Natural Resource Structure and Tourism–Landscape Relationships in Chikhaldara Hill Station, Maharashtra

Abstract

The Satpura ranges of Maharashtra offer visitation opportunities in Chikhaldara with its high elevations, rough terrain and forests, waterfalls and water features. This paper explores the relationships of these landscape features with the location and nature of tourism sites and the challenges that may occur where visitor facilities and access are in close proximity to sensitive land. The analysis is based on the source study documentary material, location map from Google Earth and the field observations and photographs. It outlines a recurring theme: perspectives are associated with ridges and plateau edges; water attractions are related to drainage and catchment; and forests play a role in the ecological process and in the visual character of the destination. These relationships are qualitative and no quantitative statements about the extent or causes of environmental change can be made from the available data. The findings of the paper are used to define practical priorities for terrain-sensitive development, view-shed protection, drainage continuity, forest-edge management and visitor facilities, and identify the spatial data required for future testing.