Paper 10: Tourism Products of

Module 27: Tourism Product Regional: North -I

THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Principal Investigator Prof. S. P. Bansal Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi University, Rewari

Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Prashant K. Gautam Director, UIHTM, Panjab University,

Paper Coordinator Prof. Manoj Dixit Vice Chancellor, R.M.L. University, Faizabad, UP

Dr. Jyoti Rohilla* & Dr. Pravin S. Rana# Content Writer Assoc. Prof-History of Art, BHU Asstt. Prof-Tourism Management, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi Content Reviewer Prof. S. P. Bansal Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi University, Rewari

ITEMS DESCRIPTION OF MODULE Subject Name Tourism and Hotel Management Paper Name Tourism Products of India Module Title Tourism Product Regional : North-I

Module Id 27 Pre- Requisites Elementary knowledge of History, Geography, Religion and Culture Objectives i) to give basic knowledge of variety of tourist centers in India ii) highlight the most important tourist centers and their importance Keywords Tourist Centers, Tourist Destination, Tourism attraction, Temples of India

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Learning Outcome 2. Introduction 3. About the Northern Region. 4. Tourism Products of North India-Part 1 4.1 Tourism Products of & 4.2 Tourism Products of 4.3 Tourism Products of Punjab & 5. Summary

QUADRANT-I

North India is major shareholder is tourism generation in India for both national and International tourism. Tourism products of North India ranges from Himalaya to river Ganga, natural to heritage, cultural to pilgrimage and etc. The only thing which misses North India is coastal line. In this chapter, important tourism recourses of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, , , and some places of Punjab and Haryana will be highlighted. All the resources has been divided into Popular, Natural and Adventure, Religious and Spiritual, Heritage and few unexplored destination.

4.1 Tourism Products of North India: Jammu & Kashmir Jammu & Kashmir is land of six major mountain ranges covering an area of 222,000 sqkm situated in northernmost part of India bordering Pakinstan and China’s Tibetan Platue. The three important regions-, Jammu and .

Popular Tourism Prodcuts: Amarnath Yatra, Vaishnav Devi Shrine,

Amarnath Every year more than 500,000 pilgrims make the annual yatra (pilgrimage) to the ice lingam at Amarnath. The cave at Amarnath is reached by a three day, 36km trek from the town of Chandanwari, 16km north of . Some pilgrims complete the journey by pony, helicopter or dandy (palanquin). Inside the main chamber is a natural stone lingam that becomes encrusted with ice from May to August. Pilgrim numbers peak during the Shivrani Festival in July and the military presence can be overpowering.

(Source: https://www.hlimg.com/images/stories/738X538/map1a_1466846221u30.jpg)

Vaishnav Devi Jammu city is base for Pilgrimage to the cave shrine of the goddess situated on Trikuta Mountains (5200 ft) and 51 km away from Jammu and 13.5 km from Katra. Vaishno devi is considered as manifestation of Mahalakshami. the yatries are blessed with the Darshans of the Mother Goddess inside the Sanctum Sanctorum- the Holy Cave. The Darshan inside the grabh griha are in the shape of three natural rock formations called the Pindies. There are no statues or idols inside the Cave. The management of temple is under Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine board which provide several types of facilities to pilgrims.

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Srinagar: Srinagar is summer capital of J & K state, is a city of lakes, waterways, gardens and picturesque wooden architecture. Dal lak, Nagin Lake, Mosque of Shah Hamadan, Shah Makhdum Sahib, Patthar Mosque, Mosque are important places in Srinagar.

(Source: https://www.makemytrip.com/travel-guide/media/dg_image/srinagar/Dal-Lake.jpg)

Natural & Adventure: & Laddakh, Gulmarg, National Parks, Patnitop Leh- Laddhakh is Laddhakh principal town once hub of carvan trade between Punjab, Central Asia and between Kashmir and Tibbet. The Town is dominated by nine storeyed Leh Palace, built in 1630s by Sengge Namgyal. The Jokhang, a modern Buddhist establishment and the town mosque built in 17th century are existed in Main Bazar. On

the peak above the town are the small fort and monastery complex of Namgyal Tsemo. The gleaming white Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda) founded in the 1980s. Sankar Monastery, Monastery, Phiyang Monastery are other attractions of Leh.

