Andhra launches tourist caravans; check rent, routes, facilities, and more

Amaravati: For the first time, Andhra Pradesh has launched tourism caravans to boost the niche travel experience.

Launched under a special policy framed by the government, the initiative aims to offer tourists a unique travel experience while improving connectivity to key destinations.

At present, four caravans are being operated by two government-empanelled companies — OG Dreamliners and India Luxe Caravan LLP — under the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC).

The state plans to expand the service in phases, with several private operators already expressing interest.

The empanelled companies will operate two categories of caravans — 10–12 seater and 5–6 seater vehicles — covering four major tourism routes.

Caravan routes and tariffs

Route 1: Visakhapatnam – Araku – Lambasingi (2 days)

Tariff: ₹42,500 (10–12 seater), ₹31,500 (5–6 seater)

Route 2: Visakhapatnam – Simhachalam – Annavaram – Pithapuram – Samarlakota – Draksharamam – Vadapalli (1.5 days)

Tariff: ₹42,500 (10–12 seater), ₹31,500 (5–6 seater)

Route 3: Hyderabad – Gandikota (2 days)

Tariff: ₹85,000 (10–12 seater), ₹64,000 (5–6 seater)

Route 4: Hyderabad – Suryalanka (2 days)

Tariff: ₹85,000 (10–12 seater), ₹64,000 (5–6 seater)

Book online: tourism.ap.gov.in/caravan or contact: 7729830011.

Special Sankranthi package

As part of the Sankranthi festival celebrations, a special six-day caravan tour will be operated from Hyderabad to Bhimavaram and Dindi. Bookings are available for departures on the 10th, 11th, and 12th of January. Four caravans will operate from Hyderabad on these dates.

Tourists can choose their own dining options during the journey, with food expenses to be borne by them. At night, caravans will be parked at tourism department hotels, and where such facilities are unavailable, at nearby government offices or police stations for security.

The caravans are designed to allow tourists to sleep overnight inside the vehicle, with seats that can be converted into sleeping berths.

Facilities on board

Each caravan is equipped with modern amenities, including:

Sleeping beds for 2–8 people

Gas stove and induction cooker

Refrigerator and microwave oven

Drinking water tank and sink

Bathroom and washbasin

Air-conditioner and heater

Dining space

Wi-Fi, television, and GPS tracking

Fire extinguishers and a first-aid kit

Expansion plans

The state government has drawn up an action plan to roll out 150 caravan vehicles and 25 caravan parks across Andhra Pradesh by 2029. To attract private participation, a special incentive-based policy is being prepared for operators managing caravan tourism services.

Tourism infrastructure push

Parallelly, the government is implementing major tourism development projects across the State. Under the SASKY scheme, jointly funded by the Centre and the State, works at Gandikota and Akhanda Godavari have commenced with an outlay of ₹172.35 crore.

Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, facilities at Araku, Lambasingi, and Suryalanka Beach are being upgraded at a cost of ₹127.39 crore, while Ahobilam and Nagarjunasagar are being developed under the Challenge-Based Destination Development programme with an allocation of ₹49.49 crore.

Officials said the introduction of caravan tourism, inspired by successful models in Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra, is expected to significantly boost tourism and position Andhra Pradesh as a leading travel destination in the country.