AN ANALYSIS OF TOURIST POTENTIAL AND TOURIST FLOW IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR

JOURNAL OF EDUCATION: RABINDRA BHARATI UNIVERSITY
ISSN : 0972-7175
Vol.: XXV, No. :4(IV), 2022 18
AN ANALYSIS OF TOURIST POTENTIAL AND TOURIST FLOW IN JAMMU AND
KASHMIR
Rafiq Ahmad Dar
Email id: Rafiqahmad478@gmail.com
Harris Bin Salam
Email id: Harrisshah302@gmail.com
Abstract: Tourism has an important role in the economic development of any region. It contributes to
GDP, generates employment and provides foreign exchange. So far as tourism and hospitality sectors are
concerned, they are the third largest source of foreign exchange for India. There are hundreds of tourist
places in India which are visited by millions of tourists, both national and international all through the
year. The different states of India have their own uniqueness so far as tourism sector is concerned. Jammu
and Kashmir is unique among all the places of India. Its natural beauty attracts people from all places of
the world. The slopes available at Sonamarg, Pahalgam and Gulmarg provide scope for development of
winter tourism. Bestowed with rich scenic beauty, the snow capped forests in winter draw a great chunk
of tourists from all over the world to Gulmarg the high attitude tourist resort in Kashmir valley. Both
Jammu and Kashmir divisions of the Union territory offers a wide range of places which include leisure
tourism, pilgrim tourism, adventure tourism and much more. The present study is aimed at in order to
analyze the tourist potential and tourist flow in the Jammu and Kashmir union territory.
Key Words: Tourism; Gulmarg; Kashmir; Hospitality.
Introduction
“Tourism is the temporary movement of people to destinations outside their normal places of work and
residence, the activities undertaken during their stay in those destinations and the facilities created to
cater their needs” (Mathieson and Wall, 1982). Tourism has been a significant contributory factor in
developing the economy of any region or nation. Tourism is one of the state major industries. It has
played an important role for developing the economy of any region. The industry has given jobs to a very
large number of people; particularly younger generation generated economic activities in the primary,
secondary and tertiary sector, which owes dependence to a large extent to this industry. Tourism leads to
the development of the whole services industry including transport, hospitality, camping, and retail shops
and in the small scale sectors.
So far as India is concerned, there is a huge tourist potential in the country. It is a land of rich diversity.
From north to south and east to west India is rich in tourism diversity. It offers a wide range of choices
for tourists in the form of beautiful landscape which includes beautiful beaches, snow clad mountains,
beautiful valleys meadows, beautiful lakes and rivers, waterfalls, gardens and much more. These things
attract and force people both national and foreigners to come out of their homes and visit different places
of India.
The tourism industry in India has come a long way from just 15000 tourists in 1950 to 2.64 million in
2000. The foreign tourist arrivals into India too have increased significantly. However it is a different
story that India’s share in world tourism continues to be at a dismal low. But the last couple of year’s

