Besides transforming the new capital into a vibrant economic power house, Andhra Pradesh government is preparing plans to project Amaravati a most sought after destination for religious pilgrims. This is in addition to Centre’s plan to develop Amaravati under the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY). The Centre sanctioned Rs 20.33 crore for developing heritage sites in and around Amaravati.
In an attempt to re-present the past of Amravati, the later incarnation Dhanyakatakam, the AP state government has identified an area of 250 km for the development of religious tourism circuit. Amaravati, once most sought after pilgrim and education centre for Buddhists, sank into oblivion after revival of Vedic religion in the region. It is mostly visited by Buddhists now. As the area has number of historical temples TDP government wants to develop the new capital city of the State in such a way that the world-class Amaravati would not cloud the ancient historical Amaravati.
As per the final master plan of Amaravati, the tourism circuit will come up connecting all the important religious and cultural heritage sites to provide tourists a sense of history and Andhra heritage.
The tourism circuit will comprise of Amaravati Temple and Buddha statue, Ananthavaram Temple, Neerukonda Hill, Kondapalli Fort, Undavalli Caves, Mangalagiri Temple and Kanakadurga Temple.
In fact, Amravati is famous for its temple dedicated to God Shiva and Ambadevi. The rich heritage includes Amareswara temple, Mahachaitya (the great stupa), Buddhist sculptures and slabs with Buddhist inscriptions.
“Proper interpretation facilities will also be developed in proximity to these attractions,” sources said.
The tourism circuit will also include Vijayawada city’s iconic waterfront and eco tourism islands which would be connected to the circuit via the Bhavani Island and Undavalli Caves respectively.
As per master plan of the new capital city, access to Dharanikota Fort, Amaravati Pond, Mahachaitya Stupa, Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple, Kalachakra Museum, Dhyanabuddha Statue and Zamindar Bungalow will be improved through well connected roads.
An interpretation centre and a walkway of 2.5 kms will also be developed.
It was in Amaravati that ‘Kalachakra’ of Buddhism commenced. In 2006, the 30th Kalachakra, the Buddhist summit for world peace, was held at the ancient historical town. Amaravati was also the capital of the Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Eastern Chalukyas, Telugu Cholas, who had ruled large parts of Andhra Desa for centuries. AP government wants the new tourism circuit incorporate all these elements in to the theme of the circuit.