Paper 13: Destination Management

Module 03: Tourist Circuits

THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Principal Investigator Prof. S. P. Bansal

Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi University, Rewari

Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Prashant K. Gautam

Director, UIHTM, Panjab University, Chandigarh
Prof. Nimit Chaudhary
Paper Coordinator
Head of Department, Hotel, Hospitality & Heritage studies,
Jamia Millia Islamia
Ms. Sonam Angmo
Content Writer
Senior Sales Executive, Inbound
B2B Hospitality Pvt.Ltd

Content Reviewer Prof. Monika Prakash

Nodal Officer, IITTM , Noida
ITEMS DESCRIPTION OF MODULE
Subject Name Tourism And Hospitality Management
Paper Name Destination Management
Module Title Tourist Circuits

Module Id Meaning and Concept of Tourist Circuits, Their Importance in

Destination Development and Process of Identification of
Tourist Circuits
Pre- Requisites Module no-3
Objectives Basic knowledge about tourist circuit

Keywords To study the meaning and concept of tourist circuits, their

importance in destination development and process of
identification of tourist circuits

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Learning Outcome
2. Introduction
3. Concept , Features and Types of Tourist Circuit

3.1 Meaning, Concept and Definitions of Tourist Circuit

3.2 Types of Tourist Circuit

4. Importance of Tourist Circuits in Destination Development and Process of

Identification of a Tourist Circuits

4.1 Importance of Tourist Circuits in Destination Development

4.2 Process of Identification of a Tourist Circuit

4.3 Short tours and detours as value added products

 4.4 Popular tourist circuits in India which add to the importance of destinations
5. Summary

QUADRANT-I
1. Learning Outcome
After completing this module students will be able to:
i. Understand the concept of Tourist Circuits
ii. Know the importance of tourist circuits in destination development
iii. Understand various types of tourist circuits
iv. Understand the process of identification of a tourist circuit
v. Know popular tourist circuits of India

MEANING AND CONCEPT OF TOURIST CIRCUIT, IMPORTANCE OF

TOURIST CIRCUITS IN DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT &
IDENTIFICATION PROCESS OF TOURIST CIRCUITS

2. Introduction
The term tourist circuit forms a very important part of the travel and tourism industry. It
is the foundation of travel itineraries and contributes immensely to the development of a
destination where the circuit is located. Travelling is no longer a luxury now. More and
more people opt to travel due to increase in living standards, disposable income, more
leisure time, paid holidays, etc. Moreover, development of tourist circuits helps to
diversify tourism products and experiences. This diversification can benefit small
businesses in rural areas and bring together a network of stakeholders like the
government, associations, local communities and private sector. Therefore, the concept of
tourist circuits has gained a lot of relevance in the recent times.
The movement of tourists within a circuit can be used to generate a significant amount of
economic impact especially in remote locations. This could be done more effectively by
developing the circuits around various themes to attract visitors and increase their length
of stay at the destination. Be it a rural circuit, a desert circuit or a wildlife circuit, a
destination can bring out as many themes as available with it and present them to the
tourists who can choose them based on their preferences. To develop such thematic
circuits, a detailed and systematic identification process needs to be undertaken wherein
tourist destinations are screened and the most promising ones are selected based on
discussion and consultation between different stakeholders. And thus, fully fledged
tourist circuits are formed.
In recent times, day excursions and detours are increasingly getting popular as they help
to add a sense of novelty and unique experience to the tourist circuit. The tourist can
enjoy these without having to travel a lot and without spending on overnight stays.
Further research can be done on popular circuits to maximize the overall tourist
experience and to economically benefit the local communities of these destinations.

3. Concept of Tourist Circuit, Definitions, Features and Types of Tourist

Circuit

3.1 Tourist Circuit: A tourist circuit can be defined as a route which has at least
three major destinations located on it such that none of them exist in the same
town, city or village. These destinations should not be separated by a long
distance and should have well defined entry and exit points. A tourist will cover
all the destinations of the particular circuit during his/her tour.

It helps to increase the number of visits to all these destinations as well as the length
of stay of the tourists. The tourists can visit all the destinations located on the circuit
which benefits them as well as the destinations they are visiting. It brings to attention
such areas or experiences or activities which are new and fascinating or of a special
interest to the tourists. Thus, offering a mixed bag of scenic beauty, historical sites,
cultural diversity etc.

