Andhra Pradesh - Rajahmundry   

AP Tourism yet to get its act together

— Photo: VASANTH

inviting:The Vainatheya, a branch of the Godavari, near Dindi in Konaseema with coconut grooves in the background.

RAJAHMUNDRY: It is time to celebrate World Tourism Day on Monday and AP Tourism has planned a slew of programmes on its eve. The Tourism Department however has failed to tap the resources of areas which are abundant in scenic beauty and which are a veritable treasure trove of natural wealth. East Godavari is an example of the department's failure in failing to tap the tourism potential.

The world famous Papikondalu (Papi hills) rake in the maximum revenue in the district.

A ride on a boat for six to eight hours is extremely enjoyable when one can enjoy nature at it best, mental peace and tranquillity on the Godavari.

The Tourism Department has local understanding with Anand Tourism and River Bay Resorts, but it is has not taken up full-fledged operations in accordance with Godavari river flow and water conditions. No tourism guesthouse is available and no particular vehicle is seen in the name of AP Tourism for Papikondalu trips.

Temple tourism

Temple tourism is the second best in the district as the district is having a host of historic, traditional and cultural places. Apart from Rajahmundry there is very good potential in Konaseema with regard to trips on river Godavari and temple tours.

Aaduru Dharma Kshetram in Mamidikuduru mandal is most neglected Buddhist centre, where foreigners, particularly, Buddhist monks used to visit as the inscriptions and imprints of Lord Gautama Buddha are found there. Pithapuram Padagaya Khsetram of Lord Siva, Dattatreya, Mukteswaram Siva temple, Rally Jaganmohini temple, Antarvedi Narasimhaswamy temple, Ienavelli Vinayaka temple, Muramanda Veereswara Swamy temple, Mandapalli Saneeswara Temple, Dwarapudi Ayyappa temple are some of the temples not exposed till now in AP tourism map.

The promises to develop Kotipalli Revu, Bodasakurru Revu and Vundi resorts -- the first beach resort in Vodalarevu -- are still promises as hardly anything has been done by local administration or by Tourism department.

Rampachodavaram Agency is the another part of the district which is full of natural beauty with Maredumilli forest with water falls and the famous pine trees whose pulp is used in making currency notes. Sileru reservoir, Donakarai and other spots in the Agency are also part of package for tourists.

Development of Havelock Bridge in Rajahmundry and giving a place to Kadiyam Nurseries in the tourism map, development of Picthukallanka and Hope Island in Kakinada are some of the projects under cold storage for years together.

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