Component-I (A) – Personal details: Tourism in India Beach Tourism in India Prof. P. Bhaskar Reddy Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati. Dr. E. Sivanagi Reddy Former Director, NITHM. Dr. E. Sivanagi Reddy & G. Mahender Reddy NITHM, Hyderabad. Prof. P Narayana Reddy REVA University, Bangalore. 1 Component-I (B) – Description of module: Subject Name Indian Culture Paper Name Tourism in India Module Name/Title Beach Tourism in India Module Id IC / TI / 30 Beaches in India, Scope, Importance of Pre requisites tourism in Beaches, popular Beaches in India To study about Beach Tourism and its scope Objectives and importance Keywords Tourism, Scope, Activities, Terminology E-Text (Quadrant-I): Introduction: The origin of tourism in coastal areas go back to Roman times. In the centuries that followed, especially from the mid-18th century onwards, coastal and beach tourism was generally related to the therapeutic properties of sea and sun. Sun, sea and sand have continued to provide the main ingredients for coastal tourism until today. Tourism on Indian beaches lies in the many beach activities. Many tourists plan their tour carrying certain themes and purposes. Some look for adventure water sports while many follow the sightseeing and rejuvenating therapies. This chapter first discusses on the terminology, importance and activities of beach tourism and then the explains the major beach tourism destinations in India Learning outcomes This chapter provides an overview of tourism and its importance. After reading the chapter you will be able to understand Beach, coast and a sea Major beaches in India Importance of Beach tourism Major Tourism activities in beaches Major Beach Tourism Destinations 1.0 Introduction to Beach and Coastal Tourism The origins of tourism in coastal areas go back to Roman times, when the first villas were constructed in the Southern part of the Apennine peninsula. In the centuries that followed, especially from the mid18th century onwards, coastal tourism was generally related to the therapeutic properties of sea and sun. Sun, sea and sand have continued to provide the main ingredients for coastal tourism until today, especially in the second half of the 20th century, which was marked by the development of mass tourism. Coastal tourism is based on a unique resource combination at the interface of land and sea offering amenities such as water, beaches, scenic beauty, rich terrestrial and marine biodiversity, diversified cultural and historic heritage, healthy food and good infrastructure. It includes a diversity of activities that take place in both coastal zone and coastal waters, which involve the development of tourism capacities (hotels, resorts, second homes, 2 restaurants etc.) and support infrastructure (ports, marinas, fishing and diving shops and other facilities). Coastal recreation activities, which have been increasing both in volume and in number during the last decade, occupy a unique place in coastal tourism. They are mainly two types of recreational uses of coastal zones viz., consumptive and non-consumptive ones. Activities such as fishing, shell fishing and shell collection etc., belong to the first category while activities in the second include swimming, diving, boating, surfing, wind-surfing, jet skiing, bird watching, and snorkeling. Coastal tourism is strongly dependent upon natural (climate, landscape, ecosystems) and cultural (historic and cultural heritage, arts and crafts, traditions, etc.) resources. It encompasses activities that can only be carried out in particular areas and in specific conditions. Therefore, certain areas are considered to be particularly suited to specific types of tourism activities, for which they are known on a global scale. Examples include sailing in the Gulf of Mexico, surfing on the beaches of Australia and Hawaii or scuba diving in the Red Sea. Besides physical conditions, the development of tourism in coastal areas is related to socio- economic features of the receiving environment such as local community interests, health and security conditions, political factors including unpredictable crises, exchange rate fluctuations, and traditional models of tourism exploitation or, simply, a successful or less effective marketing-led depiction of a destination. Environmental conditions such as unpredictable climate conditions, algae blooms, winds and the associated risk of forest fires, tsunami, storms and floods, as well as many other constant features or unexpected events, affect tourism development in coastal areas. 