March 1, Hyderabad: AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) will launch 18 new temple tour packages across 18 routes in Andra Pradesh. Deputy Chief Minister Kottu Satyanarayana on Thursday said new temple tourism packages would be introduced in 18 districts across the state.
After formally launching packages and signage of tourist vehicles along with Vijayawada Central MLA Malladi Vishnu at the AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) office in Vijayawada, Mr. Satyanarayana, who holds the Endowments portfolio, said that these packages were designed by APTDC in Collaboration with Pilgrim Pathways Pvt. Limited., which brings together historical temples and famous places in the respective regions. The packages would include facilities like ‘Sheeghra Darshan, special pujas and abhishekams’, he added.
The 18 new packages have been rolled out across the state in the first phase, connecting pilgrimage centers such as Tirumala, Srisailam, Mahanandi, Ahobilam, Yaganti, Srikalahasti, Annavaram, Simhachalam, Arasavalli, Srikurmam, Amavarati, Bhimavaram, Daksharam, Samarlakota and Pithapuram others. He said that one-day and two-day packages are currently being designed but there are also plans to introduce more such packages in pilgrimage centers in neighboring states.
Pointing out that the seasonal tour packages of the past have now become day tours, he said the packages included meals and accommodation.
(Source: The Hindu)