overlooking the Arabian Sea, the fort is a massive
structure with a double moat and a lighthouse, which is the highest point of Diu.
One can view cannons, small chapels and engraved tombstone fragments at the
fort. The island’s jail is also located here.

4
Fortress of Panikota: Reachable by canoe or motor launch, this is a stone structure
built in the sea with a lighthouse and a chapel.

4
Diu Museum, converted from St. Thomas Church, has antique carvings, statues and
other artefacts.

4
St. Paul’s Church, one of the most elaborate Portuguese churches in India, was
built in 1610 and has barn and shell-like motifs.

4
Beaches: Ghogla, Nagoa and Gomtimata are two of the popular beaches and offer
water sports facilities to tourists.

4
Naida Caves: Located outside of the town’s walls, the caves have a network of hewn
hollows and steps.

Other attractions include the Gangeshwar Temple, the Jallandhar Shrine, the Shell Museum
and Vanakbara (a small fishing village). The Diu Festival is celebrated every year in
December when craftsmen and performers showcase their culture and talent.

Connectivity: Diu Airport is the nearest to Diu and the nearest railway junction is Veraval,
which is 90 km from the town. The nearest railway station is Delwada, which is 8 km away
on a meter-gauge line. State and private buses are also available.

Accommodation: There are a wide variety of hotels in different ranges for tourists to
choose from. The options include budget, mid-range as well as luxury hotels and guest
houses. Hotels are mainly located in Diu town and near beaches.

Recommendations: In order to realize Diu’s full potential as a preferred tourist

destination, there are some areas that can be developed further. For example:

4
Better maintenance of beaches with an enhanced focus on cleanliness and
facilities such as restrooms

4
Maintenance of Diu Fort to ensure its preservation and restoration of damage
caused by erosion by the sea

Unexplored tourism destinations of India| 15

 4
Training of local guides to be well-informed and promotion of the history of the
landmarks

4
Improved connectivity with the town by frequent trains and buses

4
Development of public transport to ease tourists’ trips around the island

4
Development and promotion of water sport facilities at the lesser known beaches

1.5 Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh)

Background: The Dudhwa National Park was
established in 1977 in the sub-Himalayan
region known as the Terai belt. It lies
between India and Nepal in the Lakhimpur-
Kheri district in Uttar Pradesh and has buffer
of reserved forest areas on the northern and
southern areas. The southern boundary of the
park is marked by the River Suheli and the
northern edge lies along the Indo-Nepal
border.

Main attraction: Spread across 680 sq. km.,

Dudhwa houses the most endangered
ecosystems on the planet. These include Sal
forests, grasslands and swamps. Apart from being home to a sizeable number of tigers, it is
the last refuge of critically endangered sub-species of the swamp deer known as the
Barasingha. The great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, crocodiles and garuda are the other
main attractions at the park. Other animals to be seen include the Sambar deer, barking
deer, spotted deer, hog deer, sloth bears, ratels, jackals, civets, jungle cats, fishing cats
and leapords. The wetlands of Dudhwa are home to around 400 species of resident and
migratory birds that come from far-off lands. Some of the birds found here include the
Swamp Francolin, the Great Slaty Woodpecker, the Bengal Florican, the Painted Stork and
the Sarus Crane.

Connectivity: Dudhwa National Park can be reached from Lucknow by the National Highway
24 and the Katerniaghat Wildlife sanctuary by the National Highway 28C (through
Bahraich) and the State Highway 730 through Lakhimpur. The nearest airport is Lucknow
airport at a distance of 250 km and the nearest railway station connecting Dudhwa to Delhi
is at Shahjehanpur (110 km).

16 | Unexplored tourism destinations of India

Accommodation: There are accommodation facilities at the national parks, but these are
basic and offer inadequate amenities. There are around 50 rooms available in various types
of hotels, rest houses and thuru huts near the Park.