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Vol.: XXV, No. :4(IV), 2022 19
global tourism has witnessed an impressive growth. Globally international tourist arrivals reached 699
million in 2000, almost 50 million more than in 1999.
Jammu and Kashmir is the most beautiful part of India. It is often called as the Crown of India and
Paradise on earth. This northern union territory has a huge tourist potential due to its natural beauty and
different type of environmental setup than rest of India. Tourists from all over the country visit Jammu
and Kashmir to explore this beauty. It has beautiful landscape in the form of snow clad mountains,
gardens, lakes, rivers, meadows and much more. Its beauty has forced poets to write different poems.
The union territory is rich in pilgrim tourism, cultural tourism, adventure tourism. There are hundreds of
tourist places in Jammu and Kashmir which witness rush of people throughout the year.
Even many of the beautiful places haven’t been explored yet. The union territory has two divisions and
they are Jammu and Kashmir. Both the divisions are unique in their own way. This paper studies the
tourist places of both the divisions and their potential.
Study Area
Jammu and Kashmir union territory is the northern part of India. It is located between 33.2778° N,
75.3412°E. It is the most beautiful part of India and has a huge tourist potential. Jammu and Kashmir is
a place with wide cultural and geographical contrasts. The Kashmir valley is a fertile, verdant region
enclosed by the high snowcapped ridges of the Pir-Panjal to the west and south, and the main Himalaya
range to the east. Its population is predominantly Muslim. South of the Kashmir Valley is the region of
Jammu. It includes the city of Jammu, situated on the north Indian plains, a short distance from the rolling
Shawalik hills.
Objectives of the Study
To analyze the tourist potential and flow to Jammu and Kashmir.
To put forward some suggestions, that would be helpful to boost tourism in the Union and territory.
Tourist places in Kashmir valley
Kashmir valley is the most beautiful part of Jammu and Kashmir. It is called as heaven on earth due to
its unimaginable natural beauty. The valley has a number of tourist places which have been brought on
tourist map and there are still many more places which need to be added. The valley is overall beautiful
but there are some places that are world famous and are often visited by tourists all through the year from
different parts of the world. Some of the famous tourist destinations of Kashmir valley are as below:
Gulmarg: Gulmarg means meadow of flowers. A famous hill station and popular skiing destination
often called as winter sports capital of India. It is located 49 kms. From Srinagar city. Situated in the Pir
Panjal Range in the Western Himalayas and lies within the boundaries of Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary.
Pahalgam: Pahalgam in Kashmiri means village of shepherds. Situated on the banks of Lidder River, it
is a popular hill station and tourist destination. The carpet like meadows and crystal clear waters make
this place more beautiful and attracts tourists from all parts of the world. Pahalgam is also famous for
Amaranth yatra that takes place every year in the months of July–August, receiving hundreds of
thousands of tourists. Because of its religious significance and role as a base camp, the town attracts 70%
of visitors to the valley.
Sonamarg: Located in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir valley, Sonamarg means meadow of gold in
Kashmiri language. It is a famous hill station and tourist destination amongst fishers and hikers. Besides
it also has a historical significance as a gateway on the ancient Silk Road, connecting Jammu and
Kashmir with Tibet.

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Doodhpathri: Doodhpathri means valley of milk. A bowl shaped valley and famous hill station with
beautiful alpine meadows of pine and deodar, Doodhpathri is located 42 kms from Srinagar city. The
lush green grasses over the vast meadows and silver shining streams running over the large stones further
increase its beauty.
Dal Lake: Dal Lake is the jewel in the crown of Kashmir and most visited place by tourists and locals
in Srinagar. Dal Lake has a different view in different seasons of the year. Also called as the lake of
flowers, it is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.
The shorelines of the Mughal gardens such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh offer a beautiful view of
the lake and its houseboats cruising along the lake in the colorful shikaras. The lake is visited by millions
of migratory birds during winter.
Manasbal Lake: The Lake is located in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir Valley. The lake is famous
for the large growth of lotus on its periphery that adds to the beauty of the clear and crystal waters of the
lake.
Wular Lake: Located in Bandipora district of Kashmir Valley, Wular Lake is one of the largest fresh
water lakes in Asia. The lake is one of the 49 Indian wetlands designated as a Ramsar site. It is also the
habitat of many species of birds and fish species like Common carp and Rosy Barb.
Chashme Shahi: The fresh water spring also called as Royal spring. The water of the spring is known
for its medicinal values. The spring has also a garden around it and is visited by thousands of tourists
throughout the year. The spring is also the source of many fountains which present a beautiful view.
Shankaracharya Temple: Located on the top of Shankaracharya hill in Srinagar City, the temple is
dedicated to lord Shiva. The temple is one of the oldest temples in Kashmir valley and is a great attraction
for pilgrim tourism.
Hazratbal Shrine: The shrine is located on the left bank of Dal Lake and close to university of Kashmir
and is considered as Kashmir’s holiest Shrine. The Shrine is visited by thousands of people of all faiths.
Tourist places in Jammu division: Jammu is the winter capital of J&K U&T. The city is known as the
city of temples for its ancient Hindu shrines and is the most visited place in the union territory. Jammu
has many places of tourist interest which include palaces like Shri Mata Vaishno Devi,
Bhaderwah, Mubarak Mandi Palace,, Amar Mahal, Bahu Fort, Raghunath Temple, Ranbireshwar
Temple and many more places.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi: The shrine is located on the Trikuta hills at a distance of 48 kms from Jammu
city. A pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is considered to be one of the holiest
pilgrimages. The Holy Cave attracts millions of devotees every year. This is due to the unflinching faith
of the devotees who throng the Shrine from all parts of India and abroad.
Bhaderwah: Also called as land of Snakes and Chota Kashmir, Bhaderwah is a valley bewitching natural
beauty and panoramic vistas’. Bhaderwah offers to tourist a variety of beautiful landscapes, colorful local
fairs, joyous festival mood and unique mosaic of culture. Central to beauty of this saucer valley are the
deodar and kail forests and River Neeru. Its distinctive moods change with the seasons. In winters the
valley is carpeted with snow and in summer and springs it is ablaze with colors of the flowers that
blossom all over the place. A full majestic view of the sylvan Bhaderwah valley with snow – capped
background makes visitors fall in love with Bhaderwah.

