CHAPTER-II PROFILE OF TOURISM SCENARIO IN ASSAM. Man has an innate urged to explore new facts and traveling for exploring

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1 45 CHAPTER-II PROFILE OF TOURISM SCENARIO IN ASSAM 2.1. History of Tourism Man has an innate urged to explore new facts and traveling for exploring of new exciting destinations. From the very earliest period of time, man has cherished the desire to discover the unknowns, to explore new and strange places, to seek changes of environment and to enjoy new kinds of experiences. Travel is an old concept, but tourism in modern sense, is relatively new concept. Travel is not a synonym of tourism, although travel is an essential ingredient of tourism ( Singhal, G.D. and others 2006 ). Though travel is a pleasure activity, but in the past it was not so. The traveler of the past was a merchant, a pilgrim, a scholar in search of ancient texts or even a curious wayfarer, looking forward to new and existing experiences ( Bhatia, A.K. 2003). The development of modern transport system has changed the earlier concept of tourism. Transportation is an integral part of travel. The technological advancement, economic development and social changes are the basic causes of the rapid growth of tourism Ancient Period Traveling is an integral part of human Civilization. In ancient time people traveled mainly for religious purpose, mercantile activity and also for political ambition. The places of pilgrimage and the temples developed the origin of ancient cities in the world. Archaeologists had mentioned that ancient cities and temple cities of Iran, Egypt, Eastern Arabia, Mesopotamia, and Indus- valley of the third and second millennia B.C. were linked by regular trade in items of luxury, e.g. ivories, spices and

2 46 beads, raw-materials like copper, gold, silver, steatite, lapis as well as several precious and semi-precious minerals. India also maintained a close relationship, with the Roman Empire, Central Asian States and with the South-East Asian countries of such types of luxury items (Gupta, S.P. and Lal, K ). The first time traveler s amenities came into existence when Shulgi ruled ancient Babylonia. They had developed roads and built rest houses for the wayfarers. Persians were called great travelers because they traveled widely for trade and commerce. Greeks were also interest in travel. The great Greek philosophers Plato, Aristotle, and Pythagoras were also famous for as traveler. Greeks traveled mainly for religious purposes, to take part in games and also to participate in fairs and festivals. The Romans were recognized as first pleasure travelers. They mainly traveled for pleasure, religion and sports. The Roman people had the travel resources and also managed time which was called the integral part of travel. The Roman had easy and safe access to Greece, Egypt, and many parts of Europe and Africa. Spa-Centre and Seaside resorts were very popular during this period (Bhatia A.K. 2003). In early times, India and China were tied-up for developed in the field of commerce. In these days, India was considered by the travelers from all over the world. This country was attracted by invaders like Alexander, Macedonia and by great travelers like Vasco-do- Gama, Fahien, Heiun Tsang etc Medieval Period Travel for religious purposes included a significant aspect of this period. In the last part of Middle Ages, a large number of pilgrims were traveling to the major

3 47 shrines in Europe. A very little number of tourists had traveled for pleasure activity. The adoption and spread of Christianity subsequently led to numerous pilgrims making their way Jerusalem, the Holy land. The pervading influence of a crusading religion that slowly penetrated in to a foreign land, e.g. Christianity in Europe and latter in America and Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism in Asia took place to permit an assimilation and perpetuation of very distinctive languages, literature, music, art, architecture, philosophy and forms of governments. Thus religion played a dominating role in travel (Jayapalan, N. 2001). The travel for pilgrimages was mainly conducted by foot or horseback. Horse drawn Cars and decorative boats were also used by some rich travelers. The Renaissance in Italy marked the next important stage in the history of travel. By the end of the fifteenth century, Italy become Europe s economic and cultural leader, which attracted and led to grand tour. The development of grand tour followed a shift in the focus of culture, economic and political power. The grand tourist motivated the learning, antiquities and social aspects of old world. The eighteenth century is called the golden age of the grand tour, especially the thirty years between 1763 and Tourism development in 18 th and 19 th Centuries included four motivating factors, viz., education, religion, adventure and health. Eighteen Century in Europe is marked by new strides in industrial revolution, particularly in the field of transport and communication. These advances afforded a new mobility to the people. To the society of late 18 th and early 19 th centuries, travel and recreation as a activity to be enjoyed in itself must

4 48 however, have been a new and perhaps even a strong idea. ( Gupta, S.P. and Lal, K ) Modern Period Phase I ( ) The introduction of railways in the middle of 19 th century made significant contribution to modern tourism. Thomas cook, a pioneer travel organizer, conducted circular tours of Scotland with almost 5,000 travelers in a season during the period The railways and shipping also made enormous contribution during this period. The emergence of modern mass tourism gave a great thrust to tourism. It saw the mass movement of people coming annually from their home place to another country for temporary stay. The introduction of annual paid holiday of the employers to their workers in England, had important repercussions on the development of mass tourism Phase II ( ) : The development of air transport has been recognized as a key factor of modern tourism. After 1919, Europe Started the attempts to create commercial airlines. The world war-i had witnessed a direct bearing on the development of air transport in a similar way as had motor transport. In this period, Certain Commercial Civil air Services were inaugurated and developed. Besides Europe, air transport was also developed in many other countries, including in India in this period.