Recommendations: Keeping in view the rich biodiversity in the region, the reserve still has
huge potential in the areas of wildlife and eco-tourism, which need to be developed
further. Some of the potential areas are as follows:

4
Medical facilities (nearest hospital being 90 km away)

4
Smart toilets with bio-digester facilities at all the lodges and hotels to maintain
the green environment

4
Eco-friendly conveyance at the Park to commute from and to the nearest city

4
Movie-shooting and screening in protected area, especially by researchers for
private screening (for extra charges)

4
Wildlife specialist tours for wildlife enthusiasts who want knowledgeable guides to
answer their queries (Local people can also conduct such tours, since they can be
knowledgeable about matters pertaining to the forest.)

4
Adventure sports such as river safaris and mountaineering, which would add to
the reserve’s attractiveness, as well as camping and bonfire arrangements near
river banks (to attract tourists)

4
Special luxury cottages in close proximity with nature

1.6 Elephanta Caves (Maharashtra)

Background: The Elephanta Caves are a
network of sculpted caves located on
Elephanta Island, also known as Gharapuri.
The Island lies 10 km to the east of Mumbai.
Two groups of caves make up the Elephanta
Caves — a large group of five Hindu caves and
a smaller group of two Buddhist caves.

Main attraction: The caves were designated

as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
They have been carved out of a single solid basalt rock, which represents Mount Kailash,
the residence of Lord Shiv. The caves have beautiful stone carvings of Hindu gods and

Unexplored tourism destinations of India| 17

 goddesses. There are sculptures of Parvati, Ravana and Lord Shiva (which shows his three
forms as the creator, destroyer and the preserver).These statues are the main attraction of
the caves and are of religious importance to some tourists. There are many other
sculptures, including of Ravana holding up Mount Kailash, Shiv and Parvati on Kailash
Mountain, Ardhanarishwar, and the weddings of Shiva, Natraja and Kartikeya. On the
eastern part of the island is the Stupa Hill where the Buddhist caves are located. One of
these caves has a stupamade in brick, while the other is incomplete10.

Another attraction is Cannon Hill located at the top of the island. It was used to safeguard
Bombay harbor during the colonial era. The caves are also the site of the annual Elephanta
Festival,which is organized by the Tourism Department of Maharashtra in February every
year. During World Heritage Day on 18 April and World Heritage Week between 19 and 25
November, there are special events held at the caves. In addition, there isa mini toy train
for tourists who wish to avoid walking through the caves.

Connectivity: The Elephanta Caves can be reached by ferry from the Gateway of India,
Mumbai. The nearest airport is the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (at Mumbai),
which is 20 km from the Gateway of India and the nearest railway station is at Mumbai at a
distance of 12 km from the caves11.

Accommodation: There is no place to stay on the island, but there are good hotels at
Mumbai. However, there are many restaurants at the foothill and some at the top. While
coming down, there are some eating places(and generally the restaurants serve Indian
food).

Recommendations: The region is rich in its heritage, architecture and religious relevance.
Some potential areas that could be focused on include:

4
Medical facilities on the island (including first aid)

4
Smart toilets with bio- digester (non- networked standalone) at strategic
locations across the island

4
Improved power supply, basic and recreational facilities, and security
arrangements

4
Proper maintenance of the island, including cleanliness in and around the caves

10
“Elephanta Caves,” Wikipedia website, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elephanta_Caves, accessed 13 March 2015.
11
“Maharashtra Tourism”
http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/TouristDelight/Caves/Caves.aspx?strpage
=ElephantaCaves.html, accessed 23 March 2015.

18 | Unexplored tourism destinations of India

 4
Enhanced connectivity by high-speed boats to cut down the number of hours taken
12
to reach the caves

1.7 Hampi (Karnataka)

Background: Hampi is a village in northern
Karnataka, located in the ruins of the ancient
city of Vijayanagara. The village is an
important place of religious and architectural
significance. It is situated 13 km from the
town of Hospet(also known as Hosapete) and
is on the southern bank of the river
Tungabhadra. The principal industries in the
village include agriculture, support of the
Virupaksha temple and tourism.