Matho Monastery in Laddakh (30 km south east of Leh) is the only monastery of the Sakyapa sect which is built in the 16th century. Monastery which is situated at 43 km south east of Leh is the largest as well as richest among the central Laddakh monasteries, founded in 1630s. of its several temples, the most rewarding is the tshong- khang is assembly hall contains fine image of Buddha in front of a huge silver chorten.

Southest Laddakh is situated on the sensitive internation border with Tibet. The two major lakes, Pang-gong Tso and are famous in this region. The Tour to Valley region starts from Leh and follow the old carvan trade route. It also covers the world’s highest motorable mountain pass – Khardung-la.

(source: http://www.swantour.com/leh-ladakh-tours/gifs/leh-ladakh-pangong-lake-tour.jpg)

Gulmarg About 52km southwest of Srinagar, the pine-fringed meadow at Gulmarg literally Meadow of Flowers is a busy ski resort in winter and a popular walking resort in summer. The Alpine landscape is a marked contrast to the flat, poplar-lined fields that cover the bottom of the Kashmir Valley, but don’t expect a quiet retreat. Gulmarg is packed with domestic tourists year-round and most of the meadow is given over to a golf course that doubles as a training slope during the ski season. Other wintery activities include ice- skating on the open-air rink by the Hilltop Hotel and sledging on the meadow.

Jammu city of Temple: The winter capital of J & K is Jammu located on a bluff of the Shivalik Range. The main attraction of Jammu is Amar Bhawan Palace museum, ruins and Raghunath temple.

Heritage: , is founded in the early 12th cen AD, considered as jewel among Ladakh monasteries famous for its elaborate wooden work and finest mural. The two oldest of this series is Dukhang and Sumtsek. Green Tara or Prajnaparamita, Avalikiteshwara, King and Queen, Lhakhang Soma are famous murals not to be missed at Alchi.

Zanskar region lies in district at height from 3,350 m to 4,400 m. Zanskar contains valley of two rivers, the Stod and Lungnak which flows along northern flank of

the Greater . The main gateway to Zanskar is the Pensi-la (4,400m) from where spectacular views of Drang-drung glacier can be seen. , Stucco decoration and Dhyani Buddha t Sani Gompa, Phugtal Monastery, Geluga Monastery of Kalsa, and trekking to Zanskar valley are major things not to be missed by anyone.

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Unexplored: Aharbal, Warwan valley, Naranag Aharbal: It is unexplored and not very popular hill station in the south-western part of Kashmir which is 75 km south of the Srinagar. It lies in the district of Jammu and Kashmir and located on the Veshu River, covered in pine and fir trees within the Pir Panjal Mountains. This region has Aharbal Falls, and Veshu falls with height of 25 metres and 7 metres through a narrow gorge of granite boulders. The place Aharbal is upcoming centre for adventure tourism.

Warwan valley: It is situated at crossover trek from Zanskar to Kashmir. The mountains are stark and stunningly beautiful. This trek showcases beautiful mountains of Ladakh as well as lush green Kashmir. The Lomvilad pass crossing day is very adventurous. One can step on glaciers, crevasses and rumble down moraines. There are two massive glaciers to cross of which the Bracken glacier. Warwan valley is an isolated and untouched side of Kashmir.

Naranag: It lies to the north Kashmir towards Srinagar (50 kms from it). Naranag is one of the best places for trekking and adventure tours. It exists in the foothills of Pir Panjal range, which extends south east to connect with other popular trekking points. One of the best moments are felt higher up where the Gangabal Lake is present. There are remains of ancient temples built with large granite blocks near the base are. The temple complex is believed to be ancient monuments dedicated to the .

(Source: http://www.kashmirtravelport.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/naranag.jpg)

Cuisines/Handicraft/Souvenir

Cuisines Wazwan - There are two famous schools of culinary craftsmanship in Jammu & Kashmir, namely those of Kashmiri Pandits and Kashmiri Muslims. The basic difference between the two schools was the abundant use of heeng (asafoetida) and curd by and onions and garlic’s by Muslims. Comprising of thirty-six courses, fifteen to thirty dishes of Wazwan are varieties of meat. Kabargah, Kofta, Dum Alu, Methi Chaman and Firni are some of the delicacies of the region known for their sheer flavor and richness.

