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D. Gambhir et al.
people engaged in transport, hospitality and selling memorabilia (Durán-Sánchez
et al. 2018).
Most of the pilgrimage sites have traditionally been small towns or villages. The
impact of unchecked growth in tourists and visitors across sites has had an adverse
effect in terms of unchecked urbanisation and pollution (air, land, water, noise). For
example, the river Ganges, which has the distinction of being one of the holiest rivers
in the world, is also one of the most polluted rivers in India. ‘Bathing in the Ganges
is thought to cleanse the soul, leading tens of millions of Hindus to bathe in its
waters and also to immerse the remains of their loved ones’ (Bhargava 1987; Alley
2002; Sachdeva 2016). There has been a sudden change in local demography as well.
Safety and health have become a prime concern, and include disaster management
and preparedness. There have been cases of induced disasters along with magnified
impact of natural disasters on account of unsustainable and harmful tourism (Patange
et al. 2013; Shinde 2007; Yadav 2014).
4 Case of Religious Tourism in Hill States of Himachal
Pradesh and Uttarakhand
4.1 Tourism in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
The North-Indian hilly states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are popularly
known as ‘Dev Bhoomi’—Abode of the Gods. Tourism has been a significant
player in the socio-economic development of these states, and religious tourism
is a major contributor to the economies of these states (Joshi 2018; Parmar 2012).
Tourism provides higher income to villagers as compared to the local occupations
and agriculture in the difficult terrain (Sati 2015).
The tourist priority in the region includes pilgrimage and holiday as compared to
social engagements, naturopathy or official trips (Rongali 2017). The famous ‘Char
Dham Yatra’, or circuit of four Hindu sites, retains the religious elements even though
tourist interests have been incorporated in marketing efforts (Aukland 2017). The
region is not only of religious and cultural importance but also bestowed with natural
beauty. The major pilgrimage sites attract visitors, as well as people with commercial
interests from nearby areas who are engaged as tour guides, transporters, souvenir
sellers etc. (Karar 2010).
Each state promotes tourism actively; however, restrictions at some religious sites
make it less attractive for visitors of other faiths, and hence alternate tourist attractions
should be promoted (Sultan 2015). Most of the experts feel that there is huge tourism
potential in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, but the state governments have not
paid enough attention to realise the actual benefits. The potential of exotic and rural
areas as tourist hubs has not been explored, and this adds to overcrowding at the
famous sites. Efforts should be channelled to promote emerging tourism areas such as
nature retreats, cultural experiences and adventure activities with proper management
D. Gambhir et al.
people engaged in transport, hospitality and selling memorabilia (Durán-Sánchez
et al. 2018).
Most of the pilgrimage sites have traditionally been small towns or villages. The
impact of unchecked growth in tourists and visitors across sites has had an adverse
effect in terms of unchecked urbanisation and pollution (air, land, water, noise). For
example, the river Ganges, which has the distinction of being one of the holiest rivers
in the world, is also one of the most polluted rivers in India. ‘Bathing in the Ganges
is thought to cleanse the soul, leading tens of millions of Hindus to bathe in its
waters and also to immerse the remains of their loved ones’ (Bhargava 1987; Alley
2002; Sachdeva 2016). There has been a sudden change in local demography as well.
Safety and health have become a prime concern, and include disaster management
and preparedness. There have been cases of induced disasters along with magnified
impact of natural disasters on account of unsustainable and harmful tourism (Patange
et al. 2013; Shinde 2007; Yadav 2014).
4 Case of Religious Tourism in Hill States of Himachal
Pradesh and Uttarakhand
4.1 Tourism in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
The North-Indian hilly states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are popularly
known as ‘Dev Bhoomi’—Abode of the Gods. Tourism has been a significant
player in the socio-economic development of these states, and religious tourism
is a major contributor to the economies of these states (Joshi 2018; Parmar 2012).
Tourism provides higher income to villagers as compared to the local occupations
and agriculture in the difficult terrain (Sati 2015).
The tourist priority in the region includes pilgrimage and holiday as compared to
social engagements, naturopathy or official trips (Rongali 2017). The famous ‘Char
Dham Yatra’, or circuit of four Hindu sites, retains the religious elements even though
tourist interests have been incorporated in marketing efforts (Aukland 2017). The
region is not only of religious and cultural importance but also bestowed with natural
beauty. The major pilgrimage sites attract visitors, as well as people with commercial
interests from nearby areas who are engaged as tour guides, transporters, souvenir
sellers etc. (Karar 2010).
Each state promotes tourism actively; however, restrictions at some religious sites
make it less attractive for visitors of other faiths, and hence alternate tourist attractions
should be promoted (Sultan 2015). Most of the experts feel that there is huge tourism
potential in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, but the state governments have not
paid enough attention to realise the actual benefits. The potential of exotic and rural
areas as tourist hubs has not been explored, and this adds to overcrowding at the
famous sites. Efforts should be channelled to promote emerging tourism areas such as
nature retreats, cultural experiences and adventure activities with proper management