5 49 The setting up of the International Union of Official Organisation, for Tourist Propaganda in 1924 was another milestone in world tourism. The first congress of this organization was held in Netherlands, in 1925, with its aims to exchange information on tourist publicity, to obtain international customs concessions for the export and import of tourist publicity material and to alleviate frontier formalities to free international tourist traffic Phase III ( ) The period is the rapid growth of demand for tourism, particularly during the last twenty five years. The main causes of this period are related with economic, social, and technological nature. The rising per capita incomes with increasing prosperity had given higher purchasing power which has made tourism and travel accessible to many people. The social causes of the rapid growth of tourism are related with the new attitude towards travel and leisure activity. The technological causes of the rapid growth of tourism can be linked with the advancements made in modernizing transport and communication systems. The impact of modern transport, technology, specially in the field of aviation, has added new dimension to travel and tourism Tourism Development in India India is a civilization of classical poise and antiquity and is proud of having oldest cultural heritage. India is a young and vibrant nation, measuring 3214 Km from north to south and 2933km from east to west with a total land area of 3,287,263 sq.km. India is the second largest populous and seventh largest country in the world, with a land frontier of 15,200km and a coastline of 7,516.5 km. India is located

6 50 between 8.4 and 37.6 north latitude and 68.7 and east longitude. The northern boundary of the country is mapped out by the snow-clad peaks of the Himalaya, one of the youngest mountain formation of the world. Towards the north east, the Himalaya merge in to a series of lesser mountain ranges, which lack those features of attitude and gradient that Characterize the parent range itself. Furthermore, these lesser ranges of the north west turn in a southern direction, to effect a junction through spars of diminishing elevation, with the Arabian Sea, across an axis that marks the western boundary of India. India is a country with a variety of Customes and conventions, civilizations and religious and famous for its rich flora and fauna. Jawaharlal Nehru had mentioned that Ancient India, like ancient china, was a world in itself, a culture and a civilization which gave shape to all things. Foreign influences poured in and often influenced that culture and were absorbed. Some kind of dream of Unity has occupied the mind of India since the down of civilization. The country is universally famous for art and architecture, literature and life, dances and painting and the beauties of nature. Centuries after centuries, India has been ruled by Rajputs, Mughals, English, Portuguese and various religions also flourished at different times like Buddhism, Jainism etc. All these factors have played their role in making an impact on the culture of the country. (Bhandari, N.K. 2007). India is endowed with the God-given bounties and beauties of Mother Nature- the sky-kissing peaks of mountains, rivers and valleys, seas and oceans and dales and vales. All these beauties had made this country as unique place of tourist paradise.

7 51 The concept of tourism is a sea changed one. Other countries, mainly the western countries, took full advantage of tourism in the socio-economic aspects. India could recognize this advantage only very late, in the sixties. The government latest encouraging policies include the tourism development chapter Tourism Development in Pre-Independence Period India has always been known as land of great fascination and charm. From the time since immemorial, travelers have trekked their way through high mountain passes, dense forests and sandy desert and crossed oceans to see India. The renowned travelers, who have left their travel accounts, are Fa-Hein, Heiun- Tsang, Ibn Batuta, Bernier and Several others. They have praised the varied attraction of India and paid tributes to the honesty, courtesy and hospitality of the people of this land. Active efforts have been made to promote tourism in India since the preindependence period. The importance of tourism had been recognized even before second world war. The maiden effort was taken in 1945 when the Sargent Committee was formed by the Government of India under the Chairmanship of Sir John Sargent, the Education adviser, Government of India. The Committee made survey and trusted out the possibilities and potentialities of tourism development of the country in near future. The Sargent Committee submitted its report in October, The report stated that it would be in the interest of India to encourage and develop tourist traffic both internal and external by all possible means. The committee was further of the opinion that successful steps in the promotion of tourism would result in a sustainable

8 52 addition, both direct and indirect, to India s revenue and that, if properly organized, every aspect of business could benefit greatly by an influx of tourists. The committee also stated that a separate organization be set up with a view to promoting the tourist activities in the country Tourism Development in Post Independence Period India had a good infrastructure available for tourism just before independence. India had large network of all types of hotels to meet the demand of both Indians as well as foreign tourists. There was adequate facility of transport and communication system in the country. Almost all the major tourist spots were easily accessible by rail or by road, some even by air. Many airports in the country were in a position to receive international carriers. But in the absence of a Central tourist organization there was no co-ordination between the various services. Tourism in India developed systematically only after a Central tourist organization was set up as a result of the recommendation of the Sargent Committee. In 1949 an exclusive Tourist Traffic Branch was developed and whole time attention was paid to the development of tourist traffic in India Tourist Traffic Advisory Committee In 1950, the Ministry of Transport, Government of India formed a Central Tourist Traffic Advisory Committee with the object of providing joint efforts of public and travel trade organization for promotion of tourism activities. The committee included the representatives of various Ministries Council, tourist trading agencies and public with the object of co-ordination of the work at the centre and advising the