Handicraft: Shawl, Carpet, Wood Carpet, Basketry, Pherans, Copper & Silverware

4.2 Tourism Products of North India: Himachal Pradesh

Himachal, “the adobe of snow” covers over 56,000sq km of the Western Himalaya. The state terrain rises from foothills of Shivalik bordering the plains of Punjab and extends to the trans-Himalayan heights of the Zanskar Range. , the capital of Himachal Pradesh was once famous summer capital of the British Raj, is still most popular destination.

Popular attractions: Shimla, Manali, Kullu, Lahaul-spiti, Dalhausie, Chamba, Solan, Mandi

Shimla: Being one of the most popular hill stations in India, heavily visited by tourist during peak summer season was originally discovered by Captain Charles Kennedy in early 19th century. The landmark building of Shimla is Christ Church and Municipal Library situated on the Mall Road. The Ridge, Lower Bazar, State museum, Jakhu Hill Temple and Viceregal Lodge is other attraction not to be missed. Kufri, at an altitude of 2,650 m, situated at 16 km from Shimla is picturesque village famous for snow activities.

Kullu: The Kullu, in the ancient Sanskrit text referred as “Kulantapith” and locally known as “valley of the Gods” is watered by . Its alpine setting is gathering of 360 gods from different temples. The chief attraction of Kullu is 17th century Raghunath Temple dedicated to and .

Manali: It is situated on west bank of the Beas river offering a variety of scenic walks, treks through dense forest. 16th cen wooden Hidimba Temple, excursion, Roerick Museum are main attractions of Manali.

Lahaul & Spiti: Lahaul and Spiti is situated at an altitude of 2,750 m bordering Tibet and Laddakh’s Zanskar valley. Unlike the lush meadows of the Kullu valley, this is a barren land of rocky massifs and hanging glaciers. Lahaul social structure is an interesting mix of Buddhism & reflecting close ties with Tibet and Kullu. Largest monastery is Lahaul is Drugpa Kardang Gompa which has fine collection of Thanka painting, musical instruments, and old weapon.

(source: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mIOGYjpE3Wk/monaestry.jpg)

Natural & Adventure: Great Himalayan National Park with an area of 754 Sq. Km. is located in and has the represents temperate and alpine forests of Himachal. It has some of the dense coniferous forests and alpine pastures and glaciers cap. This area has many important wildlife species of Western Himalayas like the snow , musk deer, brown bear, tragopan, goral, thar, kalij, koklas, cheer,etc. Trekking of Rakti-Sar, and camping in alpine pastures is memorable experience.

Bir-Billing in of Himachal Pradesh is one of the best paragliding site. para-gliding is also possible at other places in the state. Places where para-gliding is done are - Bundla Dhar near Bilaspur, Solang valley near Manali in the Kullu district.

Naldera, 23 Km from Shimla city is one of the oldest golf courses in India. This is a par 68, nine hole course which is regarded as one of the most challenging in the country

Rohtang Pass (elevation 3,978 m/13,050 ft), is a mountain pass on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas around 51 km from Manali. It connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys of Himachal Pradesh, India. The Himachal Pradesh Government started issuing permits online to limit the vehicles to prevent pollution in this area.

Heritage: Shimla Kalka Toy Train Kalka Shimla Heritage Railway “The Shivalik Queen Express” 96-Km long, single track working rail link built in the mid-19th century runs between Kalka and Shimla it passes through 103 tunnels to reach Shimla. It is also included in the list of world heritage sites in India by UNESCO.

(source: https://media- cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/06/07/a3/6b/r.jpg)

Forts & Palaces Nurpur Fort, Located in Kangra, built in 16th century by Raja Basu. Inside, the palace walls, though crumbling, have deep niches, decorative arches and the faint signs of some paintings. The northwest walls of the fort have some deeply carved panels showing animals. There are also figures of men, women, children, the kings, gods and goddesses and birds. The famous Brij Maharaj temple, inside the fort complex, is dedicated to Lord and it has a beautiful black stone idol of the Lord. The walls are decorated with exquisite paintings from Indian mythology.

Rashtrapati Niwas is a palatial building built near Summer Hill, Shimla. Outside, it has sprawling lawns, a well-laid out garden, ancient trees and exotic flowers, inside it has wooden paneling with Burma teak. It is resplendent with India's colonial history.