Main attraction: The ruins at Hampi have

been a UNESCO World Heritage Site — one of
the 32 designated sites across India — since
1986. Hampi is spread over an area of 26 sq.
km. and is reportedly enclosed by seven lines
of protection . The most famous tourist site
and center of pilgrimage in the village is the
Virupaksha Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and its history can be traced back to
as far back as the 7th century. The other famous temples in the village include the Vittala
Temple, the Krishna Temple, the Hazara Rama Temple and the Chandramauleshwara
Temple. The temples at Hampi are known for their large dimensions, ornate ornamentation,
bold and delicate carvings, stately pillars, magnificent pavilions and a wealth of
iconographic and traditional depictions including subjects from the Ramayana and the
Mahabharata. Other important buildings, which form part of the Group of Monuments in
World Heritage Sites, includes civil buildings — aqueducts and canals, archaeological
museums, etc., and military buildings such as the king’s palace.

Connectivity: The closest railway station to Hampi is at Hospet, which is the major town in
the area. Hospet also has a bus station,which connects it to towns including Hyderabad,
Goaand Bengaluru . Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, is situated 350 km from Hampi
and is connected to itby the National Highways 4 and 13, and State Highway 49. The
nearest (domestic) airport is Bengaluru Airport.

12
“Elephanta Caves could get helipad, power thanks to Jaitley's largesse in Budget 2015”, Firstpost,
http://www.firstpost.com/mumbai/elephanta-caves-get-helipad-power-thanks-jaitleys-largesse-budget-2015-
2130791.html, accessed 23 March 2015.

Unexplored tourism destinations of India| 19

 Accommodation: Hampi does not offer
luxurious accommodation, although many
villagers rent out parts of their houses (one
or two rooms) to tour ists. The only
government-run accommodation, along with
another cluster of guest-houses, is at
Kamalapura, situated 3 km. from Hampi.
Virupapur Gadde, situated on the other side
of the Tungabhadra, is where the third cluster
of guest-houses is located. The river can be
crossed by a coracle — a small lightweight boat. Hospet offers more upmarket hotels
including those of large hotel chains such as the Hyatt and Royal Orchid.

Recommendations: The region is immensely rich in heritage, architecture and religious

relevance, and has huge untapped potential. Some areas that could be focused on include:

4
Medical facilities

4
Smart toilets with bio-digester facilities (non-networked standalone) in strategic
locations in the ruins

4
Eco-friendly conveyance to and from Hospet — including state/privately run
bicycle rental services

4
Specialist heritage tours of the major buildings

4
Joint tours and activities at the Tungabhadra Dam to promote tourism in both the
locations and cross-leverage their attractions

4
Tourist support services such as signage and interpretation centers, parking
facilities and easy access for differently abled persons

1.8 Lahaul and Spiti (Himachal Pradesh)15

Background: Lahaul and Spiti is a district in Himachal Pradesh, which was formed in 1960
after merging of the two separate districts of Lahaul and Spiti. The Kunzum la or the
Kunzum Pass, situated at a height of 4,590 meters, connects Lahaul to the Spiti valley. The
administrative center of the district is Keylong in Lahaul.

15
“Lahaul and Spiti”, Official Website, http://hplahaulspiti.nic.in/, accessed 23 March 2015
“Lahaul, India. Lonely Planet,http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/himachal-pradesh/lahaul-and-spiti, accessed 24
March 2015

20 | Unexplored tourism destinations of India

Main attraction: The beautiful scenery and
Buddhist monasteries are the major tourist
attractionsin the district. However, uncertain
weather conditions in the district means that
it can only be visited between the months of
June to October. The places to visit in and
around Lahaul are the Pattan Valley, the
Kunzum Pass and the Rohtang Pass. The
famous Buddhist monasteries include the Key
Monastery (a research and training center for
Buddhists in India), the Tabo Monastery and
the Dhankar Gompa. Villages such as Khibber
and Lanza are largely untouched by
commercial operations and offer a serene and
calm environment to tourists.

