Glass-bottom walkway to eco-friendly tent city: Andhra to develop Gandikota as major tourist hub

Kadapa:Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced to develop Gandikota as a prominent tourist destination.

Speaking at the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Investors’ Meet held in Gandikota on Friday, the Chief Minister outlined plans to develop the region as an anchor tourism hub.

Highlighting Gandikota’s natural beauty, he noted that it has earned the nickname `The Grand Canyon of India’. He also emphasized the region’s historical significance, mentioning the 13th-century Kakatiya-built structures and the Vijayanagara Empire’s rule, making Gandikota a symbol of both natural and cultural heritage.

The CM laid the foundation stone for a tourism development project under the SASKY scheme, with an estimated cost of ₹78 crore. He stated that the government has concrete plans to transform Gandikota into a world-class tourism destination, including the construction of star hotels to accommodate visitors.

He revealed that the state is working toward the development of 50,000 hotel rooms across various tourist hotspots. Plans for Gandikota include viewpoints, an eco-friendly tent city, boating facilities, and illumination of the historic fort. He also announced the setup of ropeways, a glass-bottom walkway, and a light and sound show to enhance the visitor experience.

The tent city will be operational by the end of this year, and heli-rides over the Grand Canyon of India will commence from September. In addition, caravan tourism services will be introduced for tourists coming from cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

MoUs Signed for Tourism Projects Worth ₹500 Crore

In the presence of the Chief Minister, multiple MoUs were signed to establish tourism projects across the state. Companies including EaseMyTrip and Hilton Hotels signed agreements with the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Corporation, amounting to ₹500 crore.

The partnerships cover tourism development not only in Gandikota but also in Srisailam, Mantralayam, Tirupati, and other locations. These include hotel construction, adventure sports, high ropes, kayaking, and jet skiing.

CM Naidu also virtually laid foundation stones for tourism projects under SASKY and Swadesh Darshan schemes at Gandikota, Borra Caves, Ahobilam, and Nagarjuna Sagar. He urged investors to take advantage of the industrial status granted to tourism projects under the AP Tourism Policy and highlighted opportunities in eco-tourism, adventure tourism, cruise tourism, wellness, caravan tourism, golf, heritage, and temple tourism.

The government is developing seven anchor hubs across the state, including Visakhapatnam, Araku Valley, Rajamahendravaram, Amaravati, Srisailam, and Gandikota, and has also announced 25 thematic tourism circuits.

He said homestays would be promoted across various regions, and that eight major tourism events would be organized at the state level, along with district-wise tourism festivals and programs.

Before concluding his visit, the Chief Minister also took time to tour Gandikota—the Grand Canyon of India—and interacted with local tourist guides and visitors.