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Bahu fort: Located on the banks of River Tawi, the fort is a historic fort. The fort is a religious place,
and within its precincts has a temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. The temple is known locally
as the "Bawe Wali Mata temple". The fort is important is important both from heritage and pilgrim point
of view and is visited by thousands of tourists all through the year.
Amar Mahal Palace: The palace has now been converted into a museum and is an attraction for millions
of tourists. It has many exhibits including a golden throne weighing 120kg, a Pahari miniature, Kangra
miniature paintings, a library of 25,000 antique books, and many rare art collections.
Surinsar and Mansar Lakes: Named after two small villages called as Sana and Sir, the lakes are
designated under Ramsar Convention and are famous tourist attractions. The lakes are an attractive
habitat, breeding and nursery ground for migratory waterfolks.
Raghunath Temple: The temple is located in the main Jammu city and consists of seven Hindu shrines.
The temple has many gods in its complex of shrines, but the presiding deity is Rama – also known as
Raghunath, an Avatar of Vishnu. The temple is a famous pilgrim site in Jammu and Kashmir.
Table - 01
Tourist Flow to Kashmir Valley from 1951-2014 (000 Nos.)
S.no. Year Indians Foreigners Total
1 1951 9.33 1.25 10.58
2 1955 48.19 2.83 51.02
3 1960 63.37 11.19 74.56
4 1965 35.7 7.43 43.13
5 1969 129.75 19.95 149.7
6 1974 148.32 19.3 167.62
7 1978 443.34 59.32 502.66
8 1980 548.49 46.03 594.52
9 1985 465.6 38.02 503.62
10 1995 0.32 8.2 8.52
11 1996 0.37 9.59 9.96
12 1997 7.02 9.11 16.13
13 1998 99.64 10.25 109.89
14 1999 199.9 15.99 215.89
15 2000 104.34 7.58 111.92
16 2001 66.73 5.86 72.59
17 2002 24.67 2.69 27.36
18 2003 182.21 8.96 191.17
19 2004 358.1 18.63 376.73
20 2005 585.7 19.68 605.38
21 2006 412.88 20.01 432.89
22 2007 417.26 24.58 441.84
23 2008 551.04 21.59 572.63
24 2009 577.34 23.91 601.25
25 2010 710.5 25.98 736.48
26 2011 1282.36 32.12 1314.47

