Kurnool: The Nandyal district tourism department is introducing exclusive tour packages from Nandyal to shrines like Srisailam, Mahanandi, Yaganti and Ahobilam during the auspicious month of Kartika. This pilot project aims to gauge the interests of devotees and assess their future needs.
Recognising the substantial demand for visits to the Shaivite temples during the month, tourism officials have crafted day-packages, utilising the Harita tourist guest houses maintained by the AP tourism development corporation for short stays and refreshment needs in Srisailam, Mahanandi and Ahobilam.
The first package includes a visit to Srisailam, while the second package offers buses for trips to Mahanandi, Ahobilam and Yaganti temples. Priced at Rs 1,699 per adult, the Srisailam tour package encompasses darshan and various amenities.
The Mahanandi tour package, priced at Rs 1,499 per person, features an AC bus with video, push-back seats, a guide, and darshan tickets. The one-day package involves the bus departing from Nandyal YSR Auditorium at 6 am and returning at 7 pm.
Devotees can avail this package on specific days, November 19 (Sunday) and November 20 (Kartika Somavaram). For reservations and additional details, devotees can call 7995087089, 8297098022 and 9121144105.
District tourism officer Ch.S. Satyanarayana explained the plans to organise 2–3-day trips to these holy places during normal months based on visitor responses. In tie-ups with endowments officials for easy darshan at all temples, tourists need not wait in queues. The tour plans also encourage devotees to explore local tourist attractions like the rope way, boating and visit to other temples within a stipulated time.
The tourism department is promoting eco-tourism and exploring archaeological sites in the district such as the Nallamala Forest, Nawab Bungalow and heritage spots such as Belum Caves, Valmiki Caves, Vengalampalle Cheruvu, Abbireddy Cheruvu in the coming months.