The Term ‘tourist circuit’ has been defined by many scholars who can be understood
with the help of following definitions:
  A pleasure trip which includes two or more countries by a resident of third
country.
–
Cullinan et al
 A tourist circuit is defined as a route on which at least three major
destinations are located in different areas but within such distance that
tourists can and would like to cover them in a sequence.
–
MOT, 2008
 Circuit tourism involves visits to more than one destination during a trip
away from home.

–
Hotelmule.com,2011

Thus, the main features of a tourist circuit are:

a) It should have at least three major destinations: This is the foremost requirement
of a tourist circuit. It needs to have at least three major destinations to form a
proper circuit.
b) None of them should exist in the same town, city or village: None of the major
destinations of the circuit should be located in the same town, city or village of
the destination.
c) It should not be separated by a long distance: The distance between each of the
destinations should be long to form a circuit. These should not be located too
close.
d) It should have well defined entry and exit points: The circuit should a proper entry
point from where the tourists can enter as well as an exit point from where the
tourists can exit.
 None of them
exist in the same Should not be
city/town/village separated by long
distance

Has atleast three

major Should have well
destinations defined entry and
located on it exit points
Features of a
Tourist
Circuit

3.2 Types of Tourist Circuits

Tourist circuits can either be developed within a state or across two or more states. These
can be classified according to different types. Common types of tourist circuits are:
i. Heritage Tourist Circuits: With a civilization as old as 500 years or more, modern
India is an ideal destination for heritage tourism. Be it monuments, museums or
historical buildings, India has an abundance of tangible resources. Heritage means the
traditions, languages or buildings that were created in the past and still have historical
importance. Thus, heritage tourism is oriented towards cultural heritage of a destination.
It can include monuments, historical buildings, artefacts, performing arts, festivals,
traditions etc. Heritage tourist circuits help to preserve culture and identity as well as
help to build harmony and understanding among people. There are 35 World Heritage
Sites in India.
A heritage tourist circuit is one which includes destinations of historical/heritage value.
The main emphasis of such heritage circuits is to preserve our rich heritage and revive
old customs and traditions. The overall purpose is to gain an appreciation of the past. It
can also include marketing of a destination to members of a diaspora who have distant
family roots.
Example of Heritage Circuit: Varanasi-Khajuraho-Agra.

Varanasi is the oldest city in India and is famous for its temples and Ghats. Khajoraho is
famous for its erotic temples while Agra is famous for the world renowned Taj Mahal.

ii. Wildlife Tourist Circuits: Wildlife includes the native fauna and flora of a
region. Wildlife tourism involves watching wild animals in their natural habitat. Non
consumptive interactions with wildlife such as such as photographing animals are also
an important feature of this type of tourism. Wildlife tourism is popular in African and
South American countries, Australia, Canada, India, Maldives, Indonesia, Sri Lanka etc.
It includes offering tour packages and safaris to tourists so that they have a closer view
of wildlife. It has a touch of adventure to it and supports values of eco tourism and
nature conservation programs.

A wildlife tourist circuit is one which includes destinations with wildlife sanctuaries and
national parks. The main emphasis of such circuits is to preserve wildlife in their natural
form.

Example of Wildlife Tourist Circuit:

Corbett-Ranthambore-Bharatpur-Bandhavgarh-Kanha.

This circuit is famous for mostly famous for tigers and jungle safaris.

iii. Religious Tourist Circuits: India is home to a varied set of religions and faiths.
Each religion has its own sacred destinations which are a must visit in one’s
lifetime. Be it churches, temples, monasteries or mosques, India is the perfect
destination for religious tourism. Although Hinduism is in majority in the
country, religions like Islam, Christianity and Buddhism also have a sizeable
 portion of the population along with niche religions like Sikhism, Jainism, and
Vaishnavism, Jewish etc.

A religious tourist circuit is one which includes destinations for pilgrimage,

missionary or leisure purposes. The main emphasis of such circuits is to visit
holy cities/destinations connected to a particular religion.
Example of Religious Tourist Circuit:
Lucknow-Sravasti-Kushinagar-Gorakhpur-Varanasi-Bodhgaya-Rajgir-
Nalanda-Patna.

These are main destinations of Buddhist Circuit tour.

iv. Tribal Tourist Circuit: 'According to Terry Ward, journalist and travel writer,
“Tribal Tourism is a new form of travel in which tourists visit tribal villages in
order to be exposed to a culture completely different from their own.”. From the
heavenly North East to the blissful Odisha, from Chhattisgarh to Jharkhand,
India has eight percent of the total tribal population. The tribals are known for
their age old traditions, culture, traditions, festivals, craftsmanship etc.

