RURAL TOURISM IN MARUTHAM BASED AREA OF KANADUKATHAN (KARAIKUDI)

RURAL TOURISM IN MARUTHAM BASED AREA OF KANADUKATHAN (KARAIKUDI) ABSTRACT: Rural Tourism is a platform that enables tourists to experience the lifestyle such as arts, culture, architecture, cuisine and crafts of a village in its traditional setting. Rural tourism is usually based in the open countryside, and may include farm or agricultural tourism, eco tourism, cultural tourism, wellness tourism and adventure tourism. It enables a tourist to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and spend a few moments closer to nature. Tourist politics, the environmental, social and economic effects will be investigated and finally locating the best sites of tourism will be investigated in tourist organization management in a given area. The present study discusses about the ways of designing and locating rural tourist sites in a Marutham based area of Kanadukathan, Karaikudi have been explored to showcase their life style. Using a qualitative approach, it investigates the experiences of one particular village which is already popular with visitors and has featured in official tourism development plans. In order to develop this agriculture area into rural tourist spot with the help of the natural resources based on the history, geography, people- their housing typology, landscape, their art, craft & cuisine etc., Keywords: Rural tourism, Life style, Traditional setting, Marutham, Kanadukathan, Karaikudi, Agriculture area.

1. INTRODUCTION: Tourism plays a pivotal role in socio-economic development. It fosters international understanding as a part of “Global Village Concept�. Tourists want a holistic experience. Visit to historical monuments, museums and exposure to culture makes this possible (Bhatia 2005). Activities like entertainment, sports, dance, music, festivals, adventure, cuisine, education, health and business enhance their experience.

With the advancement of transport, communication and improvement in general economic well-being, the demand for tourism has increased concomitantly.

There are four basic services to be provided for Tourists: 1. Travel Arrangements 2. Board and Lodging 1

3. Food 4. Entertainment India offers an experience that very few destinations in the world can offer.

There is a wide variety of choices for a tourist in India which includes a mix of nature, wild life, adventure, culture, architecture, festivals, varied cuisine and shopping. We Indians, therefore have many reasons to be proud of the great tourist resources of our country. The varied tourism products of India include (Dixit M., et al., 2007): •

25 Bio-geographic zones

•

Wildlife

•

Adventure

•

Beaches

•

Inland Water ways

•

27 World Heritage Sites

•

Diverse Culture

•

Art and Craft

•

Fairs and Festivals

•

Rural Experience

•

Shopping

•

Variety of Cuisines

•

Traditional Healing Systems

•

Modern Medical Treatment

Plate 1: Tamil Nadu & its culture

Tamil Nadu, a place of peace and serenity in the far south of the Indian subcontinent with its feet washed by the Indian Ocean, is a paradise for tourists. People who come here go back with an everlasting memory of the land and people. Tamil Nadu is a land of magnificent temples that remain intact exposing the marvel and glory of the Dravidian culture, art, architecture and spiritual values. (Plate 1: Represents the Tamil Nadu & its culture). Numerous festivals and fairs, throughout the year add colour to the scenic beauties at numerous destinations. The ancient glory and modern hub of life mingle amazingly well, giving joy and soothing comforts.

Long, sandy and sunny beaches abound to brace one’s health and enhance happiness.

Although Tamil Nadu is one of the most urbanized states of India, it is mostly a rural 2

land (Tamilnadu Tourism 2011- 2012). Agriculture is the mainstay of life for about three-quarters of the rural population.

Rural tourism will bring people of different cultures, faiths, languages and life-styles close to one another and it will provide a broader outlook of life. It will not only generate employment for the people but it can also develop social, cultural and educational values. In the developed countries, this has resulted in a new style of tourism of visiting village settings to experience and live a relaxed and healthy life style.Rural tourism trips are usually held to coincide with local events and festivals to offer tourists a glimpse of the culture, heritage and traditions of the village they visit.

