Cultural Tourism in Sindhudurg: A Sustainable Path By : Rashmi Sawant In Association with Consulting

Sindhudurg Located along the coastal strip called Konkan in Maharashtra on the Bombay- Goa National Highway Termed as California of India Famous for Alphonso mango & cashew Bordering Goa Accessible by rail, road, air and sea

Sindhudurg

In Relation to Mumbai & Goa

What Sindhudurg has… Forts Sindhudurg- sea fort, Vijaydurg- Sea Fort, Terekhol, Ramgarh, Shivgarh Beaches Vengurla, Malvan, Tarkarli, Kunkeshwar, Redi, Bhogave Temples Kunkeshwar (Shiva Temple) Hill Station Amboli

What Sindhudurg has… Heritage Palace at Sawantwadi Rich in Art and Culture Festivals & Crafts Narali Poornima, Ganesh Chaturthi Local Crafts- Lacquer ware, paper Mache artifacts Lok-kala (Folk Arts) Dashawatar,Vaganatya, Gavlan, Bhajan

Current Tourism activities Sindhudurg declared as ‘Special Tourism Development Area’ by the State and Central Government Rupees 20 crores allocated to the district for 2004 Important destination on the Deccan Odyssey, the luxurious train Taj- Oberoi-Cidade Goa groups have purchased land for projects Sindhu Utsav- cultural festival

What can be done Build infrastructure-international airport at Perne Local Participation is key for sustainability Benefits of development to local people Co-operative movement to be the base for any development Develop Products Cultural Tours Historical Tours Adventure Tours Agriculture tours Health Tourism

Tourism Co-operative Activities Mango Festival Showcasing of Art and crafts in International festivals Interactive workshops in crafts Developed Co-operative based resort at Dolphin Bay,Vengurla Stay with Indian Family Adventure Sports Academy Health Spa based on AyurYoga Village Tourism Tourism Course

Sample Questionnaire “STAY WITH THE INDIAN FAMILY” (2001 Edinburgh) In our quest to experiment with new ideas and make our guests experience new ways of life when in India, we aim to launch the ‘Stay with the Indian Family’ project. We would request you to fill in the questionnaire given below. It will assist us in understanding your needs better and make your stay amongst our people more comfortable. Questions were asked regarding the preference for star accommodation or B&B, choice of living in an Indian Home, interest in arts and participation in celebration of festivals etc.

Sample Product Christmas in Sindhudurg While you are with us in India, you could Rejoice the birth of Christ beneath the clear blue skies and besides the lapping, warm waters of Sindhudurg beaches. Celebrate this Christmas in the midst of the simple malavani folk, dance to the rhythm of malvani songs, visit the historic water fort and breakfast with the Queen of Sawantwadi. It is a package full of delights and surprises. An hour’s drive from Goa, Sindhudurg, presents serenity and tranquility. The clear waters, white sands and lush greenery is a welcome pleasure.

Thanks I would like to thank Ms Chandani Sehgal and her team at D’essence in helping me with this presentation.