More facilities for tourists at Tirupati, other heritage sites

The Tourism Ministry has decided to strengthen infrastructure and create more facilities at various religious and heritage places including the pilgrimage city of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh in view of the increasing number of tourists at these sites.
The ministry has approved Rs 2503.62 lakh as central finance assistance (CFA) for the ongoing mega circuit projects at Tirupati and Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh.
While Rs 1395.75 lakh has been sanctioned for Tirupati circuit, Rs 1107.87 lakh has been granted for Kadapa circuit to create better amenities in the areas.
The project for heritage circuit at Tirupati involves in the development of tourism facilities at various temples in Chittoor district like Sri Kalyana Venkateshwara Swamy Temple, Sri Vedanaryana Swamy Temple, Srivari mettu, Chandragiri fort, Sri Kalahasteeshwara Temple and Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple.

According to Tourism Ministry data, the 10th century temples in Tirupati draws more tourists than even Taj Mahal and Ajanta-Ellora.
Andhra Pradesh has become the top most tourist destination in the country and had recorded 206.8 million domestic tourists last year.

With 184.1 million tourists, Uttar Pradesh has been given second rank while the third position was credited to Tamil Nadu with 168.4 million domestic tourists.
Under the project, the ministry has sanctioned funds for the construction of tourist arrival centres and tourist information centres, mini cultural auditoriums, children parks and renovation of various temples.
Kadapa was selected as a mega circuit destination because of the presence of a chain of temples and forts that exist since the Vijaya Nagara empire.

Gandikota fort, Vaidhyanatha Swami Temple, Saumya Natha Temple, Kodandarama Temple, Athirala Parasurma Temple are among the 21 temples and forts 21 to be covered under the project in Kadapa district.
The Kadapa project involves the development of tourism facilities like construction of public toilets, drinking water facilities, landscaping and park development and tourist information centres at various locations.