1.1 Terminology Coast: land next to the ocean Shore: land along the edge of an ocean, lake - a little more accurate than coast (generally the few meters of land right next to the water) Beach: the land above the water line at a shore of a body of water, marked by an area of sand, rock or pebbles that have been brought there by the tide or waves. Usually used with the ocean. Thought of as an area to sunbathe, swim, generally have fun - rather than a strictly geographical location. Seaside: more colloquial form of the shore or the beach: the land next to the ocean (on the "side" of the "sea"). Not usually thought of as a geographical place like the shore., Like the beach, it is an area that has positive holiday-type connotations. Bank: the land next to a body of water - usually rivers, sometimes lakes, but not often the ocean. Often used in plural, example, the banks of the river or riverbanks, because it implies the slope of land leading to the water on either side. Total coast line of the world is 35, 6000 km and the coastal area covers more than 10% of the earth surface. Because of the economic benefits that accrue from access to ocean navigation, coastal fisheries, tourism, recreation and industrialization, human settlements are often more concentrated in the coastal zone than elsewhere. About 40% of the world’s population lives within 100 km of the coast. About 10% of the world’s population resides in low elevation coastal zone making their lives highly vulnerable to coastal disasters. About 35% of Indians live within 100 km of the country’s coast line measuring 7517 km. Beach tour in India provides one or the other thing to enjoy to every kind of tourist, from isolation and opportunity for introspection to action and fun. Although India's thousands of miles of coastline are understandably overshadowed by its plethora of attractions beyond the shore, resorts and bungalows have sprung up in large numbers to capitalize on the nation's 3 beaches. In India one can find beaches in Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Tamil Nadu. 2.0 Beach tourism Activities Tourists can experience a wide variety of tourism activities during the tour in beaches based on the type of beach and their rules and regulations. Water sports and other beach activities are a great way to enjoy the beauty of beaches in India and to discover the recreation and enjoyment on Indian beaches. Major activities in Indian beaches are boating, fishing, surfing, kayaking, scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing or any water sports. There are areas with crystal blue waters that provide the perfect playground to do so. Apart from sports and recreation activities many Indian beaches provide wide variety of food, shopping, recreation, spa, ayurvedic and other alternative wellness facilities to the tourists. 3.0 Major Beaches in India 3.1 Beaches In Andaman & Nicobar Islands : Corbyn's Cove and Chirya Tapu Beach, Radhnagar Beach, Harminder Bay Beach, Karmatang Beach and Ramnagar Beach 3.2 Beaches in Gujarat Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach, Beyt Dwarka, Diu Beach, Somnath & Veraval Beach, Chorwad, Madhavpur Beach and Gopnath Beach Chorwad Beach: Chorwad beach is situated at a distance of 66 kilometers from Junagadh. A palace constructed by Nawab Saheb Mohabbat Khan, the regional governor, is situated at Chorwad beach. It attracts both domestic and international tourists. Chorwad is famous for rocky shores and boat riding. Nearby places to visit are Porbandar, Somnath etc. 3.3 Dwaraka Beach: Dwaraka beach is located on the western shore of the Okhamandal Peninsula. It is an important Hindu pilgrim site. It also has a small island which is covered with temples, a white beach, coral reefs and extensive marine life. The lighthouse at the Dwarka point on the Dwarka peninsula provides the tourist with a panoramic view of the city. 3.4 Beaches in Maharashtra Maharashtra's 720 km long coast with the Arabian Sea extends from Dahanu and Bordi in the north up to Goa proceeding southwards. It is popular for sand, sea and surf. This state has a great many interesting options in store. All these places are well connected by state buses. The coastal climate of Maharashtra makes travelling pleasant all round the year. Seas are rough only during the monsoon which strikes between June and September. The state has many lovely beaches like Juhu Beach, Arangal Beach, Marve Beach, Madh Island Beach, Manori Beach, Gorai Beach Arnala Beach, Bordi Beach, Alibag Beach, Kihim Beach and Murud-Janjira Beach etc. With a plethora of beaches, Maharashtra provides a coastline for exciting water sports, sun bathing on golden sands, exploring grand fortresses, temples and churches and discovering tiny and remote villages. Juhu Beach: Located 18 kilometers north from the city centre on the shores of the Arabian Sea, Juhu beach is a famous tourist attraction throughout the year. It is the most popular beach in Mumbai and most visited one too. Juhu beach is a favourite location for film shootings and it is a perfect place to enjoy the sunset. Tarkali Beach: Tarkarli beach is a famous tourist destination located in Sindhurg district in the state of Maharashtra. This beach rose to a popular tourism destination because of its crystal clear water and water sports. Tourists can spot dolphins in the sea here. Tourists can enjoy water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, white water rafting and water rides.