Planning for tourism in orchha

Abstract

Tourism is one of the progressive industries in India. It is also a big business and it impacts on every other industry, with contribution of 6.23% to the national GDP and providing 8.78% of the total employment. Madhya Pradesh tourism sector involves tours in exotic locations of the state. It comprises of various types of tourism like adventure, heritage, religious, wildlife etc. like Pench, Orchha, Shivpuri, Gwalior etc. Madhya Pradesh is an expansive state, having inherent charm and a place of its owndue to the unmatched beauty and primitiveness. It has rich endowments of land,people, history and culture.The state is unparalleled in the wealth of history and folk culture. From prehistory, the eventsof time have left indelible impressions in the form of rock and cave shelters withprehistoric paintings, massive stupas, temples, palaces and mosques with exquisitecarvings, sculptures and wall paintings. These conjure up the vision of great empiresand kingdoms, warriors and builders, poets and musicians, saints and philosophers ofa golden past. The state has three World Heritage Sites,namely, Khujuraho, Sanchi and the rock shelters of Bhimbetka.The undulating landscape and the network of rivers and water bodies have providednumerous spots of virgin scenic beauty. A few high altitude areas and the mineralwater springs have recreational and curative qualities. The forest areas have 9 nationalparks and 25 game sanctuaries out of which four are recognized Tiger Reserves. Forthe devout there are a number of places sanctified by faith. The sacred rivers ofNarmada, Tapti, Son and Kshipra have a string of religious places located on theirbanks. The study area chosen is Orchha which is rich in religious and heritage tourism because of Ram Raja Temple and the monuments of medieval period. In spite of the considerable visits made by the international and domestic tourists, Orchha is not able to provide the minimum required standard tourist facilitation. Therefore, Orchha has got potential to develop as a tourism hub.