Borra Caves to get a facelift with Centre allotting Rs 29.88 cr
Development of Borra Caves and Simhachalam is among several projects launched at a cost of Rs 5,000 crore virtually by PM Narendra Modi
Tourist Attractions
• 1.7 crore including 35,000 foreigners in 2021 visited
• Sustainable tourism development in focus
• Rs 54 crore allotted for hilly shrine
Visakhapatnam: Million year old Borra Caves, which offers a visual treat to visitors, will get a facelift with remarkable improvement in the amenities so as to bring more tourists to the hilly terrains of Eastern Ghats in the undivided Visakhapatnam district.
The caves called Borra Guhalu in tribal parlance are located in the newly carved Anantagiri district of Andhra Pradesh bordering Odisha. The caves are perched at an elevation of 1,400 m above the sea level. Considered to be the largest caves in India, it has a variety of stalactites and stalagmites formations. The caves are also a favourite rendezvous for film shootings. Tourist footfall to undivided Visakhapatnam district, where Borra and Araku are major attractions, is increasing after the area attracted over 1.7 crore including 35,000 foreigners in 2021.
Development of Borra Caves and Simhachalam, the abode of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swami on the city outskirts, another tourist attraction, is also among several projects launched at a cost of Rs 5,000 crore virtually from Srinagar by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.
“The twin projects will fulfill a long awaited need to make Visakhapatnam an international destination for tourists with Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) getting ready to handle cruise liners from the newly developed terminal and GMR Group launching work at brisk pace on Rs 4,800-crore first phase work of Bhogapuram International Airport,” K Vijay Mohan, president of Tours and Travel Association of Andhra (TTAA) told Bizz Buzz.
Borra Caves located near Araku (known for the world famous aroma and flavour of Araku Organic Coffee) has been sanctioned Rs 29.88 crore under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 by the Ministry of Tourism. Araku is very often dubbed as the ‘Poor men’s Ooty.’ For improving tourist amenities at the hilly shrine of Simhachalam under PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) Scheme, Rs 54 crore has been allotted. “Sustainable tourism development has remained the focus area of the NDA Government led by Prime Minister Modi,” BJP MP GVL Narasimha Rao, pointed out.
Official sources said the detailed project design and costing for enhancement of the Borra Cave Precinct Area was discussed during the 11th Central Sanctioning Monitoring Committee meeting held on February 19. The final DPR and the tendering process for the selection of the executing agency is currently underway.
The Ministry of Tourism has selected Araku--Lambasingi, known as Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh for experiencing drastic fall in temperatures during winter, as one of the two destinations in Andhra Pradesh for development under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme. As part of this initiative, Borra Cave Precinct Area is set to undergo significant improvement.
The proposed development encompasses three key categories viz augmenting the sense of arrival, enhancing the cave precinct, and tourist facilities along with beautification inside the cave. Noteworthy features include the establishment of an organised vehicular parking area, introduction of EV shuttle services and charging points, and the provision of public convenience facilities near the cave entrance.
A transformative makeover of the market street features paved pedestrian pathways, well-defined signages, dedicated vending platforms, as well as comfortable seating and viewing areas for visitors. Additionally, plans include the construction of an amenity building housing a visitor information center, cafeteria, public conveniences, and a baggage counter.