ISSN : 0972-7175
Vol.: XXV, No. :4(IV), 2022 22
27 2012 1274.67 37.17 1311.84
28 2013 1142.87 29.14 1172.01
29 2014 1140.45 27.17 1167.62
Source: Directorate of Tourism Kashmir/Jammu
Table - 02
Country-wise number of foreign tourists coming to Kashmir Valley (000 Nos)
Count
ry
19
98
19
99
20
00
20
01
20
02
20
03
20
04
20
05
20
06
20
07
20
08
20
09
20
10
20
11
20
12
20
13
20
14
Canada 0.
2
0.
44
0.
2
0.
08
0.
11
0.
18
0.
33
0.
32
0.
41
0.
45
0.
44
0.
42
0.
27
0.
39
0.
62
0.
68
0.
57
U.S.A. 0.
59
0.
71
0.
5
0.
51
0.
39
0.
56
1.
09
1.
32
1.
33
2.
07
1.
62
1.
33
0.
92
1.
29
2 1.
14
1.
04
France 0.
71
1 0.
26
0.
18
0.
07
0.
23
0.
34
0.
59
0.
76
0.
92
0.
79
1.
04
0.
88
0.
87
1.
08
1.
08
0.
99
Germa
ny
0.
55
0.
98
0.
46
0.
29
0.
18
0.
37
0.
67
0.
68
0.
7
0.
71
0.
66
0.
71
0.
66
0.
97
1.
31
1.
77
1.
45
Italy 0.
94
0.
43
0.
22
0.
22
0.
05
0.
34
0.
49
0.
78
0.
62
0.
8
0.
61
0.
5
0.
33
0.
41
0.
67
0.
63
0.
62
Netherl
and
0.
02
0.
43
0.
11
0.
04
0.
15
0.
19
0.
21
0.
33
0.
23
0.
09
0.
18
0.
48
0.
11
0.
38
0.
22
0.
06
0.
06
Spain 0.
1
0.
27
0.
08
0.
1
0.
03
0.
16
0.
23
0.
36
0.
34
0.
39
0.
38
0.
34
0.
29
0.
39
0.
54
0.
38
0.
37
Switzer
land
0.
05
0.
35
0.
11
0.
29
0.
06
0.
17
0.
27
0.
27
0.
33
0.
22
0.
22
0.
01
0.
18
0.
27
0.
37
0.
3
0.
29
Russia 0.
15
0.
09
0.
02
0.
02
0.
07
0.
1
0.
19
0.
21
0.
26
0.
36
0.
6
0.
67
0.
75
0.
62
1.
16
0.
71
0.
7
S.
Africa
0.
14
0.
66
0.
13
0.
09
0.
04
0.
13
0.
58
0.
79
0.
74
1.
19
0.
97
0.
8
1.
2
1.
49
1.
62
0.
75
0.
74
Malays
ia
0.
17
0.
28
0.
12
0.
11
0.
01
0.
25
1.
5
1.
67
1.
87
1.
56
1.
02
0.
64
1.
72
4.
68
5.
09
2.
48
2.
36
Japan 0.
35
0.
53
0.
37
0.
29
0.
17
0.
27
0.
38
0.
29
0.
21
0.
25
0.
18
0.
3
0.
15
0.
31
0.
36
0.
38
0.
36
Austral
ia
0.
2
0.
36
0.
23
0.
17
0.
07
0.
24
0.
51
0.
61
0.
6
0.
71
0.
71
0.
55
0.
6
0.
78
0.
98
0.
92
0.
88
Newze
aland
0.
05
0.
5
0.
06
0.
02
0.
02
0.
06
0.
13
0.
18
0.
14
0.
18
0.
31
0.
18
0.
17
0.
16
0.
23
0.
31
0.
29
Iran 0.
05
0.
5
0.
06
0.
02
0.
02
0.
06
0.
13
0.
18
0.
14
0.
01
0.
12
0.
05
0.
03
0.
2
0.
15
0.
1
0.
08
Belgiu
m
0.
2
0.
31
0.
41
0.
18
0.
04
- 0.
18
0.
16
0.
18
0.
23
0.
18
0.
25
0.
17
0.
19
0.
27
0.
32
0.
28

