Andhra plans Rs 10,000cr tourism project in Kadapa

The Andhra Pradesh government would develop a tourism project on about 2,000 acre at Gandikota in Kadapa district under public private partnership, said tourism minister J Geeta Reddy.

Around Rs 10,000 crore (Rs 100 billion) would be invested over four year in the project, which would comprise a science city, entertainment centre and a children's park among others. Reviewing the activities of the tourism department, she said proposals for the project would be drawn up shortly.

Among others, the department would set up a Shilparamam, facility for craftsmen to showcase their products, at Bhavani Islands in Vijayawada on the lines of the Hyderabad model. Also, smaller Shilparamams would be developed in other districts.

Coining the term 'aam admi tourism' (people's tourism), the minister said the focus would be on promoting rural tourism apart from giving a push to medical, eco and spiritual tourism segments. It would work to enhance the employment potential of the sector. The department would build budget hotels, guest houses and dormitories for affordable food and lodging facilities.

The state government has succeeded in getting a Rs 100 crore grant from the Centre for developing three tourist circuits in Chittoor, Nellore and Kadapa districts to take advantage of the popularity of the temples in these districts. The grants would be used to create additional accommodation and entertainment facilities apart from beautification of the temple premises.

The state would renew its effort for the Southern Splendour project. The oft-talked about Buddhist circuit covering Amaravati in Guntur, Nagarjuna Sagar and other Buddhist destinations would add more facilities to attract tourists from Japan and other countries.