Experiences of the Tourists in Buddhist Circuit Destinations Akhilesh Singh*

is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (born Abstract in Lumbini, Nepal), who is popularly known as Buddha The Buddhist cultural heritage has a long and special history of (literally the enlightened one or awakened one). It is a dates back more than 2,500 years and actually unites most of philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs south, south-east and east-Asia. The influence of Buddhism can and practices largely based on the teachings attributed to be seen across all Asian countries in terms of history and culture. Lord Buddha. There are two major branches of Buddhism: Buddhism is a religion, which arose in and around ancient Magadh Theravada (“The School of the Elders”) and Mahayana (Bihar), India and is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautam, who is widely known as Gautam Buddha. The Buddha (Awakened (“The Great Vehicle”). Theravada is mostly followed in one) was a historical figure who is generally believed to have lived Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka. Mahayana is the largest from about 563 to 483 BC. The Buddhist Circuit includes all high body of Buddhist tradition. It is practiced in broader East significant holy sites of Buddhism religion; where Lord Buddha Asia and followed by over half of World’s Buddhists. was born, attained enlightenment, preached first sermon and Initially, Buddhism remained one of the many small reached at Nirvana. Bodhgaya, Sarnath and Kushinagar are the sects in India. The main breakthrough came when King primary pilgrimage places of Buddhist Circuit in India associated Ashoka converted to Buddhism. He not only organized with the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. There are numerous the spreading of Buddhism throughout India, but also other sites where Buddha travelled during his life. Today, visitors beyond, most importantly to Sri Lanka. Buddhism is can travel through this Buddhist Circuit to savour the splendid based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who beauty and great appeal of Buddhism religion. Around six million was born in a wealthy family near the border of modern people practice Buddhism religion in India, fewer than either India and Nepal in 563 BC. Confronted by the reality of follower of Christianity or Sikhism religion. There are thousands of ageing, begging, sickness and death, he left his rich home historically and spiritually important established destinations turned to become the great centres of national and international tourists. at 29, and spent seven years while travelling in different The present research paper attempts to discuss the experiences of parts of India as an ascetic. Substituting meditation for the interviewed tourists mainly their satisfaction on quality of used physical self-punishment, he was sitting under a sacred services at the selected Buddhist Circuit destinations. fig tree (Peepal Tree or Bodhi Tree) when he had his first three enlightened revelations. Buddhists have no belief Keywords: Buddhism, Religion, Buddha, Buddhist Circuit, in higher deities, but propose a path towards freedom Tourist from suffering or individual enlightenment, through deep reflection on the nature of existence. This focus on self-redemption makes it qualitatively quite different Introduction from other belief systems which base themselves around The Buddhist cultural heritage has a long and special history concepts of divine mercy or grace. After enlightenment, of dates back more than 2,500 years and actually unites Buddha taught for the next 45 years of his life. His most of South, South-East and East Asia. The influence of adherents taught more adherents to spread the thoughts Buddhism can be seen across all Asian countries in terms of Lord Buddha. The Buddha’s teaching (dharma) is of history and cultural. Buddhism is a religion, which arose the cornerstone of Buddhism. Two hundred years after in and around ancient Magadha (today’s Bihar) India, and Gautama’s death (253 BCE) a thousand monks worked