9 53 government on tourist problems. Regional advisory Committee was also set up at Delhi, Bombay, Madras and Calcutta. These Committees setup a Common Platform for all concerned agencies for promotion of tourism with a view to getting full co-operation and assistance from Central government and state governments Tourist Development Council The Tourist Development Council was formed in February, 1958, after the recommendation of existing Central Tourist Traffic Advisory Committee meeting, under the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Transport and Communication. This council was the prime advisory committee in national level and included 64 members. The council measures the necessary action for the promotion of tourist traffic to India from other countries and from one part of the country to another. So, development of both foreign and domestic tourism was the main object of this council The Ministry of Tourism A separate department, the Ministry of Tourism was set up on 1 st March 1958, under the Ministry of Transport with the object to consider all matters pertaining to development of tourism in India. On 14 th March 1967, the Department of Aviation and Tourism which was earlier under the ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, was formed in to a separate independent ministry named as the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation. The Ministry was put under the direct charge of a fulltime Minister and this was the beginning of new era that tourism received the importance for it future promotional activities.

10 54 Organisational set up of the Ministry of Tourism (MOT) Table -2.1 Secretary Director General of Tourism Additional Director Chairman Joint Director General Hotel, Restaurant General Administration & Travel Services Dy. Director General Dy. Secretary Director General Dy.Director Planning & Programme Market & Research Administration & General Finance Publicity & conferences Director Dy. Director Dy. Director Supplementary General Hotel General Travel, Accommodation, Division Trade & Hospitality. Wildlife Division Source : Annual Report, Ministry of Tourism Tourism Agencies The Jha Committee Constituted in 1963 with the object of promoting and upgrading tourism sector in India, recommended that the public sector should entrusted a more active role in the development of tourism sector. Government of India formed three Separate Corporation in Tourism Department in 1965 viz.; The Hotel Corporation of India Ltd., Indian Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. and Indian Tourism Transport undertaking Ltd., Constituted under the provision of Indian Company Act

11 , the main functions of these corporation were construct and manage tourist hotels in public sector at tourist destinations, arrange tourism publicity materials and to provide transport facilities to the tourist. But in October 1966, the government of India merged these three corporations in to a one corporation named as the Indian Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. This amalgamated Company known as Indian Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. ( ITDC), came into existence with effect from 28 th March Regional Tourist Advisory Committees Four Regional Tourist Advisory Committee were formed in February 1970, with the object to ensure that the recommendation of Tourist Development Council would be implemented by the concerned member s states. The four regions include : Northern Region : Includes Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Chandigarh. Western Region : This region includes Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa. Southern Region : Consists of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Pondicherry. Eastern Region : West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Orissa, Nagaland, Tripura, Manipur, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are included in this region.

12 Regional Tourism offices in India and Overseas The Ministry of tourism has five Regional offices located at Kolkata (East), Mumbai ( west ), Delhi ( North), Chennai ( South ), and Guwahati ( North East ). The Ministry of Tourism Government of India also included six number of Regional overseas offices at Sydney, Frankfut, Tokyo, Dubai, London and New York. There are eight number of sub regional offices located at Toranto, Paris, Milan, Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Johannesburg, Singapore, and Beijing. The prime object of these overseas offices is to increase tourism overseas marketing network about the Indian tourism destination, Indian tourism product etc National Tourism Policy 2002 The National Tourism Policy was formulated in the year 2002 with the object of promoting and upgrading the tourism in India in a systematic manner. The Policy includes certain goals which are as follows: Recognised the tourism as the prime sector of economic development. Tourism as a means of providing employment opportunity, economic development and also for impetus to rural tourism. Importance on domestic tourism to the development of tourism sector. Cater the global tourism market and position India in top tourist destination in world. Private participation with government sector as a proactive facilitator and catalyst.

13 57 Creation of tourism circuit depending on India s unique civilization, heritage, culture and natural beauty. Maximisation of foreign tourist satisfaction and feel India from within Tourism Schemes The National tourism policy includes certain basic principles and guidelines for development of tourism industry in the country. Keeping in the view of guidelines of this policy the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has been implementing following schemes in tourism sector. Product and infrastructure development for destinations and circuits: The main object of this scheme is to the improvement of existing product and development of new tourism product to world standard. This scheme also includes the integrated infrastructure development of the tourist sites. Destination is a place of tourist interest. For being eligible under this scheme, the destination must be among the most visited sites in the state, or a recognised heritage monument. On the other hand, a tourist circuit is defined as a route on which at least three major tourist destinations are located such that none of these are in the same town, village or city. Rural Tourism Infrastructure Development: Tourism growth potential can be harnessed as a strategy for rural development. The development of a strong platform around the concept of rural tourism is definitely useful for a country like India. Scheme for integrated development of tourist s circuits: Under this scheme the ministry of tourism, Government of India has been extending financial assistance to states for development of tourism infrastructure. The objective of this scheme is to

