1) Importance of the Destinations
Sri VenkateswaraSwamyTemple
Sri VenkateswaraSwamyTemple
Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy (Korakondaiah Swamy) has resided at Korakondaiah Hill, who is the main God for all the people residing around this village. The residents, who are living around these villages/mandals trust Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy from past 25 years and from their ancestors. The people come to know about the Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy through Sri Seshadasula Swamy. In the past, the people do not go to top of the hill and did not find the Lord Sri Venkateswara on the top of the hill. Sri Seshadasula Swamy find Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy lying on the Korakondaiah Hill through his power and told about Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy to Sri Timmaiah, who is a Patwari for Revulapalli Village and ordered to perform special pujas on every Karthika Pournima (during November), Pallaki Sevas and ‘Jathara (Brahmotsavam)’ on the Padyami Day. All these sevas, puja, brahmotsavs, etc have been organising by the Management/Trustees of Sri Anjaneya Swamy Devasthanam of PeddaChintharevulaVillage, Dharoor Mandal, Mahabubnagar District for a period of two days from past several years.
There are no steps to Konrakondaiah Hill for the devotees to visit Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy. Sri Thimmaiah, Village Sarpanch with the help of villagers constructed steps from bottom to top of the hill to facilitate the devotees to visit Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy during those days.
From the style, structure and appearance, it can be inferred that the temple was built more than 25 years ago. The temple attracts thousands of pilgrims every year and is an ideal place for meditation.
The temple is one of the oldest temples in that area and is surrounded by many villages. According to tradition, a devotee who used to visit Tirupati every year could not do so due to economic conditions, ill-health, far distance, etc visits this temple and perform their purjas, tonsure ceremonies and other functions.
Many worshippers to the temple, to receive the blessings of the Lord Sri Venkateswara and his consorts throughout the year particularly during Karthika Pournima, Padyami, and Brahmothsavams. The unique feature of this idol is that the Lord Sri Venkateswara is between two hillocks.
Recently, the RWS Department constructed Overhead Tank for providing drinking water to the surrounding villages on the top of the hill and laid down road to top of the hill. This facilitates and eases devotees to reach the temple through vehicles.
The Management Trustees of Sri Anjaneya Swamy Devasthanam, Pedda Chintharevula have installed new idol of Lord Sri Venkateswara on the top of the hill with the help of Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam on 02.06.2009 by Sri Sri Sri 108 Vidyadeesa Theertha Swamyji, Valimara Matham, Udipi, Karnataka.
2) National Importance
The destination has national importance. Pilgrims have been visiting this destination from Karnataka and Maharashtra. Some of the pilgrims, who visit this temple on hearing from somebody about the importance of this temple.
3) Location and Reach
Road: The pilgrims/tourists can visit this temple from Gadwal via Chintharevula/Dharur or Raichur. The distance from Gadwal to this destination via Chintharevula or Dharur is about 13 km and the distance from Raichur via Dharur is about 45 km.
Rail: The nearest Railway Station is located at Gadwal, which is about 13 km away from the destination. It is also proposed by the Railway Authority to locate Railway Station at Dharur but not yet constructed.
Air: The nearest Airport located at Shamshabad (Hyderabad), which is about 160 km away from the destination.
4) Jurisdiction of the Destination
The destination’s land is under the control of Management Committee formed by the villagers with Endowments Department.
5) Road Condition
The road condition from Gadwal to the destination is laid down with 60′ BT Road and the condition of the road is good. The road condition from Raichur to the temple is laid down with 60′ BT Road with good road condition.
6) Present Status of Tourist Attractions around the Destination
The following are the main tourist attractions available at the proposed destination.
