The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation(APTDC) is developing an eco-tourism centre at Jannaram village situated near famous Kawal wildlife sanctuary in Adilabad district. The centre will be ready by the end of July or August this year.
Kawal wildlife sanctuary is famous for its rich teak forests. The sanctuary houses tigers, panthers, gaur, cheetal, sambar, Nilgai, barking deer, chowsingha, mosue deer, sloth bear and a large variety of birds and reptiles. River Kadiam flows through the sanctuary.
According to the in-charge managing director and executive director of the APTDC B Srinivas the eco-tourism centre is being developed near the Kawal lake sanctuary. The centre will offer various activities such as bird watching, trekking, nature trails, and many more.
Shamirpet : The APTDC to attract more tourists for its Shamirpet eco-tourism spot is giving a facelift to its cottages.
The renovation work of the cottages will be completed by September or October and will be thrown open for tourists, Srinivas said. The centre also has a deer park and different varieties of plants.
Anantagiri: The tourism department is also planning to develop Ananthagiri hills near Vikarabad in Ranga Reddy district into a major eco-tourism spot. Presently, APTDC is running a 36 room restaurant Haritha Valley View at Anantagiri, which has facilities like gym and swimming pool.
“Ananthagiri hills is known for bird-watching and waterfalls and there is a need to start new activities to attract tourists,” APTDC executive director said.
Laknavaram:“The Laknavaram cheruvu project of the tourism department in Warangal district is doing very well and has turned into a major tourist destination. The Laknavaram cheruvu spread over an area of 10,000 acres has 13 islands which are scattered amidst the lush green jungles. The tourist department has constructed a hanging bridge connecting these islands,’’ he said
Mypad: The Mypad seashore resorts in Nellore is also doing very well.
As far as eco-tourism is considered Karnataka is doing better than Andhra Pradesh as they have more number of sanctuaries and there is good coordination among various departments. Moreover, Karnataka has a separate corporation for eco-tourism, which is taking care of the eco-tourism activity.
The tourism projects operational in the state include Durgam Cheruvu Lake in Hyderabad, Ettipothala waterfalls illumination project with resort facilities, 12 km downstream of Nagarjuna Sagar project, Jungle Bells at Tyda, Ananthagiri Hills resort, both in Araku valley of Visakhapatnam, Talakona in Chittoor district, Belum caves in Kurnool district, Borra caves in Araku valley, fishing resort at Durgam Cheruvu in Hyderabad, Buddha Vanam at Nagarjuna Sagar, Orvakallu (Rock Park) in Kurnool, Bhavani Islands, Surya Lanka beach resort at Bapatla and Konaseema village resort in Rajahmundry.