14 58 identify tourist circuits in the country on an annual basis, and develop them to international standards. This scheme provide all infrastructure facilities necessary for tourist within these circuits. Scheme of Assistance for large revenue generating projects: The main objective of this scheme is to promote large revenue generating projects for development of tourism infrastructure in Public Private Partnership (PPP) and in partnership with other government, semi government agencies. Large revenue generating project, which can be admissible for assistance of this scheme, should be a project, which is also a tourist attraction, or used by tourists and generates revenue through a levy of fee or user charges on the visitors. Scheme of capacity building for service providers (CBSP): A large segment of people are involved directly and indirectly in the tourism industry. Professional expertise is required for specialized vocations in this field. This scheme introduces tourist training to persons for taking up professions in the travel and tourism industry. Scheme of Rural Tourism : The main object of this scheme is to promote village tourism as the primary tourism product to spread tourism and its socio-economic benefits to rural areas and its new geographical region. Key geographic regions are identified for development and promotion of rural tourism. Scheme of financial assistance to states for organizing tourism related events: This scheme includes providing financial assistance to the states government to organize events to promote tourism. An event can be a fair, festival, show, seminar,

15 59 conclave, conventions relating to tourism and has a national and international importance. Scheme of Central Finance Assistance for IT projects: The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has taken initiatives in the field of information technology with a view to benefit the tourists. The main aim of this scheme is to bring efficiencies at government of India tourist offices, to provide improved and quality tourist information to tourist and to provide improved tourist facilitation. Under this scheme central financial assistance will be provided to encourage the state tourism departments to take major IT initiative for improved tourist information and facilitation as well as marketing and publicity of their tourist products. Scheme for support to public private partnerships in Infrastructure (viability Gap Funding) : Government of India recognizes that there is significant deficit in the availability of physical infrastructure across different sectors and that is hindering economic development. It is also observes that infrastructure projects may not always be financially viable because of long gestation periods and limited financial returns, and that financial viability of such project can be improved with government support. This scheme includes Public Private Partnership (PPPs) in infrastructure development. It is also a plan scheme to be administered by the Ministry of Finance and budgetary provisions will be made in the Annual Plans on year to year basis. Scheme for Market Development Assistance (MDA) : The marketing development Assistance scheme (MDA), administered by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, provides financial support to approved tourism service providers

16 60 ( i.e. hotel liars, travel agents, tour operators, tourist transport operators etc., whose sales turnover include foreign exchange earnings also) for undertaking tourism promotional activities as abroad. Time share Resorts (TSR) : In view of the growing popularity of vacation ownership for leisure holidays and family holidays of tourist accommodation, known as Timeshare, the Ministry of Tourism has introduced a voluntary scheme for classification of Timeshare Resorts (TSRs) in the three star, four star and five star categories. Incentives: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has de-linked credit for hotel projects from commercial real estate. Now hotel projects have been availing credit at relaxed norms and reduced interest rates. A five year tax holiday had been announced to new hotels of two, three and four star category hotels and conventional centre in Further, a five year tax holiday for all hotels of two, three and four star category located in all UNESCO declared world heritage site ( except Mumbai and Delhi) has been announced for hotels which start operating with effect from 1 st April, 2008 to 31 st March, Tourism in India Indian tourism industry has emerged as a major driver of economic development due to its potential to contribute to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Foreign exchange earnings and employment generation. As per the estimates, tourism sector accounts for 5.92 percent of India GDP and about 9.24 percent or 49.8 million of total employment generation ( both indirect and direct ). The planning commission, in the eleventh plan document has also mentioned that tourism is the largest service industry in the country, its importance lies in being an instrument for economic

17 61 development and employment generation, particularly in the remote and backward areas. During the year 2002 to 2009, India recorded an increase in the Foreign Tourist Arrival (FTA) from 2.38 million to 5.11 million. Due to global slowdown, terrorist activities etc., the growth rate of FTA during 2009 fell by 3.3 percent. The foreign Exchange Earnings (FEFs) from tourism increased to Rs. 15,064 crore in 2002 to Rs. 54,960 crore in The growth rate of earning in 2009 was 8.3 percent in comparison to Domestic tourism is another major contributor in tourism sector. The volume of domestic tourist visited during the year 2008 and estimated as million, showing a growth of 6.9% over the year The Ministry of tourism, government of India has been launched Rural Tourism initiative at 166 tourist sites across the country to show case India s rich tradition of art, culture, cuisines, handicrafts and textiles as a unique tourism experience. The Ministry of tourism also launched new initiatives of caravan and Heliport tourism in In the caravan tourism scheme, State governments and private sector is being encouraged to develop caravan parks at strategic locations. The Central financial assistance would be provided for heliport tourism to the tourist destinations, which are in remote and accessible areas would be connected by helports or helipads. The Ministry of Home affairs has introduced Visa-on Arrival scheme for tourists from five countries viz., Singapore, Finland, Newzealand, Luxembourg and Japan on Pilot basis. The introduction of visa on Arrival on pilot basis has sent very positive signals of welcoming foreign tourists. The ministry of Home affairs has also

