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 / Helicopter tourism soon in Andhra Pradesh (Vijayawada, Tirupati , Vizag )

AMARAVATI: To improve Heli tourism in the State, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department signed a MoU with New Delhi-based Mak Aerospace and Aviation Pvt Ltd.

As part of the agreement, services will be started in Tirupati, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam shortly.

Helicopter services include joy rides, packages, Heli-taxi services, packaging with wedding plans in Tirupati and aerial reconnaissance and disaster management. 

In the initial stage, the helicopters shall be six-seaters (Bell 206 L4 / Bell 407). Gradually,  the number of seats will be increased realising the full potential of Heli-tourism and air-connectivity in the State.
The tourism department has assured to provide all infrastructure support to Mak Aerospace and Aviation Pvt Ltd to carry out the operations. Infrastructure support includes the necessary helipads in the areas of operation, passenger holding area, control room and security/screening facility. 

Mak Aerospace and Aviation Pvt Ltd will be responsible for ticketing, promotion and executing all commercial operations with the support of the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department.

“The MoU will help in boosting tourism services in the State. We shall extend our full support to ensure smooth implementation of this initiative. Heli-tourism will provide a good opportunity for locals and tourists to explore weekend getaways in a convenient manner,”.

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Bhavani Island,vijayawada

Bhavani Island – A Perfect Blend of Nature, Adventure, and Relaxation.

Nestled in the middle of the serene Krishna River, Bhavani Island in Vijayawada is one of the largest river islands in India, spread across nearly 130 acres. Known for its lush greenery, scenic views, and adventure activities, the island has become a must-visit destination for families, nature lovers, and thrill-seekers visiting Andhra Pradesh.

 

 How to Reach Bhavani Island

• By Road: Vijayawada is well-connected by road, and the island is just a few kilometers away from the city center.

• By Boat: Visitors can reach the island via boat rides operated by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) from Bhavani Ghat near the city.

• The short ferry ride itself is a scenic experience, offering breathtaking views of the Krishna River.

Top Attractions and Activities

1. Adventure Sports

   • Jet skiing, zorbing, and speed boating are popular water activities.

   • Rope courses, ATV rides, and climbing walls are available for adventure enthusiasts.

2. Leisure and Nature Walks

   • Stroll through beautifully maintained gardens surrounded by tall trees.

   • Relax in peaceful spots ideal for family picnics or photography.

3. Kids-Friendly Zone

   • Play zones and safe adventure games make it a great spot for children.

4. Stay Options

   • APTDC offers cottages, tree houses, and luxury resorts right on the island.

   • Overnight stays allow you to experience the island’s tranquility after sunset.

Why Visit Bhavani Island?

• Escape the busy city life with a calm natural retreat.

• Perfect for weekend getaways, family outings, and romantic trips.

• A unique blend of spiritual aura, since the island is named after Goddess Kanaka Durga (Bhavani), whose temple is nearby in Vijayawada.

Nearby Attractions

• 🛕 Amaravati Stupa – A significant Buddhist heritage site.

• 🌊 Krishna Riverfront – Scenic ghats and boat rides.

• 🏯 Undavalli Caves – Rock-cut marvels near Vijayawada.

• 🌆 Prakasam Barrage – Just a short drive away, beautifully lit up in the evenings. 

Travel Tips

• Best time to visit: October to March when the weather is pleasant.

• Carry light clothing and sunscreen for daytime activities.

• Pre-book cottages or resorts during weekends and holidays to avoid last-minute rush.

 

 

                                                    

VISIT Vijayawada Utsav 2025

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India's First Solar Boat Aditya in Kerala

The first solar ferry boat ‘Aaditya’ in India was launched in the 2.5-km Vaikom-Tavanakkadavu sector recently. even as the Kerala state government sought Central financial assistance to roll out 10 more such passenger boats as part of its aim to replace the existing fleet of diesel boats with solar-powered ones.