The main emphasis of such a tribal tourist circuit is to preserve their culture,
traditions, and rituals and make tourists aware about the same.

Example of Tribal Circuit:

Sibsagar-Mon-Majuli-Ziro-Daporijo-Basar-Dibrugarh
These are tribal destinations of the north eastern states of Assam, Nagaland and
Arunachal Pradesh.
v. Rural Tourist Circuit: Rural tourism is a form of tourism which involves
seeing rural life, art, culture and heritage in rural areas where local communities
are benefitted economically and socially. This enables interaction between the
tourists and locals and leads to an enriching experience.
It involves actively participating in a rural lifestyle. It is a variant of eco tourism
and can be agricultural tourism, experiences and experiential tourism,
 community eco tourism, ethno tourism etc. The main emphasis of such a circuit
is to give the tourists a feel of village lifestyle and to enable some interaction
between the tourists and the locals.
A rural tourist circuit is one which has rural destinations located on it.
Example of Rural Tourist Ciruit:
Wayanad-Attapadi-Thrikkaipetta-Wayanad-Kochi
These are villages in Kerala.
vi. Desert Tourist Circuit: Desert Tourism involves travelling to desert
destinations with beautiful landscapes and adventure activities. India is known
for its rich bio diversity and deserts remain an interesting region for a lot of
people. Sand dunes, camel rides, bonfires and cultural dance all add up to make
a complete tour. Desserts are spread out in Thar Rajasthan, Ladakh, Hiachal
Pradesh and Rann of Kutch.
A desert tourist circuit is one which includes deserts destinations.
Example of Desert Tourist Circuit:
Jodhpur-Jaisalmer-Bikaner
These are the desert destinations of Rajasthan.
vii. Coastal Tourist Circuit: Coastal tourism is based on the concept of resource
combination of land and sea environments-: sun, water, beaches, scenic views,
biological diversity (birds, whales, and corals), sea food etc. India has a long
coastline with beautiful beaches. Coastal tourism is based on a combination of
land and sea environment. It is spread out in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka, Gujarat, Odisha etc.

A costal tourist circuit is one which has coastal destinations in it.

Example of Coastal Tourist Circuit:
Port Blair-Havelock-Neil Island-Port Blair
These are the coastal destinations of Andamans.
viii. Eco Tourist Circuit: Eco tourism is travelling to destinations which are
ecologically fragile, pristine and protected. The aim of this type of tourism is to
minimize the impact of tourism and keep it small scale. Eco circuits are spread
in areas of the Himalays, North East states, Western Ghats, Jharkhand,
Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands.
An eco tourist circuit is one which includes travel to ecologically fragile
destinations.
Example of Eco Tourist Circuit: Guwahati-Kaziranga-Manas-Guwahati

Besides the above mentioned circuits, the Ministry of Tourism has also recently
started Ramayana circuit,Krishna circuit,Sufi circuit, Sikh circuit, Christian
circuit, Jain circuit, Parsi circuit etc under its Swadesh Darshan plan.
4. Importance of Tourist Circuits in Destination Development:
4.1 As seen from above points, it is clear that tourist circuits connect important
destinations on a route which are of tourist value. They play a vital role in the
development of a destination. Hence, importance of Tourist Circuits in
Destination Development can be stated as:
i. Circuits can be developed around a particular theme to attract visitors
and to increase the length of their stay at the destination.
ii. These can be used to diversify the range of tourism products and
experiences which are provided at the destination
iii. Tourist circuits can help to spread benefits to small businesses and
rural communities while reducing pressure on most frequently visited
areas such as World Heritage Sites.
iv. These can also be used to bring together a network of stakeholders-
government, associations, local communities, private sectors etc. All
these stakeholders work together and cooperate effectively in order to
market and conserve the destination.
 You can understand the importance of tourist circuit in destination development with the
help of a caselet, let’s take the case of the famous Golden Triangle. It includes main
destinations of Delhi-Agra and Jaipur with detours at Sikandra and Fatehpur Sikri.
a) Now Golden triangle circuit has helped in increasing footfalls to all the
destinations (Delhi,Agra, jaipur, Sikandra and Fatehpur Sikri) which are
located on this route.
b) The circuit has helped in economic development of these destinations by
attracting tourists to even the remote and rural areas like Fatehpur Sikri and
Sikandra.
c) Tourism has got a boost in these destinations and when this has happened,
heritage of these places is also preserved simultaneously be it Taj Mahal of
Agra or Red fort of Delhi or Amber Fort Of Jaipur.
d) All monuments and heritage sites of Golden Triangle circuit have been
maintained properly and at regular intervals.
e) Development of this circuit has also led to infrastructure development in the
 destinations like interpretation facilities, souvenir shops, eateries, ATMs etc.
f) Local art and craft has also got promoted as villages and small businesses are
visited by tourists on the route.
g) Connectivity to these destinations has automatically improved as tourist influx
has grown. Be it airport, railway stations, better quality roads etc
h) This has leads to skill development of local communities in these destinations.
A lot of local tourist guides are skilled in foreign languages at many
monuments like the Taj Mahal.
i) Local communities have got employed and revenue has been earned by local
people-be it small stall vendors, local eateries etc.

