Kurnool : Field trips to historical sites enhance awareness

Kurnool : There will be a significant effect on teachers and students' academic knowledge and their sensitivity to field trips to historical-cultural heritage sites, says Dr M Suresh Babu, president, Praja Science Vedika. Speaking to The Hans India, Suresh Babu said that heritage visit empowers a multicultural and inclusive student body to overcome the social, cultural, economic and geographic barriers.

This type of learning system embraces transformational student-centered education that cultivates leadership and a commitment to the promotion of a more just society. Students learn the information on visiting various heritage sites, forts, and monuments.

He said a proposal to form tourism circuits to connect interior historic places in Rayalaseema region has been neglected and confined to papers. Forts, monuments, sculptures, temples and exclusive locations could not be brought to light due to lack of proper transport connectivity and other facilities.

Except during special occasions, the tourist spots have been in dark throughout the year. The concept of connectivity is to provide easy access to interior locations along with familiar spots. But no action was initiated by the departments concerned, said the state president.

Suresh Babu also said tourists and historians love the location of Kurnool, which is situated between two famous rivers namely Tungabhadra and Handri in state. The forts and temples speak of the city's historic importance and rich culture.

Kurnool fort, which belongs to the 16th century, is famously called as Kondareddy Burz. The fort was constructed by Achyuta Devarayalu of Vijayanagar Empire. The remnants of the ruined fort speak the story of architecture involved in the construction of fort.

The prison of this fort still stands strong and this prison was named Kondareddy Burz after the name of Konda Reddy, a rebel, who breathed his last here. The fort houses two ancient temples, Suresh Babu said.

Belum Caves are ranked second largest after Meghalaya Caves and it is the longest cave in India. Out of the three well-like cavities, the one in the middle serves as the main entrance. The exquisite formations of stalactite and stalagmite are stunning.

So is the color illumination of Belum Caves. The caves present an interesting study to the onlooker with its musical chamber meditation hall, simhadwaram and patalaganga. The caves rightly deserve the title 'Unique Eco Tourism Project' bestowed on it by the Indian government.

Nallamala Forest is a great way to relieve the mind off stress and elevate the spirits to a higher plane. Located in the Nallamala Hill, amidst a wonderful landscape that houses tigers and panthers, Nallamala forest are considered the largest stretch of forest that is undisturbed in South India.

Sikhareswaram is the highest peak with 2,835 feet height in Nallamala Hills. An ancient temple of Lord Shiva is seen here. Cumbum Lake that belongs to the 15th century is also found, which is considered one among the oldest lakes made by man in Asia. Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary is situated 60 km away from Kurnool district headquarters.

The place is a paradise for bird watchers as a great variety of birds are seen here. The Great Indian bustard is the most famous attraction. Adoni Fort is very ancient as it is considered to have been found in 1200 BC by Chandra Sen located on five rocky hills of granite, the fort was a stronghold during Vijayanagar and Muslim rule.

Mahanandi Temple is an ancient temple located on the eastern side of Nallamala Hills is famous for its architecture. There is an immediate need to connect all incredible landmarks in Rayalaseema and Bellary neighboring Karnataka state. Next-generation will understand the valour of these places, added Dr M Suresh Babu.