ISSN : 0972-7175
Vol.: XXV, No. :4(IV), 2022 23
U.K. 0.
55
0.
84
0.
43
0.
42
0.
36
0.
12
0.
13
1.
4
1.
69
1.
8
1.
88
1.
61
1.
45
1.
36
2.
15
2.
41
2.
31
Swede
n
0.
16
0.
28
0.
08
0.
07
0.
07
0.
85
0.
25
0.
15
0.
09
0.
1
0.
16
0.
24
0.
12
0.
21
0.
25
0.
29
0.
27
Others 5.
12
7.
53
3.
79
2.
78
0.
8
4.
63
11
.2
9.
57
9.
51
12
.5
10
.5
13
.8
16 17
.1
18
.1
14
.4
13
.5
Total 10
.3
16 7.
58
5.
86
2.
69
8.
96
18
.6
19
.7
20 24
.6
21
.6
23
.9
26 32
.1
37
.2
29
.1
27
.2
Table - 03
Yatries coming to Vaishno Devi Ji and Amar Nath Ji holy caves (Yatries in lakh numbers)
S.no. Year Amarnath Ji Holy Cave Vaishno Devi Ji
1 1950-51 NA 0.03
2 1955-56 NA 0.06
3 1960-61 0.04 (1963) 1.6
4 1965 0.07 2.3
5 1967 0.08 2.12
6 1974 0.07 5.81
7 1977 0.12 8.16
8 1978 0.14 8.82
9 1980 0.2 12.13
10 1985 0.42 14.85
11 1990 0.05 21.69
12 1995 0.6 40.12
13 1996 1.2 43.35
14 1997 0.79 44.34
15 1998 1.5 46.22
16 1999 1.14 44.81
17 2000 1.73 51.1
18 2001 1.19 50.57
19 2002 1.11 44.32
20 2003 1.53 54
21 2004 4 61.1
22 2005 3.88 62.52
23 2006 2.65 69.5
24 2007 2.14 72.22
25 2008 4.98 65.76
26 2009 3.74 82.35
27 2010 4.55 87.49
28 2011 6.35 101.15

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Vol.: XXV, No. :4(IV), 2022 24
29 2012 6.21 104.95
30 2013 3.54 93.24
31 2014 3.73 78.02
NA: Not Available Source: Directorate of Tourism Kashmir/Jammu
Table - 04
Number of registered hotels & restaurants
S.no District No. of Hotels No. of Restaurants
1 Jammu 267 4
2 Udhampur 56 20
3 Kathua 8 0
4 Rajouri 31 0
5 Poonch 6 0
6 Doda 10 6
7 Kishtwar 4 2
8 Ramban 17 2
9 Reasi 240 19
10 Samba 10 0
11 Anantnag 84 13
12 Baramulla 39 17
13 Budgam 4 4
14 Kupwara 1 2
15 Shopian 0 0
16 Ganderbal 14 17
17 Srinagar 382 86
18 Kulgam 0 0
19 Pulwama 0 0
20 Bandipora 0 1
Analysis and Discussion
Table 01 Shows that the tourists flow in Jammu and Kashmir has shown a mixed trend from 1951-2014.
Over the years, the flow has both increased and decreased. The national tourist flow has increased from
9330 in 1951 to 1140450 in 2014, whereas the international tourist flow has increased from 1250 to
27170 during the same period. The decrease in tourist flow from 1985 to 1997 is due to turmoil in
Kashmir valley. The year 2011 has shown the greatest tourist flow with 1314470 tourists visiting Jammu
and Kashmir, both nationals and foreigners.
Table 02 shows the tourists from different countries visiting Kashmir Valley from 1998 to 2014. The
tourist flow has increased from 1998 to 2014. Though the numbers are not the expected ones, but the
trend shows an increasing pattern. The international tourists especially from European countries show a