Adventure activities are another tourist attraction in the district. Skiing is a popular
adventure sport in Spiti as is the Yak safari. The area is also considered a paradise for
trekkers,since it offers many challenging and beautiful treks. Some of the popular ones
include Kaza-Langza-Hikim-Komic-Kaza, Kaza-Ki-Kibber-Gete-Kaza, Kaza-Losar-Kunzum La
and Kaza-Tabo-Sumdo-Nako.

Connectivity: The district is connected to Manali through the Rohtang Pass. Theclosest
airport is the Kullu Manali airport located 160km south of Keylong. The journey takes
around six hours by road through the Rohtang Pass from the airport. The closest railway
station is in Shimla (340km), which can be reached via Manali.

Accommodation: There are a limited number of hotels in Lahaul and Spiti, although they
range from budget to mid-luxury hotels. There are also a few Bed & Breakfast places in
Keylong, which offer basic amenities to tourists. Other options include home stays, which
are facilitated by some online travel agents.

Recommendations: The district of Lahaul

and Spiti derives its beauty from the fact that
it still remains untouched from commercial
tourism. Therefore, it is important that
ecotourism is promoted in the area to ensure
that its beauty is publicized without
commercializing it. The following are some
suggestions for achieving this:

Unexplored tourism destinations of India| 21

 4
Smart toilets with bio-digester facilities at all the monasteries to maintain the
green environment

4
Movie-shooting and screening in a protected area, especially by researchers, and
private screening for extra charges

4
Heritage tours with knowledgeable guides to answer queries (Local people can
also conduct such tours.)

4
Environment-friendly luxury hotels and cottages near or in town

4
Area promoted as a skiing destination by organizing skiing festivals/competitions

4
Tourist support services such as signage and interpretation centers, parking
facilities and easy access for differently abled persons

1.9 Majuli Island (Assam)

Background: Majuli is the largest
r iver island in the Indian
subcontinent. It is located in the
river Brahmaputra in Assam. The
island is surrounded by the
Brahmaputra river in the south
and Kherkutia Xuti, a branch of the
Brahmaputra, which is joined by
the Subansiri River in the north. It
was formed due to the river
Brahmaputra and its tributaries changing their course. Majuli is known for its Assamese
neo-Vaisnavite culture.

Main attraction: The island’s main tourist

attraction is its natural beauty, since it is
located in the middle of the rivers. It is home
to many different kinds of plants and animals.
It also hosts many birds such as the Siberian
Crane, the Greater Adjutant Stork, the Pelican
and the Whistling Teal. Its culture and
heritage, including handlooms and the
colorful culture of the tribes, is another
attraction. Majuli has been a center of

22 | Unexplored tourism destinations of India

Vaishnavism (a branch of Hinduism centering on Krishna and Vishnu) from the 15th
century. It also houses 36 monasteries (as of April 2013) known as satras. In addition, it is
famous forthePaal Namm festival at the end of winter.

Erosion: Over the last few decades, the island has been suffering due to erosion by the
Brahmaputra. This has intensified with the regular seasonal flooding of the island.
According to a 2004 study, It had eroded to 163 sq. km. in 2001 from 290 sq. km. in 1917.
The Union Government has sanctioned INR250 crore to protect it.

Connectivity: Majuli is located 20 km. from Jorhat, which is accessible to Majuli by ferry
services. The island is around 200 km. from Guwahati — the capital of Assam.

Accommodation: Due to obvious reasons, there are no accommodation facilities at the

island. However, hotels of different standards can be found in Jorhat and closer to the
mainland.