* Assistant Professor, Department of Tourism, Uttarakhand Open University, Haldwani (Nainital), Uttarakhand, India. Experiences of the Tourists in Buddhist Circuit Destinations 71 for nine months to classify and write down the traditions places associated with Gautam Buddha in India are- that had only existed orally. This work, called the Pali Bodhgaya, where he attained enlightenment, Sarnath in canon, is the foundational teaching text for the Theravadic Varanasi, where he preached his first sermon, Kushinagar Buddhists. Different Buddhist groups recognize other near Gorakhpur, where he achieved Mahaparinirvana and authoritative texts. Under pressure from Hindu religion Vaishali, where he delivered his last sermon. Amongst growth, the Buddhist presence in India eventually began the various key destinations, majority of the sites come to decline from about the 7th Century AD. Buddhism under two states i.e., Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. There flourished in many other parts of Asian continent, notably are numerous other sites where Lord Buddha and his in China and Japan. Today, there are about 488 million follower monks traveled during their life, which are also Buddhists worldwide, representing 7% of the World’s great sites for deep veneration and meditation. Visitors total population as of 2010. China is the country with can travel through this Buddhist Circuit today, to savor the largest population of Buddhists approximately 244 the splendid beauty and great appeal of Buddhism. The million or 18.2% of its total population. It is estimated greatest impetus of Buddha’s teachings came from the that there about 244 million Buddhists living in countries Indian King Ashoka who went on a great pilgrimage, outside of China (Pew Research Center 2012). visiting the important sites that are directly associated with the footsteps of Lord Buddha. There are other places Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries of the of lesser significance on the footsteps of Lord Buddha. world. In the recent past, it has grown as one of the key The studies conducted from time to time have different sectors of the world economy. It is being recognized findings (Sawarkar K.P. & Mishra S.K., 2009). as one of the largest industries in the world. In fact, the nature has gifted us so many natural beauties like Review of Literature thousands miles of beaches, hills, mountains, rivers, forests, deserts, oceans, seas, islands, waterfalls, glaciers, Agapito D., Valle P.O. & Mendes J.C. (2012) in their snowfall, flora and fauna etc. Besides, man has also research stated that all the five senses to be important to created several tourism products such as unique cultures, tourists in order to have an intensive global experience life styles, languages, museums, art galleries, folklores, in the rural area under study. Although importance is folk dances, classical dance forms etc. These are turning attributed to all the senses in their global experience, into important tourist attractions for international and tourists seem to identify fewer haptic impressions in their domestic tourists. Tourism is also understood as a leisure experiences than the other senses. activity which involves discretionary use of time and Pine & Gulmore, (1998) experiences have been recognized money. Recreation is often remains the main purpose of as a distinct economic offer, occupying a central role in participation in tourism (Kamra. K. K., 2009) society and holding a premium position on the four-stage- However, the tourists around the world travel from one continuum of the progression of economic values, after place to another keeping several factors in their mind but commodities, goods and services. religion figures the most popular motivational factor for Carlson, (1997) the managerial approach considers millions of them. People belonging to different religions that although experiences are individual and internal, have been traveling over long distances to appease the comprises by a constant flow of conscious thoughts and Gods and Goddesses. This procedure of worshipping the feelings. God, in various forms and incarnations, has been going on since times immemorial. Religious tours or pilgrimage Schmit (1999) postulates that experiences can be tours are conducted in all parts of the world. Muslims characterized by five strategic experience modules; complete Haj at “Mecca Sharif”, Hindus undertake “Char sensory (sense), affective (feel), creative cognitive DhamYatra” at four prominent religious shrines. Further, (think), physical/behaviours & lifestyles (act) and social- Sikhs travel at “Shri Harimandir Sahib” (Amritsar), identity (social). These modules are circumscribed but are Christians visit at Vatican City (Italy) and finally Buddhists connected and interact with each other. travel at important “Buddhist Circuit” destinations. Ellis & Rossman (2008) alert us about the need to There are several Buddhist destinations across India, preserve the autonomy of the participant, pointing to important from pilgrimage perspective. The four holy the motivational factors that have a pivotal role in the 72 Avahan: A Journal on Hospitality and Tourism Volume 4 Issue 1 individual’s experience and in its evaluation, which It is hoped that the size of the selected destination and somewhat mitigate the effect of artistic and technological respondents will be a fairly good number to speak about factors. the overall features and experiences of all the Buddhist Circuit destinations in India. Trauer (2006) suggested that tourism involves an experiential and emotional nature. Profile of Selected Buddhist Circuit Hood (1983) identified the following six criteria ofa Destinations desirable leisure experience: (1) being with people or Attraction and its attractive features determine the direction social interaction; (2) doing something worthwhile; (3) and dimension of tour and the tourist’s motivation in the feeling comfortable and ease in one’s surroundings; (4) tour. Accordingly the interesting area and the priority of having a challenge of new experiences; (5) having an the tourists contribute a lot in finalizing the attractions opportunity to learn; (6) participating actively. to be visited by the tourists. Keeping these points in Falk and Dierking (1992) indicated that museum visitor’s mind, in this part of research paper an attempt has been pre-attitude towards the visiting experience is influenced made to highlight the major features of Buddhist tourist by visitor’s expectations, and is a part of personal context. destinations covered under the study. These are disclosed Since visitor expectations significantly influence the as under: visiting experience, and visitor’s post-memory is usually related to pre-expectations. Bodhgaya Larsen and Mossberg (2007) suggested that experience Bodhgaya is one of the most important and sacred is a kind of subjective and personalized process, which is Buddhist pilgrimage center in the world. It is a religious related to society, culture and even different systems. site and place of pilgrimage associated with the Mahabodhi Temple complex in Gaya district in the Indian State of Joseph and Gilmore (1998) regarding tourist’s active and Bihar. It is famous for being the place where Gautam passive experiences, suggested that both experiences are Buddha is said to have obtained enlightenment under a possible. sacred Bodhi tree.

