Andhra Pradesh - Srikakulam   

Tourism in Srikakulam dist. needs fillip

Srikakulam: Srikakulam district, a tourist destination having Buddhist locations at Salihundam and Danthapuram, pilgrim centres like Srikurmam, Srimukhalingam, Arasavalli, Ravivalasa and beaches at Barua and Kalingapatnam, has been neglected and the government initiates no steps to promote tourism.

The district does not have basic facilities to offer those who come from different parts, including Japan.

Despite the district being on the tourist circuit map of the APTDC, the tourism transport services are limited to Visakhapatnam district. Srikakulam is not a part of in the tourism package being offered to tourists who come to Visakhapatnam.

Tourism can be promoted in a big way by establishing tourist resorts at strategic locations. Unfortunately, neither the government nor the department of tourism has done anything worth mentioning. Resorts can be built under the private-public participation on the sea coast. Resorts were built in Barua, but there are being misused by anti-social elements in the absence of proper maintenance and security staff. Located at 3.5 km from Srikakulam, Arasavalli temple is very famous where Sun God is worshipped. The temple dates back to the 7th century and a Kalinga king was said to have constructed it. Srikurmam temple is the only temple in the country where Lord Vishnu is in the form of tortoise. Situated 15 km away from Srikakulam, the temple has 200 pillars.

Salihundam village shot into prominence when excavations revealed the existence of an ancient Buddhist settlement. Situated 18 km from Srikakulam on the banks of the river Vamsadhara, a maha stupa, votive stupas, chaityas, platforms and viharas have been unearthed in the village with inscriptions dating back to the 2nd century A.D.

Located on the banks of the river Vamsadhara, Srimukhalingam temple is known for its elegant sculptures.

Telineelapuram and Telukunchi are well-known bird resorts. Telineelapuram is located 65 km from Srikakulam and seven km from Tekkali while Telukunchi is at a distance of 115 km from Srikakulam.

Painted storks and pelicans from Siberia migrate to these sanctuaries every year to nest and breed. Naturally, the place is a favourite one for bird watchers.

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Tourism in Srikakulam dist. needs fillip

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