The main attraction lies with the handmade work of the village artisans and the skilled diversity of these villages. Already Government of India selected some areas to develop Marutham based areas. It’s a live project, since it’s in a small scale process.

So we have decided to take the whole village.

2. RURAL TOURISM: Any form of tourism that showcases the rural life, art, culture and heritage of rural locations in villages and to benefit the local community economically and socially as well as to enable interaction between tourists and local population for a mutually enriching experience can be termed as rural tourism (Sanja P, Z et al 2012).

Plate 2: Concept of Rural Tourism

Source: Dessence (www.dessenceconsulting.com)

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The development of infrastructure in rural areas having potential for tourism is being supported under the existing scheme of destination development. Under this scheme, the thrust is to promote village tourism as the primary tourism product to spread tourism and its socio-economic benefits to rural and its new geographic regions, thereby stopping the exodus from rural to urban areas (Zahed G et al 2012).

The Village Level Council (VLC) is the interactive forum for local community participation in work plan implementation, further supported by other community level institutions. For the visitor, whose expenditure creates revenue for host community service providers; rural tourism adds value through packaged programmers in art & craft imparted by skilled local artisans. Village entertainment groups unveil local history and culture, natural and oral treasures. (Plate 2: Represents the concept of Rural Tourism). The visitor thus comes face to face with India’s rural traditions. So far, 153 rural tourism projects in 28 States/Union Territories have been sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism including 36 rural sites where UNDP has supported for capacity building.

Plate 3: Examples of Rural Tourism in India

Some of the famous projects implemented in India are Chokhi dhani, the colorful essence of Rajasthani culture, Shilparamam, the arts, crafts & cultural village at Hyderabad, Dakshina Chitra, a South Indian cultural heritage and Dilli Haat, a traditional village market for more contemporary needs. (Plate 3: Represents the some examples of Rural Tourism in India).

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3. AKAM THEMES CALLED THINAIS (LANDSCAPES): Akam is further divided into 5 divisions called thinais. The word thinai means ‘land’. These are Kurinji, Mullai, Pālai, Neithal and Marutham. (Plate 4 & 5: Represents the Landscapes). It was felt that each landscape represented its own culture, flora and fauna, and behavior of people. It was felt that the mood and behavior of the characters of each narration

represented

the

characteristics

of

the

landscapes, depending upon the situation (Nirmal selvamony). Three divisions of agathinai: 1.Muthal porul (principal or first thing), 2.Karupporul (Naturocultural element) and 3.Uripporul

Plate 4: Marutham- Crop lands

(Human action) Plate 5: Landscape of Kurinji, Mullai, Palai & Neithal.

4. MARUTHAM TINAI: The most advanced tinai among early Tamilnadu was those who occupied the fertile riverine valleys in Marutham. Houses big and small were found constructed for the purpose of storing food grain, cotton and other materials and also for the residence of the cultivator and his family (Rayson K.A, et al). Table 1: Represents the poetic attributes of Landscape.

Folk dances of marutham: Some of the important Folk dance forms are briefed below. Karagam Dance: A folk dance performed by a performer balancing a decorated pot on his head. Kavadi Attam: the devotees of Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva, perform the dance. Kavadi - a huge bow, richly decorated with peacock feathers, (it is believed that the peacock is the vehicle of Sree Subramanya). (Plate 6: Represents the Marutham & its Lifestyle).

