PILGRIMAGE-BASED TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN GONDAVALE, SATARA DISTRICT: A GEOGRAPHICAL ASSESSMENT OF SHRI BRAHMACHAITANYA GONDAVALEKAR MAHARAJ SAMADHI TEMPLE
Keywords:
Gondavale, Pilgrimage Tourism, Samadhi TempleAbstract
Tourism is an emerging field of geographical study, especially where cultural and spiritual values influence local development. Gondavale, a pilgrimage location in Satara district, Maharashtra, is known for the Samadhi temple of Shri Brahmachaitanya Gondavalekar Maharaj, which attracts thousands of devotees annually. This research analyses the physical, social, and economic base of Gondavale and evaluates tourism facilities available for pilgrims. Data collection is based on field observation, survey, secondary sources and published reports. The study concludes that pilgrimage tourism significantly contributes to local livelihood, employment generation, and infrastructure improvement. However, accommodation, sanitation, and information systems require further strengthening for sustainable tourism development
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References
Census of India. (2011). District census handbook: Satara. Government of India. Gondavalekar Trust. (2023). Temple documentation and historical records. Satara. Maharashtra Soil Survey Department. (2018). Soil resources of Satara district. Government of Maharashtra. MTDC. (2022). Pilgrimage tourism development report – Satara. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. Satara District Gazetteer. (2021). Geographical and socio-economic profile. Government of Maharashtra. Sharma, S. P. (2006). Cultural heritage and religious tourism in India. Mittal Publications. Singh, S. (1986). Tourism today: Trends, challenges and impacts. Abhinav Publications.
