Amaravathi, the new capital of Andhra Pradesh, is set for a huge tourism facelift. The erstwhile Andhra Nagari has been selected for implementation of the Centrally-sponsored HRIDAY (Heritage Development and Augmentation Yojana) and the Tourism Ministry’s PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive).

The local tourism authorities intend to chalk out a comprehensive plan to develop the place with funds to the tune of Rs. 92.6 crore under HRIDAY which will be dovetailed with PRASAD. “Funds to the tune of Rs. 70 crore have been allocated under pilgrimage rejuvenation scheme while an additional Rs. 22.6 crore have been sanctioned under the heritage development programme. The government has appointed KPMG as the consultant to prepare a detailed report which is expected to be submitted in a week,” said Amarendra Kumar, Executive Director (Projects), Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC).

Amaravathi is among 12 cities selected for implementation of the Heritage Development and Augmentation Yojana in the first phase. The other cities are, Warangal, Kanchipuram, Vellankani, Ajmer, Amritsar, Badami, Dwarka, Gaya, Puri, Mathura and Varanasi.

HRIDAY is the Central government’s ambitious Rs. 500-crore project launched to conserve and protect the rich cultural heritage of the country. “We cannot move forward ignoring our cultural heritage and legacy. HRIDAY is a step towards reviving the soul of cities with rich heritage,” said Mr. Amarendra Kumar.

HRIDAY seeks to promote an integrated, inclusive and sustainable development of heritage sites, focusing not just on maintenance of monuments but also on advancement of the entire ecosystem including its citizens, tourists and local businesses.

Amaravathi, located in Guntur district, is also known as Punyakshetra or Amareswaram.

It was the capital of Satavahanas, the first great Andhra kings, who ruled from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE, after the downfall of the Maurya Empire.

The city’s built heritage includes the famous Amareswara temple (dedicated to Lord Siva and present in the form of a 15 ft. high white marble Siva lingam), Mahachaitya (The Great Stupa, built around the 2nd century, with intricate carvings that depict the life and teachings of Lord Buddha) and Buddhist sculptures and slabs with Buddhist inscriptions.

The local tourism authorities intend to chalk out a comprehensive plan to develop the place with funds to the tune of Rs. 92.6 crore under HRIDAY which will be dovetailed with PRASAD