Tourism Department Keen on Making Srisailam a Visitors’ Paradise

�Kurnool: Tourism officials organised a high-level meeting to develop Srisailam in Nandyal district, which is already a spiritual hub, into a world-class destination for tourists.

The officials focussed on improving accommodation, setting up yoga and wellness centres, and introducing entertainment options to attract international visitors.

Significantly, the central government has already included Srisailam in the list of key pilgrimage destinations to be developed, like Dwaraka and Khajuraho. The centre’s goal is to promote spiritual tourism and ecotourism, while adding other attractive facilities that draw more devotees and travellers.

Srisailam is already a Shaivite pilgrimage centre. The area has a major water reservoir due to the Srisailam dam. And Srisailam is surrounded by the Nallamala forest.

Keeping these advantages in view, top officials met in Srisailam last week. Another meeting followed in Vijayawada, with senior officials being present. They discussed ways to improve the Shaivite centre that can match Tirumala.

Hilltop Tirumala has long faced accommodation shortages, particularly during peak seasons, due to space constraints. But Srisailam has the advantage of land, water, and forest connectivity. This makes the Shaivite centre an ideal location for spiritual-cum-tourism hub.

Officials are considering introducing seaplane services, expanding boating options, and further developing eco-tourism, with initiatives such as jungle safaris in the Nallamala forests.

Additionally, other temples in the area and historical sites can be included into tourism packages, which provide visitors a more enriching experience.

“Srisailam has unique advantages. With the right infrastructure, it can become a major tourism destination,” a tourism department official from Vijayawada told Deccan Chronicle.

Srisailam already attracts a vast number of devotees during major festivals. Officials feel that with the combined efforts of the state and central governments, Srisailam can soon be developed into a world-class pilgrimage and tourism centre.

Officials believe that once additional tourism projects are completed and seaplane operations begin, Srisailam will witness a major boost in visitors, including from around the world, who can look forward to recreation while fulfilling their spiritual quest.