AP to start spiritual tourism linking Shakti Peethas

KAKINADA: AP tourism minister Kandula Durgesh disclosed that Andhra Pradesh is starting a tourism package programme linking Shakti Peethas and Pancharama Kshetras.

Speaking to media at Rajamahendravaram on Thursday, he said the state will take advantage of central schemes like PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) Swadeshi Darshan, and SSASCI (Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment).

Durgesh said under SSASCI, four iconic tourist centres will be opened at a total cost of ₹400 crore – ecotourism project at Srisailam, Akhanda Godavari circuit covering all cultural and heritage sites in Kakinada, Konaseema, and East and West Godavari districts, Eluru District Beach Corridor at Bapatla with a resort at Suryalanka, and Sangameshwara Temple in Nandyal district.

He announced that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan will launch several tourism promotion programmes on the World Tourism Day on September 27. On the day, awards will be presented to tourism-related projects, including hotels.

The minister said Araku and Lambasingi will be turned into adventure centres while Lord Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Murthy Temple at Annavaram will be developed at a cost of ₹25.32 crore.

He said the Oberoi group has come forward to build resorts at Tirupati, Gandikota and Pichukalanka.

Durgesh underlined that the state government is taking steps to develop Telugu film industry in the state. It has already written a letter to the film industry to build cine studios in Andhra Pradesh. He expressed happiness that the locale of film Pushpa within AP has become a shooting spot.

The minister reiterated that the riverfront will be developed at Rajamahendravaram along with boat rides, and a resort will be built at Kadiyapulanka.