Master Plan To Develop Gandikota As Major Tourist Destination
Naidu addressed the tourism investors’ meet in Gandikota. He outlined plans to develop the Rayalaseema region as an anchor tourism hub for the state.
GANDIKOTA: In a major boost to Gandikota that is widely hailed as the Grand Canyon of South, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday announced the formulation of a Master Plan for its development as a top tourist destination.
Naidu addressed the tourism investors’ meet in Gandikota. He outlined plans to develop the Rayalaseema region as an anchor tourism hub for the state.
Highlighting Gandikota’s natural beauty, Naidu observed that this remains a major attraction for foreign tourists too.
Tracing Gandikota’s history, the CM spoke of the 13th-Century Kakatiya-built structures and the Vijayanagara empire’s rule. He said Gandikota was a symbol of both natural and cultural heritage.
The CM set the foundation stone for a tourism development project under the SASKY scheme, with an estimated cost of `78 crore. He said Gandikota would be a world-class tourism destination, with star hotels to accommodate visitors.
He said the state was aiming at the development of 50,000 hotel rooms across various tourism centres. “Plans for Gandikota include viewpoints, eco-friendly tent cities, boating facilities and illumination of the historic fort. There would also be ropeways, a glass-bottom walkway, and a light-and-sound show to enhance the visitor experience,” he said.
The tent city would be operational by the end of this year, and heli-rides over the Grand Canyon of India would commence from September. In addition, caravan tourism services would be introduced for tourists coming from cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai.
Multiple MoUs were signed on Friday to establish new tourism centres across the state. Companies including Ease My Trip and Hilton Hotels signed agreements with the state tourism corporation, with investments of `500 crore.
The partnerships cover tourism development not only in Gandikota but also in Srisailam, Mantralayam, Tirupati and other locations. These would include hotel construction, adventure sports, high ropes, kayaking and jet skiing.
The Chief Minister laid stones for tourism projects under SASKY and Swadesh Darshan schemes at Gandikota, Borra Caves, Ahobilam and Nagarjunasagar. He urged investors to take advantage of the industry status granted to tourism projects under the new AP tourism policy.
The government, he said, is firm on developing seven anchor hubs across the state including Visakhapatnam Araku Valley, Rajamahendravaram, Amaravati, Srisailam and Gandikota. He also announced plans for 25 thematic tourism circuits.
Naidu stressed the need to promote home stays across various regions and said eight major tourism events would be organised at the state level, along with district-wise tourism festivals and programmes.
During the visit, the CM took a tour of Gandikota and interacted with local tourist guides and visitors.