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Table 1: POETIC ATTRIBUTES OF THE LANDSCAPES: Kurinchi

Mullai

Marutham

Neithal

Paalai

Lovers' Heroine Mood

Union of lovers

expresses patient waiting over separation

quarrels, wife's irritability

Heroine

(husband

expresses grief

accused of

over separation

visiting a

Elopement, Longest separation, dangerous journey by the hero

courtesan) Flower

Kurinchi

Mullai (Jasmine)

Marutham

Water lily

Agricultural Landscape

Mountains

Forest, pasture

areas, plain or

Seashore

valley Time

Season/Climate

Winter/Cool and

Late

No specific

No specific

moist

Summer/Cloudy

season

season

Water Buffalo,

Crocodile,

Fatigued elephant,

freshwater fish

shark

tiger, or wolf

Konrai

Mango

Punnai

Cactus

Rivers

Pond

Well, sea

Red soil

Alluvial

elephant, horse,

Deer

bull Crop/Plant

Water

Jackfruit, bamboo, venkai Waterfall Red and black

Soil

soils with stones and pebbles

Occupation

God

Desert

Evening

sunrise

Hill tribes, gathering honey

Murugan

Pastoral and Farmer

agricultural occupations

Thirumal

Sunset

Parched wasteland,

Midnight

Monkey, Animal

Shortly before

Paalai

Sandy, saline soil

Selling fish, salt, fisher folk

Indran(Rain

Varunan (sea

God)

God)

Noon

Summer

dry wells, stagnant water

salt affected soil

Travellers, bandits

Kotravai

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Plate 6: Marutham & its Lifestyle Kavadiyattam literally means dance carrying a kavadi. Poikkal Kuthirai Attam: The performer dresses and pretends as if he is riding a horse and dance to the rhythmic music. Jallikattu (Bull Taming): Jallikattu in Southern districts attracts a large number of tourists. Tourism Department is taking action to strengthen the infrastructure at the popular Jallikattu places to ensure safety for the tourists.

5. KANADUKATHAN – PROJECT LOCATION: Kanadukathan is the heart of the current tourism trail in Chettinad situated in the district of Sivaganga, comprising around 5000 inhabitants. It is the village where the palace of the Rajas and two of the mansions converted into heritage hotels are located, which is a signpost to the architectural heritage of historic Chettinad. The location provides details of Hindu culture, Customs, Practices and Village life.

Visitors can appreciate the peaceful ambience of the large streets of the village set in a semi urban context. Plate 7:Represents the Location map of Kanadukathan, Karaikudi Plate 7: Location map of Kanadukathan, Karaikudi

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5.1. Location: International airport: Tiruchirapalli, 90 km; National airport: Madurai, 90 km; Main town: Karaikudi, Train Station.

5.2. Site Location: A 30.19 acres site is lying in the Kanadukathan, It’s one of the Town Panchayat located in the Sivaganga district, Tamilnadu. It is situated on Karaikudi-Trichy Road at a distance of 13 kms from karaikudi Town and 60 kms from Sivaganga and 80km North side of Madurai. The Total area of the Selection Grade Town panchayat is 8.00Sq.km and Total Number of Streets is 59. (Plate 8 & 9: Represents the site map & proposed site).

5.3. Topography: The site has a Flat terrain. Long patch of water logged in along the length of the site. The nice view of Island pond. Wind direction –WN/ W (6 kph). (Plate 10: Sun path & Wind direction diagram).

5.4. Attraction: Attracts a lot of tourists because of its warm climate, calm environment, sightseeing points like Architecture, Temples, Handmade tiles, Brass metal works, the traditional 'Kottan' or Chettinad basket, Village sandy & Handloom cotton Kandanki saree weaving, enchanting natural resources like Plate 8: Site map

Plate 9: Proposed site for Rural Tourism

Plate 10: Sun path & Wind direction

Plate 11: Site photos

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Vettankudi bird sanctuary, the view of Pillaiyarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar Cave temple etc., Extending to folk art and festivals like Kavadiattam and Karakattam and the traditional Jallikattu bull fight. (Plate 11: Shows some site photos).

Table 2: Infrastructure and Requirement of Rural tourism.

