Table of Contents
Relevance: APPSC Geography and Tourism, Infrastructure Development
Prelims
Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD Scheme, Akhanda Godavari, Gandikota, Suryalanka Beach, Simhachalam, Annavaram, Ahobilam, Nagarjuna Sagar Buddhist Circuit, Lambasingi, Borra Caves, Havelock Bridge, Geodesic Glamping
Mains
Sustainable Tourism, Heritage Conservation, Destination Development, Regional Employment, Public–Private Partnership, Digital Tourism, Eco-tourism, Community Participation
Why in News?
- Eight major Centre-funded tourism projects worth about ₹428 crore are nearing completion in Andhra Pradesh.
- The projects cover heritage, beach, spiritual, Buddhist, river and eco-tourism destinations.
Andhra Pradesh’s Tourism Policy Push
- The State has granted industrial status to tourism.
- Its new tourism policy offers incentives to investors.
- These measures have reportedly attracted investments worth ₹20,000 crore.
- Andhra Pradesh’s national tourism ranking improved from 16th to 13th position.
Major Tourism Projects
| Project | Allocation | Major Components |
| Akhanda Godavari | ₹94.44 crore | Restoration of Havelock Bridge, development of Pushkar Ghat, Kadiyam nursery experience centre and canal boating |
| Gandikota, Kadapa | ₹77.91 crore | Viewpoints, heritage walks, boating, roads, parking, open-air theatre and information centres |
| Suryalanka Beach, Bapatla | ₹97.52 crore | Shopping street, amphitheatre, visitor zone, accommodation, horse riding, boating and scuba diving |
| Simhachalam | ₹54.04 crore | Tourism facilities completed under the PRASHAD Scheme |
| Annavaram | ₹25.32 crore | Annadanam hall, queue complex, restrooms and electric-vehicle facilities |
| Ahobilam | ₹24.96 crore | Museum, parking, shopping complexes, toilets and improvement of surroundings |
| Nagarjuna Sagar Buddhist Circuit | ₹25 crore | Spiritual centre, meditation hall, landscaped park and visitor amenities |
| Borra Caves | ₹29.87 crore | Visitor facilities, 3D projection mapping, laser lighting, audiovisual room and coffee-tasting centres |
Lambasingi Eco-tourism
- 15 geodesic glamping cottages have been established.
- The project includes internal roads, drainage and electric-vehicle facilities.
- It combines nature-based camping with modern accommodation.
Important Central Schemes
Swadesh Darshan 2.0
It promotes destination-centred and sustainable tourism development. The Suryalanka and Ahobilam projects are being developed under this framework.
PRASHAD Scheme
Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive supports the development of pilgrimage and spiritual destinations. Simhachalam is covered under this scheme.
Other Tourism Initiatives
- Seaplane services
- Caravan and cruise tourism
- Homestays and tent cities
- Houseboat tourism
- Free QR code-based digital guides in more than 130 languages at over 100 tourist locations
Conclusion
The projects can strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s position as a diversified tourism destination. Their success will depend on timely completion, quality maintenance, environmental protection and community participation. Sustainable tourism can preserve the State’s cultural and natural heritage while creating employment and supporting inclusive regional development.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding tourism projects in Andhra Pradesh:
- Suryalanka Beach is being developed under Swadesh Darshan 2.0.
- Simhachalam tourism facilities were developed under the PRASHAD Scheme.
- The Nagarjuna Sagar project focuses on Buddhist heritage.
- The Ahobilam project is exclusively a beach-tourism project.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation
- Statement 1 is correct: Suryalanka Beach is being developed at a cost of ₹97.52 crore under Swadesh Darshan 2.0.
- Statement 2 is correct: Works worth ₹54.04 crore have been completed at Simhachalam under the PRASHAD Scheme.
- Statement 3 is correct: The Nagarjuna Sagar Buddhist Circuit includes a spiritual centre, meditation hall and visitor amenities.
- Statement 4 is incorrect: Ahobilam is a major spiritual destination, not a beach-tourism project.
FAQs
Q. How much is being spent on the major tourism projects?
Around ₹428 crore.
Q. Which is the costliest project mentioned?
Suryalanka Beach, with an allocation of ₹97.52 crore.
Q. What is the focus of the Akhanda Godavari project?
Development of riverfront, heritage and visitor facilities along the Godavari.
Q. What is geodesic glamping?
It combines nature-based camping with comfortable modern accommodation.
Q. How are digital guides improving tourism?
They provide free information through QR codes in more than 130 languages.
