Kurnool: Tourism minister Bhuma Akhila Priya wants to transform Andhra Pradesh into a tourism hub of the country as Kurnool district expects the minister to give support the industry funding the ongoing projects.
Kurnool has the potential to play a host to temple tourism, film tourism, eco-tourism and adventure sports, said D. Venkateshwarlu, District Tourism Officer.
With a view to strengthening tourism infrastructure and attracting more national and international tourist to Kurnool district, the Department of Tourism has drawn up a Rs 5 crore plan.
The plan to make Bairultla, an eco-tourism spot faces difficulties with the forest officials not supporting the project. Tourism officials hope that with the intervention of the minister, the project could take off soon.
The geography of the district includes valleys, water bodies, rivers, caves, flora and fauna besides expansive plains, ridges and bridges.
The marquee Kondareddy Burz and the Banganapalli Nawab Bungalow where the Arundhati film was shot continue to attract film and TV serial producers.
At Sunkesula dam, the department proposes to provide boarding facility, floating jetty and snack bar along with construction of ticket counter and providing children's equipment at a cost of '1 crore. The department has identified 2 acres of land at the site.
Narasimhaswamy temple at Urkunda village in Kowthalam mandal is another site that tourism department wants to give a big thrust to. A dormitory, restaurant and public toilets are proposed to be constructed there at a cost of Rs 50 lakh.
Ancient Rock Painting at Kethavaram would be given a facelift with the establishment of amusement park with snack bar at a cost of Rs 50 lakh.
AP Tourism Dormitory at Yellarthi Dargah premises in Hollagunda mandal would get a restaurant and water facility at a cost of Rs 50 lakh. It was felt that a lack of restaurant at Yellarthi has made it non-attractive to tourists.
At the Valmiki Caves at Boyavandlapalli in Peapully mandal, there is a proposal to provide internal and external steps to the caves. Besides, there would be illumination of the caves and waterfalls. Providing a snack bar is also on the cards.
This would cost the government an expenditure of Rs 50 lakhs. It is proposed to provide illumination at Sri Ramalayam, Peddatumbalam in Adoni mandal at a cost of Rs 50 lakh.
Boating facility, floating jetty, snack bar along with construction of ticket counter and providing children play items are to be provided at Gajuladinne project, Iranbanda village, Gonegandla mandal.
