AP tourism planning to develop ancient caves and monuments into tourist hotspots

Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) is planning to turn Akkanna Madanna caves, the ancient Moghalrajpuram caves and the under-construction Bapu museum in Vijayawada city into tourist hotspots. The department is in fact ready to invest a significant amount of money on these monuments, which will be part of the ‘reviving heritage’ campaign.

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Managing Director of APTDC, Himanshu, speaking to the press regarding this project said that under the Buddhist Circuit project, INR 150 crore was sent to the concerned officials, of which INR 60 crore was approved during phase 1. The revamping of the caves and monuments will be taken up in the second phase. The official further stated that as the department is not eager to waste any more time, it will be investing around INR 1 crore to INR 2 crore on each of the abovementioned caves and monuments.

To make those monuments tourist friendly, the department will be developing the ambience of those areas by introducing cafes, improving the greenery around the caves, enhancing connectivity in and around those sites, and also repairing the drainage system. It has to be noted here that much cannot be done in these areas as the caves and monuments are protected ones.

As per the department officials, Bapu museum, which was formerly known as Victoria museum, will soon be open for public. Vani Mohan, commissioner of the Department of Archaeology and Museums, said the museum once open for public will be able to boost tourism in the city with its latest collections and 3-D technology.