World Tourism Day celebrations at RK Beach, Visakhapatnam

VISAKHAPATNAM: The state-wide World Tourism Day -2017 is celebrating at RK Beach, Vizag on September 27. 6 days event Dasaravali will be held at RK Beach.This festival will continue from September 27th to till October 2nd.
Cultural programmes showcasing orchestra, dances from Uttarandhra, Odisha and Sambalpur, magic show, folk theatre would be held from 4 pm onwards.
Food courts would be set up at R K Beach while the night bazar at Shilparamam would commence on September 27.  

 

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Indian Photography Festival (IPF) Hyderabad-2017

The Indian Photography Festival (IPF), which will started on September 8 in Hyderabad, Madhapur, the festival spreads its wings wider this time with 525 photographers from 40 countries.
Pitched as a non-profit initiative by the Light Craft Foundation in association with Telangana Tourism, the fest brings together images across a spectrum of genres, from portraits to landscape, abstracts to news photographs. The photo fest is built in collaboration with photo agencies across the globe to facilitate cultural exchange. “This helps our photographers, particularly from Hyderabad, to showcase their work abroad. Earlier this year a few photographers exhibited their work in Georgia, last year we took the work to Auckland and Sydney and we are in talks to showcase in Slovenia in addition to China,” says Aquin Mathews, festival director.

Key exhibitions
Before it’s too late by Mathieu Willcocks (UK)
Landscape by Cecilia Paredes (Peru)
Philippines Drug Wars by Kate Geraghty (Australia)
Celebrity portraits by the photographers from Sydney Morning Herald
The Rescue by Francesco Giusti (Italy)
The Hungry Tide by Swastik Pal (India)
Empathy by Sudharak Olwe (India)
Head On Photo Festival (Australia)
Water by Hikari Creative — IPF Portrait Prize (India)
Venues: State Gallery of Art, The Gallery café, Srishti Art Gallery, Inorbit Mall, Goethe Zentrum, IIT Hyderabad, Saamanya Shastram, Shilparamam, Chowmahalla Palace, Lamakaan and Deja Brew Art Café.
IPF opens on September 21, 5pm, at State Gallery of Art, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, and will continue till October 8. For a detailed schedule and to register for workshops, look up www.indianphotofest.com

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World’s tallest giant wheel soon in Andhra Pradesh's Amaravati

AMARAVATI: Euro Destination India (UDI) has come forward to set up the world’s tallest  Giant Wheel at an estimated cost of `440 crore in the capital city of Amaravati of Andhra Pradesh. The UDI will set up the giant wheel. While Italy-based Fabbri Group will extend the necessary technological support for setting up the Ferris Wheel, Turkey-based Polin Water Park will be the partners in developing the surroundings of the giant wheel as a tourist attraction as part of Amaravati Tourism.

UDI managing director M Krishna Rao and Fabbri Group president Gianluca gave a presentation to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, which will be developed in three phases.Currently the 167.6 m (550-foot) Ferris Wheel in Las Vegas of US is the world’s tallest giant wheel.

The Chief Minister named for the giant wheel as ‘Amaravati Buddha Chakra’.

Image source: Pinterest

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India's first Hyperloop in Andhra Pradesh to connect Amravati and Vijaywada

AMARAVATI:
An hour-long journey between Vijayawada and Amaravati, could well become a Five minute affair thanks to the agreement signed by Andhra Pradesh government with Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT). Under the agreement, HTT will develop a Hyperloop transportation route between the cities of Amaravati and Vijaywada, reducing the one-hour trip to as little as just Five minutes, if successful. The agreement will employ a public private partnership model funded primarily from private sources to fund its construction.

The Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (AP-EDB) and the US-based Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT) signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Amaravati. The MoU was signed by HTT chairman and co-founder Bibop Gresta and AP-EDB CEO J Krishna Kishore. While an official release on the MoU did not disclose the probable cost of the project, Krishna Kishore told ET that the project will involve little over $200 Mn of investment and take a year or so to complete it once all the approvals and Right of Way were in place.

If all goes well, this could be the first Hyperloop project to be implemented in India. HTT says it expects to generate 2,500 jobs during the project. The two-phase plan includes first conducting a feasibility study beginning in October, which is expected to last around six months. In phase 2, the actual construction of the Hyperloop  will begin.

Hyperloop-India

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INS Kursura Submarine Museum – Vizag

The INS Kursura (S20) is one of the most unique attractions in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh. Once a powerful submarine of the Indian Navy, INS Kursura has now been converted into a submarine museum, giving visitors a chance to step inside a real submarine and experience naval history up close.

Commissioned in 1969, INS Kursura served the Indian Navy for over 31 years before being decommissioned in 2001. After retirement, it was preserved on the Ramakrishna Beach (RK Beach) in Vizag and turned into a museum — the first submarine museum in South Asia. 

 

Highlights of INS Kursura

• A real submarine that participated in important naval operations.

• Offers insight into the life of submariners and how they worked under the sea.

• Exhibits include navigation equipment, communication systems, and weapon controls used by the Navy.

• Managed and maintained by former Navy personnel, who share fascinating stories and facts.

Timings of INS Kursura Submarine Museum

• Opening Hours: 2:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)

• Closed: Mondays and Public Holidays

• Best Time to Visit: Evening hours, when the beach area comes alive with lights and cool sea breeze.

⏳ Note: Timings may change on special occasions or for maintenance.

Entry Fee

• Adults: ₹40 – ₹60 (approx.)

• Children: ₹20 – ₹30 (approx.)

• Camera/Video charges may apply separately.

Why Visit?

Visiting INS Kursura is not just about seeing a submarine; it is about experiencing the courage and discipline of the Indian Navy. The museum highlights the challenges faced by submariners and India’s naval strength.

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Heli tourism in Andhra Pradesh (Vijayawada, Tirupati , Vizag )

Heli Tourism in Andhra Pradesh: Soaring Above the State's Hidden Wonders

Imagine drifting over the deep gorges of the Grand Canyon of India, hovering above ancient temples untouched by time, and landing in the lush, coffee plantations of a serene valley—all in a single day. This isn't a dream; it's the thrilling reality of heli tourism in Andhra Pradesh.

The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) has launched innovative helicopter services, transforming how travelers experience the state's diverse landscapes. It’s more than just travel; it's an exclusive, bird's-eye view of heritage, nature, and adventure. Ready for the ride of a lifetime? Let's explore.                          

Why Choose a Helicopter Tour in Andhra Pradesh?

• Save Precious Time: Cover vast distances in minutes, not hours. Visit Araku Valley, Borra Caves, and Vizag in a single day without exhausting road trips.

• Unbeatable Aerial Perspectives: Witness the breathtaking scale of Gandikota Canyon or the intricate coastline of Vizag from an angle few ever get to see.

• Luxury and Exclusivity: Helicopter tours offer a premium, intimate travel experience, perfect for special occasions, corporate retreats, or the discerning traveler.

• Access Remote Locations: Reach pristine and less-accessible destinations effortlessly, making your itinerary truly unique.

Top Heli Tourism Packages in Andhra Pradesh

Here are some of the most popular and spectacular helicopter tours you can book:

1. Visakhapatnam (Vizag) to Araku Valley & Borra Caves

This is the flagship heli-tourism route and an absolute must-do.

• The Experience: Take off from Vizag and fly over the Eastern Ghats, watching the landscape transform from urban coastline to rolling green hills. The helicopter lands at Araku, allowing you to explore the famous Araku Valley and its coffee museum. The tour often includes a flyover of the magnificent Borra Caves, a million-year-old limestone marvel.

• Highlights: Aerial views of the Bay of Bengal, lush valleys, and the ancient caves.

2. The Gandikota Grand Canyon Tour

For the adventure seeker and landscape photographer, this is unparalleled.

• The Experience: Fly towards the Pennar River canyon, famously known as the "Grand Canyon of India." From above, the sheer scale and vibrant hues of the gorge are mesmerizing. The tour typically includes a landing, allowing you to walk along the canyon's edge and visit the historic Gandikota Fort.

• Highlights: Breathtaking views of the canyon, Pennar River snaking through the rocks, and the 13th-century fort.

3. Spiritual & Heritage Circuit (Tirupati to Lepakshi)

Combine divine blessings with aerial grandeur.

• The Experience: Begin in the spiritual capital, Tirupati, and soar over the Tirumala hills for a unique view of the sacred temple. The helicopter then flies to Lepakshi, home to a magnificent Vijayanagara-era temple complex famous for its hanging pillar and intricate sculptures.

• Highlights: A unique perspective of Tirumala, seamless travel between two major heritage sites.

4. Coastal Beauty Tour (Kakinada to Konaseema)

Explore the serene backwaters and lush landscapes of coastal Andhra.

• The Experience: Discover the "God's Own Creation" of Andhra—the Konaseema region. Fly over a network of waterways, coconut groves, and picturesque villages that resemble Kerala's backwaters. The tour offers a tranquil and visually stunning experience.

• Highlights: Aerial views of the Godavari delta, lush green fields, and peaceful waterways.

Practical Information: Booking Your Heli Tour

How to Book a Helicopter Tour

Bookings are primarily handled by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC).

• Website: Visit the official APTDC website (aptdc.gov.in) for the most current packages and pricing.

• Heli Tourism Counters: You can book directly at the APTDC counters in Vizag, Tirupati, and Vijayawada.

• Authorized Agents: Several registered tour operators are also authorized to make bookings.

Approximate Cost

Prices vary based on the route, duration, and type of charter (shared or private). Generally, per-person costs for a shared tour can range from ₹ 4,000 to ₹ 10,000. Private charters will be significantly higher. Always check the official website for the latest tariffs.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Advance Booking: These tours are highly popular and have limited seats. Book well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons and holidays.

• Weather Dependency: Helicopter flights are subject to weather conditions. Flights may be delayed or rescheduled due to poor visibility or rain.

• Weight Restrictions: There are strict weight limitations for safety reasons. Confirm these details at the time of booking.

• Identification: Carry a valid government-issued photo ID (Passport, Aadhar Card, Voter ID) for verification before boarding.

FAQs About Heli Tourism in Andhra Pradesh

Q1: Are helicopter tours in Andhra Pradesh safe?
A: Absolutely. APTDC operates these tours with reputable aviation partners, adhering to all DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) safety norms. The aircraft are well-maintained and flown by experienced pilots.

Q2: What is the best time of year for a helicopter tour?
A: The ideal time is from October to March when the weather is pleasant, with clear skies offering the best visibility for aerial photography.

Q3: Can children and senior citizens go on these tours?
A: Yes, these tours are generally suitable for all age groups. However, it's advisable to consult with a doctor if anyone has serious health conditions or a fear of heights.

Q4: How long is a typical helicopter tour?
A: Most tours are designed as day trips. The actual flight time can range from 20 minutes to over an hour, depending on the route, with additional time for ground exploration.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Travel Experience

Heli tourism is not just a mode of transport; it's the centerpiece of an unforgettable adventure. It allows you to witness the stunning diversity of Andhra Pradesh—from its majestic canyons and serene valleys to its timeless temples and vast coastlines—in a way that is both luxurious and exhilarating.

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