Motivational Factors and Environmental Priorities in Pilgrimage Tourism: A Case Study of Manikaran, Himachal pradesh

The aim of this study is to investigate the motivational antecedents leading pilgrims (and tourists) for a visit at Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh and also understand environmental priorities related with pilgrimage tourism in the same region. Manikaran One of the famous holy place in Himachal Pradesh State, India and situated the Parvati Valley. This research employ a mixed-method method from survey, interview with the visitors to identify their motivation how visitor express spirituality and what sight they have in nature. The research also includes a range of environmental issues regarding the tourist inflows that have been understood to put pressure on delicate local ecosystem management and sustainability especially over natural resources like hot springs. The results indicate that even environmental awareness varies widely and arguably most people are not motivated first-and-foremost by the environment, but rather spiritual fulfillment of cultural immersion. The paper concludes with recommendations for sustainable tourism development, concentrating on suggestions to enhance the awareness and enforcement of environmental planning practices. Keywords: Pilgrimage tourism, Manikaran, tourist motivations, environmental concerns, eco-friendly tourism.