Geoconservation and Geotourism Potential of India

Interestingly, large number of geoheritage sites are associated with well-known cultural heritage sites and biodiversity hotspots. However, proper scientific details of geoheritage sites and their potential to develop as a geotourism hotspot has not been discussed. India is blessed with great geological diversity as it has recorded more than 3.5 billion year’s history of evolution of Earth, some of the sites/sections are unique to the globe. The recent discovery of youngest ‘Meghalayan age’ from a limestone cave of Meghalaya is internationally recognised. The Indian rock record bears the signatures of various global geological events including evolution of life, mass extinction, making of Himalaya, meteoritic impact craters etc. Indian dinosaur 'Rajasaurus' created curiosity in the children. Interestingly, large number of geoheritage sites are associated with well-known cultural heritage sites and biodiversity hotspots. However, proper scientific details of geoheritage sites and their potential to develop as a geotourism hotspot has not been discussed. Geotourism potential of India in extensive but so far it has not attracted attention of authorities and agencies of the Tourism sector. The present book provides a platform for them to plan and explore. Development of geotourism will lead to conservation of geoheritage sites and both financial and scientific aspects will be covered.