Arasavalli Sun temple receives ₹55.74 crore tourism development allocation

The Union government has sanctioned ₹55.74 crore for development at and around the Arasavalli Sun temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme. The historic temple was among 57 destinations selected under the scheme, with funds sanctioned for 17 of them. The allocation is intended to strengthen Arasavalli as a spiritual and tourism destination.

Planned projects include an Arasavalli Sun Experience Centre, a dome over the sun-deck area, a restaurant block and a shopping area near the temple. Supporting infrastructure, landscaping and an open-air theatre are also included. The project further provides for development of the Nagavali riverfront and protection of a Dutch heritage structure.

The source material does not give a timetable for completing the individual works. Union Minister for Civil Aviation K. Rammohan Naidu said the project would help make the temple’s importance known throughout the country.

He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for supporting the initiative. Srikakulam Collector Swapnil Dinakar Pundkar and tourism officials prepared a detailed project report after a suggestion from Rammohan Naidu.

The Centre subsequently selected the temple for spiritual-tourism development following verification of the proposal. Pundkar said improved facilities were expected to boost spiritual tourism in the district and attract more pilgrims from across India. Srikakulam Tourism Officer N.

Narayana Rao said other temples, including Srikurmam and Srimukhalingam, could also benefit because pilgrims often visit them after worshipping at Arasavalli. The Sri Suryanarayana Swamy temple at Arasavalli is the principal destination covered by the sanctioned project. The source material does not specify whether the allocation will be released in stages or identify the implementing agency.