18 62 decided to grant long term tourist visa of 5 years duration with Multi-entry facilities carrying a stipulation of 90 days on each visit to the nationals of eighteen selected countries. The table 2.2 shows the foreign tourist arrivals and foreign exchange earned during the period 2005 to Foreign Tourist Arrivals & Foreign Exchange earned during the period 2000 to 2011 Table- 2.2 Year Foreign Tourist Arrival ( in nos.) Percentage Change over previous year Foreign Exchange Earning (Rs. in crore ) Percentage change over previous year ,49, , ,37, , ,84, , ,26, , ,57, , ,18, , ,47, ,025* ,81, ,360* ,82, ,730# ,67, ,960# ,83,746@ 8.9@ 64,889# ( January to June) 29,19,012@ 10.9@ 35, @ # Advance Estimates. * Revised Provisional Estimates. Source : Ministry of Tourism, Government of India Tourism Development in Assam Assam is famous for her unique natural beauty with flora and fauna, historical monuments, pilgrim centres, tea gardens, industrial and commercial institutions and its colourful cultural festivals. Every tourist destination in Assam has

19 63 something celestial and a unique diversity to offer. Tourism industry in this region started very recently. It is in 1980 that the tourism industry of this region is Permitted by the government due to the recognition of North-East India s tremendous potential for this sector. Assam tourism is mainly based on wildlife, tea tourism with old bungalow, pilgrim tourism, adventure tourism, eco-tourism, conference tourism, cultural tourism, and also for historical monuments. The Northern boundary of the state is covered by Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. On the east it is bounded by Meghalaya and Mizoram, on the south Bangladesh and Tripura and west Bengal on the west. The total geographical area of the state is 78,438 sq.kms and it is about 2.4 percent of country s total geographical area. The state has two distinct natural regions viz., the Brahmaputra valley and the Barak Valley. The Brahmaputra Valley comprises 71,516 sq.km. and Barak valley comprises 6,922 sq.km. as geographical area. As per 2001 Population census, the State population stood at 26,638,407 which account for 2.59 percent of India s population. Assam ranks thirteen in size of population among all the states of India and also ranks fourteenth among all the states of India in terms of density of population Ancient Assam Assam in Sanskrit means, peerless or unparallel. It was known as Pragjyotisha or the place of eastern astronomy during the epic period. It is mentioned as Pragjyotisha in both the Epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Pragjyotisha included not only the whole of Assam and Parts of North and East Bengal, but also the hill tracts up to the border of China ( Barpujari, H.K. 1990). The researches in to the pre

20 64 historic period show that Pragjyotisha flourished in about 1,000 B.C. when lower Bengal was not there in existence. Later, Assam was named as Kamrupa the place where Kamdeva, Lord of love in Hindu mythology, was reborn. The name of Kamrupa is also included in the Epics Puranas and Tantras. Its capital was Pragjyotis Pura or city of Eastern light. It is known for the first time in the Allahabad Pillar inscription of Samudragupta, which has to be assigned to the middle of the fourth century A.D. The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen- Tsang visited kamrupa in 643 A.D. and mentioned that the country was more than 1667 miles in circuit. Hiuen- Tsang also wrote about the socio-political, religious and cultural structure of the history of Assam. The territory is called Asham in the Ain-i-Akbari and Asam was applied by Francies Hamilton in his Account of Assam compiled during Assam is a apparently the English form of Asam. In the Pre-historic, Narakasura, Bhagadutta, Bana and other mythical king ruled here. The period from the 7 th century to the 13 th century witnessed powerful sovereigns like Bhaskara Varma, Harzar Varma and the Sankal. The first legendary king of Assam was Narkasur, the son of Vishnu and Dharitri ( Mother of Earth ). He invited Brahmins from Gaur in Bengal to settle down in his capital Pragjyotishpur to spread their teaching and way of life. Narakasur was, however, killed later on by Vishnu for his unreligious behaviour ( Barpujari, H.K ). In the fourth century the Prasasthi of Samudragupta mentions Kamrupa as a frontier kingdom of India in the East. The famous poet, Kalidas, who is said to be flourishing in the fifth century A.D. mentions Kamrupa and Pragjyotisha as the same Kingdom in his Raghuvansam. The

21 65 Arabian historian Alberuni in the 11 th Century A.D. also mentioned about Kamrupa. So from the epic period to the 12 th century A.D., this eastern frontier kingdom was known as Pragjyotisha and Kamrupa, and the kings called themselves as Lord of Pragjyotisha. The year 1228 A.D. marks a land mark in the history of Assam when Ahom Kingdom in Assam was laid by Sukapha. Ahom came to the state through Patkai areas and gradually occupied the Brahmaputra valley. They ruled for six hundred years. In 1826 Assam become a British Protectorate when Burmese ceded it to the British under the Provision of the treaty of yandabo. ( Borboruah, H ). The name of Assam is also associated with the Ahom. In Tai language the Acham is the means of undefeated. With the Assamese prefix, Asam would means undefeated and conquerors. ( Baruah, B.K. 1986) Culture Assam was the land of different races which included Austric, Mongolian, Dravidean and Aryan. Assam had been pertaining variety culture of variegated nature. It was a place of regular migration of different races and so it created two distinct ethnic groups mainly Tribal who have been normally lived in the hills area and the Non-Tribal who mainly lived in the plains. Australoids were the first migrant group to come this region. But it should not be forgotten that these Australoid Population migrated to Assam in modern period (Das, B.M. 2003). The Brahmaputra valley was flourished with the composite culture of Shaktism, Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Later on the period of Muslim invasions, Muslim also came, small Sikh

