The backwaters of Sripada Yellampalli Project (SYP) have proven to be boon to promote tourism at the historic and ancient Sri Koteshwara Siddeshwara Swamy devasthanam in Koti Lingala village of Velgatoor mandal in Jagtial district.
Now, there is no need to go to Papikondalu or Rajahmundry to have a boating ride. Visitors can enjoy nature’s beauty on the picturesque shores of the river Godavari at Koti Lingala, which is nestled amid huge hillocks covered with thick green cover.
The tourism authorities introduced two mechanised boats of 50 seats and 35 seats capacity and a speed boat of eight-seats. The 50-seater was named Satakarni and 35-seater as Poulomi. Initially, authorities have decided to conduct a 15 minute ride on the waters. At a later stage, the facilities would be operated from Koti Lingala to SYP, covering a distance of 18 kilometres. Another boat would be operated between Koti Lingala and Luxxettipet of Mancherial district.
When the state government had proposed the construction of SYP across the river Godavari in Ramagundam mandal, historians feared that the Koti Lingala temple, which was also the first capital of Satavahana dynasty, would be submerged. The river bank at the shrine was used for transportation of goods by the Satavahana rulers, who reigned from Gwalior to Central India, as evident from the wharf constructed with bricks.
The prospect of promoting tourism at this site came up during the Godavari pushkaralu that were conducted in 2003. During the puskaralu in 2015, the pilgrims swelled considerably as the temple gained popularity.
Subsequently, Dharmapuri legislator and Chief Whip Koppula Eshwar proposed promotion of tourism and the State tourism department sanctioned two boats and two speed boats for its operation from Saturday onwards.
Minister for Finance and Civil Supplies Eatala Rajender, Chief Whip Koppula Eshwar launched the boating facilities on the shores of the temple shrine.
Unlike other places, the boating facilities could be used throughout the year because of abundant backwaters. In order to attract visitors, authorities are planning to construct a Haritha hotel to provide accommodation and food.
Besides, plans are afoot to develop a deer park on the nearby foothills and construct a wooden bridge.
