Kurnool: Want to do a spot of mountaineering? One need not pitch tents at the foothills of the Himalayas. Head for Kurnool, home to the world's best mountain range unexplored by the enthusiasts.
If the initiative taken by the district welfare office-Setkur is anything to go by, Kurnool could occupy a prime place on the itinerary of adventure sports buffs, travellers and anybody who wants to have that extra thrill of combining pilgrimage with physical endurance activities.
Proposals have been drawn up and would soon be submitted to the state sports and youth affairs ministry to incorporate the facilities in the ensuing policy guidance note.
A conventional idea for visitors to Srisailam is to pray at the temple and spend a few hours in the enchanting hills.
Mr Sheikh Mastanwali, CEO of Setkur, who is pioneering to change the attitude of visitors to Kurnool district, said that Srisailam offered a wide variety of activities like trekking, river crossing, sliding, team games, and teppa ride. He said that technical support was being sought from Wildwoods Adventure, a Hyderabad-based firm.
Already small groups from Hyderabad and other metros are descending on this picturesque locale to acquaint with the aboriginal living, he said.
Orvakal Rock Garden is a 1,000 acre park with ingenious rock formations between pools of water. It is located outside the village of Orvakal on NH 18.
The rocks are formed from quartz and silica which gives it a smooth texture and hence is very soft on the fingers. This feature, combined with large water ponds, surrounding the rocks make the site an ideal place for enthusiasts of rock climbing.
The Nallamalas and Erramalas run through Kurnool district from north to south. The Nallamalas are located on the eastern part of the district and Erramalas are found in the central part of the district.
Ahobilam is another attraction for trekking enthusiasts, Mr Mastanwali added.
At Ahobilam, the Ugra Sthambam is a huge rock jutting out of a mountain cliff. It is believed to be the pillar from where Lord Narasimha emerged just a few metres from the waterfall near Jwala Narasimha temple. One look at the starting point of the trek is enough to drain all resolve from the minds of the tourists as there is no pathway, just a steep climb.