22 66 Communities from Panjab, handful of Buddhist Communities etc. also merged with Assamese society. The Ahom also came to the state and ruled Assam for six hundred years till Assam is a land of people belonging to different ethnic groups and as a process of assimilation of diverse groups created a composite culture which at present known as the Assamese culture. Sankardeva, leader of vaishnave cult, created a religious movement of new thought which was marked a spirit of secularism. His movement was against the corrupt practices of the Sakta religion which were existed in Assam in 15 th century. Saktas are worshippers of the Hindu God Siva and the Goddess Shakti or Durga. Sankardeva s ideology was on Bhakti propagated the worship of one God, Krishna through singing of prayers. Sankardeva conceived the satras idea or monasteries. The satra institution is a Unique feature of Assam. Satra are the monasteries of neovaishnavitic Saints and were created to their religious and social ideas. The great neovaisnava movement of Assam of the sixteenth century brought about a new and comprehensive outlook on life, a distinctly healthy tone to social behaviour with an all pervasive organizational set-up, and accelerated the pace of literature and the fine arts like music and painting. ( Neog, Maheswar. 2004) Tourist Destinations The tourist destinations in Assam are essentially nature based. The state includes five number of National Parks and eighteen number of wildlife sanctuaries.

23 67 The tourist destination of the state can be grouped in four categories: (a) nature-related, (b) historical (c) religious and (d) others. Category a) Nature Related i) National Parks. Tourist Destination Table- 2.3 Tourist Main Attractions Destination World Heritage site, famous for one horned Kaziranga National Park Manas National Park Orang National Park Nameri National Park Dibru- Saikhowa rhinoceros, tigers, elephants, buffaloes, deer, breeding place of pelicans, habitat of reptiles and monkeys and host of other species. Manas National Park is mainly famous for tiger reserve. The park covers an area of 500 sq.km. and home of variety of wild life which has 55 number of mammals, 35 number of reptilian species and 3 number of amphibian species. Orang National Park extends over an area of sq.km. The park was renamed as Rajiv Gandhi with life sanctuary in The Park is similar forest area like Kaziranga National Park. The main attractions of this park are one horned rhinos, elephants, leopards and migratory birds. This park is one of the richest Biodiversity hot spot and popular destination for ecotourism. It covers an area of 200 sq.km. and is famous for tiger reserve. According to w.w.f. (World Wild Life Fund ) the Park is one of the richest area in the world in Plant Functional Type (PFT) and second only to Sumatra in Plant Functional Complexity ( P.F.I). Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is a part of Dibrusaikhowa Biosphere Reserve, is one of the

24 68 (ii) Wild life Sanctuaries (WLS) National Park biodiversity hot spots, and includes an area of 340 sq.kms. It is famous for royal bengal tigers leopards, elephants, buffaloes, feral horses etc. Bhejan Borajan- Situated in Tinsukia district and its area is 7.22 Padumoni WLS sq.km. Panidihing WLS Hollongapar Gibbon WLS Nambor Doigurung WLS Garampani WLS This Sanctuary is mainly famous for migratory birds, like adjustant stock, fishing eagle, white winged wood, duck etc. It covers an area of sq.km. and located in Sivasagar district. It is located at a distance of 22km away from Jorhat Town. Total area of this sanctuary is sq.km. and famous for seven numbers of Primate. It is most diverse spots for Primates of India. Located in Golaghat district and its total area is sq.km. Situated in Karbi Anglong and covers an area of 6.05 sq.km Nambor WLS This Sanctuary covers an area of 37 sq.km and situated in Karbi Anglong district. East Karbi The total area of this sanctuary is sq.km and Anlong WLS situated in Karbi Anglong district. Marat Longri This Sanctuary is also located in Karbi Anglong WLS district and its area is 451 sq.km. Burhachapori WLS Situated in Sonitpur district and its area is sq.km. Laokhowa WLS Located in Nagaon district and total area of this sanctuary is sq.km.

25 69 Pabitora WLS This sanctuary is famous for one horned rhinoceros, and located in Morigaon district. Its total area is 38.80sq.km. Sonai-Rupai WLS The toal area of this Sanctuary is 220 sq.km and situated in Sonitpur district. Barnadi WLS Located in Udalguri district and its area is sq.km. Chakrasila WLS Located in Kokrajhar district and covers an area of sq.km. Dihing Patkai It is a biodiversity hot spot, covers an area of WLS sq.km. and located in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia district. Barail WLS Barail WLS is in Cachar district and its total area is sq.km. Amchang WLS This sanctuary covers an area of sq.km. and located in Kamrup (metro) district. Deepar Beel It is a Ramsar Site and famous for migratory birds. WLS Its area is 4.1 sq.km and situated in Kamrup (Metro) district. iii) Nature attraction Bhairabkunda A beautiful place at the border of Arunachal Pradesh. Bhalukpung It is a beautiful place, located by the side of river Jia Bhoroli, famous for angling and water sports. Jatinga It is a beautiful hilly place, near Haflong town. Birds commit suicide here on certain specific days. Haflong Haflong is a hill station located at a height of 680 meters, is a picturesque hill place, vibrant and colourful sunrise and Sunset and having a pleasant weather. The Scenic beauty is the main attraction of tourists.

