Publications
Navigating Heritagescapes: a spatial-cognitive mapping approach for optimal tour route recommendations
Visitors to UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS) with varying spatial awareness navigate and perceive heritage landscapes differently, leading to distinct tour routes. A study on Mahabalipuram’s monuments revealed that visitors’ spatial cognitive mapping—how they mentally organize and relate monuments—significantly influences their mobility patterns. Using a framework combining behavioural geography and Lefebvre’s socio-spatial theory, researchers analyzed how spatially oriented and non-oriented groups interacted with the site, uncovering key differences in route preferences. These findings provide actionable insights for optimizing tour recommendations, enhancing visitor experience while preserving heritage integrity.
Quality of Tourism in World Heritage Sites: A Way towards Sustainability
A new framework for assessing tourism quality at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exemplified by Mahabalipuram's Group of Monuments, reveals critical gaps in visitor experience, local perceptions, and management practices. This study shifts from narrow, one-dimensional approaches to a holistic paradigm that integrates environmental, social, and economic dimensions. By analyzing multiple perspectives—including those of visitors, residents, and destination managers—the research identifies core areas needing development for sustainable tourism. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and managers, offering a practical tool for gap analysis and long-term sustainability planning at heritage sites.
From Religious Shrines to Monuments
A key insight from this study is the potential for coastal religious shrines, such as those at Mahabalipuram and My Son, to be recognized as transnational World Heritage Sites. The research examines how these structures, already listed by UNESCO, can engage in dialogue over long historical periods (longue durée) across different cultures. By analyzing maritime networks connecting India and Southeast Asia, the study highlights the cultural and historical significance of these sites beyond their individual national contexts. This approach challenges traditional notions of heritage preservation, advocating for a more interconnected understanding that transcends borders.
From the Tamil Coast to Vietnam
A significant finding from this study is the challenge to early 20th-century claims that Sanskrit inscriptions across Southeast Asia were written predominantly in Pallava script, or 'southern Brahmi.' The research instead provides a detailed analysis of coastal temples in Tamilnadu and Vietnam, built from the 7th century CE onward, offering insights into religious developments in the Pallava region. It compares the monumental group at Mahabalipuram with inland structures in Kanchipuram, revealing nuanced patterns in architectural and epigraphic practices that transcend regional boundaries. The study employs a comparative approach, integrating historical, archaeological, and epigraphic data to reconstruct transnational maritime networks and their cultural exchanges.
Visitor Perception and Expectation of Heritage Tourism at Mahabalipuram Monuments
A significant gap exists between visitors' expectations and their perceived experience at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, highlighting challenges for sustainable heritage tourism. The study assessed tourist motives, expectations, and post-visit perceptions using structured questionnaires, focusing on five key aspects (5A's) to evaluate destination competitiveness. Findings reveal discrepancies in visitor experiences that could inform better positioning and planning strategies for the site. This research underscores the importance of aligning visitor expectations with actual heritage tourism offerings to enhance satisfaction and preservation efforts.
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