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Seema religious, heritage tourism circuit in the offing
In tune with the government\'s plans to develop tourism sector across the state, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) plans to introduce ‘Rayalaseema Religious and Heritage Tourism Circuit’ shortly. Connecting all the important places of worship, APTDC envisaged a temple circuit to enable people to travel the destinations under one go with much ease.
Tirupati: In tune with the government's plans to develop tourism sector across the state, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) plans to introduce ‘Rayalaseema Religious and Heritage Tourism Circuit’ shortly. Connecting all the important places of worship, APTDC envisaged a temple circuit to enable people to travel the destinations under one go with much ease.
“It is aimed to provide basic facilities, to take up beautification measures at various tourist attractions and to increase the revenue to the government exchequer. The corporation has already initiated several projects which are yielding good results,” said an Official of tourism department.
This tourism circuit was proposed at an estimated cost of Rs.133.5 crores to be spent at various places and on various heads. Religious places like Mahanandi, Ahobilam, Mantralayam, Lepakshi, Puttaparthi, Vontimitta, Kanipakam, Kailasakona, Talakona, Gudimallam, Ameenpeer dargah in Kadapa and others were included in the project proposal.
Similarly, under Heritage Circuit, Orvakallu Rock Gardens, Penukonda Fort, Gandikota Fort, Chandragiri Fort, Gooty Fort and Chintakunta Rock paintings in Muddanur of Kadapa district were included. These places will witness developmental works under the project.
Food courts, souvenir shops, waiting rooms, washrooms, solar lighting, etc., will be developed. In addition to these works, certain areas will have other amenities also. For instance, it was proposed to establish a restaurant-cum-snack bar, ATM, cloak room at Thimmamma Marrimanu in Gooty in Anantapur district.
Similarly, the Ameenpeer Dargah in Kadapa district will have Tourism Information Centre whereas Orvakallu Rock Gardens and Kanipakam will get Convention Centre. Puttaparthi will be equipped with an amphitheatre, meditation centre and Satya Saibaba interpretation centre etc., while Lepakshi will get a convention centre with eight suite rooms and sound and light show.
“While the major chunk of the budget will be borne by the Central government, the state government will bear its share. The remaining will be taken up under Public-Private Partnership mode,” said APTDC Tirupati divisional manager R V Suresh Kumar Reddy.
He said the proposals were under active consideration of the senior authorities. “Before that, we are taking up the construction of ‘Paryataka Bhavan’ at a cost of Rs 2 crores in Tirupati very soon,” he added.
By V Pradeep Kumar
