Problems and Prospects of Tourism in the Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand

Leeladhar, P. R. Shukla

Abstract: Tourism has emerged as a vital sector for livelihoods, employment, and regional development in the Kumaon Himalaya of Uttarakhand, India. Anchored by prominent hill stations such as Nainital, Almora, and Kausani, sacred landscapes like Jageshwar and Patal Bhuvaneshwar, protected areas including Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and Corbett Tiger Reserve, and high mountain destinations like Munsiyari and Pithoragarh, the region attracts a diverse range of domestic and international visitors. However, rapid and often unplanned tourism growth has exerted significant pressure on fragile mountain ecosystems, limited infrastructure, and traditional socio-cultural systems. This paper examines the current tourism profile of Kumaon, identifies critical challenges including seasonality, carrying capacity stress, infrastructural bottlenecks, waste and water mismanagement, land-use conflicts, hazard and climate risks, and governance gaps. It then evaluates the prospects for sustainable tourism pathways centered on community participation, environmental conservation, technological innovation, and risk-informed planning. A framework of policy measures is proposed to balance the visitor economy with ecological thresholds and local well-being.

Keywords: Kumaon Himalaya; sustainable tourism; carrying capacity; mountain hazards; community-based tourism; climate resilience

How to Cite?: Leeladhar, P. R. Shukla, "Problems and Prospects of Tourism in the Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand", Volume 14 Issue 8, August 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1046-1049, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25818165004, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25818165004