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Chapter – VI

UNTAPPED TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN PUNJAB

The present chapter is an attempt to identify the

untapped tourist destinations in Punjab. As part of the study,

the domestic and foreign tourist respondents were requested

to mention any unexplored area in the questionnaire, which

they have come across during their visit to Punjab. From the

present research, it is found that there are as many as

sixteen untapped destinations, which are gradually fading out

physically as well as metaphorically for want of proper care,

maintenance and promotional activities.

6.1 CONCEPT OF UNTAPPED TOURIST DESTINATION

The term untapped means “if the availability of

something valuable is unused, it is not yet used or taken

advantage of”. In tourism, untapped tourist destination

means “a destination which is identifiable as a tourist

destination but not used to gain economic benefits due to

lack of development and promotional activities”. The state is

home for vast array of tourist attractions that are found in

the form of cultural, historical and archeological resources.

So if these resources are properly exploited, the tourism

sector can offer a lot to support the state economy.

Punjab is a congregation of myriad tourist attractions-

forts, pilgrim centres, monuments, archaeological sites,

palaces, wetlands, cultural festivals and many others.

Punjab is endowed with a wide range of historical, natural

and cultural tourist attractions, but the state has been

benefiting little from tourism sector. The state’s diversified

historical and cultural resources have not been well

203

promoted and changed into economic values in a way that

they can support nation’s development efforts.

Table 6.1

Untapped Tourist Destinations in Punjab

Sr. No. Destination District Category

1 Aam Khas Bagh Fatehgarh Sahib Historical

2 Rauza Sharif Fatehgarh Sahib Religious/Historical

3 Floating Restaurant Sirhind Leisure/Recreational

4 Sheesh Mahal Patiala Heritage/Archaeological

5 Bahadurgarh Fort Patiala Heritage/Archaeological

6 Museum of Rural Life of Punjab PAU, Ludhiana Cultural/Heritage

7 Qila Mubarak (fort) Bathinda Historical/Archaeological

8 Shahpur Kandi Fort Pathankot Historical/Archaeological

9 Moorish Mosque Kapurthala Historical/Spiritual

10 Panch Mandir Kapurthala Religious/Historical

11 Shalimar garden Kapurthala Heritage/Historical

12 Kanjli wetland Kapurthala Ecological

13 Takht-i-Akbari, Kalanaur Heritage/Historical

14 Harike Wetland Harike Pattan Ecological

15 Samadh of Shravan Amritsar Religious/Heritage

16 Ram Tirath Amritsar Religious/Historical

Source: Compiled from information provided by the tourist respondents

Table 6.1 exhibits the various destinations described by

the respondents as unexplored destinations. The table

mentions the district and the category of tourism to which a

destination belongs. All these destinations have been further

presented in the map to show their location in the state. (See

Fig.6.1)

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Figure 6.1

Map showing Location of Untapped Tourist Destinations in Punjab

Aam Khas

Rauza

Floating Shish Mahal

Bahadurgarh Fort

Rural Museum

Qila Mubarak Fort

Shahpur Kandi Fort, Pathankot

Moorish Mosque

Panch Mandir

Shalimar Garden

Kanjali Wetland

Takhat-i-Akbari, Kalanaur

Harike Wetland,

Harike Pattan

Ram Tirth

Samadh of Shravan

,Religious Place/Temple

Mosque

Museum/Palace/Restaurant

Monument

Fort

Wetland

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6.2 Untapped Tourist Destinations in Punjab

The literature on above mentioned destinations is presented

and reviewed in this chapter along with the importance of

destination.

