Development of Forts Tourism in Nashik District, Maharashtra, India

Tourism is considered as one of the world's largest industry. The Travel and Tourism competitiveness report 2017 ranks India 40th out of 136 countries overall. The country also scores high on natural and cultural resources (ranked 9th). Maharashtra state is a land of forts with its 350 odd forts. The ASI, an agency controlled by the union government, controls 29 of the important forts. The state archaeological department controls 39 other forts and 99 forts are unprotected forts. The remaining 183 forts are either controlled by the revenue department, which knows little about archaeology or are privately owned. There are 64 forts in Nashik district Maharashtra. The Nashik district has a great potential for the better development of tourism. At present there is no proper geographical investigation of Nashik district to analyze the present status. This is essential for better development of tourism in the Nashik district. Every fort has its own importance and uniqueness. The forts are selected according elevation controlled sampling. Geographical inform is necessary for the sustainable planning and management of the resources in the area.