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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Floating hotel on Krishna river near Vijayawada

 A floating hotel, built on a mini ship, is planned by Amaravati Tourism Projects Limited to be stationed near Sangamam on the Krishna river upstream of Prakasam barrage near Vijayawada.

A. Bhavani Prasad, Director, said here on Saturday that his company had signed a memorandum of understanding with the AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) at the partnership summit of the Confederation of Indian Industry.

 He said, "We are planning three projects - the floating hotel at an investment of Rs 20 crores, a service apartments project near Vijaywada at a cost of Rs 250 crores and a rope way project at Kotappakonda in Guntur district where the famous Trikuteswara Swami temple is located on the hill. The rope way project will entail investment of Rs 7.5 crores."

He said the floating hotel would be stationed at Sangamam (the confluence point) of the Krishnna and the Godavari. "The spot has acquired great importance of late, as the Godavari waters brought through the Polavaram canal mingle with Krishna waters at the point. The State Government is developing it as a tourism spot. We deemed it fit therefore to place our floating hotel there," he explained.

The hotel will have 25 rooms, facilities for 100 persons to take meals, and a small conference hall. "These projects will give a great fillip to tourism in the Vijayawada-Amaravati region. We will complete the apartments project in two years and the rest in a year or so," he added.

source : thehindubusinessline.com

Watch Recent Air show - Vijayawada

 

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Naval show at Vijayawada

Naval show at Vijayawada

AMARAVATI: After the Air show, first time, citizens of Vijayawada are going to witness the spectacular Naval Operations Demonstration (Navy Op Demo) by the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) in Krishna river at Punnami Ghat, Bhavanipuram, here from February 1 to 4.

Krishna District Collector Babu A said the four-day event would feature a wide range of events starting from flypasts by Chetaks and Seakings to beating retreat.

As many as 17 events, including the sunset ceremony, illuminations by sail boats and fireworks display, will be performed on the closing ceremony on February 4, which will be attended by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and naval commanders-in-chief, he said.

He further said that the naval show was aimed at tapping the tourism potential in Vijayawada and Amaravati. “The event also aims at making the youth aware of the immense job opportunities in the Navy,” said Babu A.

Watch Recent Navy show - Vijayawada:

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Hot air Ballon experience in Tirupati

Hot air Balloon Festival in Tirupati

AP Tourism teams up with New Delhi-based firm to introduce the Hot air Ballon experience in Tirupati. Residents of Thummalagunta and Avilala villages, on the outskirts of Tirupati, were amazed to find huge balloon-like objects floating in the backdrop of the foggy sky. The cricket ground, situated near the Bypass Road on the city outskirts, was abuzz with activity as the Andhra Pradesh Tourism, in association with New Delhi-based E Factor Adventure Tourism Pvt. Ltd., launched the first-ever ‘hot air ballooning’ activity in the temple city. The ‘Balloon Safari’ rides, as the State intends to promote it, are expected to boost tourism, particularly during the ongoing 104th Indian Science Congress (ISC). People had a rare opportunity to watch hot air balloons with ISC logo gliding across the morning sky. The trial run was held in the early hours of January 3 to coincide with the ISC inaugural ceremony. “We have three normal-shaped hot air balloons along with one special-shaped one in Tirupati. While the first three can carry passengers, the fourth— a night glow — is used with tethering and for promotional purposes. It is a special balloon named ‘Bobo — The Happy Lobster’, as it resembles a lobster,” a representative of Sky Waltz-Balloon Safari, a unit of the E Factor Adventure Tourism, told The Hindu . Sky Waltz Chief of Operations Paul Macpherson, who conducted the first official balloon safari here on Thursday, said they had been organising hot air ballooning activities for the past nine years across Rajasthan, Maharashtra and during balloon festivals. He said more than 7,000 tourists had undertaken balloon safaris in Rajasthan in 2016. District Collector Siddharth Jain said the rides would continue till the ISC concluded on January 7. The feasibility of conducting hot air balloon balloon rides as tourist activity would be studied, according to tourism officials. source: http://www.thehindu.com/

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Twin Towers in Visakhapatnam soon

The Andhra Pradesh state government is putting in all efforts to build iconic twin towers to house world trade centres in the Port City, said chief secretary SP Tucker.
According to chief secretary the twin towers will be built in an area of four lakh square feet. "Construction works have already been entrusted to a private agency and the buildings will include a five-star hotel,".
Tucker said 10,000 houses will be built for IT employees in the city in order to develop the IT sector.

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Traditional boat race in Nagayalanka for Sankranthi

Amaravati: "Traditional boat race in Nagayalanka" The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) organising a traditional boat race in Diviseema region on January 13.This event would be organised in Nagayalanka where there were small islands.120 candidates had already registered for participation.

It will be conducting in three categories:
The event would be held in three categories; boat with four members (two on either side) besides the helmsman, a couple with a helmsman and mechanised boats.The first, second and third winners would be given cash prizes of Rs. 20,000, Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 5,000 respectively and each participant would be paid Rs. 2,000.
In a run-up to the grand event, games and sports for women and cultural activities would be organised at the venue on January 12.