Objectives Vaishali

The study has been conducted with the following Vaishali district is situated in the Indian state of Bihar. It objectives: lies at a distance of approximately 60 kilometers from the capital city of Patna. The place gains significance from the • To know the social profile and the tour programme fact that it is here Lord Buddha announced the imminence of the tourists visiting in Buddhist Circuit. of his Mahaparinirvana. Vaishali also witnessed one of • To understand the feelings and experiences of the the eight great events in the life of Lord Buddha. tourist visited in Buddhism Circuit destinations.

Research Methodology Kushinagar Kushinagar is a town in the Kushinagar district of the The present study is descriptive in nature in which attempt Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is the city of beautiful has been made to cover Indian Buddhist Circuit centers stupas and temples. It is located about 53 kilometers from such as Bodhgaya, Sarnath, Vaishali & Kushinagar only, Gorakhpur; the place is famous for its close association keeping in mind that these are important destinations. with Lord Buddha, who is believed to have attained Besides, in order to supplement the information from the “Mahaparinirvana” (the highest stage of salvation) after primary sources based on the experiences of the tourists, his death. It is one of the important pilgrimage center for visiting Buddhist destinations, decision has been taken the followers of Buddhism religion because Lord Buddha to select 100 tourist respondents from these Buddhist is known to have preached his last sermon at Kushinagar. th destinations for final interview during peak season. The city kept flourishing till about 12 century A.D.

Profile and Experiences of the Tourists: In order to know the brief social profile and experiences of the tourist respondents visited Buddhist destinations, they were interviewed with the help of structured interview schedule specially developed for them, along with this personal observation of the researcher has been recorded. These collected information have been compiled and presented below:

Fig. 1. Age Group of the Tourists

Age Group of the Tourists

18 34

Up to 25 Years 25-50 50 and above

It is clear from the Fig.1 that high age 48 percent of the tourist respondents belong to 25-50 years age group, another 34 percent 50 and above year’s age group and remaining 18 percent below 25 years. The figure above makes it clear that the tourists between 25 to 50 years age group have more interest in visiting the tourist destinations in comparison to other discussed age group of the tourists visiting the tourist destinations. This may be because of the fact that the mature tourists may be getting higher education and others who wish to know more about Buddhist destination have greater interest in visiting the Buddhist destinations.

Experiences of theFig Tourists. 2. Sex in Group Buddhist of Circuit the Tourists Destinations 73

Sarnath Sex Group of the Tourists Sarnath is located just 10 kilometers from the Hindu religion holy city of Varanasi. Sarnath is one of the most important and revered places of Buddhist Circuit. It is believed that after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya, 42 Lord Buddha came to Sarnath to deliver his first sermon more than 2500 years ago. It is the site of deer park, where 58 Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after attaining his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of the four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. Male Female

Profile and Experiences of the Tourists Profile and ExperiencesIn order of tothe know Tourists the brief: social profileThe and experiencesFig. 2 reveals of that high asFig. 58 2: percent Sex Group of the of thetourist Touristss visited Buddhist destinations are In order to know thethe brief tourist social respondents profile visited and experiences Buddhistmale destinations, of and the remainingtourist they respondents 42 percent visited are female visitors. It means male tourists have more interest, Buddhist destinations, they were interviewed with the help of structured interview schedule were interviewed with the help of structuredmotivation interview and time Theto spareFig. 2 forreveals visit thating highthe Buddhistas 58 percent tourist of the destinations tourists in comparison to specially developed for them, along with this personal observation of the researcher has been schedule specially developed for them,female along tourists. with this visited Buddhist destinations are male and remaining 42 recorded. These collected information have been compiled and presented below: personal observation of the researcher has been recorded. percent are female visitors. It means male tourists have Fig. 3. Religious Status of the Tourists These collected information have been compiled and more interest, motivation and time to spare for visiting Fig. 1. Age Group of the Tourists presented below: the Buddhist tourist destinations in comparison to female