Table 6.2

Source of Data regarding Literature and Picture of Untapped Tourist Destinations in Punjab

Sr. No. Name of Destination Source

1 Aam Khas Bagh fatehgarhsahib.nic.in

2 Rauza Sharif Widipedia.org

3 Floating Restaurant fatehgarhsahib.nic.in

4 Sheesh Mahal Patiala Tourist Map, 2012

5 Bahadurgarh Fort www.apnapatiala.com

6 Museum of Rural Life of Punjab Mecdonald, 2003

7 Qila Mubarak (fort) Mecdonald, 2003

8 Shahpur Kandi Fort Mecdonald, 2003

9 Moorish Mosque Kapurthala Tourist Map

10 Panch Mandir Mecdonald, 2003

11 Shalimar garden Mecdonald, 2003

12 Kanjli wetland Wikipedia.org

13 Takht-i-Akbari, Wikipedia.org

14 Harike Wetland Wikipedia.org

15 Samadh of Shravan Amritsar ACC

16 Ram Tirath Mecdonald, 2003

Table 6.2 depicts various sources used for collecting

the pictures and information regarding the literature of

untapped tourist destinations in Punjab.

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1. Aam Khas Bagh

This is a magnificent monument located in Fatehgarh

Sahib. The total area of

the complex is 700ft x

485ft. The Mughals

known for their

architectural style built

this beautiful garden

surrounded by the

obligatory high wall and

cooled with water flowing in disciplined courses. Aam Khas

Bagh, which was built by Akbar and later, developed by

Jahangir and Shahjahan was built for the public and also

for exclusive use of the emperor ShahJahan. Both of them

used to stay here while going to and coming back from

Lahore. There were adequate numbers of places for the stay

of Mughal emperors and since it contained both a public or

aam area, and a private or khas section, therefore it is

known as the Aam Khas Bagh literally the Public-Private

Garden. In its heyday it had a double-storied royal pavilion,

baths, underground water-cooled chambers, and plenty of

accommodation for weary travelers. The royal part includes

a large water tank, a palace with beautiful walls and

elaborate fountains. Although this was also ransacked by

the enemies of the Mughals, but even the ruins are so

magnificent that it is well worth visiting Aam Khas Bagh.

Archaeological Survey of India used to maintain this old

monument which has a great archaeological value. The bagh

was maintained till a few years ago. The building is now in

worst condition and lack of maintenance and preservation

ruined this precious monument.

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2. Rauza Sharif

This beautiful and spacious mausoleum is a national

historic monument, which is respected as a second Mecca

by Sunni Muslims. This mausoleum is located on the

Sirhind-Bassi Pathana road near the Fatehgarh Sahib

gurudwara. This place is situated at a distance of 50 km

from Patiala In the

premises of the

mausoleum, there are

tombs and cenotaphs apart

from a mosque. One such

grand cenotaph is of King

Shah Zaman of Afganistan.

The magnificent and

spacious Rauza is a mausoleum which commemorates the

burial place of Mujadid-alf-Saani Sheikh Ahmed Farooqi,

Kabuli, Sirhindi and who lived during the reigns of Akbar

and Jahangir from 1563 to 1624. The old mosque in the

vicinity is extant, so are several cenotaphs. The tomb of

the Shah Zaman, one of the Kings of Afghanistan

indicates that the Rauza was once considered a

propitious burial place of high and mighty. The Rauza

also contains scalloped arches, framed domes and

minarets and sun-striated corridors. Every year Muslims

pilgrims from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan,

Indonesia and other countries visit this place to

participate in the urs of Sheikh Ahmed Sirhindi. The date

of celebration varies from year to year. This festival is

considered very important by the Sunni sect of Islam.

During Urs in the month of August, Muslims from all over

the world come here to pay homage.

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3. Floating Restaurant Sirhind

Floating Restaurant

constructed over the

Sirhind Canal is an

important tourist spot

earlier run by Punjab

Tourism Development

Corporation. It is at a

distance of 5 km.

from Sirhind towards Ludhiana on the Sher Shah Suri

Marg.

The channel on which the floating restaurant is built

supplies water to the states of Haryana and Rajasthan.