4.2 Process of Identification of a tourist Circuit: You now know about tourist
circuits and how they aid in development of a destination. Now, you must
understand what process goes into identifying a tourist circuit. Following are the
steps involved in the process of identification of a tourist circuit:
i. The first step in identifying a tourist circuit is to list the destinations which can
make up a tourist circuit. This screening will involve understanding the
tourism potential and connectivity of the destinations so that tourist can easily
travel to and from these destinations.
ii. The next step involves screening of the most promising destinations by
consulting and discussing with the State Governments, Union Territories,
travel and tourism representatives, and private sector.
iii. Once the priority destinations are screened, the destination is checked for
carrying capacity. According to World Tourism Organisation,’ The maximum
number of people that may visit a tourist destination at the same time, without
causing destruction of the physical, economic, socio-cultural environment and
an unacceptable decrease in the quality of visitors' satisfaction”. The
destination is assessed if it can bear a certain number of tourists without
causing harm to the resources of the destination.
 iv. After checking for carrying capacity, it is time to assess the infrastructure gap
that exists at these promising destinations. Be it better quality of roads,
electricity, internet connection, way side amenities, modes of transportation,
management of tourist attractions etc.
v. When assessment of infrastructure gap is done, it is time to develop a master
plan which will give a detailed description of the circuits and how they should
be developed within a certain time period.
vi. The next step after developing a master plan is to implement and execute the
master plan according to desired objectives.
vii. A final report is submitted at the last which outlines whether the destinations
have the potential to become a full fledged tourist circuit or not.

4.3 Short Tours and Detours at a destination as value added products:

Whenever you talk about tourist circuits, there are a couple of destinations on the route
which are offbeat/fascinating/new/offer a unique experience etc.You take a short
excursion or detour to reach that destination. It could be something as simple as learning
to make a chapatti (flat bread) on a traditional stove in a village to something grand and
luxurious like visiting a Haveli (mansion) en route to a certain destination. Such
experiences are unique and fascinating to the tourists and can sometimes be equally
appealing as the main attraction on the circuit. The tourist will be motivated to go for
these short tours and detours as they provide value addition to the total bundle of
experiences of the tourist.

The tourist, in such a scenario, has the flexibility to return to the destination or continue
to the next main destination without having to do a night stay. This saves him the cost of
accommodation and adds to his list of attractions. At the same time, small businesses and
local communities get to benefit from such tours. The tourists consumes food at a local
restaurant, shops for souvenirs from the local shops, learns about the culture and
traditions of the local people, buys local handicrafts from the artisans, spends a night at a
home stay and so on and thus, goes enriched from the destination having learnt a lot
about that destination and about the local people.
On the other hand, the local community and their small businesses are benefitted by the
tourists. Local people take pride in their culture and traditions when they see tourists
taking interest in their way of life. This also helps to preserve customs, traditions and
monuments of such small areas and towns. They get more jobs at restaurants and eateries,
they are able to produce more art and craft items for the tourists, and they invest more in
their local handicrafts. So, short tours and detours add to the benefits of both the
destination as well as the tourist. It is a win-win situation for both.

Some popular examples of short tours and detours on popular tourist circuits include
a) Fatehpur Sikri on Delhi-Agra-Jaipur (Golden Triangle) Circuit:
b) Orccha on Jhans-Orchha-Khaujraho circuit
c) Srirangapatna on Bangalore-Mysore-Ooty circuit
d) Day excursion to Kufri on Shimla-Manali circuit
e) Day excursion to Rohtang Pass on Shimla-Manali circuit
f) Day excursion to Double Decker Living Root Bridge on Guwahati-Shillong-
Cherrapunji-Shillong-Guwahati circuit.

