A study on geo-tourism perspective of mudhaliyar kuppam backwater in Cheyyur taluk of Chengalpattu district in Tamil Nadu– a geospatial approach

The present study aims to identify the factors encourages tourist to visit backwater regions of Mudhaliyar Kuppam in Cheyyur Taluk of Chengalpattu District in Tamil Nadu. Geotourism is a set of principles that foster the enhancement of sustainable destinations and enhances the geographical character of a place. Geographical factors are the major reason for the development of tourism in the study area. Mudaliarkuppam backwaters are adjacent to the Bay of Bengal on the East Coast Road. This is yet another heaven for wading birds and migratory ducks. It is brackish backwater with a lot of aquatic vegetation like water hyacinth, green algae etc. Most of the travelers are enchanted by the backwaters. To accomplish the study objectives, a survey questionnaire was developed for this research. The questionnaire included questions regarding tourists’ perception, about backwater tourism, as well as consumer preference and the factors influencing demand for backwater tourism. The study has made use of high-resolution IRS LISS IV pan merged satellite imagery to identify the physiographic setup. ERDAS image processing software used for demarcating the study area and ArcGIS software used for mapping the various physiographic setup.