This channel carries 8000 cusecs of water and the giant

vessels on which this restaurant rests are made in such a

way that they withstand this pressure. In the peak

season, the water reaches 10,000 cusecs but that raises

the water level by 6ft only and thus the structure does

not come under any undue pressure. It attracts a large

no of tourists, especially during summer. There is also

provision for night stay. It has eight suites. It is a unique

type of restaurant in the whole of the Punjab. It presents

a picturesque view to the v isitors because it is built in

the middle of the canal.

4. Sheesh Mahal

The Sheesh Mahal is the famous tourist place in

Patiala. Maharaja Narinder Singh (1845-1862) got it built

during his reign in a forest with terraces, gardens,

fountains and an artificial lake having two watching

towers in the north and the south. The lake is connected

to Banasar Ghar, and the presidential palace named as

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Sheesh Mahal. In Banasar ghar there are all types of

stuffed animals. There is a suspension bridge, which is a

copy of the Lakhsman Jhula at Rishikesh. One part of the

three storied building is inset with pieces of reflecting

mirrors and a large number of wall paintings depicting

scenes from Bhagwat Puran and portraits of the Sikh

Gurus. The palace has galleries displaying antique

paintings, bronzes, sculptures and portraits of the

Maharajas of Patiala. The highlight is the gallery, which

displays the world's

largest collection of

medals, decoration

and orders of

various countries.

Maharaja

Narendra Singh

invited many

painters from Kangra and Rajasthan to paint the walls of

Sheesh Mahal. The museum has a rich collection of

miniature paintings of the middle of 19th century.

Besides miniature paintings, there are fine objects of

Tibetan art particularly the sculpture of different kinds of

metals, ivory carvings of Punjab, royal wooden carved

furniture, and a large number of Burmese and Kashmiri

carved objects. The collection contains medals from

Belgium, Denmark, Finland and host of other countries of

Africa and Asia. On the advice of the Europeans,

Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Maharaja Dalip Singh also

issued medals which are studded with precious stones.

Some of them display miniature paintings of the

Maharaja in profile in the centre.

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Restoration of the interior of the Sheesh Mahal has

been recently completed. It was recommended by the

UNWTO that the opportunity be taken to rationalize its

use and improve the display of its collections. The

display faci lities of the medal collection are totally

inadequate as well as being insecure. This results in

very limited access and appreciation of this world class

collection. The collection is so significant that it can, i f

suitably displayed, act as an independent attraction.

Every Year many cultural programmes and heritage

festivals are organized in Sheesh Mahal.

5. Bahadurgarh Fort, Patiala

This fort is 6 Km from

Patiala town on Patiala

Chandigarh road. It was

originally built by Nawab

saif khan in 1658 A.D. and

rebuilt in 1837 A.D. by

Maharaja Karam singh.

The construction of the

entire fort was completed in eight years. A sum of ten

lakh rupees was spent on its construction. The fort is

enclosed within two rounded walls and a moat. The

circumfrane of the fort is slightly over two kilometers.

The fort was given the name of Bahadurgarh by Maharaja

Karam Singh as a tribute to the Sikh Guru Teg Bahadur,

who stayed here for three months and nine days before

leaving for Delhi. The Guru’s visit to this place is also

commemorated by the construction of two Gurudwaras,

one within the fort itself and the other one out to the

north of the fort. The Gurudwara Sahib inside the fort

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named as ‘Gurdwara Sahib Patshai Nauvin’ is a historical

building. This gurdwara shows fine Sikh architecturs.

This gurdwara is controlled by the Shiromini Gurdwara

Prabhandak Committee. People visit this gurdwara on the

festival of Baisakhi on 13 April, every year.

6. Museum of Rural Life of Punjab, Ludhiana

The museum is the

only one of its kind in

India and reminds

the charms of ancient

Punjab. The museum

is situated near the

College of Home

Science of Punjab

Agricultural University. The museum building is built

after a thorough study of tradit ional building in the old

town of Punjab. The double storied building covered an

area of 4000 sq. ft. The main entrance depicts the

archaeological finds of Punjab. These include pottery of

various periods like Harapan, Aryan, Gupta and

Mediaeval antiquities in terracotta, specimens of old

coins and seals. The original false ceiling of 18 t h century

adds to its beauty.

