Telangana State has set its eyes on promoting eco, tribal and spiritual tourism in a big way

Telangana Government plans to tap the potential for eco, tribal and spiritual tourism in the State; Centre to fund three major tourist circuits with Rs. 250 crore.

A year after bifurcation, Telangana State has set its eyes on promoting eco, tribal and spiritual tourism in a big way, apart from showcasing the rich heritage and culture of Hyderabad.

Keen on using to the hilt the Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD schemes of Ministry of Tourism, the Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) has identified Mahabubnagar and Warangal districts for development of three major theme-based tourism circuits.

As part of eco-tourism, it has sent proposals to the Centre to develop Somasila-Akka Mahadevi Caves-Uma Maheswaram temple-Mannanur-Farahabad-Mallelatheertham-Srisailam circuit in a big way. Somasila-Srisailam stretch offers tourists the chance to gain real-time experience through river cruise on the Krishna amid the lush green tropical forests, scenic waterfalls, exotic wildlife, and amazing caves besides picturesque hillocks in Mahabubnagar district.

The eco-tourism circuit would be divided into two sub-circuits with one covering the river cruise beginning at Somasila  and touching Akka Mahadevi Caves – Srisailam. It would be a four-hour river cruise. The second sub-circuit starts from Akka Mahadevi Caves and covers Farahabad -Mallelatheertham - Mannanur - Uma Maheswaram temple. The total cost of the project is Rs. 127.27 crore, of which the share of the Ministry of Tourism is Rs. 118.74 crore and State is pitching in with Rs. 8.53 crore.

Second largest city Warangal

The second largest city in Telangana, Warangal would be promoted in a big way into ‘Heritage and Spiritual City’. The district as a whole is being tapped to make it a tourist-friendly destination. Plans are on the anvil to promote spiritual tourism circuit covering Kolanupaka, Jangaon, Palakurthi temple, Bammera, Ghanpur, Mettu Gutta, Eka Veera, Inavolu, Bhadrakali, Padmakshi and Palampet temples and the lake. The total project cost is Rs. 61.63 crore, of which the Centre would contribute Rs. 60.76 crore.

Telangana Tourism has also zeroed in on tribal tourism circuit of Mulugu -Laknavaram - Medaram - Tadvai - Eturnagaram, which has thick forest, ethnic culture with their festivities. Lakhnavaram is already a tourist paradise because of the manmade lake with a hanging bridge. The stretch is already considered a potential tourist zone as it traverses dense Eturunagaram forest ranges, wildlife areas, agriculture landscapes and pristine tribal areas. This project would cost Rs. 96.61 crore.

Eco-tourism circuit

Somasila riverside development/temple – shaded pathway from river to the temple

Water tower/viewpoint

Water sports

Somasila temple – Open air theatre, theme garden with fountains

Singotam temple – Illumination of Laxmi temple and the hill

Akka Mahadevi Caves – Trekking path from Akka Mahadevi to Vanam

Uma Maheswaram temple – Base camp for trekking facility

Mannanur – Wayside amenities

Farahabad – Water tower, viewpoint, tented accommodation, and eco trail such as hiking and trekking

Mallelatheertham – Waterfalls, eco-friendly cottages

Heritage and spiritual tourism circuit

Warangal city, once the capital of Kakatiya dynasty (12th-14th century), is sophisticated and modern, reflecting the grandeur of the Kakatiya dynasty, showcasing their rich architectural inclination and styles

The city has immense potential to become a prominent heritage and spiritual destination, with its splendid temples and memorable historic monuments depicting the glorious cultural heritage

Temples to have meditation centre, interpretation centre, auditorium, public convenience open air theatre, tourist facilitation centre, and guest house

Tribal tourism circuit

Mulugu – Multi-cuisine food courts and souvenir shops, wayside amenities

River front development, Eturunagaram – Amphi theatre, tribal cottages, and tented accommodation

Lakhnavaram – Amusement park, upgradation of jetty, cottages, and skill development centre

Shortcomings

A majority of tourism destinations in the region offers inadequate facilities for tourists. The region is already attracting lakhs of tourists every year and there is scope for attracting more if the infrastructure gaps such as access roads, jetties, visitor lounges, information centres, washrooms, and parkingare addressed.

Quotes

“In the last one year, Telangana has attracted Rs. 200 crore worth of tourism projects. This year it would go up to Rs. 300 crore.”

B.P. Acharya,

Principal Secretary, Tourism

“Warangal city and the district has high potential to emerge a perfect tourist destination in near future.”

Peravaram Ramulu,

Chairman, Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/big-plans-on-tourism/article7522190.ece