Ø Deer Park at about 5 km
Ø Sri RamalayamTemple, Jurala PJP Camp at about 2 km
Ø Sri ParthaSarathyTemple, Dharur – 4 km
Ø Lift Reservoir (JLIP Scheme), Guddamdoddi – 5 km
Ø Jurala Project – 2 km and PeddaChintharevulaAnjaneyaSwamyTemple – 4 km are very near to this destination
Ø All the destinations/temples proposed for heritage circuit in Mahabubnagar district
7) Visitors Flow at the Destination
The flow of visitors to the destination has been increasing every year. As per the local people and officials/trustees of the destination, the visitors’ flow during the three years is as below:
Year
Approximate No. of Visitors
2006-07
1,50,850
2007-08
1,72,400
2008-09
2,15,500
It found that about 100 pilgrims/tourists per day on an average visit the temple and the number goes up to 500 pilgrims on Saturdays. The pilgrims flow is about 300-500 tourists on Sundays and Public Holidays. The visitors flow during Festival Days goes more than 1,000 per day on an average. During the festival days viz., Vijaya Dasami, Deepavali, Sankranthi, Ugadi, etc will be celebrated at a grand scale and the pilgrims flow will be more than 2,000 tourists per day. The temple authority celebrates Korakondaiah Jathara (Brahmotsavas) at the temple for two days every year in December and during these days, the tourist flow is more than 15,000 per day on an average.
The destination is famous for performing tonsure ceremonies at a large scale as pilgrims trusts Lord Venkateswara and they cannot go to Tirupati, which is located far away from this place. It estimated that more than more than 5,000 tonsures ceremonies per annum were performed at the destination and about 10 people attend to each of the ceremonies at the destination.
8) Estimated Future Visitors Flow
The visitors’ flow to the destination has been increasing year by year and the estimated future flow of visitors/tourists is as follows.
Year
Estimated Visitors
2009-10
2,80,150
2010-11
3,44,800
2011-12
3,87,900
Justification for Tourist Flow
The logic behind the estimation of future visitors’ flow is that there is huge potential to attract the visitors. The rationale is as follows.
Ø Recently Approach Road was formed from the bottom to top of the hill. Because of this, the tourists flow has been increasing at very high rate.
Ø This destination is located at an highest location on the top of the hill i.e 466 mt, which is the highest place in the district. This is also very good beautiful location and is suitable for development.
Ø The local villagers is keen in development of their village in the recent days than earlier and planning to create awareness about the destination
Ø Income levels of surrounding places have been increasing
Ø The destination has historical importance
Ø Increasing number of pilgrims/tourists from Karnataka and Maharashtra
Ø The average growth of visitors flow is increasing on an average of 15% – 20%. Apart from this, if the Tourism Department provides infrastructure and promotional facilitates to the tourists, that can add another 10% -20%.
9) Special Days of Attraction and Visitors Flow
It revealed from the field survey that the visitors prefer the following days in general.
Saturday – Tourist flow is high
Festival Days – Tourist flow is very high
Korakondaiah Jathara (Brahmotsav Days) & Amavasya Days – Very huge tourist flow
Karthika Pournami & Padyami Days – Tourist flow is very high
Sundays and Public Holidays increase the flow to some extent
Special occasions like tonsure ceremonies at the temple
Vacations (like Summer Vacation and Winter Vacation)
9) Income Profile of Visitors
The approximate income profile of visitors to the destination is as below:
Lower Income People : 60%
Middle Income People : 30%
Higher Income People : 10%
The villagers, who are residing around the destination are belongs to almost lower and middle income group, who generally visit the destination and are mainly involved in agriculture and other allied activities, which provides very low income.
11) Purpose of Visit
Most of visitors visit the destination for devotional purpose. They conduct special pujas especially on Saturday and pujas & vrathams regularly at the destination. Some of the tourists also visit this destination as recreation purpose as the it is located at highest place and has good climatic conditions.
12) Origin of Tourists
The approximate percentage of tourists and places from where the tourists visited the destination are as follows.