Cultural

Support

Commercial

Conference

Utilities (H2O, Eco friendly spa

hall

gas, power)

Exhibition hall

Solar power

Meditation hall

plant

Library

Village Hut

Waste water

Tourist

treatment plant

Accommodation

Pumping

Shopping center

station

Multipurpose

Parking areas

hall

Seminar Hall

Workshops &

Reception

Sports

Coffee shop

Fishing dock

Multicuisine

Bullock cart

Restaurant

parade

Buffet

Boat house

Mini

Hill top

Restaurant

pavilion

Bar

Landscape

Administration

Children

shops

Workers

Open air theatre

cottage

play area

Handicraft exhibition

House keeping

Tribal Museum

Training center

Service blocks

Tree top hut

Mechanical

Emergency

View towers

room

services

Material Research center

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Plate 12: Site plan of Rural tourism (3D view)

Plate 13: Zoning of Rural tourism

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6. RESULT & DISCUSSION: 6.1. CONCEPT: In the Sangam Age, the Tamil people had a common language and culture.

Tamil people have classified the landscapes into five categories based on the location and land types; they are Kurunji, Marutham, Mullai, Neithal, Pallai. From this the selected the topic was Marutham. It means the land with full of Crop lands. To develop the agriculture area into cultural heritage spot with the help of the natural resources based on the history, geography, people- their housing typology, landscape, their art & craft, cuisine etc., To design the houses with the classical as well as contemporary architecture based on the vernacular principles and also to showcase the rural life, arts, dances, cultural heritage at rural locations based on the Marutham concept.

6.2. RURAL-TOURISM PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN RURAL AREA: The residential places and local shops of crafts as well as open restaurants are among the main projects for tourism. Plate 13: Represents the Zoning of Rural tourism i.e., for Table 2: Represents the Infrastructure and Requirement of Rural tourism to entertain and educate the visitors (Zahed G. et al., 2012). To prepare a master plan for tourism having diverse implications, it is pertinent to appreciate the Physical, Social, Cultural, Economical and Environmental issues in the region. On the basis of size these are classified as private, public and semi- public spaces. While developing Rural Tourism at the basic level consideration of the different features, these are classified as social, cultural, economic and recreation assets. This project was the inspiration of Choki dhani, Rajasthan. Especially to those area where there is beauty of natural elements like mountains, forests, sea, lakes etc. Along with that traditional customs, handicraft of the rural flock, traditional foods and their hosting style and the cultural programmes. In Rajasthan, we can see reflection of these types of programmes in Jaipur and Udaipur especially. Jaipur and other cities of Rajasthan have developed some unique selling proposition to attract domestic and foreign tourists. Some of the hotels of Rajasthan are providing traditional food in a very traditional style. They entertain the tourist in the evening with tradition folk dances and songs. They decorate the hotels with a traditional look of Rajasthan palaces. They are promoting the Rajasthani handicraft and garments. This a glimpse of what Rajasthan is doing to attract the attention of the tourist. Based on this traditional look, this project will also give the traditional look of Marutham area. (Plate 14: The Site 11

plan of rural tourism (3D view) which gives the traditional look). If this project will provide a meaningful holiday and fulfil the expectation of tourist at a reasonable price there is a higher chance that the tourists will make a return visit in future.

6.3. CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS USED: Vernacular architecture is a term used to categorise methods of construction which use locally available resources and traditions to address local needs (Ayesha W., 2012). The materials used for construction and the essential components are as follows. Abodes are usually made of mud or sun-baked bricks, then plastered inside and out, sometimes with mud mixed with hay or even cow dung and whitewashed with lime. Thatch from plants such as elephant grass, paddy, and coconut, stone, brick, clay tiles, metal or other durable materials are used for pukka roofing while various plant materials such as coconut palm, grass, bamboo, thatch or sticks and mud are common for kachcha. Semi-pukka- is a combination of the kachcha and pukka style. Plate 14: Represents the different types of thatch materials. The above said materials are commonly used. Different types of roofs used are Flat roof, Shed roof, Gable roof, Hip roof, Pyramid Hip roof, Dutch Gable roof, Saltbox roof and Cross gabled roof (Laurie Baker 1999). Plate 15: Represents the rural house style.