The museum has on display the utensils and

kitchenware like lota, garwa, ganga sagar, degchi, patila

etc right from the Harappan period onwards. The entire

wall space of the varandha is embellished with murals of

folk sensibilities. A dummy well where various devices

used through the ages for lif ting water for drinking as well

as for irrigation are on display.

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7. Fort (Quila Mubarak), Bathinda

It is the oldest and highest small brick monument in

the heart of the city of

Bathinda. History of this

monument is quite

amazing. Raja Binepal, a

Bhatti Rajput got it built

about 1800 years ago. The

bricks of the fort date

back to the Kushana

period when emperor

Kanishka ruled over northern India. The first women

emperor Razia Sultana was imprisoned here in 1239 AD

by the then Governor Altunia. She jumped from the

Summan Burj and later on died at Sirsa fighting with

royal forces.

The Tenth Sikh Guru Shri Guru Gobind Singh came to

this fort in June, 1705 AD and threw out a Monster Kana

Deo and blessed the area with prosperity. Maharaja Ala

Singh of Patiala State captured this Fort in 1754 and

named the Fort Gobindgarh. Earlier it was called

Bakramgarh. A Gurdwara was constructed by Maharaja

Karam Singh of Patiala on the top of the fort in 1835 AD.

The Quila Mubarak complex is built in 10 acre ground in

the heart of the city. The whole complex contains Ran

Baas, Darbar Hall and Quila Androon. Quila Androon has

13 royal chambers with scenes from Hindu mythology

painted in the Patiala art style. There is a museum of

armoury and chandliers containing rare cannons, swords,

shie lds and maces, daggers of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji

and sword of Nadir Shah. Being 300 years old building,

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the quila is in a bad condition and has been damaged a

lot. It has been listed in list of “world’s 100 most

endangered monuments” in the year 2004. The

restoration work of quila was undertaken by Indian

National Trust for Arts and cultural Heritage (INTACH)

and Archeological Survey of India (ASI) with the help of

central and state government. World Monuments Watch

has also funded for the preservation of this monument.

8. Shahpur Kandi Fort, Pathankot

Shahpurkandi Fort is one of the wonderful forts of

Punjab, situated in Shahpur v illage, at a distance of 17.5

km from the centre of

Pathankot city. It

serves as a travel hub

for three northern

states i.e . Punjab,

Himachal Pradesh and

Jammu & Kashmir due

to its ideal location.

Pathankot is the fifth largest city in the state of Punjab

in terms of population. It is the last city in Punjab On

the national highway that connects Jammu & Kashmir

with India. The fort was built in 1505 AD by a Rajput

chief Jaspal Singh Pathania. It is located on the bank of

river Ravi and foothills of the towering Himalayas. It was

rebuilt by Bhai Bhao Singh who named the fort after the

emperor Shah Jahan. Near the fort, there are some

Muslim tombs and a mosque . Now, the fort has been

converted into the rest house of irrigation department. It

is famous for its temples and the view it commands over

the river Ravi. At present the fort is in ruins .

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9. Moorish Mosque, Kapurthala

This is one of the most historic as well as unique

building situated in Kapurthala about 21 km from

Jalandhar. This is one

of the most historic as

well as unique buildings

situated in Kapurthala.

The mosque was built in

1930 by his highness

Maharaja Jagatjit Singh

Bahadur. It was

designed by famous French architect M. Manteaux, is an

inimitable piece of art of the Moorish style of

architecture. This is patterned after the Qutbya Mosque

in Morocco. Its construction was started on October 1926

and was completed on March 1930. As per the available

literature the total building cost of Mosque was Rs.

4,00,000. It was inaugurated by Nawab Sadiq Mohd.

