Srikakulam: Proposals have been prepared to develop all three Buddhist places as a circuit in Srikakulam district to attract more tourists.
Tourism department officials have inspected the Buddhist centres several times in the past at Salihundam, Jagathipadu and Danthapuri in Gara, Polaki and Sarubujjili mandals in the district.
The plan is to attract tourists who normally visit Visakhapatnam city, Araku Valley and Borra Caves to Srikakulam Buddhist circuit. The plan has been prepared at an estimated cost of Rs 10.52 crore said district tourism promotion officer (DTPO), N. Narayana Rao. These proposals were sent to the Centre for its nod.
Previous proposals were prepared at a cost of Rs 8 crore but based on the opinions collected from different sections of people estimations have been enhanced to Rs 10.52 crore. The funds will go to provide basic facilities at the Buddhist sites and also approach roads and internal roads. Tourist information centres, parks, open-air theatres, meditation centres, hotels, footpaths, water fountains and entertainment points will also be developed in a phased manner according to tourism officials.
The district has the longest sea coast of 192 km from Ranastalam to Itchapuram, and National Highway (NH) 16 will help tourists to reach Srikakulam from Visakhapatnam. The Congress government had decided to develop these Buddhist centres with Rs 17 crore but failed to release funds for it as a result of which the proposals remained on paper.
