Promotion of temple tourism in AP mooted
G Kishan Reddy promises to develop Simhachalam, Annavaram and others
image for illustrative purpose
Visakhapatnam: Union Minister for Tourism G Kishan Reddy has promised to develop Simhachalam, Annavaram and other places in Andhra Pradesh as destination for temple tourism.
He told a delegation from Tours and Travel Association of Andhra (TTAA) on Tuesday that the Centre sees huge potential to promote Vijayawada and Tirupati as centers of temple tourism.
Earlier, TTAA chairman O Naresh Kumar and K Vijay Mohan met the Union Minister at the Visakhapatnam Airport and submitted a representation.
Minister assured his full support to develop tourism in Andhra Pradesh. He said he has started an initiative to develop Simhachalam and Annavaram devasthanams already. He said he will also request Railways to get more coaches for Araku train soon.
The association leaders wanted development and promotion of the neglected Shakti Peethas at Draksharama and Pithapuram in East Godavari district, which are among the 18 most important Shakti Peethas in the world. There is huge potential to bring tourists to these places, Naresh Kumar told Bizz Buzz.
He said they asked the Minister to consider developing the oldest Sun Temple in India which is at Arasavalli in Srikakulam and also Sri Kurmam Temple, which is the tortoise avatar of Lord Vishnu. He said this is believed to be older than Tirumala temple and sought an allocation of Rs 100 crore to develop the four temples with an equal outlay of Rs 25 crore each, with all pilgrim amenities and enhanced divine experience.
The TTAA asked the Minister to use his good offices to introduce at least two new high-speed trains between Visakhapatnam and Varanasi and Visakhapatnam and Tirupati. This will greatly improve the quality of travel and promote tourism in a more efficient manner, the association stated.
A coach similar to palace on wheels can also be added to these trains for benefit of senior citizens and visiting NRIs, the TTAA suggested the Minister.
Develop neglected Shakti Peethas at Draksharama and Pithapuram in East Godavari district. Also, consider developing the oldest Sun Temple in India which is at Arasavalli in Srikakulam and Sri Kurmam Temple, which is the tortoise avatar of Lord Vishnu. Allocate Rs 100 crore to develop the four temples with an equal outlay of Rs 25 crore each
- TTAA Chairman O Naresh Kumar
