Author(s) :   Dr. Chithung Mary Thomas¹, Waikhom Nichinta Devi²

Abstract : Manipur, a hilly State in north-eastern India, lies between latitude 23°50' N to 25°42'N and longitude 92°59' E to 94°46' E, sharing international border with Myanmar on eastern side. Manipur is ideally suited for mountain tourism, due to the fact that out of its total area of 22,527 sq.km. 10% is a centrally located alluvial plain and surrounded by 90% which comprises of high mountain peaks and hilly mountains. Mountains are important assets for the tourism industry. They take up an estimated share of 15-20% of the global tourism market, generating between 100 and 140 billion US$ per year (ICIMOD). Mountains are rich in diverse natural resources that include fresh water, wood, minerals, and biodiversity. The rich cultural heritage of mountain people is also one of the attractive features. As desired destinations for many tourists, migrants and pilgrims, mountains also offer places for rest, solitude, adventure, recreation and scenic beauty.Mountain Tourism facilities are developing in the State through the Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Association (MMTA), the Manipur Adventure Allied Sports Institute and the Adventure Academy of Manipur. Mountain Tourism is becoming one of the attractions of the state to the adventure enthusiasts. Hence, this paper highlights to some of the existing mountain tourism potentialities and the importance of mountain tourism as an adventure tourism which can help holistic wellness of the people connect with nature - recreation, physical, mental, spiritually and contribute to create jobs, provide ventures opportunities and economic stability of the state.

Keywords: Adventure tourism, mountain sports, mountain tourism, recreation, socio-economic

DOI : 10.61161/ijarcsms.v11i8.6

Pages : 01-13

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