Tourism and Rural Development in Respect of Malda District, West Bengal, India

Malda district is one of the backward district of West Bengal. Different strategies and systematic planning techniques are taken by time to time for rural development in India. Among these tourism industry acts as a major engine of economic development of most part of the India as well as world. It has also emerged as an important segment of the Indian economy. Gour and Hazrat Pandua, the two most powerful and prosperous cities of Medieval period are situated in Malda district (24040’20”N-25032’08”N and 87045’50”E-88028’10”E), West Bengal. Many picturesque heritage relics are still pronouncing their ancient glorious stories. With its glorified past history and heritage buildings (monuments, mosques etc.) and folk songs like Gambhira and Aalkap and large Fazli mangoes, the Mango city would be an important tourist destination (both domestic and international tourist). The present paper is an attempt to focus the role of tourism for rural development in Malda district.