tourists. Age Group of the Tourists Religious Status of the Tourists 5 18 34 6

48 36 31

Up to 25 Years 25-50 50 and above 7 20 It is clear from the Fig.1 that higFig.h 1:age Age 48 Grouppercent of of the the Tourists tourist respondents belong to 25-50 years age group, another 34 percent 50 and above year’s age group and remaining 18Hindu percentMuslim Cristian Buddhism Others below 25 years. The figure above makes it clear that the tourists between 25 to 50 years age It is clear from the Fig.1 that high age 48 percent of the group have more interest in visiting the tourist destinations in comparison to other discussed tourist respondents belong to 25-50 Fig.years 3 agedescribes group, that the highestFig. 3: percentageReligious Status i.e. 36 of percentthe Tourists of the tourists visited Buddhist age group of the tourists visiting the tourist destinations. This may be because of the fact that another 34 percent 50 and above year’sCircuit age groupfollow and the Hindu Religion, the second highest group of tourists i.e. 31 percent having the mature tourists may be getting higher education and others who wish to know more about remaining 18 percent below 25 years. faithThe figurein Buddhism, above 20 percent in Christianity and remaining 07 and 06 percent in Muslim and Buddhist destination have greater interest in visiting the Buddhist destinationsFig.. 3 describes that the highest percentage i.e. 36 makes it clear that the tourists betweenJain 25 respectivelyto 50 years . Itpercent means of the the highesttourists visitednumber Buddhist of Hindu Circuit tourists follow vis iting the Buddhist age groupFig have. 2. Sexmore Group interest of thein visitingTouristsdestinations. the tourist This maythe Hindube because Religion, of the secondfact that highest the studygroup hasof tourists been conducted in Indian destinations in comparison to other discussedBuddhist age destinations group i.e. surrounded 31 percent byhaving Hindu faith population. in Buddhism, The 20 figure percent also in depicts majority (67 percent) of the tourists visiting the Buddhist destinations either belong to Hindu or Buddhism of the tourists visiting the tourist destinations. This may Christianity and remaining 07 and 06 percent in Muslim Sex Group of the Touristsreligion. be because of the fact that the mature tourists may be and Jain respectively. It means the highest number of getting higher education and others who wish to know Hindu Fig.tourists 4. Native visiting Place the Buddhistof the Respondent destinations.s This more about Buddhist destination have greater interest in may be because of the fact that the study has been visiting the Buddhist destinations. conducted in Indian Buddhist destinations surrounded by 42 Native Place of the Respondents Hindu population. The figure also depicts majority (67 58 percent) of the tourists visiting the Buddhist destinations either belong to Hindu or Buddhism religion. 32 30

Male Female

38 The Fig. 2 reveals that high as 58 percent of the tourists visited Buddhist destinations are male and remaining 42 percent are female visitors. It means male tourists have more interest, motivation and time to spare for visiting the Buddhist tourist destinations in comparisonU.P. & Bihar to Other States of India Abroad female tourists. It is clear from the Fig. 4 that maximum 38 percent of the tourists come from Indian states Fig. 3. Religious Status of theexcept Tourist Uttars Pradesh & Bihar, 32 percent from abroad specially Buddhism religion following countries and remaining 30 percent from Uttar Pradesh & Bihar States of India. It means majority of the tourists i.e. 68 percent come from Indian states to Buddhist Circuit tourist destinations and remaining 32 percent which is also good in number from abroad particularly from Buddhism religion following countries have more interests in knowing the circuit and its surroundings. 5