Chail Palace & Heritage Hotel is uniquely European in its architectural beauty; it is like a mansion and has splendid cottages. Constructed by the Maharaja Patiala as his summer residence, the Chail Palace is a favorite tourist destination.

Unexplored destination of Himachal Himachal has many hidden hamlets which will charm you with their pristine natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Barog (District Solan) : On the Kalka - Shimla Highway, Barog (1,680 m) is surrounded by pine and oak forests. Barog once just a stopover on the Kalka-Shimla highway, this town has grown to be a destination in itself. Surrounded by pine forests, it presents a fascinating view of the Churdhar Peak.

Churdhar (District Shimla) Dominating the entire landscape of fields, forests and ravines is the Churdhar peak, which rises to 3,647 m. Trekking between Nahan and

Renuka is very popular. Another popular trek is Dadahu, Sangrah, Bhawal, Gandhuri and Nauhra, and covers 50 Km of trek. The peak offers a fine view of the Gangetic plains and the Satluj river in south, and Badrinath towards the north. One can also see the hills of Chakrata and Shimla from the top. Churdhar peak is the highest peak in outer Himalayas.

Pangi Valley (District Chamba) is located 173 Km from Chamba via Sach Pass (4,414 m). It is one of the sub-division of surrounded by the Peer Panjal and Zanskar ranges. Approach to the Pangi valley is across the high mountain passes like Sach, Chehni and Rohtang Pass. The Valley is remained blocked for about six months due to heavy snow fall. There are beautiful valleys within Pangi region like Sural, Saichu, Kumar-Parmar, Hundan and Sechu. There are number of exciting treks from Pangi valley to Keylong (Lahaul valley), Manali (Kullu) and in Kashmir.

Renuka Lake is most important place of tourist interest in Sirmaur 38 Km from Nahan via Dadahu. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in Himachal Pradesh having crystal clear waters. As per a legend Renuka was the mother of the legendary saint Parsu Ram, who killed her in obedience of the orders of his father – the sage Jamadagni. Several idols of Parsu Ram, believed to be the incarnation of Lord and other local , are carried in decorated palanquins in an impressive procession to Parsu Ram Tal.

Sangla Valley (District Kinnaur) has been named after a beautiful village Sangla. Sangla is situated on the right bank of Baspa river 17 Km. from Karcham. Journey from Karcham onwards is enjoyable and adventurous throughout the valley. The natural scenery all around and the eternal snow view are picturesque and charming. It is also known as Baspa Valley since Baspa river flows through this area. A temple dedicated to Nages god is worth a visit and other places are Sapni, Rackchham, Kilba, Kamru Fort which can also be visited.

(source: http://www.esamskriti.com/photograph/sangla-kalpa-sangla-valley-picture.jpg)

Events/Fairs & Festivals Lossar Festival: This is celebrated in Buddhist areas throughout the state while Lahaul's monasteries have some of the most spectacular performances. On its eve, the stylized Chham dance with elaborate costumes and masks, commemorate the assassination of the cruel Tibetan king, Langdarma of the 9th century.

Kullu Dusshera over two hundred deities converge on Kullu for its unusual Dussehra celebrations. They pay homage to Lord Raghunath while music and colour fill the 'Silver Valley'. Numerous stalls offer a variety of local wares.

Renuka lake fair organized in November, when the Kharif crops have been harvested. There is trade, recreation and amusement. Idols of Lord Parshurama and Renuka are ceremoniously dipped in the sacred waters of the lake – and it is a time when match making is done. Water Sports Competitions are held at the Maharana Pratap Sagar and .

Cuisines/Handicraft/Souvenir Himachal's diverse cultural and historical influences produces a variety of handicrafts and arts. Some were created for household use – and then there were a few court crafts, like the fine miniature paintings and the Chamba rumal, the handkerchief.

There are fine skills in the spinning and weaving of wool — the delicacy of the pashmina shawl, and brightly patterned woollen shawls. The vivid shawls of Kangra, Kullu and Kinnaur are famous all over the world. The paiche of Kinnaur and the Kapul of Lahaul and Spiti keep feet as warm as the proverbial toast. The pullas of the Kullu are perfect carpet slippers. Himachali round colourfull caps are signature product. The women of Himachal are often adorned by such a mass of exquisitely worked silver that their faces are barely visible. An unusual item of Himachal's metal ware lies in the moharas or busts of deities and village or household gods. Wood makes its presence felt in carvings, walking sticks, furniture and bowls. Bamboo and grass mats, leather products and the little dolls of Himachal are both souvenirs and utility items.

