Salihundam gets ASI recognition

Srikakulam: Noted Buddhist centre, Salihundam located adjacent to Vamsadhara river in Gara mandal gets nationwide recognition. Archeological Survey of India (ASI) of Union Archeology department identified 100 historical and tourist spots across the country.

In AP, two spots get recognition of ASI – one is Nagarjunakonda in Guntur district and another is Salihundam in Srikakulam district. The ASI identified these two centres in the state as model centres and suggested to both Central and State governments to improve these centres in all aspects to attract more tourists.

The ASI also recommended some guidelines for taking up development works at these model centres across the nation. Drinking water facility, toilets, rest rooms, internal roads, parks, food courts, sign boards to guide tourists, parking facilities for vehicles, installing of boards by explaining details of the historical centres in local language and also in English will be arranged.

Salihundam in Srikakulam district is spread over 57 acres extent of land located adjacent to Vamsadhara river and 12 km away from the National Highway-16. Here Buddhist remains like stupams and chaityam can be seen which have been attracting tourists from far and near.

"Students at high school and college level need to visit to the place to know our rich culture," a government teacher of Palasa mandal, L Sridevi said. "We are going to provide all facilities at Salihundam to attract more tourists," said district tourism promotion officer N Narayana Rao.