Andhra Pradesh envisions Gandikota as a flagship eco-tourism and adventure destination

Plans for Gandikota

-  Foundation stone for Rs.78 crore project under the Swadesh Darshan (SASCI) scheme to develop the region

- Glass-bottom skywalk

- Ropeway

- View point

-  Eco-friendly tent city

- Boating facility

-Light-and-sound show at the Gandikota fort

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Making a big push to tourism development, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday announced a comprehensive Master Plan to transform Gandikota, popularly known as the Grand Canyon of India, into a world-class tourist destination. Speaking at the AP Tourism Investors Meet held at Gandikota, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a Rs.78 crore project under the Swadesh Darshan (SASCI) scheme to develop the region into a premier tourism anchor hub.

Highlighting the site’s natural beauty and historical legacy, Naidu said the state government envisions Gandikota as a flagship eco-tourism and adventure destination. As part of the master plan, key infrastructure projects will include a glass-bottom skywalk, ropeway, view point, eco-friendly tent city, boating facility, and a light-and-sound show at the Gandikota fort.

Naidu also announced that helicopter rides over Gandikota’s canyon will commence by September, offering panoramic views for tourists. To enhance accessibility from major cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai, caravan tourism services will be introduced.

The government is also focused on developing 50,000 hotel rooms across the state, including star-category accommodations at key destinations like Gandikota, Srisailam, Mantralayam, and Tirupati. “Gandikota will be an immersive experience. From luxury stays to adventure sports, we’re designing it to be an all-in-one tourism hub,” Naidu said.

In a significant boost to the tourism economy, the state signed investment agreements worth Rs.500 crore in the presence of the Chief Minister. Prominent firms including EaseMyTrip and Hilton Hotels inked deals with the AP Tourism Corporation to develop projects such as hotels, high ropes courses, kayaking, and jet-skiing activities.

Naidu also virtually launched tourism projects across Borra Caves, Ahobilam, and Nagarjuna Sagar, funded under central schemes like Swadesh Darshan and SASCI. Emphasizing Andhra Pradesh's new tourism policy, Naidu said the state is granting industrial status to tourism projects to attract major investments.

“The state is rich in potential across eco-tourism, adventure, wellness, temple, caravan, cruise, and heritage tourism,” he said, announcing the development of seven anchor hubs Visakhapatnam, Araku Valley, Rajamahendravaram, Amaravati, Srisailam, Gandikota, and others, along with 25 thematic tourism circuits. Home-stay models will be promoted across rural and heritage regions, he added. The state will also host 8 major tourism festivals annually, along with district-level events to showcase Andhra Pradesh’s cultural and natural treasures.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister visited Gandikota’s scenic canyons and interacted with local tourist guides and visitors, reaffirming the government’s commitment to grassroots-level tourism development. Gandikota Utsav to be held on December 26-27.