Gandikota Gears Up To Become A Global Tourism Hotspot With ₹78 Crore Project
In a move that will invigorate Andhra Pradesh’s tourism landscape, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has laid the foundation stone for a ₹78 crore tourism development project in the Gandikota area—referred to as the “Grand Canyon of India.” The project, using SAASCI funding (Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment), aims to establish the historic scenic spot as a world-class tourism destination.
Launched during the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Investors Meet in the Gandikota region of Kadapa district, the grand plan consists of environmentally sustainable tourism development, luxurious accommodation, and adventure activities and experiences. Naidu also announced the festivity of Gandikota Utsavalu, a cultural event to celebrate the cultural and historical significance of the Gandikota region on December 26-27, with planned attractions including a scenic view-spot, tent city, boating, fort lighting, and light and sound shows.
Adding to the excitement, heli-rides over the iconic canyon will launch in September, and caravan tourism is being planned to connect major cities such as Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
The state signed agreements worth ₹500 crore with major tourism players including EaseMyTrip and Hilton Hotels. Projects will span locations like Gandikota, Srisailam, Mantralayam, and Tirupati, and include luxury hotels, adventure sports, kayaking, rope courses, and jet skiing.
A glass-bottom walkway and a ropeway are also on the cards—offering visitors unique ways to experience Gandikota’s majestic terrain and deep-rooted history from the Kakatiya and Vijayanagara eras.
In his address, the Chief Minister highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s new progressive tourism policy, which confers industry status for the tourism sector and opens up many investments in all areas of tourism eco, adventure, cruise, wellness, heritage, temple, and caravan tourism.
To achieve sustainable and long-term growth, the State has identified seven anchor destinations, which are Visakhapatnam, Araku Valley, Rajamahendravaram, Amaravati, Srisailam, Gandikota, additional and 25 themed circuits, and eight major tourism festivals, to showcase the region’s culture.
Naidu also laid foundation stones for projects under the SASCI and Swadesh Darshan schemes at key heritage and nature spots including Borra Caves, Ahobilam, and Nagarjunasagar. He reaffirmed the government’s plan to develop 50,000 hotel rooms, encourage homestays, and build robust tourism infrastructure across the state.
Earlier today, the Chief Minister visited the Gandikota Canyon where it spoke to tourists and local guides in order to understand on ground requirements- it indicated the administration’s people-centric and experience based tourism approach.
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