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Film tourism to boost Kurnool economy

Locales are scenic but not too expensive to shoot here.

Kurnool: Kurnool district, with its numerous valleys, water bodies, rivers, ca-ves, flora and fauna besides expansive plains, ridges and bridges continues to attract film producers. The marquee Kondareddy Burz and the Banganapalli Nawab Bungalow where Arundhati film was shot continue to be favourite spots for film and TV serial shooting.

“Not too expensive locales remain the main reason for us to shoot here”, said Myneni Subhash Chowdari, production in-charge of a film crew that recently shot for a film in the district at Owk or Avuku, a historically famous spot that claims to be originator of Zamindari. Avuku State was founded in 1463AD.

The Owk tank here has been turned into a reservoir raising its bund to 220 feet height covering more than 1,000 acres. It is main source of irrigation for Rayalseema region and provides drinking water to nearby villages and towns. Its long street has a Vishnu temple constructed by Nandyala Chinna Krishnama Raju in 17th century.

There is also a temple for deity Mallama who is treated as an incarnation of Adhiparashakthi and Grama Deva-tha of Owk Village. The town also has two beautiful waterfalls, the Gollaleru and Paleru in its vicinity.

The Department of Tourism has drawn up Rs 5 crore plans during the current financial year to strengthen tourism infrastructure to attract more national and international tourists, according to AP Tourism Officer D. Venkateshwarulu.

The plans would cover Sunkesula dam, Uruk-unda Eeranna Swamy temple, Ellarthy dargah, Belum and Valmiki caves, Gajuladinne project, Yaganti and other places. Attractions like boating and floating jetty would be introduced, he added.
Film and TV shooting can be done at many attractive sites Srisailam dam has around it ghats, cliffs, ridges, plateaus and dense forests.

Orvakal Rock Garden spread over 1,000 acre park boasts of igneous rock formations between pools of water. It is located outside Orvakal village on National Highway -18.

Ahobilam is another attraction for trekking enthusiasts and houses the Ugra Sthambam, a huge rock jutting out of a mountain cliff. Belum Caves running a length of 3,229 metres, are the second longest caves in India and are popular for their stalactite and stalagmite formations.

At their deepest point, the caves descend to 150 feet from the entrance level and this point is referred to as Patalaganga. Yaganti is a home to the famous Sri Yaganti Uma Maheswara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Nandi Bull.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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