Khan Bahadur on 14 t h March 1930. It has a large

compound paved with pure Indian marble. The decorators

from Lahore School of Art had designed the interiors of

the historic Mosque. The inner domes of the mosque have

designs by the artists of the Mayo School of Arts, Lahore.

The wall paintings in its chamber hold a very special

place in wall decoration in India. The paintings are

powerfully decorated and ornamental. A variety of

arbitrary geometric, floral and other types of designs

such as the swirling, interlaced arabesque predominate.

There is a Red Cross Rose Garden, inaugurated by Giyani

Zail Singh (former president of India).

215

A team of art conservators from INTACH, Delhi visited

the Moorish Mosque, in November 2006 to assess and

report the condit ion of wall paintings inside the main

prayer hall of the mosque.

10. Panch Mandir, Kapurthala The most striking

building in the town is a fine Hindu temple called the

'Panch Mandir' was built during the reign of, Sardar Fateh

Singh. This architecturally beautiful temple is located 21

km from Jalandhar in

Kapurthala town. The

Panch Mandir complex

(1831) opposite the

Ghanta Ghar, is an

imposing structure

consisting of a central

dome and four smaller

corner temples. The complex faces a street on its southeast

side and alleys on its three other sides. The alley on its

northwest side connects to the mall road that leads to the

Shalimar Gardens. Several smaller temples dedicated to

different deities surround the principal dome in center.

Another amazing stuff is that from the main silver door of

temple one can pay obeisance to every idol and these idols

are equally attractive from outside the door as they are from

inside. Even historic idol of God "Brahmajee" is placed in

this temple. A replica of this only temple of its kind was

exhibited in the pre-partition Punjab Museum at Lahore.

11. The Shalimar Garden, Kapurthala

The Kapurthala city has a beautiful garden called

Shalimar Garden. One historical building -"Baradari" is

also present in the Shalimar Garden where Maharaja

216

Ranjit Singh and Maharaja Fateh Singh had met. In this

historic garden, there

are "Samadhis" of former

rulers of Kapurthala

state with excellent art

work on them. These

shahi samadhis in the

garden emphasize the

traditions of its ruling

dynasty. There beautiful gate, park and a small pond at

the entrance enhance the beauty of Shalimar Gardens. It

also has a library. The Basant Panchmi Mela is organised

every year in this historic garden.

12. Kanjli Wetland

Kanjli is a wetland of national importance. This manmade

lake is situated on the outskirts of Kapurthala, on the

banks of river

Bein. It is located

on the Kali Bein at

21o 32’ N latitude

and 75o 76’ E

longitude. It was

created in 1870 by

constructing the

head works across the perennial Bein River, a tributary

of the Beas River to provide irrigation facil ities to the

hinterland. The rich biodiversity of the wetland

comprised aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna

including some important species of plants and animals.

It was recognized internationally by the Ramsar

Convention in 2002 by designating the Kanjli Lake in the

217

list of wetlands of international importance. It has

immense ecological significance and supports a large

variety of aquatic flora and fauna. It is a home to

migratory birds in winter, surrounded by natural

scenery. It is a place worth visiting.

13. Takht-i-Akbari, Kalanaur

The small town of Kalanaur is situated about 70 km

north-east of Amritsar, has the pride of place for having

witnessed the coronation of Akbar on February 14, 1556

as emperor of India by

his guardian Bairam

Khan after the news of

Humayun's death. Akbar,

at that time, was

camping at Kalanaur in

order to direct the

campaign against

Sikandar Shah Sur, the

Afghan pretender to the throne who had taken refuse at

Mankot in Jammu region. The Takht-i-Akbari is a simple

square platform of brick, coated with plaster. A tank in

the centre of platform added to its beauty. The water of

this tank overflows down the scalloped chutes of red-

painted plaster into four miniature reservoirs at the

bottom of the platform. Little flight of steps on e ither side

of the chutes leads on the platform from every side except

the west. On this side of the throne, a plain brick

structure with single front step extending its full length

is v isible.

