The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Wooing tourists

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Friday, Sep 28, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Wooing tourists

Nivedita Ganguly

With pristine beaches and green valleys

Photo: K.R. Deepak

Sun and sand: A winding road that delights tourists. —

VISAKHAPATNAM: Dotted with lush green hills and valleys on one side and a serene stretch of sun-kissed beach, Vizag has turned into a hot tourist destination over the years.

Further, the State stood first in domestic tourist arrivals improving the number from 8.94 crores in 2004 to 11.17 crores in 2006. During the same period, foreign tourist arrivals rose from 5,01,019 to 6,69,617. In Visakhapatnam there has been a 13 percent increase in tourist inflow this year, according to Divisional Manager of APTDC P. Jeevan Prasad.

To cater to the increasing inflow of tourists, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department Corporation (APTDC) has set up new projects at Rushikonda and Araku. At Rushikonda, 24 newly constructed sea-facing AC rooms are ready. The total cost of the project is Rs.1.5 crores.

One of APTDC’s latest ventures is the Mayuri Grand hotel at Araku.

Overlooking the lush green valleys, the hotel provides an excellent view with a total 65-room accommodation facility, out which 53 rooms are air-conditioned and 12 are non-AC. Developed on a total cost of Rs.5 crores, the rooms are ready for the season, said Mr. Prasad.

The recently launched 16 valley-facing cottages of APTDC at Anantagiri offer an enchanting view of the mystical valley. The vast coffee plantations of Ananthagiri are a sight to behold, clinging in uniform pattern of green along the ghat road.

“We have already received 60 per cent bookings for the festive season. But this year, tourists won’t be disappointed. With our new projects already completed, tourists can get accommodations even at the eleventh hour,” he said.

And if you just want to experience the cultural experience that is Andhra Pradesh, the APTDC has started an online booking facility.

Log on to www.aptdc.in for details.

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