Kondakarla Ava to be developed as eco-tourism hub in North Andhra
Kondakarla Ava Bird Sanctuary is set for a major eco-tourism push as the State government finalises plans to upgrade tourism infrastructure at the site.
Officials said the initiative aims to position Kondakarla Ava as a key attraction for visitors to North Andhra, with the destination already witnessing a steady rise in footfall over the past two years.
Several infrastructure works have been completed or taken up at the sanctuary. These include upgrading approach roads, providing boating safety equipment such as life jackets, and constructing viewing platforms. Additional works include seating arrangements, plantation drives, washroom facilities, and designated selfie points. The projects have been implemented through a mix of government funding and corporate social responsibility support.
Elamanchili MLA Sundarapu Vijay Kumar said proposals are being prepared for eco-friendly boat houses and nature-based resorts in the next phase, with an emphasis on maintaining the ecological balance of the sanctuary.
He said events held during Visakha Utsav have helped improve the visibility of Kondakarla Ava and strengthen its profile as a nature tourism destination.
Spread over about 1,832 acres in Munagapaka and Atchutapuram mandals, Kondakarla Ava is one of the largest freshwater lake ecosystems in the country. Located at the foothills of the Eastern Ghats and close to the Bay of Bengal, it is surrounded by coconut groves and hill ranges that create a distinctive landscape.
The sanctuary supports a wide range of resident and migratory bird species, making it a key destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. It also attracts families for picnics, leisure visits, and short nature walks.
Boating remains a major attraction, offering close views of the wetland ecosystem.
With renewed focus on eco-tourism, Kondakarla Ava is expected to emerge as a flagship tourism destination in the State. A recent visit by Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) officials, including Chairperson M.V. Pranav Gopal and Metropolitan Commissioner N. Tej Bharat, along with public representatives, has further advanced the development proposals.