218

14. Harike Wildlife Sanctuary

Harike wetland is a shallow water storage reservoir. It

came into being as a result of construction of barrage in

1952 at the confluence of

rivers Beas and Sutluj

near Harike township

with the very objective of

storing and providing

irrigation and drinking

water to the parts of

Southern Punjab and the

adjoining state of Rajasthan. Prior to the construction of

barrage, the area presently occupied by lake was a

marshy pond with lot of aquatic vegetation and wildlife.

Harike Lake, 30 o 31’ N, 75o 12’ E forms a part of larger

wetland system in the districts of Amritsar, Ferozpur and

Kapurthala. The larger wetland area stretches from

village Gidderpindi along river Sutlej till the village

Kirtowal downstream. The lake is triangular in shape,

with its in apex in the west, a bandh called the Dhussi

Bandh also called L.M.B. forming one side, a canal, the

second and a major Road, the third.

The wetland area is spread over an expanse of about

148 Sq. km. of which 41 Sq.km. is open water. It is

situated approximately 55Km. South of Amritar, 83 Km.

from Jalandhar v ia Lahian, 70, Km. from Kapurthala via

Gidderpindi, 56Km. from Ferozpur via Zira and 150Km.

from Chandigarh North West.

It is approachable both by bus and rail. The nearest

railway station is Makhu which is only 5 Km. from

Harike. It is possible to reach by bus from Jalandhar,

219

Amritsar, Kapurthala and Ferozpur. The nearest airport

is Rajasansi international airport .

15. Samadh of Shravan, Amritsar

This destination is located about 6 kilometers from

Ajnala near Jastarwal earlier known

as Dashrathwal. This monument is

one of the oldest heritage spots in

Amritsar. It belongs to the

Ramayana period.

A legend has it that Shravan

lies buried here after he fel l from

the arrow of King

Dashrath, the lord of

Ayodhya. The smadh is

situated on the banks of

an old rivule t. Over the

years, Shravan has

become a role model for

fi lial affection and

devotion to parents. This

monument can be developed as a pilgrimage by taking

required efforts.

16. Ram Tirath, Amritsar

The Ram Tirath Temple is one of the prime attractions in

Amritsar. It is located 30 km west of Amritsar on Chogawan

road, the place dates back to the period of Ramayana. This

historical temple is a famous place of pilgrimage for the

Hindus. The main attractions of this place are beautiful

sculptured scenes from ancient Sanskrit epic. It was the

site of Sage Valmiki's hermitage and the place where Sita,

220

the consort of Lord Rama had taken refuge and given birth

to her twin sons. The place has an ancient tank and many

temples. The Ramayana

was composed here. A hut

marks the site where Mata

Sita gave birth to Luv and

Kush and also, still existing

is Rishi Balmiki's hut.

There is a well with stairs

where Mata Sita used to

take her bath. The famous

battle between Luv-Kusha and Lord Rama was fought here

in the surrounding forests. The Bedis of Punjab (Guru

Nanak Dev ji, the founder Prophet of Sikhism was a Bedi)

trace their descent from Kush and Sodhis (the 10th Prophet

of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh ji was a Sodhi) from Luv.

Every year a seven days fair is organized here and a

number of pi lgrimages come here to pay their homage. A

dip in the crystal clear tank is also a part of the rituals

for devotees.

6.3 Basic Requirements for Tourist Destination Development

It’s a well known fact that there can be no tourism

without a destination. When people travel, they go to some

particular place. For a destination to develop and sustain

itself there must be a presence of certain elements. These

elements are interrelated and have to function properly

with coordination of each other. Authors have provided the

six elements of destination development which are

extremely vital to the success of any destination. These

elements are popularly known as six A’s of Tourism.

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Figure 6.2

Diagram showing Basic Requirements of Tourism Destination Development

Accessibility–This refers to the transport and

transport infrastructure to reach the destination.