4.4 Popular tourist Circuits in India where they add to the importance of the
destinations:

1. Golden Triangle circuit: (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur)

The Golden triangle is so called because of the triangular shape formed by the
destinations of Delhi,Agra and Jaipur on a map. This circuit has the charm of the national
capital Delhi with its busy, narrow streets of Chandani Chowk, magnificent buildings of
Lutyens's Delhi ; to the world famous Taj Mahal of Agra- symbolic of eternal love and
beauty; to the forts and places of Jaipur. Which are a must see on a tourist's mind. This is
the most visited circuit in India and has some of the best monuments and bazaars in the
country.

2. Bangalore-Mysore-Ooty circuit:
This circuit is one of the most famous in South India. The centre of India's high tech
industry, it is also known as the Silicon Valley of India. Mysore is the urban area of
Karnataka and is famous for Mysore place and gardens. Ooty is a beautiful hill station in
the Nilgiris and is frequented by tourists all the year round.

3. Himachal tour circuit: Shimla-Kullu-Manali-Dalhousie-Dharamshala

Himachal is famous for its prisine beauty, landscape and snow caped peaks. It is also
famous for trekking, climbing and skiiing.All these destinations are located close to the
national capital Delhi and make the perfect holiday destination for families and young
people.

4. Buddhist Circuit Tour: Varanasi - Bodhgaya - Ragjir - Nalanda - Patna - Vaishali -

Kushinagar - Lumbini - Sravasti - Lucknow – Agra- Sankasa
Buddhist circuit tour covers all the holy places associated with the life and teachings of
Lord Buddha. Pilgrims come from all over the world to visit these holy places and it is
one of the most sought after religious tours in India after Chaar Dhaam Yatra.

5. Kerala Circuit: Cochin-Munnar-Thekkady-Alleppey-Kumarakom

This circuit involves travel to the breathtaking locations and backwaters of Kerala. It is
the most popular circuit in Kerala and offers tourists the main attraction of a Houseboat
stay (locally called Ketuvallam) at the backwaters in Alleppey.

6. South India temple Tour: Chennai-Kanchipuram-Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry-

Thanjavur-Trichy-Madurai
This circuit covers the temple destinations of South India. It is one of the most
popular temple tours of South India and has some of the most magnificent and
legendary temple architecture in India.
 7. Rajasthan Circuit: Jaipur- Bikaner-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Udaipur
This circuit is one of the most famous circuits of Rajasthan. It covers a wide
array of attractions -from forts and palaces to deserts to lakes and a glimpse of
local culture and traditions of Rajasthani people.
8. North East Circuit: Guwahati-Shillong-Cherrapunji-Kaziranga-Guwahati
This circuit is one of the most sought after circuits in North East and opens you
to the mysterious delightfulness of North east. The destinations in this one
include virgin, wild and untouched beauty and scenery away from
modernization and development usually found in all urban and semi urban areas
of India.
9. Kashmir circuit: Srinagar-Gulmarg-Pahalagam-Srinagar
This circuit is the famous circuit of Kashmir. It includes travel to the snow
capped landscape of Gulmarg, the beautiful meadows of Pahalagam and the
beautiful gardens and houseboat of Srinagar.
10. Char Dham Yatra: Hardiwar-Rishikesh-Barkot-Uttarkashi-Gangotri-Uttarkashi-
Srinagar-Gupt Kashi-Rampur-Kedarnath-Rampur-Badrinath-Pipalkoti-Haridwar
These are the most holy destinations in the Chhota Chaar Dhaam Yatra widely
revered by the Hindus and include the main destinations of Yamunotri-
Gangotri-Kedarnath and Badrinath.

5. Summary: A tourist circuit is basically a route which covers at least three major
destinations none of which exists in the same town, city or village. It helps in increasing
the number of visits to all these destinations. It should not be separated by a long distance
and should have well defined entry and exit points. Tourist circuits can be classified
according to different types-heritage, wildlife, tribal, rural, coastal, etc. Tourist circuits
can help to spread benefits to small businesses and rural communities while reducing
pressure on most frequently visited areas such as World Heritage Sites. Short tours and
detours also form a very important part of tourist circuits. There are a couple of
destinations found on every route which are offbeat/fascinating/new/offer a unique
experience etc. Local communities and small businesses benefit from tourist circuits and
short tours and also help to provide an enriching experience to the tourists as well. There
are a number of popular tourist circuits which are the foundation of travel itineraries such
as the Golden Triangle circuit, South India Temple tour circuit, backwaters of Kerala
circuit etc.