Recommendations: The region is immensely rich in culture, natural beauty and wildlife.
But due to poor connectivity, lack of promotion as a tourist destination, and lately, the
erosion, its full tourism potential has been largely underexplored. Some areas that could
be focused on include:

4
Improved connectivity by boats, ferries, etc.

4
Medical facilities on the island

4
Smart toilets with bio-digester facilities (non-networked standalone) in strategic
locations across the island

4
Wildlife specialist tours of the major buildings (Local people can also conduct such
tours, since they may be knowledgeable about matters pertaining to the forest.)

4
Promotion of the island’s culture and local traditions including its tribal culture,
handlooms, boat-making craft, etc.

4
Designing of a systematic program to promote its cultural tourism

4
Tourist support services such as signage and interpretation centers, parking
facilities and easy access for differently abled persons

Unexplored tourism destinations of India| 23

 1.10 Great Rann of Kutch (Gujarat)
Background: The Great Rann of
Kutch is located in the Thar Desert
in Gujarat and is a seasonal salt
marsh. It lies to the north of the
Kutch District and is spread over
an area of around 7,500 sq. km. It
is the largest salt desert in the
world. The Rann of Kutch is one of
the most scenic spots on earth to
which a large variety of birds, such
as flamingos and larks, flock in the
migratory season. The time to visit it is in winter to experience the myriad fascinating
views due to the position of the sun during this period.

Main attraction: Apart from being the largest salt desert in the world, what makes Kutch
most interesting is the endless desert on one side and the sea on the other. During the
monsoon months, the sea covers a part of the area and then gradually recedes in winter to
leave a pristine white desert. The Rann of Kutch is the refuge for the last endangered
Asiatic wild asses and is also home to the largest breeding colonies of the greater and
lesser flamingos.

To enhance the tourist potential of the Rann of Kutch, the Government of Gujarat organizes
the Rann Utsav from December to March every year. This is a carnival where tourists can get
a flavor of the local culture through activities including musical and dance programs,
cultural shows, camel safaris, food festivals, etc. Since this is the best time to visit the
area, the carnival also offers desert camps and moonlit camel rides to tourists to enable
them to enjoy the beauty of the Rann.

Kutch is also a famous for its handicrafts because of the vibrant colors used by the
craftsmen in the region. Tourists can shop for handicraftssuch as garments, embroidered
paintings and wall hangings, traditional Gujaratijewelryand also enjoy the traditional food
and the relaxing environment.

Connectivity: Kutch is well connected by air, rail and road. It is 86 km from Bhuj airport
and is connected via the Dorodo desert to Bhuj. The nearest railway station is also in Bhuj.
It is around 400 km. from Ahmedabad and is well connected to the city through a road
network.

24 | Unexplored tourism destinations of India

Accommodation: Accommodation is in the form of budget to luxury hotels in the towns
around the Rann. Some hotels are located near the beach and are most preferred by
tourists. The Gujarat Tourism department also sets up tents during the Rann Utsav to
attract tourists.

Recommendations: The Rann of Kutch has unique features that are not found anywhere in
the world. There is high potential to develop ecotourism in the area. Some of the
important features that can be enhanced include:

4
Installation of bio-digester toilets and/or other non-networked toilets across the
Rann, especially in winter

4
Enhanced medical facilities

4
Special luxury cottages closer to the desert

4
Scheduling of annual camel races and making them well-advertised eventslike the
Boat Race Festival in Kerala

4
Adventure sports such as desert racing, water sports, etc. organized as an added
attraction

1.11 Sundarbans Delta (West Bengal)

Background: Sundarbans region in Bengal is
the largest single block of tidal halophytic16
mangrove forest in the world. It is spread
over an area of approximately 10,000 sq. m. –
40% of which is India (rest is in Bangladesh).
It has been declared as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. The Sundarbans delta is
formed by the super confluence of the
Ganges, Padma, Brahmaputra and Meghna
rivers.