Ø 40% from KarnatakaState
Ø 10% from Maharashtra
Ø 40% from Gadwal, Alampur, Makthal, Atmakur, Narayanpet, Mahabubnagar, Devarkadara and other surrounding places of the destination
Ø 10% from other districts of AP other than Mahabubnagar district
13) Mode of Transport
Majority of the tourists (60%) visit by vehicles (4-wheelers) as they come to visit Jurala Project, generally visit this destination. About 30% of tourists visit this destination by 2-wheelers. The balance about 10% visit through buses and sharing autos.
14) Frequency of Visits
It found that 50% of the visitors are new persons and visited the destination first time after knowing the importance of the destination. About 50% of the pilgrims have been repeating the visit to the destination at least once in a year friends and relatives.
15) Group Size
The visitors have been coming to the destination along with their family members and relatives & friends as a group. The group size consists of 5 to 10 persons in general. The approximate group size consists of 8-10 persons by 4-wheeler (jeep); 30-60 persons by tourist buses; 25-40 persons by tractors, DCM Vans, lorries, etc.
16) Accommodation Facilities
There are no accommodation facilities exist at the destination. There are good accommodation facilities available at Gadwal. Generally, the pilgrims/tourists visit this destination after visiting the destinations either Jurala Project or SriAnjaneyaSwamyTemple at Pedda Chintharevula, where accommodation facilities are available to some extent.
17) Food & Beverages Facilities
The pilgrims used to cook food at the bottom of the temple in general for performing special puja (‘Dasangam’), which is one kind of special pujas performed by local people. Some people bring their food from their home to this destination. Very few roadside hotels/bunks are available by providing tiffin, tea/coffee, biscuits, snacks, etc at ChinnaChintharevulaVillage to the tourists.
18) Illumination Facilities
No illumination facilities are available at the destination at present.
19) Sewerage and Public Toilets
No sewerage facilities are available at the destination and also no urinal/public toilet block is available at the destination for the tourists.
20) Water Facilities
No drinking water facilities are available at the top of the hill but one hand pump is available at bottom of the hill. The pilgrims use this water as drinking as well as drainage purposes. In addition, one Overhead Tank belongs to Government is constructed for providing drinking water for surrounded villages.
21) Banking/ATM Facilities
Indian Bank is located at Revulapalli, which is 2 km away from this destination. A P Grameena Vikas Bank is located at Dharur, which is 3 km away from this destination. Nationalised banks viz., SBH, SBI, Andhra Bank, ICICI, etc are available at Gadwal. ATM is available at Gadwal for the tourists.
22) Emergency Health Facility
There are RMP doctors available at Chinna Chintharevula, which is ½ km away from this destination. There is also homeopathy dispensary at Chinna Chintharevula. At Dharur (2 km away) and Upper (5 km away), all medical facilities with MBBS Doctors, diagnostic centres, medical shops, specialist doctors, private clinics, nursing homes, etc are available.
23) Cleanness
The authority is not maintaining any cleanness at the destination as it is located on the top of hills with natural hillocks and trees.
24) Landscaping and Park Maintenance
The authority is not maintaining any landscaping at present. Natural hillocks and trees surround the destination.
25) Safety/Security of Tourists
The villagers are safeguarding and guiding the tourists at present. Police Station is available at Revulapalli, which is 2 km away from the destination. In addition, Jayraj Ispath Ltd is maintaining plantation/garden in about 250 acres of land and the security personnel of that company move around and is very nearby to this destination. The BT road located at the bottom of the hill, where villages move from one village to another village. There are no threats and robberies occurred at the destination.
26) Guide Services
There is no tourist guide available at the destination to guide the tourists. The priest explains the history and other facilities available at the destination and guide in all matters.
27) Wayside Amenities
Availability of support services like puncture, air, loose petrol, minor repairs, etc available at Chinna Chintharevula. The tourists can avail services viz., major repairs, car rentals, and other facilities are available at Dharur, which is about 2 km away from the destination.
28) Communication Facilities
It noticed that almost all mobile phones receive signals at the destination. Coin operated PCO boxes are not available at the destination but available in Chinna Chintharevula village for public on pay & use basis.
