Malaysian firm evinces interest to develop spiritual, ayurveda hub

Visakhapatnam: The spectacular man-made masonry dam of Nagarjunasagar, the historical places and picturesque locales in the vicinity in Andhra Pradesh are expected to become a big hit for tourists with Malaysia-based DXN Group coming forward to partner with the State Government to promote spiritual and ayurveda sectors.

"Ayurveda and spiritual tourism like yoga and temple tourism, nature cure and wellness centres will give a shot in the arm to tourists willing to spend their leisure time for good health, rejuvenation and relaxation," a senior official of APIIC (AP Industrial Infrastructure Corporation) told Bizz Buzz.

The picturesque locales in the backdrop of the majestic Nagarjunasagar dam, the caves, rich flora and fauna in the neighbourhood will provide the ideal environment for promotion of tourism with DXN Manufacturing (India) Private Limited proposing to set up a project under the name of Sunya International at Macherla in Gurazala revenue division in Palnadu district.

The project is proposed in an area of 110 acres with an estimated investment of Rs 250 crore. Macherla is famous for Chennakesava Swamy temple built during the reign of Haihaya Kings.

Top representatives from DXN submitted the proposals and held a discussion when they met APIIC Chairman M Govinda Reddy. They sought his support to expedite the allotment of the land sought by them on lease.

APIIC officials say the project will provide an opportunity for 1,000 people to take part in meditation. In addition to spas, star hotel and resort, the firm will also establish an ayurveda hospital. The project will provide direct and indirect jobs to 2,000 people.

Temple tourism

The State government is planning to promote temple tourism in a big way at Vijayawada, Tirupati, Simhachalam and other places. There is a proposal to develop a huge spiritual tourism centre near Penukonda with the involvement of ISKCON.

Visakhapatnam, which can boast of having Goa-type of natural splendour with vast spread of golden beaches and valleys, is expected to become a world-class tourism spot if proposals conceived by the State authorities become a reality. The State Investment Promotion Board has already cleared proposals to develop a tunnel aquarium and a sky tower to attract domestic and international tourists to Visakhapatnam.