Plate 14: Different Thatch materials used

7. CONCLUSION: Agriculture, Rural Architect and Rural lifestyle are the principle elements which gives the essence of rural life. In order to improve the rural life these principle elements are very important. Due to the urban influence and also from other factors these elements are disturbed and disappeared. In order to preserve these all elements this project will be the stimulator in future.

The main occupation of Indian villages comprises of agriculture, fishing, weaving, cottage industry, handicrafts etc., Occupation in Indian villages reflects the base of the socio- economic culture prevalent in rural areas of the country. Since in

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Plate 15: Rural House style

the ancient period, the principal occupation of Indian villages is Agriculture, known to be a back bone of India. The following issues leads to downstream of agriculture in contemporary period. Economic issues- an advancement in different and technological sectors which leads to take up new occupations. Political issues- Poor composition of public expenditures, Over-regulation of domestic agricultural trade, Government interventions in labor, land, and credit markets. Environmental issuesClimatic conditions due to Global warming. Hence this Rural tourism project will play a significant role in the development of agriculture.

Rural Tourism is the one and only place which gives the experience of rural lifestyle under one roof. The influence of urban architecture in the village causes stagnation and disappearance of folk building. Therefore, there is a need to preserve, maintain, and find ways of engaging the professional community in preventing the deterioration buildings of traditional architecture. In order to preserve the architectural heritage, implementing the southern rural architect is very important. The future development strategy for rural areas would have to take into account the national building as an element of tourism. Tourism can play a significant role in the economic development of settlements, including those that possess an attractive heritage of folk architecture.

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One of the main principles of rural tourism is locating tourist sites based on the arts, culture, architecture, cuisine and crafts. Without integrating the possibilities of the area as well economic and social issues, the studies could not been completed.

There are some important factors in determining the site location which includes the accepted frame of the village. The frame is important because it can have positive effects on the tourism based on economic and social factors. This is the renowned place in which Chettinad culture and architect are famous in World wide. The project can be done by designing the houses with the classical as well as contemporary architecture based on the vernacular principles and also by showcasing the rural life, arts, dances, cultural heritage at rural locations based on the Marutham concept.

Rural tourism is the main driver of economic growth/employment generation in more than 80 countries. This could help in boosting the local performing arts and help conserve the local culture and can prevent rural –urban setting. In the developed countries, this has resulted in a new style of tourism of visiting village settings to experience and live a relaxed and healthy lifestyle. Developing and promoting rural tourism destination will definitely fetch foreign exchange and thereby improving the economy of a developing country like India. The study concludes that the socioeconomic living conditions of the community of village are very poor and that empowerment and participation of the community in tourism could be an answer to their problems. Making tourism businesses more sustainable will foster the industry’s growth, create more and better jobs, consolidate higher investment returns, benefit local development and contribute to poverty reduction, while raising awareness and support for the sustainable use of natural resources. The community also felt that by communicating their knowledge and experience they would be able to help other communities in their own development. The tourists look for quality environment and meaningful experience. 78% for the respondents are interested for rural tourism, if the trip can bring pleasure and relaxation of body and mind. Once in a year, urbanites have expressed their interest to go for rural tourism. Due to the rapid industrialization the rural peoples are forced to move out of the villages. As a result, peoples especially children do not know what constitutes a village. From this project, the parents are keen interest to show their children the idyllic surroundings of our native villages. If this project will provide a meaningful holiday and fulfil the expectation of tourist at a reasonable price there is a higher chance that the tourists will make a return visit in future. Both short-term and long-term planning, implementing and monitoring are 14

vital in avoiding damage to rural areas. Environmental management, local involvement, sound legislation, sustainable marketing, and realistic planning are crucial for development of rural tourism.

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