Paper 10: Tourism Products of India Module 28: Tourism Product Regional: South India -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, Chandigarh Paper Coordinator Prof. Manoj Dixit Vice Chancellor, R.M.L. University, Faizabad, UP Dr. Shyju P.J. Content Writer Asstt. Prof-Tourism Management, Department of History of Art, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. 221005 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: South India I Module Id 28 Pre- Requisites Elementary knowledge of History, Geography, Religion and Culture Objectives i) to give basic knowledge of variety of tourist centers in South India ii) highlight the most important tourist centers and their importance Keywords Tourism products, tourist sites, attractions, events, cuisine, souvenirs TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Learning Outcome 2. Introduction about the region 2.1 Tourism Products of South India-high lights 3. Andhra Pradesh 4. Telangana 5. Karnataka QUADRANT-I 1. Learning outcome States situated in the southern part of our country (Deccan Plateau and further south) represent distinct geographical and cultural features. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory-Puducherry are included in the regional classification of South India. Looking from Northern part of the Country, the southern peninsula appears like a triangle, with Arabian Sea in the West and Bay of Bengal in the East. This module aims to give an outline on the popular tourism products of Sothern India, alongwith a detailed study on tourism features of state wise. This will enable the students to get a comprehensive idea on the selling propositions of states, and the uniqueness. At the end of the course, popular tourist circuits have been listed which will help the students to learn tour itineraries. 2. Introduction about the Region Product is a marketing term used in connection with offering a tangible object or a service or benefits. Tourism product generally means those things which are offered to tourists in the form of service, benefits, or experience of fun, excitement, thrill etc. We can say that tourism facilitates people to get experiences and return with memories. Southern India presents a vibrant touristscape. Arabian Sea marks the boundary of the west, further bounded by Western Ghats, then Deccan Plateau, semi arid landscape of Andhra Pradesh (Anantpur, Cuddapah districts) to the Eastern Coast and major rice cultivating field of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. A margin of Eastern Ghats extends up to Odisha which is aligned towards the Bay of Bengal Coast. The following table illustrates the geographical features of the region which are the basic resource. Malabar Coast The coast extends up to Kanyakumari. Major port cities of this coast connected Romans, Arabians, Chinese, Europeans etc. Western Ghats A chain of hills creates a natural boundary to the entire western part. These hills bring abundant rains during monsoon season. The ghat section is known for its biodiversity features, which can be rarely found in other part of the world. Agastya Hills, Nilgiris, Brahmagiri Hills, Coorg Hills etc. form the bio hotspot networks with numerous streams and breath taking valleys. The Plateau The central part of Southern India (part of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh) is a rain shadow region. Semiarid landscape features and the low fertility of soil don’t support much agricultural activities. Major irrigation projects support the drinking water and agriculture requirements. The plains of This area can be called as the rice bowl of India. A variety of food crops and Tamil Nadu and cash crops are cultivated in this region. Andhra Pradesh The eastern ghats. Rising from the Palaghat range, the eastern ghats extend up to Odihsa. The hills appears like a dotted chain across the region which also represents a unique geographical feature. Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Pennar etc. drains in to the Bay of Bengal The Coromandel The eastern coast of India is features with storms and cyclones. The Coast In terms of cultural features, linguistic features of the regions are different, festivities have some similarities but diversity exists in many areas. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have some common linguistic and cultural features, and so with the state of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The local cultural features also emerge as interesting tourist attractions of the region. 2.1 Tourism Products of South India- highlights. Looking at the tourism product offering, the state governments aggressively promote natural attractions such as beaches, hill stations, backwaters, and religious places such as temples, shrines, pilgrimages, religious observations and gatherings like Godavari Pushkaram, Krishna Pushkaram wild life sanctuaries, cultural features, historical attractions, indigenous life style, regional agricultural products etc. The description of tourism products of South India is designed as follows Tourism Products Attractions Cuisines Shopping Fairs & Festivals Natural Ethnic Local products Religious events Wildlife Traditional National/International Seasonal/occasional events Popular GI Tagged, commercially Heritage promoted Spiritual Seasonal Adventure/Unexplored 3.0 ANDHRA PRADESH (Tourism marketing tagline: Everything Possible) Andhra Pradesh is blessed with natural beauty and a long coastline of 974 km. The state consists of two regions i.e. Rayalseema and Coastal Andhra. River Godavari and Krishna are the major rivers. The state has one of the most important Hindu shrines in India ‘Sri Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati’. Several places in Andhra Pradesh has a strong Buddhist connection, as ruins of stupas and viharas are excavated from different places. According to legends, Nagarjuna, one of the most important Buddhist Philosopher lived in Amravati. It was also the capital of Satavahana Dynasty. The proposed new capital of the state ‘Amravati’ is expected to be a smart modern city but planned in the lines of retaining its heritage aspects. The state has immense tourism potential which ranges from natural beauty, heritage, rural tourism, religious tourism etc. Reports indicate that tourist arrival has increased up to 30% in 2015 over the year 2014. Andhra Pradesh Map (Source: Wikipedia) 3.1.1 Popular attractions Tirupati: Sri Venkateshwara Temple in Tirupati is one of the most renowned and visited religious shrines in India. This temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, (Lord Vishnu) situated in Tirumala Hills, which has seven peaks representing the heads of Adishesha. It is considered as highly auspicious to get darshan of the deity at this temple and devotees from various parts of India and abroad stand in queue for long hours. Vishakapatnam: This city is popularly called a Vizag. This port city is an important commercial centre for the state and the country. Rushikonda beach, Ramakrishna Beach and Bheemunipatnam Beach are very popular among tourists as it provide beautiful scenic view of Bay of Bengal. Araku Valley: Araku Valley is one of the spectacular hill station in Andhra Pradesh. It is 114 k.m. away from Vishakhapatnam. This hill station is connected with trains and the train journey itself is a memorable experience to visitors. Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary: It is the largest tiger reserve in India spread over five districts of Andhra Pradesh. The gorges, valleys and the hills located along the course of River Krishna offers a breath taking view. 3.1.2 Natural Attractions Konaseema: It is one of the beautiful scenic spots in Andhra Pradesh. From Rajahmundry River Godavari splits in to several branches and the delta area created by Godavari before merging to Bay of Bengal is called as Konaseema Region. The lush green paddy fields, forests, mangroves etc. creates a very attractive view for the visitors. Horsley Hills: it is one of the popular hill resort of Andhra Pradesh, situated at an altitude of 1265m above sea level. This place can be easily reached from Bangalore (144 k.m.) and Tirupati, (127 km.). Talakona Waterfall: It is the highest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh. It is situated in Sri Venkateshwara National Park. The dense forest, wildlife and serene environment is one of the main attraction of this fall. It is 49 k.m from Tirupati and 220 km. from Chennai. There are a number of trek routes giving opportunity to the adventurers to explore the scenic beauty. Borra Caves: Located at Anantagiri Hills of Araku Valley, near to Vishakpatnam, Borra caves is an important tourist attraction. This natural cave system is formed by Karstic Limestone structures. Belum Caves: The largest and longest cave system in India formed of stalactite and stalagmite. It is situated at Karnool district of Andhra Pradesh. 3.1.3 Wildlife Pulicat Lake: This is a brackish water lakes homes for large number of migratory birds including flamingos. This lake is a backwater system, lying close to Bay of Bengal. This lake is also a good location for naturalists and ornithologists as a variety of birds including Grey Pelican, Painted Stork, Spoon Bills, Grey Heron, Ducks, Teals, Terns, Herons, Gull and a number of waders can be found here. Kolleru Lake: It is a fresh water lake and a Ramsar Site. The eco system attracts large number of migratory birds during winter season. It is located 60 km away from Vijayawada. 3.1.4 Heritage Attractions Chandragiri Fort is situated in Chandragiri, which was once the capital of Vijayanagara rulers. It dates back to 1000 AD. The fort resembles the ancient architectural features of this region, and stand as one of the important monument of heritage. Visitors can also attend Light and Sound show which details the history of Vijayanagaram. Sankaram: It is situated near Vishakapatnam (approx. 40 km), was once flourished as the centre of Buddhism. All three types of Buddhism (Hinayan, Mahayan, Vajrayan) were practiced.