Fig. 5. Factors Motivating the Tourists to move on Buddhist Destinations

Religious Status of the Tourists

6 36 31

7 20

Hindu Muslim Cristian Buddhism Others Factors Motivating Tourists to move on Buddhist Destinations Fig. 3 describes that the highest percentage i.e. 36 percent of the tourists visited Buddhist Circuit follow the Hindu Religion, the second highest group of tourists i.e. 31 percent having 8 faith in Buddhism, 20 percent in Christianity and remaining 07 and 06 percent in Muslim and 41 Jain respectively. It means the highest number of Hindu tourists visiting the Buddhist 32 destinations. This may be because of the fact that the study has been conducted in Indian 11 Buddhist destinations surrounded by Hindu population. The figure also depicts majority (67 8 percent) of the tourists visiting the Buddhist destinations either belong to Hindu or Buddhism religion. For gaining additional knowledge Recreation, Leisure & Pleasure To accompany the family/closed group For attending conference/meetings Fig. 4. Native Place of the Respondents Religious factors 74 Avahan: A Journal on Hospitality and Tourism Volume 4 Issue 1 It is clear from the Fig. 5 that high as 41 percent of the tourists got motivation from religious Native Place of the Respondents sentimentsadditional to visit Buddhist knowledge destinations, and 32 anotherpercent from similar recreational, percentage leisure & of pleasure, 11 percent forthe attending tourists conference became andmotivated relevant tomeetings accompany, another their 08 percent family for gaining additional knowledge and another similar percentage of the tourists became motivated to accompanymembers their family and memb relativesers and whorelatives wish who to wish visit to thevisit Buddhistthe Buddhist tourist destinations.tourist Finally destinations., it is clear from Finally, the Fig. it 5 is that clear highest from number the Fig. of tourists 5 that arriving at Buddhist centers for religious purposes. 32 30 highest number of tourists arriving at Buddhist centers for religious purposes.Fig. 6 Duration of Tour Programme

Duration of Tour Programme

38 5 9 28 12 U.P. & Bihar Other States of India Abroad

14 It is clear from the Fig. 4 Fig.that 4:maximum Native Place 38 percent of the Respondents of the tourists come from Indian states 32 except Uttar Pradesh & Bihar, 32 percent from abroad specially Buddhism religion following countries and remainingIt is clear 30 percentfrom the from Fig. 4Uttar that maximumPradesh & 38 Bihar percent States of of IndiaUp to 1. DayIt means1 - 2 Days 2 - 3 Days 3 - 4 Days 4 - 5 Days Above 5 Days majority of the touriststhe tourists i.e. 68 come percent from comeIndian fromstates Indianexcept Uttarstates Pradesh to Buddhist Circuit tourist destinations and remaining 32 percent which is also good in number Itfrom is clear abroad from the parFig. ticularly6 that high as 32 percent of the tourist respondent’s duration of stay at & Bihar, 32 percent from abroad specially Buddhismvisited destinations wasFig. between 6: Duration 1-2 days, of another Tour 28 Programme percent stayed just for one day, 14 from Buddhism religionreligion following following countries countries have and moreremaining interests 30 percent in percentknowing stayed the between circuit 2-3 anddays. 12 percent between 3-4 days, 9 percent 4-5 days and its surroundings. remaining 5 percent stayed above five days at the visited tourist destination. It means the from Uttar Pradesh & Bihar States of India. It meansmajority ofIt the is touristsclear havingfrom 1the-2 day’s Fig. time 6 that visiting high the asstudied 32 percentdestinations. of the majority of the tourists i.e. 68 percent come from Fig. 5. Factors Motivating the Tourists to move on Buddhist Destinationstourist respondent’s duration of stay at visited destinations Indian states to Buddhist Circuit tourist destinations and was betweenFig. 7. Number1-2 days, of Attractions another 28 Seen percent by the Touristsstayed just for remaining 32 percent which is also good in number from one day, 14 percent stayed between 2-3 days. 12 percent abroad particularly from Buddhism religion following between 3-4 days, 9 percent 4-5 days and remaining 5 7

countries have more interests in knowing the circuit and percent stayed above five days at the visited tourist its surroundings. destination. It means the majority of the tourists having 1-2 day’s time visiting the studied destinations. Factors Motivating Tourists to move on Buddhist 6 Destinations Number of Attractions seen by the Tourists