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Vol.: XXV, No. :4(IV), 2022 25
keen interest in visiting Kashmir valley as it offers a wide range of opportunities in the form of snow
skiing, rafting, rowing etc. for them.
The holy caves of Amarnath and Mata Vaishno Devi attract a large number of tourists from all across
the country. Both these places have a great religious significance. Table 03 shows that the number of
pilgrims to these religious sites have increased tremendously from 1951 to 2014. The number of tourists
visiting Mata Vaishno Devi is far more than those visiting Amarnath Cave. The reason behind this is the
lack of peaceful environment in Kashmir valley in the past years. The location of Amarnath cave is
another factor that has discouraged the pilgrim tourists in visiting this holy cave. The cave is located at
a higher altitude that poses different challenges to visitors. But, now the conditions are changing on
ground. With peace returning to Kashmir valley, the number of tourists is increasing with every passing
year, both nationals and foreigners. The recent years has shown a large flow of tourists visiting the
Amarnath Cave.
Infrastructure in the form of hotels, restaurants, roads and railways are the basic requirements for tourists
to visit and stay at a particular place. Table 04 shows the district wise number of hotels and restaurants
in Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar with 382 hotels 86 restaurants occupies the top place. The reason for
this is the presence of beautiful lakes, gardens, springs and other historical and cultural places in the
district. The beautiful and world famous Dal Lake is another reason for this.
Anantnag is also famous for beautiful places and it also has fair number of hotels and restaurants to take
care and meet the needs of the visiting guests.
Other districts like Budgam, Kulgam, Kupwara and Baramulla have a huge tourist potential and there a
number of unexplored sites in these districts which are being brought on the tourist map of Jammu and
Kashmir.
Conclusion and Suggestions
There is no doubt that Jammu and Kashmir has a huge tourist potential. But the number of tourists visiting
the U&T is not at the expected level. There may be different reasons for this. Kashmir Valley over the
years has seen less number of tourists. This has resulted in the loss of tourism sector along with other
sectors. There is an urgent need to boost the tourism of the U&T. This will bring both foreign exchange
and generate employment in the U&T.
After analyzing the Data, some suggestions that would be quiet helpful to boost the tourism in Jammu &
Kashmir are:
There are a number of beautiful unexplored places that need to be brought on tourist map.
The infrastructure in the form of hotels, restaurants and the connectivity like roads to tourist places need
to be developed in other districts as well.
More and more tourist festivals need to be organized and awareness need to spread in different parts of
the country in order to attract more and more tourists to Jammu and Kashmir.
Both electronic and print media would be helpful to promote tourism. Use of catchy photos and
impressive videos can be helpful also to attract people from different parts of the world.

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Vol.: XXV, No. :4(IV), 2022 26
References
Akhtar Javid “Tourism Management in India”, Ashish Publishing House Punjabi Bagh New Delhi,
(1990).
Ahmed N.M, “Management of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir”, Dilpreet publishing House Vishnu
Garden New Delhi, (2004).
Bisht PS “ Tourist Resource and development in Himalayas”- Anamika Publishers and Distributors Pvt
ltd. 4697/3-21 A, Ansari road Daryaganj, New Delhi-110002(2008)
Dewan Parvez “Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh”, Mansa Publisher, distributor importers and exporters
Prahlad street Ansari road Darya Ganj, New Delhi (2004).
Garg, Deeepa “Geography of Tourism”- Mohit Publications 4675/21, Ansari Road, Darya Ganj, New
Delhi-110002 (2009).
Khan A.R. “Geography of Jammu and Kashmir”, Gulshan Books, residency road, Srinagar, Kashmir
(2007).
Mir Ali Mohammad “Geography of Jammu: A Regional Analysis” Dilpreet Publishing House New
Delhi, (2002).
Sharma Subhash Chander “Geography of Tourism” Rajat Publications New Delhi-110002, Ansari
Road Darya Ganj New Delhi, (20002).

AN ANALYSIS OF TOURIST POTENTIAL AND TOURIST FLOW IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR

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AN ANALYSIS OF TOURIST POTENTIAL AND TOURIST FLOW IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR