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Gandikota: Andhra Pradesh's Grand Canyon Set for Global Tourism Boom with CM Naidu's Vision - AP Tourism

 

                                                 
Gandikota: Andhra Pradesh's Grand Canyon

CM Chandrababu Naidu's Vision for Gandikota: A New Era for Andhra Pradesh Tourism

Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh – August 1, 2025 – In a landmark move poised to reshape Andhra Pradesh's tourism landscape, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu today visited Gandikota, often hailed as the "Grand Canyon of India." His visit underscores a renewed focus on transforming this breathtaking natural wonder into a global tourism hotspot, promising a significant boost to the state's economy and local employment.


Gandikota, with its dramatic gorge carved by the Penna River, ancient fort, and serene surroundings, has long been a hidden gem. CM Naidu's visit today was not just symbolic; he laid the foundation stone for a prestigious ₹78 crore Gandikota tourism project under the Central Government's Swadesh Darshan Scheme. This ambitious initiative aims to develop Gandikota as a premier heritage and adventure tourism destination, attracting both domestic and international visitors.


Addressing an investors' meet at Gandikota, CM Naidu emphasized the region's immense potential. "The naturally formed gorge is a tourism booster for the region," he stated. He highlighted plans for comprehensive development, including the construction of star hotels to ensure quality accommodation, along with exciting new attractions like a ropeway, boating facilities, a sound and light show at the fort, and even a glass-bottom walkway offering unparalleled views of the gorge.


Further enhancing the visitor experience, the Chief Minister announced the launch of heli-rides from September, providing a spectacular aerial perspective of the canyon. Caravan tourism and eco-friendly tent cities will also be encouraged, targeting tourists from major cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.


This aggressive push for tourism development is part of CM Naidu's broader vision to position Andhra Pradesh as a global tourism hub, aiming to significantly increase the sector's contribution to the state's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and create widespread employment opportunities. MoUs worth over ₹10,000 crore have already been signed with various stakeholders, including EaseMyTrip and Hilton Hotels, indicating strong private sector interest.


The revival of the 'Gandikota Utsavalu' (Gandikota Festival), slated for December 26 and 27, was also announced, aiming to further promote this unique destination globally. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and now, a robust government backing, Gandikota is all set to emerge as a must-visit destination on India's tourism map.


Keywords: Gandikota, Grand Canyon of India, Andhra Pradesh tourism, Chandrababu Naidu, tourism promotion, Swadesh Darshan, heritage tourism, adventure tourism, AP tourism development, Belum Caves, Kadapa district, heli-rides, caravan tourism, Gandikota Festival



Tags: #Gandikota #AndhraPradeshTourism #GrandCanyonOfIndia #ChandrababuNaidu #TourismDevelopment #IncredibleIndia #TravelAP #HiddenGems #AdventureTravel #HeritageSites



FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Where is the "Grand Canyon of Andhra Pradesh" located? 

A1: The "Grand Canyon of Andhra Pradesh" is Gandikota, located in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, India.


Q2: What is CM Chandrababu Naidu's vision for Gandikota tourism? 

A2: CM Naidu's vision is to develop Gandikota into a global tourism hub by investing in infrastructure, introducing new attractions like heli-rides, ropeways, and sound & light shows, and promoting luxury and eco-friendly accommodation options.


Q3: What new developments are planned for Gandikota? 

A3: Planned developments include star hotels, a ropeway across the gorge, boating facilities, a sound and light show at the fort, a glass-bottom walkway, and the introduction of heli-rides. Caravan tourism and eco-friendly tent cities are also being encouraged.


Q4: When will the Gandikota Festival be revived? 

A4: The 'Gandikota Utsavalu' (Gandikota Festival) is slated to be revived and held on December 26 and 27.


Q5: Are there other attractions near Gandikota? 

A5: Yes, a major nearby attraction is the Belum Caves, the second-largest cave system in the Indian subcontinent, known for its stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations. The historic Gandikota Fort itself offers various structures to explore.


Q6: How much investment is being made in Gandikota's tourism development? 

A6: A significant ₹78 crore project is underway at Gandikota under the Central Government's Swadesh Darshan Scheme, with overall MoUs worth over ₹10,000 crore signed for tourism infrastructure development across the state.


Q7: How can I reach Gandikota? 

A7: Gandikota is well-connected by road. The nearest airport is Kadapa Airport, and the nearest major railway station is Yerraguntla or Jammalamadugu.


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