29) Marketing Facilities (Information Centre, Destination Boards, Direction Boards, etc)
There are no destination boards, direction boards, information material, etc not available for the destination. The authority also not created any awareness among the public about the destination. The Trust Members publishes pamphlets on the occasion of Brahmotsav (Jathara) and distributes the same in the surrounded villages.
30) Shopping Facilities
No shopping facilities are available at the destination. Visitors can do shopping at Gadwal, where all type of shopping facilities available.
31) Local Transport
A good number of sharing autos are available from Dharur, Jurala Project, Gadwal and Upper to the destination and are operating every day.
32) Parking Facilities
There is no provision to park the vehicles at the destination. Visitors are parking their vehicles either at bottom of the hill or top of the hill as per their convenience.
33) Other Facilities
The pilgrims perform Bajans on every Amavasya and the tourist flow at the destination on this day is very high and majority of them comes from Karnataka as they feel that performing Banaj on the Day of Amavasya gives good results in all aspects. On all Saturdays, the Trust Members organise Bajans on the top of the hill. The Committee also conducts Rural Sport Games on Brahmotsav Day (Jathara).
Priyadarshini Jurala Project
Revulapalli (V), Dharoor M)
5.20.1 EXISTING SCENARIO
1) Importance of the Destinations
This place is located about 60 Kms away from Mahaboobnagar District Headquarters in between Athmakur and Gadwal. Rail Transport facility is available up to Gadwal and from there one has to travel 20 Kms to reach the project. River Krishna enters the state of Andhra Pradesh through Mahaboobnagar District. There are many irrigation and hydro electric projects, which were constructed across River Krishna in the state of Andhra Pradesh but Jurala Project is first one among them. Mr. Tanguturi Anjaiah, the then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has laid the foundation stone and named it as Priyadarshini Project. In 1996, the then Chief Minister Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu devoted this project to the Nation. This project was constructed near Nandi Malla Village of Atmakur Mandal. The length of this project is one kilometer. The height of this project is 27.80 meters. The left and right canals of this project are supplying water to thousands of acres of Agriculture lands and also drinking water to many villages and towns. Presently, power is being generated through “Priyadarshini Jurala Hydro Electric Project” with the cooperation of Karnataka state. This is only Hydro Electric Project in the state, which would have water throughout the year.
2) National Importance
The destination has good national importance. The flow of tourists is there from Karnataka and Maharashtra.
3) Location and Reach
Road: The pilgrims, who travel from Hyderabad to Tirupati can get down at through Yerravalli X Road on NH-7. The distance from Gadwal to the destination is 14 km (via Peddapadu). The pilgrims can also visit the destination via Chinna Chintharevula and the distance from Gadwal via Chinna Chintharevula is 13 km. The distance from Mahabubnagar via Amarachintha Atmakur is about 70 km and the distance from Raichur via Dharoor & Mannapur to the destination is about 44 km.
Rail: The nearest Railway Station is located at Gadwal, which is about 14 km away from the destination
Air: The nearest Airport located at Shamshabad (Hyderabad), which is about 140 km from the destination.
4) Jurisdiction of the Destination
The destination is under the control and management of Major Irrigation Department of Government of Andhra Pradesh.
5) Road Condition
60′ BT Road is available from Gadwal to the destination with good condition. 60′ BT Road is available from Mahabubnagar to Mulamalla, then 30′ BT Road up to a distance of 4 km, after that 60′ BT Road is available to the destination with good condition. There is also good access from Raichur and 60′ BT Road is available to the destination from Raichur.
6) Present Status of Tourist Attractions around the Destination
The following are the main tourist attractions available at the proposed destination.
