Andhra Pradesh unveils Godavari tourism plan ahead of 2027 Pushkarams

Andhra Pradesh Culture and Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh has unveiled the “Godavari Calls” declaration to promote tourism in the region ahead of the Godavari Pushkarams in 2027. Durgesh announced the declaration in Rajamahendravaram on Sunday during World Tourism Day celebrations. He said the Godavari region had become a destination for film shoots and that the homestay initiative had gained popularity.

The minister said a tent city and Havelock bridge would be developed before the Pushkarams. He also said tourism had attracted ₹20,000 crore in investment in Andhra Pradesh since the sector received industry status. According to Durgesh, at least 16 major hotels were under construction across the State, representing an estimated ₹6,000 crore of investment attracted over the previous two years.

The State’s tourism potential, he said, included its coastline, culinary and tribal diversity, crafts, arts and foods with Geographical Indication tags, and Araku coffee. Durgesh said 130 tourist destinations, including temples, had been documented using artificial intelligence tools and shared online. Special Chief Secretary S.S.

Ravat said technology should support rather than replace the authenticity of tourist locations. He added that AI was being used to translate local languages and document destinations. East Godavari Collector Kirthi Chekuri said the forests of Maredumilli could become a major location for viewing the Milky Way.

The region also includes landscapes, temples and archaeological sites, she said. Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director P. Ravi Subhash announced plans to promote bike expeditions on routes linking Rajamahendravaram and Maredumilli, Visakhapatnam and Araku, and Tirupati and Gandikota.

The State hotel association president said 45 hotels were under construction in Amaravati, Tirupati, Kakinada and Visakhapatnam.