• Purandar Gohain

Tourism is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool for economic growth, cultural preservation, and social development. Among the various forms of tourism, cultural and heritage tourism has emerged as a significant sector, especially in regions rich in historical and cultural resources. It involves traveling to experience the places, artifacts, and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present. This form of tourism not only fosters cross-cultural understanding but also contributes directly to local and national economies. Tinsukia's historical significance is evident from its ancient tanks (ponds), the remnants of its royal past, and its role as a former capital. One of the most prominent among these tanks is Na-Pukhuri, meaning "Set of Nine Ponds." Dug under the direction of King Sarbananda Singha, Na Pukhuri is not only a source of water but a historical symbol reflecting the town’s architectural and cultural heritage. Even today, it serves as a central landmark in Tinsukia, surrounded by administrative offices, cultural institutions, and public spaces, making it a site of both historical and contemporary relevance. Despite this rich heritage, the town's tourism potential remains underutilized. This study seeks to examine the prospects and challenges of tourism development in Tinsukia, focusing particularly on the heritage of the Matak Kingdom. The study is timely and relevant and aims to explore Na-Pukhuri's historical and cultural significance, assess its current condition and tourism potential, identify preservation challenges, and propose sustainable development strategies to promote it as a heritage tourism site, enhancing local economic growth and cultural awareness in Tinsukia. This study uses a mixed-methods approach with descriptive and exploratory design, focusing on Tinsukia's heritage tourism. Primary data include field observations, interviews, and surveys of locals and tourists. Secondary data involve literature, reports, and statistics on the Matak Kingdom and regional tourism trends.

Cultural Tourism, heritage, historical importance, Matak, indigenous, poverty.

"NA-PUKHURI AND BEYOND: UNVEILING TINSUKIA’S HERITAGE FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 8, page no.337-342, August-2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1912287.pdf

"NA-PUKHURI AND BEYOND: UNVEILING TINSUKIA’S HERITAGE FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 8, page no. pp337-342, August-2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1912287.pdf