The State Water Transport Department will daily operate 22 schedules of the solar ferry between 7 am and 7 pm. During peak hours, the boat, which has 78 roof-top solar panels, will conduct services at a 10-minute interval and 15 minutes at other times. Two electric motors and a lithium battery is used in the boat. The boat is 20 metre long and seven metre wide. It can travel at a speed of 14km per hour. When the ordinary boats takes 15 minutes to reach Thavanakkadavu from Vaikom, the solar boat will take only half that time.

 The construction of the Rs 1.50-crore boat took nearly two years. The boat has a seating capacity of 75. The boat was manufactured based on the studies conducted at the ship technology department of the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat).

 Hope soon will expect Andhra pradesh tourism to launch solar ferry boat in Krishna river banks, amaravti, Andhra pradesh.

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BUS CUM BOAT by ANDHRA PRADESH TOURISM in KRISHNA RIVER, VIJAYAWADA

AMARAVATI - AMPHIBIOUS  VEHICLE TRANSPORT

The long-awaited amphibious vehicle, launched by Andhra Pradesh Tourism. Imagine the fun of a ride in an amphibious bus, a vehicle that becomes a means of transport on land as well as on (or under) water.

The bus-cum-boat will float in the Krishna river initially for a joy ride. “But in the days to come, it’ll take people from the Punnami ghat to Pavithra Sanghamam via several popular stopovers en route.

The plan is to provide tourists a new view to the exotic locales in and around Vijayawada in the vehicle which moves smoothly from wide open spaces to an aquatic wonder land.

Tour Details:

The tour will start in a clockwise direction from the Berm Park,in Bhavanipuram. The tourists will take a joy ride in the Krishna and transit on to land in the same bus to Lotus hotel before taking in the grand and historic sights of Undavalli Caves, the Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple, A.P. Secretariat, Uddandarayapalem and Sri Shiva Kshetra.

The boat will stop at the APTDC dock-II which will have amenities like a food court, a souvenir shop and a repair and maintenance shed. From here, the boat ride will continue in the Krishna on way to the Pavithra Sanghamam which will have similar amenities like a museum, a food court, a ticket counter, waiting lounge and souvenir shops. It will then reach Sri Durga Malleswara Swamivarla Devasthanam before returning to the starting point at Bhavanipuram.

An alternative route will begin from Pavithra Sangamam in an anti-clockwise direction, moving through the APTDC dock-II, followed by Shiva Kshetram, Uddandarayapalem, A.P. Secretariat, Sri Panankala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple and Undavalli Caves with a stop at the Lotus hotel and APTDC dock before proceeding to the Durga temple.

To begin with, the Tourism wing may launch six such vehicles. “The CRDA has asked for two amphibious buses to cater to the transport needs of the Secretariat staff. Each vehicle has a seating capacity for 16 people,”.

courtesy: http://www.thehindu.com

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Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) makes history with successful PSLV C-37

Indian Space Research Organisation  (Isro) to launch a record 104 satellites including Cartosat-2 in a single mission today(February 15) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The satellites, to be launched at 9.28 am, will be the highest number to be launched in a single mission. While the Isro’s current record stands at 20 satellites in 2016, Russia achieved global distinction in this regard by launching 37 in 2014.

Of the 104 spacecraft, three are Indian satellites of the Cartosat-2 series. The others are nanosatellites from Israel, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Switzerland and the USA.

Cartosat-2 series satellites – equipped with panchromatic and multispectral image sensors – are earth observation spacecraft that provide remote sensing services. Data captured by these satellites can be used to monitor road networks, map land use and effect proper water distribution.

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Gandikota Festival

Gandikota Heritage Festival to held on  February 18 and 19th. The Andhra Pradesh state Tourism department is going to conduct this festival as Gandikota Heritage Festival.The festival is aimed at showcasing the importance of Kadapa district.

Festival balloons would be released in Kadapa, Proddatur, Jammalamadugu and Gandikota and ‘Adigo adigo alladigo Gandikota gatha vaibhavam’ theme song, written by professor Easwar Reddy of Yogi Vemana University and sung by Srikanth of Kadapa district would be played on February 18.

