Kondakarla Ava beckons tourists

Visakhapatnam: The Andhra Pradesh Tourism is most keen in developing more picnic spots as the picnic season is fast approaching from November 4th this year. The AP tourism had made elaborate arrangements and development at Kondakarla Ava which is located 60 kms away from the city. Kondakarla Ava is the preferred picnic destination of the Vizianagaram kings and the British officials in the pre independence era.

Kondakarla Ava is a large freshwater picturesque lake cradled in the foothills of the Eastern Ghats, this is a favoured spot for migratory birds and innumerable exotic Indian species. The tranquil waters of the lake surrounded by coconut trees on one side and green hills all around provide a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.

The lake, spread over 1,832 acres between Munagapaka and Atchutapuram mandals, provide a lifeline to 21 villages. It is fed by river Sarada, which flows through the eastern part of Visakhapatnam and empties into the Bay of Bengal.

This is an area of rich aquatic biodiversity with lotus categories of water plants. Various types of migratory birds are also found in the lake providing a pleasant view to the bird watchers.

There are also canoes built from palm trees logs. Being a natural habitat of numerous species of marine life, the lake attracts many migratory birds between November and February. Apart from the migratory birds of Siberia, the pristine freshwater lake is a habitat for about 100 species of birds and 25 fish varieties.

Plethora of birds including storks, herons, cormorants and egrets flock here. Besides fishing, boat rides, catamaran sailing and kayaking are the prominent activities carried out in the lake.

Y Tarakeswar Rao ,Atchutapuram Sub Inspector of police said that kayaking on the country boats is dangerous in case of overloading as the boats are made with palm logs . Though it was banned the state government had sanctioned around 40 boats among the 300 families of local fishermen of the Kondakarla and Vaadrapalli villages.

District Tourism Officer Purnima Devi said that they had done elaborate arrangements like play area for children, parking lots for vehicles. Pyla Pydaaiah fisherman said that during normal days the footfall was low as the tourism department implementing many facilities at Ava they expect many number of footfall this year . During the period of November to February there will be around 2000 to 2500 visitors.