VIJAYAWADA: Summer vacation is the time when the adventurous soul in us begins to feel restless to embark on an exploration spree. Keeping busy all day through by meeting deadlines in the office and struggling to keep promises back home comprises our daily lifestyle.

Sensing the pulse of fun-lovers who crave for a well-deserving break from the frenzied pace of life, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, Vijayawada region is working on an attractive tour package that forms part of the Krishna district tourism promotion drive.

The package includes visit to famous places in the region like Panakala Narasimha Swamy temple on Mangalagiri hill, the ancient Undavalli caves, the mesmerising Buddhist Interpretation Centre in Amaravathi, the Uppalapadu bird sanctuary and the NTR Manasarovar Park.

Ancient architecture

The Panakala Swamy temple at Mangalagiri combines in itself an arresting simplicity and a legendary aura. "Many people may not have seen the awe-inspiring reclining posture of Padmanabha Swamy in Undavalli caves. The reclining statue is a standing tribute to the ancient architecture," says the Tourism Development Corporation's divisional manager Venkateswara Rao. Similarly, the Buddhist Interpretation Centre in Amaravathi is an abode of beauty and calm.

The picnickers can board the APTDC bus at the Punnami Berm Park or its central reservation office on Bandar Road, the other boarding point, at 7 a.m. From the temple, the tourists will be taken to the Undavalli caves and then taken on an onward journey to the Buddhist Centre and then to the archeological museum on Buddha.

After a halt at Dhanyakataka restaurant to savour the south Indian thali for lunch, the explorers will proceed to the Uppalapadu bird sanctuary.

To make sure that the element of fun lingers on, the frolickers will get an opportunity to freak out in the water sports available at NTR Manasarovar Park on their return journey.

Reasonable tariff

The sprightly jaunt will be made available for a reasonable tariff of Rs. 200 per head (for an adult) and Rs. 160 for a child. The charges are inclusive of the lunch expenses and exclusive of the entry fee at various destinations.

In the NTR Manasarovar Park, however, a 50 per cent discount on entry fee will be offered to the picnickers.

The corporation also proposes a summer offer of a 25 per cent discount on bulk booking orders of the cruises, Bodhisiri and Vijayasiri, from Monday to Friday. For student groups, it offers10 per cent discount for a ride in any of the boat in the APTDC fleet.

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