VISAKHAPATNAM: The state government is planning to introduce Caravan Tourism in Araku Valley, the Andhra Ooty, very soon in an attempt to attract more tourists. Apart from Caravan Tourism, the tourism department is planning to introduce a few more caves at Borra to tourists and also adventure tourism, besides arranging additional facilities for its existing structures and spots. A few more viewpoints would also be arranged on the ghat road from S Kota to Araku Valley.
The state tourism department CEO K Kanna Babu visited the Araku, Borra Caves, and other tourist spots on Sunday. As per his suggestions, the department is now planning to arrange additional facilities for the wooden rooms, suites, and bridge rooms in Araku Valley and Ananthagiri and Tida resorts.
“ We are planning to attract more tourists by providing more facilities and giving them a different feeling in Araku. As part of this, Caravan Tourism, Zipline adventure, and introduction of one more cave in Borra Caves. We will work on those projects,” the Tourism Department CEO K Kanna Babu told media persons.
To attract tourists, Caravan Tourism would be introduced very soon as a few promoters have come forward. For caravan tourism, which allows one to have a flexible holiday without having to go through the hassle of searching and booking accommodation or planning a detailed trip, the tourism department would create facilities by selecting suitable places in Araku. The tourism department would provide basic amenities such as water, electricity, and other facilities including safety to the caravan tourists.
The tourism department had constructed Damuku and Galikonda viewpoints on the ghat road to showcase the beauty of the Araku ghat road, hills, and valleys. Now, a few more viewpoints will be constructed soon.
Generally, tourists would visit natural caves of more than 100 million years, Borra Caves, in large numbers and show interest to visit again. Borra caves are one of the revenue sources for the AP tourism department. Now, the department is planning to introduce other caves in the Borra Caves premises. The caves are in an extent of a kilometer and above.
According to sources, the footfall of tourists at Borra caves would be 4000 to 5000 on normal days and it would be above 10000 on tourist season days meaning October to February. The Borra caves would earn around Rs. 10 to Rs. 14 lakh on normal days and it would be Rs. 20 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh for a week in the season.
Apart from this, the tourism department is planning to arrange Zipline adventure tourism on River Gosthani from Koitiguda to Borra Caves to give a different feel to the tourists.
“More focus would be on Caravan tourism. Zipline adventure proposals have been there for the past few years. As per the CEO’s instructions, we are exercising to provide more facilities to tourists,” the Regional Director of tourism department Srinivas told TOI.
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