Main attraction: The region includes the

Sundarbans National Park which is a national
park, a tiger reserve and a biosphere
reserve.It is home to a myriad variety of

16
Halophyte - A halophyte is a plant that grows in waters of high salinity, coming into contact with saline water
through its roots or by salt spray, such as in saline semi-deserts, mangrove swamps, marshes and sloughs, and
seashores.

Unexplored tourism destinations of India| 25

 trees, reptiles and crocodiles. The delta can be navigated only through water ways and
there are a few river cruises which can be availed to explore the area.

The main attraction of the area is to view the wildlife, the forest and the small channels
and creeks of the rivers while being in a boat/cruise. Cruises are available for day trips,
some of which include a short walk through the mangrove forest and interaction with the
locals. Other attractions include Bhagatpur Crocodile Project - a crocodile breeding farm,
Sagar Island, Jambudweep, Sudhanyakali watchtower, Netidhopani Watchtower and
Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary.

Connectivity: As discussed above, the delta is accessible only through water transport. The
closest major city is Kolkata which has an international airport and has four inter-city
railway stations. The journey from Kolkata to the farthest land point takes 3-3.5 hours by
road. Tourists then board the cruise/boat from a particular location, depending on the tour
operator. These boats/cruises then take the tourists through the delta including watch
towers, walks, etc. based on the itinerary.

Accommodation: Accommodation is in the form of budget to luxury hotels in Kolkata.

Cruises also offer stay options for one to two nights, however these tend to range from
basic to semi-luxurious.

Recommendations: The Sundarbans region has a high potential to develop ecotourism due
to its natural attractions. Some of the important features that can be enhanced include:

4
Increasing the number of cruises/boats for the trips from Kolkata. The booking for
these should be available online.

4
Movie-shooting and screening in protected area, especially by researchers for
private screening (for extra charges)

4
Wildlife specialist tours for wildlife enthusiasts who want knowledgeable guides to
answer their queries (Local people can also conduct such tours, since they can be
knowledgeable about matters pertaining to the forest.)

4
Adventure sports, which would add to the reserve’s attractiveness, as well as
camping and bonfire arrangements (if possible)

1.12 Gurez/Gurais (Jammu and Kashmir)

Background: The Gurez or Gurais valley in northern Jammu & Kashmir is situated at about
8,000ft (2,400m) above sea level. Located on the Indo-Pak border, the Gurais region is
divided into three parts – only one of which lies in India and is part of the

26 | Unexplored tourism destinations of India

Bandipore/Bandipora district. The central
township in the area is at Dawar. Due to heavy
snowfall, the valley remains cut-off from the
rest of the country for nearly six months
every year.

Main attraction: Gurez is famous for its

natural beauty, being located in a valley
surrounded by snowcapped mountains. The
Kishenganga river flows through the valley,
which adds to the picturesque beauty of the region. The most famous peak in the valley,
shaped like a pyramid, is the Habba Khatoon. The region is also known to the trekkers due
to its natural beauty.

Gurez also has historical significance and fell along a section of the ancient Silk Route that
connected the Kashmir Valley to Gilgit. The ruins of the ancient Sharada University can also
be found in the valley. Carved inscriptions in Kharoshthi, Brahmi and Tibetan have been
uncovered in the valley.

The residents of the valley belong to the Shina speaking tribe of Dards. The culture and
language of this tribe is different from that of the rest of the Kashmir and is closer to the
tribes in north Pakistan. This provides an opportunity for tourists to experience a unique
culture in the valley.

According to Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation officials, up until last
year, police permission was required to visit Gurez. The valley is now open for tourists and
the state government also plans to promote the destination in the future.

Connectivity: Gurez is located 86 km from Bandipore and 123 km from Srinagar. The
closest railway station and airport is at Srinagar. The road connecting Gurez to Bandipora
becomes non navigable during the winter months.

Accommodation: Since it is relatively unexplored and inaccessible for nearly half of the
year, no major hotels are present in the valley. The tourists usually travel from Srinagar or
Bandipore. Further, due to avalanches and lack of space, the existing houses are cramped
together offering no space for new buildings.