12 8 24 41 32 34 30 11 8

Up to 2 Attractions 2 - 4 Attractions 4 - 6 Attractions 6 and above Attractions

For gaining additional knowledge Recreation, Leisure & Pleasure To accompany the family/closed group For attending conference/meetings The information classified in Fig. 7 makes it clear that high as 34 percent of the tourists saw 2-4 attractionsFig., 30 7: percent Number visited of 4 -Attractions6 attractions, 24 Seen percent by more the thanTourists 6 attractions and Religious factors remaining 12 percent saw up to 2 attractions only. It means maximum tourists visited Buddhist circuit used to see 2-4 attractions at particular destination keeping the availability of It is clear from the Fig. 5 that high as 41 percent of the tourists got motivationtime from with The religiousthem information. classified in Fig. 7 makes it clear that high Fig. 5: Factors Motivating the Tourists to move on sentiments to visit Buddhist destinations, 32 percent from recreational, leisure & pleasure,as 34 percent11 of the tourists saw 2-4 attractions, 30 percent percent for attending conferenceBuddhist and relevant Destinations meetings, another 08 percent for gaining Fig. 8. Experiences & Response of Tourists visited 4-6 attractions, 24 percent more than 6 attractions additional knowledge and another similar percentage of the tourists became motivated to 100 100 100 100 accompany their family members and relatives who wish to visit the Buddhistand tourist remaining100 12 percent saw up to 2 attractions only. 87 88 87 destinations.It Finally is clear, it isfrom clear the from Fig. the 5 Fig. that 5 high that highestas 41 percentnumber of of tourists the arrivingIt means at maximum tourists visited84 Buddhist circuit used Buddhist centers for religious purposes. tourists got motivation from religious sentiments to visit to see 2-480 attractions at particular destination keeping the Buddhist destinations,Fig. 6 Duration 32 ofpercent Tour Programme from recreational, availability of time with them.58 60 57 57 leisure & pleasure, 11 percent for attending conference 52 56 44 and relevant meetings,Duration of another Tour Programme 08 percent for gaining 41 43 40 33 35 30 32 26 5 20 21 9 20 17 16 28 12 12 11 7 8 12 0

Satisfied Dissatisfied Total Up to 1 Day 1 - 2 Days 2 - 3 Days 3 - 4 Days 4 - 5 Days Above 5 Days

It is quite clear from the Fig. 8 that out of 33 tourists who sought the services and support of It is clear from the Fig. 6 that high as 32 percent of the tourist respondent’s durationGuide and of Tourist stay at Police, more than 79 percent got satisfactions out of their services whereas visited destinations was between 1-2 days, another 28 percent stayed justremaining for one day,were 14dissatisfied. Similarly 87 percent tourist respondents who stayed in hotel, percent stayed between 2-3 days. 12 percent between 3-4 days, 9 percentbungalow, 4-5 days and andlodges, other than the houses of relatives and friends, 52 percent got remaining 5 percent stayed above five days at the visited tourist destination.satisfaction It means out theof accommodation services and remaining 35 percent were dissatisfied with majority of the tourists having 1-2 day’s time visiting the studied destinations. 8

Fig. 7. Number of Attractions Seen by the Tourists

Number of Attractions seen by the Tourists

12 24

34 30

Up to 2 Attractions 2 - 4 Attractions 4 - 6 Attractions 6 and above Attractions

The information classified in Fig. 7 makes it clear that high as 34 percent of the tourists saw 2-4 attractions, 30 percent visited 4-6 attractions, 24 percent more than 6 attractions and remaining 12 percent saw up to 2 attractions only. It means maximum tourists visited Buddhist circuit used to see 2-4 attractions at particular destination keeping the availability of time with them. Experiences of the Tourists in Buddhist Circuit Destinations 75 Fig. 8. Experiences & Response of Tourists

100 100 100 100 percent tourists were satisfied out of behavior of the local 100 87 88 87 people and remaining 12 percent got dissatisfaction. 84 80 Another 87 percent tourists who used to eat the local food outside in available hotel and restaurants, 57 percent were 58 60 57 57 52 satisfied out of the available food at the Buddhist Circuit 56 44 41 43 destination and remaining 30 percent were dissatisfied. 40 33 35 30 32 Finally, it is also clear from the table 8 that 32 tourists 26 20 21 who obtained the services of tour and travel agency, 66 20 17 16 12 12 11 7 8 percent got satisfaction and remaining 34 percent were

0 disappointed from the services of tour & travel companies.