26 70 Diphu It is a hilly town, is the district head quarter of Karbi-Anglong district. This place is famous for Karbi arts and culture. b) Religious Borpeta Barpeta is a sacred place of pilgrimage for the vaishnavite people of Assam, which is also related with the Mahapurusha Sankardeva and Madhabdeva where they preached their religion. The place is also famous for largest Kirtanghar, a place where people assemble for religion worship. Bashistha Ashram Bashistha Ashram is located on Sondhyachal hill in South-East Guwahati. The establishment of the Ashram is related with the great Sage Bashistha of Ramayana for meditation at the confluence of three rivulets of Sandhya, Lalita and Kanta. Batadrawa It is the birth place of Sankardeva, the vaishnava reformer, saint and a great literary of Assam. Hojo Hajo is a Pilgrimage place of Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists. Kamakhya Kamakhya temple is famous for pilgrim tourism for all over the world. The temple is situated in Neelachal hills on the bank of river Brahmaputra. It is the worship of Goddess Kamakhya, the famous deity in Assam. Madan Kamdev The temple is in the name of Kamdeva the Lord of Love. The wall, pillars, lintels and doorframes of the temple hold picture of boundless love. Majuli The largest riverine river island in the world, centre of Vaishnava Culture, known as the centre of Assamese art, dance, drama, and music.

27 c) Historical Nabagraha Sukreswar Temple Surya Pahar Umananda Digboi Sivasagar 71 Nabagraha is situated on chitranchal hill North-East of Guwahati, represents the nine planets in the symbol of nine lingas. It is a important centre for the study of astrology. Located on the Bank of the Brahmaputra in Guwahati, this temple is an idol of Shiva believed to have been installed by the sage sukracharyya. Surjya Pahar hills, situated in Goalpara district, also called the Ajanta and Ellora of Assam, is a archaeological monument centre. Umananda is a Shiva Temple located on the lush green peacock Island in the middle of the river Brahmaputra in Guwahati. The temple was dedicated to the wife of Lord Shiva named-uma. Digboi is also known as the City of oil famous for the first oil refinery of Asia that was established by the Assam oil company and started it work in In 1879, oil was first discovered in Digboi and drilling work started in A.D. Digboi also possessed the best golf course in this region. The historical place of Ahom Kingdom Sivasagar is a famous tourist place, both for domestic and foreign tourist. The historical Monuments, ruins of Sivasagar district testify the great period of Ahom monarchs in Assam. Sivasagar includes the historical monuments like- great tank called Sivasagar Tank, famous Shiva Dol, great amphitheatre named Ranghar, the Maidams of ancient Ahom rulers, Kareng Ghar, Rangpur, etc.

28 72 Tezpur The small city Tezpur is associated with mythology, legend and folklore. The mythology is related with the romantic legend of Usha and Anirudha, and the bettle between Hari and Hara. Chitralekha Udyan, a beautiful garden in Tezpur, was established by Mr. Cole, a British Deputy Commissioner. The ancient Mahabharav temple of Shiva is also located in this city, was built by king Bana and famous for one of the biggest and oldest Shivalingas in the world. Sadiya Sadiya is a picturesque town located on the river bank of Brahmaputra, is a historical place in Tinsukia district. The famous Tamreswari Temple in the worship of Kali, also known as Kechaikhati Gosani, is located in this place. The famous Burha Bhurhi temple in the name of Shiva, also located at the Confluence the Dikrong and Deopani river. d) Others Guwahati Guwahati is Commonly known as the Gate way to the North east. It is a busy river city and a major Commercial hub of north-east region. The state capital Dispur, upgraded international Airport- Gopinath Bordoloi Airport, North-East frontier Railways headquarters is also located in this city. Guwahati is famous for religious temples and most of the temples around Guwahati are perched on hills or on hillside, which afford panoramic views of the river Brahmaputra. Guwahati is also called the educational nerve centre of Assam.

29 73 Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra is an institution named in the Vaishnavite Saint Srimanta Sankardeva, which is established to depicting the life and culture of Assam. It is also a centre of the showcase of various cultural activities. Sualkuchi Sualkuchi is a major weaving centre in Assam. It is renowned for Assam s famous golden muga silk. Dibrugarh Dibrugarh is a small town, located on the river bank Brahmaputra, is famous for tea garden. Dibrugarh has the tremendous potential for emerging as a centre for international trade and commerce of India with the counterpart country Myanmar, Thailand and China, if all these countries agree to open the 725 km. still well Road constructed during the second world war. Dibrugarh is also an educational nerve centre in Assam. Source : Directorate of Tourism, Assam

