HYDERABAD: The 972 km long coastline of Andhra Pradesh, the second longest sea coast next only to Gujarat in the country, has some of the best and pristine beaches, providing an opportunity for the traveller to enjoy the nature’s bounty at its best.
Some of the well known travel writers had said that Andhra Pradesh has much to offer, when it comes to variety of beaches. Both sand and rock beaches can be found along the long coastline of Andhra Pradesh.
In spite of having immense tourism potential in the form of beaches, Andhra Pradesh, when it was undivided had not taken much advantage of it. ‘’Since the last couple of years, the focus on beach tourism had increased and we have started developing infrastructure facilities for tourists and constructed beach resorts at some of the ideal locations in all most all the coastal districts of the state,’’ a senior official of the Andhra Pradesh Tourism told Express.
Beach resorts were developed in Baruva, Kalingapatnam in Srikakulam district, Chintapalli in Vizianagaram district, Kakinada in East Godavari, Perupalem in West Godavari and Mypadu in Nellore district. The Central government had sanctioned Rs 5 crore for the development of each beach resort. Another beach resort in Ramayapatnam of Prakasam district is also under progress. ‘’There is an overwhelming response for the new beach resorts, with more and more tourists not only from country but also abroad are eager to visit,’’ APTDC officials said pointing out at the 80 percent occupancy rate at those new beach resorts.
To keep them interested, adventure sports like speed boats and jet skies have also been introduced and some of the private tour operators are also proposing to introduce para sailing, which at present is being offered only at Visakhapatnam. ‘’Beach tourism is a very potential revenue earner and the government is also very keen on promoting it along with other tourist attractions. Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu during his recent meeting with tourism officials emphasised the need for developing more such tourist attractions, so it not only generates revenue but also provide more employment opportunities,’’ tourism department official said.