The Centre has sanctioned Rs. 64 crore for implementation of the Coastal Tourism Circuit for Nellore district.
Responding to Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation’s (APTDC) proposals worth Rs. 100 crore for the project, the Union Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned Rs. 64 crore for the purpose under its Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
The Swadesh Darshan programme is an integrated development of tourist circuits around specific themes and the Coastal Tourism Circuit for Nellore is one of the five circuits indentified under this scheme. Others are: Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Krishna Circuit and North-East Circuit.
R. Amarendra Kumar, the Executive Director (Projects), APTDC, said the mega project would pave the way for beautification of the coastline comprising scenic beaches, destinations of heritage and cultural importance.
Nellore region is strategically located as it is well connected to cities like Chennai, Tirupati and Bengaluru. The existing Sri City and the proposed Industrial Smart City under Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor will also help in attracting a large number of visitors to the district.
The proposed tourism circuit in this region envisages linking all the attractive features like the Pulicat Lake (B V Palem, Irakkum and Venadu Islands, Atakanitippa), the Nelapattu Birds sanctuary, the Kandaleru reservoir, Nellore tank bund, the Kothakoduru and Mypadu beaches, Ramatheertham temple and beach, Iskapalli beach, Udayagiri Fort and Krishnapatnam cruise terminal.
The Pulicat Lake is the second largest brackish water lake in India; the flamingos here are nature’s gift. The sight of winged beauties at Nelapattu bird sanctuary is a feast to the eyes; The satellite launch pad of India —Sriharikota — has a great significance while the Krishnapatnam Port is India’s largest port on the horizon.Besides sumptuous Nellore cuisine, the place offers fascinating green spaces and mesmerising temples.
