Andhra Pradesh Embraces Geothermal Tourism at Araku & Visakhapatnam

Andhra Pradesh Embraces Geothermal Tourism : What’s Happening

The state of Andhra Pradesh has been chosen by EESL to host the country’s largest geothermal-energy pilot projects in its prominent tourist hubs — Araku Valley (hill station) and Visakhapatnam (coastal city). 

These projects aim to deliver:

• Over 50% energy savings at eco-resorts and tourism infrastructure through geothermal systems.

• Carbon-free comfort for tourists, using Earth-Air Tunnels and ground-source heat pumps to reduce electricity consumption and CO₂ emissions.

• Alignment with AP’s smart-tourism vision ahead of major events such as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) summit in Visakhapatnam — positioning the state as a global eco-tourism leader.

Why It Matters for Tourism

• Araku and Visakhapatnam are among the most visited destinations in AP — hill trails, tribal culture, beaches, heritage and more. Deploying geothermal systems adds sustainable infrastructure to their attributes.

• With tourism growth target of thousands of jobs, this energy-smart move supports both economic development and environmental responsibility.

• For resorts, hotels and experience-zones, cutting energy usage by ~50% means lower operating costs, higher comfort and a strong marketing edge for eco-conscious travellers.

• The initiative exemplifies the synergy of tourism + clean energy + smart infrastructure, essential for destinations seeking global appeal and sustainable growth

Key Locations & What to Expect

• Araku Valley: A cool hill station in the Eastern Ghats famed for coffee plantations, tribal villages and scenic Railway. With geothermal tech, resorts here will offer climate-controlled stays with minimal carbon footprint.

• Visakhapatnam: The coastal city and port aims to up its tourism game with modern amenities, EV charging, green resorts and now geothermal support — making it a “smart tourism” anchor for AP. 

Impact & Future Outlook

• Short pay-back period: The geothermal systems are expected to recoup investment in 3-4 years thanks to energy savings.

• Job creation: The tourism-growth strategy tied to these projects targets 25,000+ direct & indirect jobs in coming years.

• Wider green ecosystem: These projects are part of broader plans where AP is already setting up EV chargers, LED-street-light programmes, and sustainable accommodation clusters.

• Brand value: Positioning AP as one of India’s most sustainable tourism states, improving its international profile.

• Next steps: Implementation will roll out in phases — resorts, hospitality zones, circuits — with monitoring of results and scalability.

What This Means for Visitors

• Stay tuned for eco-resorts advertising geothermal comfort — cooler/heated stays with low impact.

• Choose accommodations with green credentials (solar / geothermal / efficient cooling) in Araku or Visakhapatnam to align with the movement.

• Expect higher standards of comfort plus sustainability in resorts, especially in hill or coastal zones of AP.

• For travel planners and tourism operators, this is a signal to integrate green tech in product development: trekking + tribal stays + low-carbon resorts = future demand.

• For eco-tourists, AP is now a destination where responsible travel meets nature + culture + technology. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What exactly is the geothermal pilot project in AP?
It’s a tourism-infrastructure initiative by EESL to deploy geothermal energy systems (earth‐air tunnels, ground source heat pumps) in resort/hospitality zones at Araku Valley & Visakhapatnam to cut energy use and emissions.

Q2. Why were Araku Valley & Visakhapatnam chosen?
They have high tourist footfall, diverse climate (hill + coastal), and serve as anchor destinations for AP’s sustainable tourism strategy — making them ideal for piloting new green-tech models.

Q3. How will this affect the cost of travel or stays?
While upfront infrastructure investment is high, cost savings from energy reduction (50%+), lower maintenance and stable comfort may allow resorts to offer competitive pricing, with the added value of sustainability.

Q4. How can I choose a “green” stay in Andhra Pradesh?
Look for accommodations that highlight eco-certification, reduced energy use, renewable power, minimal waste, and mention of the geothermal/resort pilot programmes. Araku & Visakhapatnam resorts participating in these pilots are likely to promote these features.

Q5. What broader tourism strategy is AP following?
AP is actively aligning with Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), signing MoUs with energy-service companies, developing eco-tourism circuits, promoting EV infrastructure and seeking global tourism investment.

Conclusion

Andhra Pradesh is taking a bold stride into the future of tourism — not merely increasing visitor numbers but doing so sustainably, smartly, and responsibly. The geothermal pilot projects at Araku Valley and Visakhapatnam mark a transformative shift: from “mass tourism” to “smart, low-carbon tourism.”
If you’re planning your next getaway, consider AP for its nature-rich destinations and its green-tech hospitality — your stay might just be part of India’s largest sustainable-tourism experiment.