New Heritage Tourism Circuit Planned for Padmanabham Area

Plans are underway to develop a new tourism circuit around Padmanabham, highlighting the area’s rich historical heritage and archaeological significance. During a recent District Tourism Council meeting chaired by Collector M. N. Harendhira Prasad, officials were tasked with assessing the feasibility of linking Padmanabham and Anandapuram into a unified heritage cluster.

The proposed circuit features major attractions, including Pandrangi village, the birthplace of revolutionary Alluri Sitarama Raju; the ancient Gudilova Sivalayam; and the 500-year-old Victory Pillar at Potnuru, erected by Sri Krishnadevaraya. The renowned Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple will also be included, adding cultural depth to the trail.

District Tourism Officer Madhavi said that the cluster proposal has been shared with INTACH for evaluation. After their feedback, the plan will be submitted to higher authorities for approval.

During the meeting, tourism stakeholders advocated for extending public access to Beach Road beyond midnight, noting that current restrictions cut short visitors’ recreational activities along the shoreline. Additional suggestions included expanding water sports options, resolving land-related challenges delaying tourism projects, and developing eco-friendly amenities at locations such as Thotlakonda and Bavikonda.

While dates for the Visakha Utsav have yet to be finalized, officials indicated the event might be scheduled between Christmas and New Year to leverage peak tourist inflow.