AP Tourism is in Shambles
Andhra Pradesh state is veritable treasure for tourism This is one of the leading states for the number of domestic tourist footfalls.
The state has many tourist attractions: structures of great architecture, ancient temples, famous religious places, historical places, places of natural beauty, geological wonders, etc., besides the flourishing cities of Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, Tirupati, Kurnool, Kakinada, Rajamahendravaram, Kadapa, Nellore, Anantapuram, etc.
Tirumala Shrine of Sri Lord Venkateswara is one of the richest temples in the whole world and attracts millions of tourists every year and thus Tirupati leads the state in total tourist footfall. Tirupati is followed by Visakhapatnam known for its natural beauty, beaches straddling Green hills and nearby attractions like Araku and Lambasingi
But having many sorts of tourism places is not enough. There is a need for proper upkeep, protection, provision of good facilities and staff to oversee them. And more than anything, they need a robust promotional campaign at national and international levels. Exactly it is where the state of Andhra Pradesh appear to be lagging behind.
Tourism is hardly on the radar of successive governments. Except for Vizag Beach and Tirumala events, for long, it has been neglected in the state of Andhra Pradesh both divided and undivided times. Continued neglect even after bifurcation in the face of scarce financial resources, after losing the big magnet Hyderabad to Telangana is baffling. Tourism can be a golden goose to AP.
Andhra Pradesh may not have a Taj Mahal or a Jodhpur Fort or a Rann off Kutch or snow capped mountains that everyone likes but the state boasts a number of diverse tourist attractions. What is lacking is the government’s interest, commitment and efforts
As per records, currently AP is in not in the top 10 states of India for international tourists tourists from out of states. If an outsider asks what does AP have for tourists, what can one expect from an average person or government official? Mostly, it would be Vizag beaches, Araku agency, Srisailam and Tirupati temples, Vijayawada, etc.
Its not a surprise that in any region, people are not aware of many places from other regions. Many places of interest are crying for attention. It may sound exaggeration but go through the following list of attractions and comment how many you know. Unless, you are from the neighbourhood or fortunate to have already visited, many unknown will comeup.
Here is the list and go ahead n count.
Hemavati Temple, near Madakasira, Satya Sai Dist.
Thimmamma Marrimanu, near Kadiri,
Puligundu Rock Hill, near Chittoor
Sompalyam Temple, on Kadiri – Madanapalle Rd (in Pic)
Devuni Gadapa temple, Kadapa City,
Orvakal Rock garden
Belum caves
Udayagiri Fort and Temple Ruins
Buddhist stupas At Guntupalli, Chandavaram, Ghantasala,
Ancient regional capitals like Srimukhalingam and many more.
To be Continued …
Author: TVP Desk.