Ø A Hydro Project is located at the destination, which is good attraction to the tourists
Ø Deer Park is available at a distance of 1 ½ km from the destination with about 100 deers
Ø Ramalayam Temple is located in the Project Colony
Ø Parthasaradhi Temple is located near to the destination
Ø Korakoda GattuTemple and ChintharevulaTemple are very near to the proposed destination
Ø All the destinations/temples proposed for heritage circuit in Mahabubnagar district
7) Visitors Flow at the Destination
The flow of visitors to the destination has been increasing every year. As per the local people and officials of destinations, the visitors’ flow during the three years is as below:
Year
Approximate No. of Visitors
2006-07
3,24,500
2007-08
4,54,300
2008-09
6,49,000
It found that about 1,000 tourists per day on an average are visiting the destination and the number goes from 1,000 to 2,000 during weekends (Saturdays & Sundays), public holidays, festivals, etc. The flow of tourists at the destination is around 8,000 per day on an average during the period, when the dam gates are opened to release the water to the canals.
8) Estimated Future Visitors Flow
The visitors’ flow to the destination has been increasing year by year and the estimated future flow of visitors/tourists is as follows.
Year
Estimated Visitors
2009-10
9,08,600
2010-11
11,68,200
2011-12
13,62,900
Justification for Tourist Flow
The logic behind the estimation of future visitors’ flow is that there is huge potential to attract the visitors. The rationale is as follows.
Ø After erection of GENCO Project (Hydro Project), tourist flow has been increasing abnormally
Ø Students flow to this destination to know/create awareness on GENCO Project is high and are arranged by the surrounded colleges in the district
Ø There is no other place for the surrounding people to visit for relaxation except this destination
Ø The Jurala Project is a big size project compared to other projects. Fishermen catch the fish regularly and some of the tourists visit this destination to observe the fishing activity
Ø The management of the project is keen and planning to create awareness about the destination
Ø Pleasant environment at the destination
Ø Income levels of surrounding places have been increasing
Ø On week-ends, during summer/winter vacations, and when project outflow gates are opened, the tourists flow to the destination is very high
Ø Increasing number of tourists from Karnataka and Maharashtra States
Ø The average growth of visitors flow is increasing on an average of 25% – 30%. Apart from this, if the Tourism Department provides infrastructure and promotional facilitates to the tourists, that can add another 20% -30%.
9) Special Days of Attraction and Visitors Flow
It revealed from the field survey that the visitors prefer the following days in general.
· Week-ends (Saturdays & Sundays) and Public Holidays – Tourist flow is very high
· Festival Days – Tourist flow is very high
· Vacations (like Summer Vacation and Winter Vacation) & when the outflow gates are opened – Tourist flow is very high
The students’ flow of engineering & other courses is high to this destination. The other irrigation projects viz., Nagarjuna Sagar and Srisailam Projects are located at far away places and cost of the transport to these destinations is high when compared to the proposed destination.
10) Income Profile of Visitors
The approximate income profile of visitors to the destination is as below:
Lower Income People : 30%
Middle Income People : 50%
Higher Income People : 20%
The villagers, who are residing around the destination are belongs to almost middle and lower income group, who generally visit the destination along with family members to spend some time at the destination and the expenditure involved to visit this destination is cheap as the transport is low. This tourists get multi-benefits as recreational and educational from the visit of this destination.
11) Purpose of Visit
Almost all the visitors visit this destination for recreational and educational purpose. Some of pilgrims also visit this destination while they are visiting the temples located surrounding to this destination.
12) Origin of Tourists
The approximate percentage of tourists and places from where the tourists visited the destination are as follows.
Ø 55% from surrounded towns/places viz., Gadwal, Alampur, Devarakadara, Makthal, Narayanpet, Mahabubnagar, Hyderabad, etc
Ø 20% from other districts of AP other than Mahabubnagar district
Ø 20% from Karnataka
Ø 5% from Maharashtra
13) Mode of Transport
Due to more convenience of bus journey from Gadwal, Atmakur and other surrounded places, majority of the visitors visit this destination by bus. Many sharing autos are available from Gadwal, Atmakur, Dharoor and other surrounded places in addition to APSRTC Buses. Visitors are also visiting by jeeps from Raichur on sharing basis. It is estimated that about 60% comes through buses, 20% by autos or shared autos; and the balance 20% by way of tourist buses, own vehicles, rail and other mode of transport.
