Unlocking tourism potential

Warangal: Understanding the desires of the new age tourists, who eye recreational holidays, the Warangal Urban district administration has plans to roll out a diverse tourism calendar – a blend of modernity with the past – besides keeping in mind the interests of those longing to explore the archaeological landmarks.

With its rich heritage and cultural diversity interwoven with several laidback destinations, the Urban district has a lot of tourism potential that is yet to be tapped. The focus of the officials that hitherto was confined only to Warangal Fort, 1,000 Pillars and other temples is now beginning to shift to other areas to harness and tap the tourism potential.

The idea behind the tourism calendar is to bring the exotic locations of the region into limelight by organising events such as rock climbing, kayaking and other adventure sports. Already the authorities are organising night camping event in the Devunur hillocks every weekend. It may be noted here that the ecotourism calendar of the Forest Department in Bhupalpally district proved successful in attracting the tourists.

The district administration has already identified two hillocks at Ursu Gutta in the city and Kothakonda under Bheemadevarapally mandal ideal for the rock climbing. A trial run of sorts was also conducted in the presence of mountaineer Shekhar Babu Bachinepally, according to whom while Ursu Gutta is suitable for budding rock climbers, the other hillock at Kothakonda is ideal for the medium level.

Gundu Cheruvu (tank) near Warangal Fort found to be ideal for organising Kayaking which is new in this part of the State. Efforts are on to procure three sets of kayaking and rock climbing equipment.

District tourism consultant Aravind Arya Pakide, who prepared a 45-day schedule spanning from August 4 to December 30 on the directions of the Urban District Collector Amrapali Kata, said: “Sunday’s curtain raiser event – trekking on Gaggilaiah gutta – has drawn a good response. With quite a few events such as birdwatching, cycling that covers 11 heritage structures etc are lined up as part of tourism calendar, there is every possibility to increase the tourist footfall in the region.”

Speaking to The Hans India, Amrapali said: “We have a long list of plans to promote tourism besides bringing unexplored sites to limelight. Based on people’s patronage more activity such as paragliding would be added to the tourism calendar. Constant tourism activity in the region would help in attracting tourists thus invariably helps the economic growth of the district, she added.