Tourists look for comfort and hassle-free travel. There

are many important factors such as comfort, cost,

convenience, time for travelling, and safety which need

to be considered before undertaking a journey. Tourists

look forward to smooth travel in terms of regular

schedules, well developed network of roads, railway

lines, airports and adequate means of safe transport.

Accommodation–It plays a central role in the

development of tourism. Every tourist needs a place to

stay and relax. Tourists look for clean, hygienic and

well maintained accommodation with a comfortable

bed, clean linen, and sanitary faci lities with adequate

hot and cold water supply. Without suitable

222

accommodation there would be no tourism as

accommodation is the temporary home of the tourist at

the destination.

Amenities–It refers to the facilities available at the

destination which help in meeting the needs and wants

of tourists. Tourist amenities include food and beverage

facilities, drinking water, Electricity, good

communication network, local transport, automatic

teller machine (ATMs), proper garbage and sewage

disposal systems, medical facilities, etc.

Attractions–This is the principle reason for

undertaking travel to a particular destination.

Attractions are classified into four categories such as

Natural attractions, Human made attractions, Cultural

attractions, Social attractions.

Activities–A number of activ ities may be available at

the destination to suit various age groups and social

backgrounds. Tourists may be attracted to a

destination for any activity which helps them to spend

their time with pleasure.

Affordability–Tourist should be able to afford the trip

in terms of transport cost, accommodation charges,

entrance fees and other expenses. It means that the

trip should be affordable in both time and money. Tour

operators should prepare the package tours keeping

affordability in mind.

A successful destination should have a good

balance between these six ‘A’s and ensure that there is

something to see and do for people of different ages and

223

backgrounds so that a large number of people v isit the

destination (Roday, 2010).

6.4 Initiatives Taken by the Government

Department of tourism and Punjab Heritage and

Tourism promotion Board with the help of funds from

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the loan from

Asian Development Bank is conserving the numerous

monuments across the state in order to preserve the

heritage of Punjab.

Asian Development Bank has conducted a feasibility

study to identify the tourism potential sites in the state. ADB

has identified a list of projects to be executed under “The

India Inclusive Infrastructure Development Project” on behalf

of Government of India. An array of projects for tourism

development is to be carried out in the next five to ten years

on the basis of recommendations from UNWTO Master Plan.

Table 6.3

Amounts Sanctioned for the Development of Destinations (Rs. in lacs)

Sr. No. Year Name of Destination Amount Sanctioned

1 2005-06 Development of Sheesh Mahal 145.77

2 2005-06 Quila Chowk 13.04

3 2006-07 Moorish Mosque 26.62

4 2006-07 Shalimar Bagh 155.16

5 2006-07 Panchmandir 27.7

Source: Compiled from Project Documents, Department of Tourism, Punjab.

224

Table 6.3 depicts the amounts sanctioned by the

central government that has provided for the preservation

and promotion of untapped tourist destinations. However

the funds were so thinly distributed that it was not possible

to fabricate all the elements necessary for the successful

destination development. The successful development of a

destination requires easy accessibility, clean

accommodation, basic amenities, special attractions and

ample activ ities for v isitor from different age groups and

socioeconomic backgrounds, besides being affordable in

terms of time and money.

Conclusion

Punjab as a state has been considered largely as a

transit point by the domestic and foreign tourists visiting

Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, there is much

more to it. There are so many destinations which are not

looked after seriously. If these destinations are properly

developed and supported by requisite infrastructure, Punjab

has considerable potential to be promoted as an important

tourist attraction, and a destination point rather than a

transit point to both the domestic and foreign tourists

visiting northern region of India. Though state government

has taken various initiat ives to tap the untapped potential

of the state but it is mostly in an unintended way. These

destinations lack any of the required six A’s of destination

development. Punjab Tourism should give due importance to

the overall destination development and promotion to fully

tap the potential of these destinations.

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