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Kakinada Beach Festival-2017

"THE KAKINADA NTR BEACH FESTIVAL", The NTR Beach, between Suryaraopeta and Vakalapudi, on the city outskirts the three-day annual Beach Festival starts from January 12 to 15.
The event is expected to see a large number of tourists. In addition to NTR beach, both  Hope  Island and  Coringa Mangroves  are also added to the show to more number of tourists for the event. cultural activities, water sports, kite flying, beach volley ball , beach Kabaddi, beach yoga, beach wrestling, flash mob, water sports, dance with color water, and heli tourism will too be conducted in  a big way  to attract tourists. 
Also, DWCRA, bazaar food courts, and female shopping are being put up alongside the beach.  He said that the State government sanctioned Rs 2.5 crore for conducting the four-day beach festival and further Rs 20  crore was allotted by the Union government.
Actors and guests from Tollywood will be the star of attraction during the four-day event
 The water sports will be organised with support from Goa state administration and aqua sector. Horticulture from Kadiym would also be reflected in this festival.
  
 

Highlights of the event:
 

•  Helicopter ride for visitors
•  Replicas of all major temples in the district to appeal to senior citizens
•  2K Run which will witness participation of over 5,000 students from various educational institutions
•  Exhibition Stalls
•  Performances by the film and television artistes and technicians
•  Song and dance performances by enthusiastic artistes from the district

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Mori Smart Digital village in Andhra Pradesh

Nestled in the Sakhinetipalli mandal of East Godavari district, Mori is a small cashew-exporting village that has made headlines by becoming one of India’s earliest and most successful examples of a Smart Digital Village. With digital infrastructure, cashless transactions, and tech-enabled services now a part of everyday life, Mori offers a compelling blueprint for rural transformation in the 21st century.

  

What Makes Mori Smart & Digital

1. Infrastructure & Connectivity

• All 1,189 households in Mori were provided with fibre-optic internet at ~15 Mbps, telephone connections, WiFi, and a cable TV service featuring approximately 250 channels.

• The monthly cost is around ₹149 per home for the combined services. 

2. Digital Literacy & Cashless Transactions

• Mori boasts 100% digital literacy among villagers.

• All households and small businesses/cornershops have been enabled to transact via e-banking, RuPay cards, and POS (Point of Sale) machines.

3. Sustainable & Smart Solutions

• Technology partners like Google, Cisco, IBM, and Ericsson have been involved in pilot projects such as Smart Water Grid Management, IoT-based agricultural tools, and Connected Aquaponics.

• LED street lighting was introduced to reduce energy consumption.

4. Social and Sanitary Indicators

• The village has been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF). Each household has its own sanitary facility.

• Residents were given smartphones and training for digital payments, net banking, and usage of apps.

Impact on Daily Life & Economy

• Agriculture & Local Trade: Farmers can monitor water supply, use digital tools for yield calculations, and access markets online.

• Financial Inclusion: With every household having bank access and cashless options, villagers face fewer hurdles for remittance or bill payments.

• Quality of Life: Digital classrooms, internet-based learning, and cable TV bring global connections and entertainment.

Challenges & What’s Next

• Sustainability: Ensuring consistent internet uptime and affordability over time.

• Scalability: Replicating Mori’s model in villages with varied geography and demographics.

• Training & Adoption: Bridging the gap for older residents or those with lower literacy levels.

Why Mori Matters

Mori shows that even small rural communities can leapfrog traditional limitations when provided with the right digital tools, infrastructure, and support. It was one of the early village models powered by FiberNet/Triple Play services in India and sets a precedent for Smart Digital Villages under Indian rural development policy

Conclusion

Mori has turned from a modest cashew-exporting village into a model for digital transformation. What began as a pilot of internet and cable services has expanded to encompass cashless transactions, sustainable tech solutions, and improved livelihoods. For those interested in rural development, smart villages, or using technology for social good, Mori is an inspiring case study.

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Visakha Utsav 2017

3Day Colourful Visakha Utsav 2017 will be held on December 28,29,30.
Official website for the Visakha Utsav launched i.e www.visakhautsav.com.

Virtual Reality Tour at Visakha Utsav:
The VR device is gives a 360 degree view. All that the viewer has to do is to turn his head to see what is there on different sides. like Araku and Borra Caves. The plan is to set up VR booths at Visakhapatnam International Airport, Beach Road, Submarine Museum, Kailasagiri and CMR Central, which are frequented by tourists and thereby motivate them to visit them.

Visakha Ustav History:
Visakhapatnam, which is popularly known as Vizag, is named after God Vaishaka which is now become center for business. Visakha city is a one of the port city, located along the shores of Bay of Bengal. Although considered to be an industrial city, Vizag has a rich and vibrant culture and heritage. Visakhapatnam is the best tourism destination in Andhra Pradesh state. From Lakes to cool Beaches, from beautiful Hill Ranges to Caves and Valleys, Visakhapatnam has them all.The district has many tourism spots that represent the Culture and Heritage of the true India. The Araku Valley is a must visit for any one visiting Andhra Pradesh. Beauty is packed at the Kailasagiri where one can find green meadows, beautiful and well-spread parks to fill your mind with peace. Visakhapatnam is now turning into a ‘smart city’.

 Visakha Ustav Welcome Video:

 Visakha Ustav Schedule:

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