Conclusion On the basis of various facts and figures disclosed and Satisfied Dissatisfied Total discussed above, it is clear that India is one of the World’s great reservoirs of history, cultures, philosophies and It is quite clear from the Fig. 8 that out of 33 tourists who sought the services and support of Guide and Tourist Fig.Police, 8: more Experiences than 79 percent got& satisfactionsResponse out of of Touriststheir services whereas religions. Global interest to visit and experience these remaining were dissatisfied. Similarly 87 percent tourist respondents who stayed in hotel, assets puts India amongst the most desired destinations bungalow, and lodges, other than the houses of relatives and friends, 52 percent got for tourists and pilgrims. Since the India is the birth place satisfactionIt out is of quiteaccommodation clear fromservices the and Fig.remaining 8 that35 perc outent ofwere 33 dissatisfied tourists with of Buddhism religion and all the important Buddhist who sought the services and support of Guide and 8 tourist destinations are situated in this country. The Tourist Police, more than 79 percent got satisfactions out Buddhist Circuit turns to become an important pilgrimage of their services whereas remaining were dissatisfied. destination for the Buddhists as well as other travelers Similarly 87 percent tourist respondents who stayed in interested in history, culture, religion etc. hotel, bungalow, and lodges, other than the houses of relatives and friends, 52 percent got satisfaction out of The findings reveal that people with different social accommodation services and remaining 35 percent were profiles i.e. age, sex, religions, place of birth, living in dissatisfied with it. Accordingly all the tourists who availed India and Abroad motivated by several factors such as the services of transportation, 56 percent got satisfaction religious, leisure pleasure, knowledge building and other out of transportation services and remaining 44 percent academic purposes, according to the availability of time were dissatisfied with it. Similarly 58 tourists who used varying from 1-5 and above days with them the visiting the services of Banking and money exchange, 41 percent Buddhist Circuit destinations. got satisfaction out of banking and money exchange services and remaining 17 percent were dissatisfied It is further noted that the highest 87 percent tourist with it. Accordingly out of all the interviewed tourists, respondents who stayed in hotel, bungalow, and lodges, 84 percent showed satisfaction on safety and security 52 percent got satisfaction out of accommodation provisions whereas remaining 16 percent got dissatisfied services. Accordingly all the tourists who availed the on it. Similarly the interviewed tourists were asked about services of transportation, 56 percent got satisfaction out their satisfaction on the sanitation in Buddhist Circuit of transportation services. Similarly 58 tourists who used destinations, 43 percent were satisfied from sanitation of the services of Banking and money exchange, 41 percent in and outside the places of visited attractions and rest got satisfaction out of banking and money exchange 57 percent got dissatisfied on it. Another 20 tourists who services. Accordingly out of all the interviewed tourists, sought the tourist information centers guidance for getting 84 percent showed satisfaction on safety and security any information, 60 percent of them got satisfied from the provisions, whereas remaining 16 percent got dissatisfied information received from tourist information centers with it. Another 43 percent were satisfied from sanitation and other 40 percent were dissatisfied by the services of of in and outside the places of visited attractions and Information Centers. rest 57 percent got dissatisfied on it. Another 20 tourists who sought the information from the tourist information The Fig. 8 also clears that out of all the tourists who centers guidance for getting any information, more than observed and faced the behavior of local people, 88 76 Avahan: A Journal on Hospitality and Tourism Volume 4 Issue 1

60 percent of them got satisfied from the information Falk, J. H., & Dierking, L. D. (1992). The museum experi- received from them. ence. Washington, D.C.: Whalesback Books. Hood, M. G. (1983). Staying away: Why people choose Accordingly the tourists who observed and faced the not to visit museums. Museum News, April, 50e57. behavior of local people, 88 percent tourists were satisfied Joseph, P., & Gilmore, G. H. (1998). Welcome to the ex- out of behavior of the local people, another 87 percent perience economy. Harvard Business Review, 76(4), tourists who used to eat the local food in available hotels 97e105. and restaurants, 57 percent were satisfied out of the Larsen, S., & Mossberg, L. (2007). Editorial: The diver- available food at the Buddhist Circuit destinations and sity of tourist experiences. Scandinavian Journal of remaining 30 percent were dissatisfied. Hospitality and Tourism, 7(1), 1e6 However, the majority of the tourists desired to advance Pine, J. B., & Gilmore, J. H. (1998). Welcome to the ex- the available services qualitatively at par with their perience economy. Harvard Business Review, 76(4), demands by the Govt., people or PPP model. 97-105. Schmitt, B. (1999) Experiential Marketing. Journal of References Marketing Management, 15(1-3), 53-67. Trauer, B. (2006). Conceptualizing special interest tourism Carlson, R. (1997) Experienced cognition. Lawrence e frameworks for analysis. Tourism Management, Erlbaum Associations, New York. 27(2), 183e200. Ellis, G. D., & Rossman, J. R. (2008) Creating value http://www.pewforum.org/2012/12/18/global-religious- for participants through experience staging: Parks, landscape-buddhist/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ recreation, and tourism in the experience industry. Buddhism Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, Sawarkar, K. P., & Mishra, S. K. (2009). Buddhism 26(4), 1-20. and Tourism: An Indian Experience. Kanishka Publications, New Delhi.