A quiz on tourism at C.P. Brown Library on February 13, kho kho and skipping competitions in the municipal stadium and elocution and essay- writing contests for juniors at Brown library on February 14, kabaddi and wrestling contests in the municipal stadium on February 15, cookery and rangoli contests in Kalakshetram on February 16.

Sobha yatra rallies with cultural troupes would be taken out from Kadapa and Proddatur on February 17 and Jammalamadugu on February 18.

The inaugural would comprise a classical dance, mimicry show by Siva Reddy, Kuchipudi dance by Khan team and Sangeetha Vibhavari by Gangadhar Sastry.

The programmes planned on the second day of Gandikota festival on February 19 were Kuchipudi, Kathak, Kathakali, Rajasthani and Odissi dance show by 20 dancers, dance ballet on Hanuman Chalisa by 62 artistes, Sri Venkateswara Vaibhavam play, musical nite by Vandemataram Srinivas and Qawwali programme by Moin Dilshad of Hyderabad.

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Konaseema Festival 2017

Konaseema Utsavam -2017:

After Kakinada Beach festival, East Godavari district administration is going to conduct another  festival i.e Konaseema  Festival / Konaseema  Utsavam in the scenic Konaseema area from February 24 to 27.
Deputy Chief Minister N. Chinarajappa said that the Konaseema Festival attracted tourists from all over the State. It would be conducted on the Muramalla river bank in I. Polavaram mandal. As a part of it, a special beach festival would be conducted in S. Yanam on February 25 and 26.
Volleyball tourney
A national-level volleyball tournament at Gollavelli village in Uppalaguptham mandal was also planned from February 24 to 28 to attract more tourists.

Mr. Chinarajappa directed the officials to make elaborate arrangements for organising special exhibitions on horticulture, fish culture and coconut products of the Konaseema area as part of the festival. The possibility of organising events such as DWCRA Bazaar and water sports should also be explored, he said.

District Collector H. Arun Kumar said the region, whose landscape is similar to that of Kerala, has vast tourism potential. He said proposals would be submitted to the Centre seeking funds for development of S. Yanam, Bodasakurru and Vasalathippa in the district as tourist spots.

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Naval operational Display - Navy Show at Punnami Ghat starts from today

First-ever event "Navy Show" in vijayawada is going to start from Feb2 - 5th Feb 2017. This event is organizing Andhra Pradesh tourism with colabiration of Indian Navy.
Visitors are enthralled to see the breath-taking feats performed by the Navy officials on the optimist and Hobie 16 boats dropping the divers into waters.

The rehearsal for operational demonstration would be conducted till February 2 and the full dress rehearsal is scheduled for Feb 3, while the final demonstration will be held on Feb 4 wherein Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and ENC Flag Officer Commander-in-Chief Vice Admiral HSC Bisht will witness the performance.

On Feb 5, beating retreat will be held at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram from 5 pm. The show is free. However, the officials will provide passes to the public on first-come-first-serve basis.

“The Navy Operational Demonstrations offer an exposure of the Indian Navy activities to the civilian population/youth and the interaction with officials provides them with employment opportunities,” AP Tourism General Manager G Ramakrishna told ‘Express’.

The Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) was directed to mobilise students from remote villages across the State to witness the naval operational demo. Various naval exercises will be demonstrated by the ships of the Eastern Fleet including the fleet support ship and oil-tankers, asymmetric threat, firing and underway replenishment or refuelling.

A photo exhibition will also be arranged near the venue to create awareness among the public. Documentaries featuring the naval operations will be a major attraction during the event.

Slithering operations by naval commandos will be performed from helicopters.

Plan your evenings to join us at Punnami River Front ,Amaravati,Vijayawada from 2nd Feb till 4th Feb.Watch the #MARCOS performing at Punnami River Front.

Navy Show Timings:

February 2nd : 4PM
February 3nd : 4PM
February 4th : 4PM 

source: newindianexpress.

NAVY SHOW VIDEO:

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