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31 Tourism potentiality Assam has tremendous strength of tourism potential mainly for its scenic beauty, cultural heritage, ethnic mixture and diverse flora and fauna. Such wealth of tourism resources endows Assam with comparative advantage over many other states Nature Tourism Assam is known for her bio-geographic richness with dense forests, uneven topography, flora and fauna, mighty river Brahmaputra and its tributaries, national parks and wild life sanctuaries. Assam offers basically nature-centric tourism. An attractive feature of the Assam s forestry is its colourful wildlife. Certain species are exclusive to the state. Assam is famous for one horned rhinoceros. Some of the endangered species found in the state are hollock gibbon, the stamp tailed macaque, the capped langur, the golden langur, the pigmy hog, the clouded leopard, the golden cat, white winged wood duck, and the like. All these can make Assam as one of the best destination of the tourists. The state includes five number of National Parks and eighteen number of wildlife sanctuaries. The forest covers in Assam as per latest assessment published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) in the State Forest Report 2005 is percent. The total area under Reserved Forest is 13, sq.km and the area under proposed reserved forest is sq.km. The national Parks are located in different part of the state, have their different scenic beauty with varieties of wild life, are unique eco-tourism sites in the state. The wild life sanctuaries are also bearing unique features and attract large numbers of both domestic and foreign tourists in every year.

32 Tea Tourism Assam tea industry is about 170 years old. Tea was first discovered in upper Brahmaputra valley by Robert Bruce in Assam tea is world renowned and is a brand ambassador for Assam. The tea garden rolling out green Carpets for large areas, are ideal to meet the pursuit of romantic and exotic experience of modern tourists. Tea industry is the backbone of Assam s economy. Tea is not only the oldest industry of Assam; but also the most important one along with oil and is a major source of revenue and employment of the state. The development of tea industry led to the development of coal and oil industries in Assam initially, and it was also the cause of development of railways in Assam, paving the way for infrastructure development (Baruah, P. 2008). The state includes 3,21,000 hectare area of tea garden. Many of these tea garden have lighten golf courses- another major attraction for modern tourists. Old bungalows and rest houses of many tea gardens are kept ready for tourist to promote nostalgia tourism Religious Tourism Assam is an ancient land known for ancient temples and shrines like the most venerable Kamakhy temple. In Ambubachi mela, the temple becomes a centre for large number of pilgrims of different places of India and aboard. Hajo is another centre where people from three religions- Hindu, Muslim and Budhism come for pilgrimages.

33 Adventure Tourism The enchanting blue hills and speedy rivers of Assam provide an enormous scope for the development of adventure tourism. The water resources and Unique waterways of the state also provide a unique experience of adventure and leisure tourism. The mighty river Brahmaputra and many of its tributaries, many beels (0xbow lake ) have immense potential of development of tourism in different areas like river cruises connecting the tourism destinations, water sports, water rafting and kayaking etc. Nameri is a famous tourist destination for river rafting and regulated angling in Jiabhorali river and attracts adventure tourist from all over the world Eco-tourism Eco-tourism is a faster growing sector with an annual growth rate of percent. Eco-tourism has twin objectives of conserving environment and improving the welfare of the local people. The state has immense potential for development of eco-tourism due to its unique nature and climatic condition. The abundant forest resources, blue hills, enchanting rivers are the basis on which an ecofriendly tourism can be developed Culture and Heritage tourism Cultural Tourism is one of the important features of Assam tourism. The rich cultural heritage of the state like the mythological Agni Garh in Tezpur, ancient Madan Kamdev Temple the secular religious centre Hajo, the Phat Bihu of Dhakuakhana, the rich and Unique heritage of vaishnavite culture in Bordowa, Barpeta,

34 78 Majuli and the Royal remains of Ahom rule provide immense scope for cultural tourism Rural Tourism Assam is also famous for its unique ethnic variety, the cultural mosaic and the life style of the people. The state provides great opportunity for promotion of rural tourism so that the tourist gets a different experience and socioeconomic benefits of tourism are spread to the rural areas. The Namphake village in dibrugarh district is a unique place of rural tourism. Tai Phake tribe of this village is popular for their bright multicolored costume and their traditional Tai Phake language and culture Conference tourism Conference tourism is a new type of tourism which includes the latest know-how technique, exchange of views and discussions among the intellectuals, leaders, businessman and professionals in conferences. In the emerging scenario of global world, the corporate culture makes demand for conference tourism. Kaziranga is recognized as an ideal destination for conference tourism and attracts large number of tourist every year Medical Tourism Assam becoming a preferred destination of medical tourism in North eastern region as well as other neighbouring countries likes Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal. The Up gradation of Guwahati Medical College, in to a Super specialty Hospital,

35 79 growing popularity of B.Baruah Cancer Institute, Sankar Netralaya and large number of private hospitals in the state have given a new era of Medical Tourism Leisure Tourism Assam is also rich in folk dances, including Bihu dance, Deodhai Nritya, Satriya dance, Kherai dance, and other tribal group dances. The traditional fairs and festivals of the state, observed with colourful ceremony are Deul festival of Barpeta, Ambubachi fair at Kamakhya, Sivaratri Mela of Sivsasaga, Ali-ai-ligang of Mishing tribe, Baresahariya Bhaona of Jamuguri hat, Raas festifal of Majuli etc. Raas festival of Majuli is recognized as a Popular festival and attracts both domestic and foreign tourist in every year.