Sharada Vanam eco-park opened to visitors near Kasimkota

The Forest Department has opened “Sharada Vanam”, an eco-tourism park developed at Bayyavaram near Kasimkota, to visitors. Located along the national highway, the park has been designed amid lush greenery and hillocks to provide a nature-based recreational destination for tourists and families during the summer season.

Developed across 25 acres within nearly 600 acres of forest and hill terrain under the department’s jurisdiction, the project was taken up with an allocation of ₹1.4 crore from the State government.

The park features landscaped greenery, animal sculptures, a viewing deck, pagodas, and an interpretation centre. A giant elephant sculpture and models of wild buffalo installed within the premises are attracting visitors, many of whom are using the site as a popular photography spot.

Officials said around ₹8 lakh was spent on constructing the entrance arch and decorative wooden fencing around the park. The viewing deck, located at the centre of the park, offers visitors panoramic views of the surrounding hills and greenery.

Facilities such as an RO water plant and a canteen have also been constructed, though they are yet to become operational.

The entry fee has been fixed at ₹20 per person. Visitors have welcomed the initiative but said additional amenities and improved infrastructure would further enhance the overall tourist experience.

Residents have appealed to MLA Konathala Ramakrishna and district officials, including Collector Vijaya Krishnan, to take steps for the further development of the eco-tourism facility.