Recommendations: Gurez offers many opportunities to be developed for its tourism due to
its natural beauty, historical significance and cultural uniqueness. Some of the
suggestions include:

Unexplored tourism destinations of India| 27

 4
Improving road connectivity to the valley (the construction of a tunnel which is
operational throughout the year is being discussed)

4
Provision of basic accommodation facilities – at least during the peak tourist
season

4
Power is also a major issue in the region and needs to be addressed

4
Preparing packages for organized treks and promoting the destination as a
trekker’s paradise

4
Leveraging the unique local culture and language to attract tourists such as short
term language courses

4
Encourage movie shoots

28 | Unexplored tourism destinations of India

2. Conclusion 2.
 2. Conclusion

The locations we have showcased in brief are just a few of the unexplored and little known
tourism destinations in India. There are many religious sites, archeological monuments
and heritage sites that have immense potential to be developed by theGovernment
through promoting tourism. The Central Government has taken a step in this direction by
launching the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY).

Various state governments have also taken different steps and implemented policy
measures to promote tourism in their states.

4
Tourism policy:

One of the basic initiatives is to have a dedicated state tourism policy which
outlines how the states would like to project themselves. The policy also includes
focus areas of the government, specific interventions proposed/planned,
new/existing incentives to developers/private players and vision for development
of tourism in the state, among others.

4
Brand ambassadors:
Some states such as Gujarat (Amitabh Bachchan) and West Bengal (Shah Rukh
Khan) have involved leading Bollywood stars as brand ambassadors for the states,
to promote the tourist destinations in the states. Another initiative undertaken by
the Government of Diu was to project Diu as the ‘Isle of Calm’. The government had
engaged a large advertising agency – Ogilvy & Mather for designing and
conducting this campaign.

4
Social media:
To promote any destination as a tourist destination, it is important to provide
accurate information which is easily accessible through various media. Thus,
having a good website which includes information regarding tourist attractions,
connectivity, best time to travel, tourist facilities and accommodation becomes
imperative for promoting any destination. While some of these locations have
good websites such as Hampi, Diu and Great Rann of Kutch (Rann Utsav), many

30 | Unexplored tourism destinations of India

 locations do not have functional sites/have outdated sites. For instance,
Chitrakoot does not have a detailed website promoting itself as a tourist
destination.

Some other policy interventions and initiatives that can be taken for these destinations
include:

Organization of marquee events/festivals

A theme-based event such as a global race, trek or excursion can be organized at these
locations. For instance, a camel race on the lines of the Boat Race Festival can be held in
the Rann of Kutch as well as in the Deserts of Rajasthan. These should be global events
held over several days to attract tourists.

Development of theme-based activities

While natural beauty and heritage buildings attract tourists, what makes them stay for a
longer period are options of diverse activities. Therefore, based on the nature of each
location, sporting activities could be promoted. For instance, a good mix of water sports
could turn Diu (as also Goa) into a destination that is sought after by younger tourists.

Provision of basic tourist facilities

Some of these locations lack basic tourist facilities such as security, guided tours, clean
and accessible toilets and easy access for differently abled persons. This needs to be
addressed on a priority basis.

Preservation of heritage and nature

Some of these locations are also in urgent need of preservation. It is therefore important
that tourism is promoted in an ecologically sensitive manner and revenues from it are used
to preserve monuments or the ecology. For instance, preservation of the Elephanta Caves
in Maharashtra and the ruins in Hampi should be an ongoing process to ensure that they
remain as close to their original state as possible. Rapid erosion of Majuli Island in Assam
is a problem that can have consequences as dire as the entire island being wiped out.This
needs urgent attention.

Unexplored tourism destinations of India| 31

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32 | Unexplored tourism destinations of India

Rahul Chakravarty Pragyal Singh
Director, FICCI Director, EY

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