‘Tent cities, homestays planned for Godavari Pushkaralu’

Metro India News | amaravati

Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh has directed officials to fast-track preparations for the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu, emphasising the creation of tent cities and promotion of homestays to accommodate the expected influx of devotees and tourists.

Chairing a review meeting at the Sri Ratan Tata Hub in Rajamahendravaram, the minister assessed the progress of the Rajamahendravaram Tourism Hub and APTDC Kakinada division. He instructed officials to ensure that accommodation facilities are fully ready well in advance, in line with the vision of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Durgesh announced that tent cities will be set up across 21 prominent temples during the Pushkaralu, enabling pilgrims to stay longer and explore nearby destinations rather than limiting their visit to ritual bathing. He stressed that devotees must be provided royal hospitality through meticulous planning and seamless coordination.

Highlighting inclusive tourism, the minister called for large-scale promotion of homestays, encouraging citizens to convert spare rooms into income-generating accommodation units. “If you have a room, it can become a homestay,” he said, positioning the initiative as a tool for grassroots employment and community participation.

The government has set a target of creating 50,000 rooms across the state over the next five years. While star hotels are under development in key locations, Durgesh emphasised the importance of homestays in Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns, allowing visitors to experience authentic rural lifestyles, including traditional courtyard homes.

He also outlined plans to develop a “Godavari Tourism Circuit” to attract both domestic and international visitors. Drawing from the success of caravan tourism between Visakhapatnam and Araku, the minister said similar models would soon be introduced in the Godavari region, alongside adventure and heli-tourism initiatives.