The tourism sector in Andhra Pradesh is set to receive a significant boost with eight major projects, funded by the Centre and valued at ₹428 crore, nearing completion. These projects, which span heritage, beach, spiritual, Buddhist, and eco-tourism destinations across the state, are expected to enhance the visitor experience significantly.
Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh has been actively overseeing the progress of these initiatives through field visits and meetings with department officials, aiming for their swift completion. The state's decision to grant industrial status to tourism and introduce a new policy offering incentives to investors has attracted investments worth ₹20,000 crore, elevating Andhra Pradesh's national tourism ranking from 16th to 13th place.
Key projects include the Akhanda Godavari tourism project, with ₹94.44 crore allocated for developing destinations along the Godavari River. This includes the restoration of the historic Havelock Bridge, development of Pushkar Ghat in Rajamahendravaram, an experience center at the Kadiyam nursery, and boating facilities along the Godavari canal.
In Kadapa district, the Gandikota tourism project is being developed at a cost of ₹77.91 crore. The project will feature viewpoints, heritage walks, boating, parking areas, improved roads, an open-air theatre, and tourist information centers. Meanwhile, at Suryalanka beach in Bapatla district, ₹97.52 crore is being spent under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme to create a shopping street, amphitheatre, visitor experience zone, and resort-style accommodation.
Adventure tourism activities such as horse riding, boating, and scuba diving have been introduced with private-sector participation. At Simhachalam, works worth ₹54.04 crore have been completed under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme. In Annavaram, a new annadanam hall, queue complex, restrooms, and electric vehicle facilities are being developed with an investment of ₹25.32 crore.
Further developments include the Challenge-Based Destination Development sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan 2.0 at Ahobilam, with ₹24.96 crore being spent on a museum, improved surroundings, parking and shopping complexes, and toilet facilities. The Buddhist circuit at Nagarjuna Sagar is being developed with an investment of ₹25 crore, featuring a spiritual center, meditation hall, landscaped park, and visitor amenities to showcase the region’s Buddhist heritage.
In the agency area of Lambasingi, 15 geodesic glamping cottages have been set up, combining the experience of camping amid nature with the comforts of modern accommodation. The project also includes internal roads, drainage, and electric vehicle facilities. At Borra Caves, ₹29.87 crore has been sanctioned for visitor amenities, 3D projection mapping, laser lighting, an audiovisual room, and coffee-tasting centers.
These initiatives are complemented by the introduction of free QR code-based digital guides, providing information in over 130 languages at more than 100 tourist locations. Other innovative tourism ventures include seaplane services, caravan and cruise tourism, homestays, tent cities, and houseboats, all aimed at diversifying and enriching the tourism experience in Andhra Pradesh.
