Kiranmai Tutika | AMARAVATI

After the successful launch of home stays, the Andhra Pradesh government is gearing up to boost the tourism sector, with plans to introduce houseboat services at eight major tourist locations across the state. The initiative is aimed at enhancing visitor experience and creating new recreational attractions on rivers and reservoirs.Private operators have come forward to run houseboats at selected water bodies, marking a shift from earlier attempts by the State Tourism Development Corporation, which faced operational challenges. Several houseboats launched in the past had gradually fallen out of use due to maintenance and management issues. To avoid a repeat of such problems, the government has now opted to allow experienced private agencies to manage and maintain the services.

Under the new plan, single-bedroom and double-bedroom houseboats will be introduced at Suryalanka, Bhavani Island in Vijayawada, Saraswati Ghat and Pushkar Ghat in Rajamahendravaram, Gandikota in YSR Kadapa district, Kondakarla Lake in Anakapalli district, Gambhiram reservoir in Visakhapatnam district, and Tajangi reservoir in Alluri Sitarama Raju district. Private operators are expected to invest nearly Rs 10 crore collectively to set up and run these services. The government will provide necessary infrastructure support, including space for jetties, electricity and drinking water facilities.

Earlier in 2014 the first set of houseboats was launched by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu at Bhavani Island on the Krishna River in Vijayawada and Dhindi resort on Godavari river. Two houseboats, along with a romantic float boat and a dine-in boat, were already operated for years, but due to Covid they were stopped and since then left unattended. However, now once again the services were brought back at these locations and ticket bookings for these services are expected to begin shortly. Proposals for operating houseboats at Tajangi, Kondakarla Lake and Gambhiram reservoir have been forwarded through district collectors for environmental and water resources clearances. Temporary permissions are also being processed for operations at Swarnala Cheruvu in SPS Nellore district, Gargeyapuram in Kurnool district, and Edurulanka in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district.

Each houseboat will be equipped to accommodate up to six people and will allow overnight stays. Boats will remain docked at designated jetties along riverbanks. The romantic float and dine-in boats will cater to special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, small meetings and private gatherings, with facilities for lunch and dinner onboard.Safety has been accorded top priority in the project. The Tourism Department has been directed to establish control rooms at all locations where houseboats operate. These centers will be staffed by officials from revenue, police and water resources departments to monitor compliance with safety standards. Boat operations will be suspended whenever there is a rise in water levels or adverse weather conditions.

“The introduction of houseboats is part of the government’s broader strategy to promote experiential tourism in Andhra Pradesh. By involving reputed private operators and ensuring strict safety protocols, we aim to offer high-quality services while creating new employment opportunities,” said Amarapali, Managing Director of APTDC.With these initiatives, the state hopes to attract more domestic and international tourists and position Andhra Pradesh as a leading destination for river and backwater tourism.