Year-End Rush Of Tourists In ASR District, Vizag Slows Traffic

Visakhapatnam: Heavy rush of tourists is being seen at popular spots in ASR and Visakhapatnam districts. Accommodation at all hotels is sold out till January 4, sources in the Tourism department disclosed on Sunday.

Heaviest footfalls have been seen at the 150-million-years’ old Borra Caves, said to be India’s biggest caves. Around 8,000 tourists visited the caves on Friday; 10,000 on Saturday, and 11,000 on Sunday till 2 p.m. This is a record number for this season.

“Cyclone Montha in October prevented tourists from visiting ASR district. Otherwise, this year would have created a new record in terms of visitors. Still this year’s crowd is better than the tourist movement during the last four years,” said AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) district manager G. Dasu.

District authorities deployed at Borra Caves 18 police personnel and 10 security guards fearing a stampede. “Today, the tahsildar and senior tourism officials stationed themselves at the caves to ensure smooth movement of tourists,” said Borra Caves’ manager Gowri Shankar.

State government is investing around ₹30 crore to install CCTVs and develop parking lots and other infrastructure for tourists at the Borra Caves.

Heavy crowds have also been seen at Tajhangi, Araku Valley Tribal Museum, Chaparai waterfalls and Lambasingi. Lambasingi, which witnessed the coldest winter this year, drew more tourists, with people wishing to see the “Valley of Snow,”’ a tourism official said.

APTDC district manager Dasu said occupancy in hotels has remained 100 per cent from December 20 onwards and rooms are fully booked till January 4. APTDC has 218 rooms and private hotels 2,000. Thousands are staying in private guest houses and camping in tents despite the cold.

Popular sites in Visakhapatnam have also seen a record crowd of tourists. There have been long queues in front of submarine INS Kursura, TU 142 transport aircraft, and helicopter museums. Kailasagiri Hills is also crowded, with queues moving slowly at the glass bridge, ropeway, Titanic View Point, Floral Clock, Toy Train and Shanti Ashram.

Waltair division has deployed a special train to Araku from Visakhapatnam after seeing the unusual rush at the city station during the last couple of days.

Police are having a tough time managing traffic jams both in Visakhapatnam and ghat roads of ASR district. Crowds are expected to continue till Sankranti, said a tour operator with long experience.