Cuisine Himachal Pradesh offers a range of culinary delights to tourists. The cuisine of Himachal Pradesh is influenced by Punjabi and Tibetan styles of cooking. Cooked with wheat flour and savoured with ghee or butter, Sidu is a well known dish of the state. Sidu is generally made at weddings or other festive occasions and consumed mostly in the winter months. It is made both with a savoury or a sweet filling. Patande is a well known dish from the district of Sirmour.

Made from wheat, Patande is like a pancake, popularly known as the Indian Pancake of Himachal Pradesh. Meat is commonly consumed throughout the state. It is generally cooked with whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, red chillies and coriander leaves. The aromatic meat is very appetizing and a source of energy in the cold weather of the state.

Himachal Pradesh celebrates the Food festival of ‘Dham’, which attracts several tourists from far and wide. There is a wide variety of food items reflecting the vibrant, dynamic and simple life of the people of Himachal Pradesh.

4.3 Tourism Products of North India: Panjab & Haryana Panjab and Haryana cover the vast plains that stretch between the river Indus and the Gangetic belt. Fertile land and improved agricultural techniques have made this region the granary of India. Two best known attractions of this region are Chandigarh (Le Corbusier World Heritage city) and (Golden temple).

Chandigarh (240 km N of Delhi) is state capital of both Haryana and Panjab which is architecturally designed by international architect Le Corbousier. It is considered as first modern city of post-independent India laid out on grid and blocks. Rock garden, Capital complex, Rose garden, Museum & Art gallery, Sukhna lake and sector 17 are attractions of Chandigarh.

Amritsar founded in 1577 by fourth Sikh , Guru Ram Das, was built on a site donated by Moughal King Akbar located in the heart of the city popularly known as Golden Temple (holiest site for Sikhism) . The main entrance is through its northern gateway known as Darshani Darwaza which also houses the Central Sikh Museum. Steps lead down to the which encircles the Amrit Sarovar (“pool of nectar”) and finally reaches to main shrine of Harmandir Sahib. The parikrama continues to Akal Takhat, the seat of the Sikh religion order. As a part of daily ritual, Holy book Guru Granth Saheb is carried out of Akal Takhat to Harmandir sahib. No visit is considered truly complete without a meal at Guru ka langar which feeds about 10,000 per day.

Jaliawala bagh situated at very short distance from Golden temple is the site of an infamous massacre that took place in 1919.Thousands of unarmed demonstrators was gunned down on the order of British General Reginald Dyer.

Wagah border is the last check-post at India-Pakistan border, just 9 km from Amritsar city. Each evening, border closing ceremony performed by uniformed Border Security Guards which attracts crowds of spectators on both sides.

(Source: http://media.indiatimes.in/media/content/2017/Apr/jw_1492064371.jpg)

Patiala situated between the Satluj and Ghaggar rivers, was formerly a princely state. The present city is grown up around the Qila Mubarak, a fort built in 1763. The lively bazaar around the fort offers the city’s famous hand-crafted leather shoes, silkan braids and brightly embroidered phulkari fabric. Baradari garden, Old Moti bagh palace and Kali temple are other attractions of Patiala.

Kapurthala is also a formerly princely state owes its extraordinary architectural heritage to the eccentric Maharaja Jagatjit Singh. Jagatjit Singh Palace modeled on Versailles in France is main attraction of Kapurthala.

Surjakund is historic reservoir, built between the 10th & 11th century by king Surajpal of the Rajput Tomar dynasty. The original embankment of stone terraces surrounding the tank, specially built to trap rain water, still exists. In the month of February, famous Surajkund Craft festival organized by Haryana government.

Kurukshetra is situated 155 km N of New Delhi in Haryana state and is famous Hindu pilgrimage site. Several temples mark the mythical site of the epic battle between Kaurvas and Pandavas of Mahabharat. There is big massive tank surrounded by temple and bathing ghat where rituals were performed.

(source: http://www.haryanatourism.gov.in/WriteReadData/mediafiles/image)