14) Frequency of Visits
It found that 30-40% of the visitors are new persons and visited the destination first time after knowing the importance of the destination. About 60-70% of the pilgrims have been repeating the visit to the destination at least once in a year friends and relatives.
15) Group Size
The visitors have been coming to the destination along with their family members and relatives & friends as a group. The group size consists of 5 to 10 persons in general. The approximate group size consists of 10 -15 persons by 4-wheeler (jeep); 30-60 persons by tourist buses; 20-30 persons by tractors.
16) Accommodation Facilities
There is one guest house available under the control of Major Irrigation Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh but it is allotted to VIPs and is not available for general public. At Gadwal, good lodging & boarding facilities are available and tourists can avail the facilities.
17) Food & Beverages Facilities
There are three dhaba type hotels are available at the destination and these provide meals, tiffin, tea/coffee, snacks, etc to the tourists.
18) Illumination Facilities
Illumination facilities along the dam bridge available but at the proposed site where tourism infrastructure is proposed, there are no illumination facilities available for the tourists.
19) Sewerage and Public Toilets
There is no drainage system exist for the irrigation project. No urinal/public toilet block is also available at the destination.
20) Water Facilities
The authority is not providing/supplying the drinking water to the tourists at the destination.
21) Banking/ATM Facilities
Indian Bank is available at Revulapalli, which is nearby to this destination. ATM facility is available at Gadwal and also almost all the nationalised banks are opened their branches in Gadwal.
22) Emergency Health Facility
RMP doctors available in Revulapalli. Homoeopathic Primary Health Centre run by Government is available at Chinna Chintharevula, which is 2 km away from the destination. all types of MBBS, MS and other diagnostic facilities are available at Gadwal.
23) Cleanness
The authority is maintaining cleanness at the dam site to some extent.
24) Landscaping and Park Maintenance
The management is not maintaining any landscaping at the destination. There is a very good scope for landscaping and very much needed as this destination has good scope for recreation and relaxation purposes. There are also no proper sitting facilities.
25) Safety/Security of Tourists
There are about 600 employees are working in GENCO (Hydro Project), which is part of this destination. Project Staff have been staying at the project site and one Police Station is located at Revulapalli. The staff of GENCO along with the villagers’ cooperation can safeguard/guide the tourists on safety measures. There are no threats and robberies occurred at the destination.
26) Guide Services
There is no tourist guide available at the destination. Some of the staff members may explain about the GENCO Project and the Dam depending their convenience and interest.
27) Wayside Amenities
Availability of support services like puncture, air, loose petrol, etc available at Revulapalli, near to the destination. Major repairs, car rentals, etc are available at Gadwal.
28) Communication Facilities
It noticed that almost all mobile phones receive signals at the destination. PCO facility is also available at the destination in addition to land line facility.
29) Marketing Facilities (Information Centre, Destination Boards, Direction Boards, etc)
The management is not publishing any pamphlets, brochures, etc about the destination and is not creating any awareness among the tourists/general public. The authority has not established any destination/direction boards.
30) Shopping Facilities
No shopping facilities are available at the destination. Visitors can do shopping either at Gadwal, where all type of shopping facilities available.
31) Local Transport
A good number of sharing autos are available from Gadwal, Atmakur, Dharur, etc to this destination and are operating every day.
32) Parking Facilities
Visitors are parking their vehicles at the project site as per their convenience. There is no separate provision for parking for the tourists.
Sri AnjaneyaSwamyTemple
Pedda Chintharevula (V), Dharoor (M)
1) Importance of the Destinations
Sri Anjaneya Swamy temple is constructed by Sri Vyasarayala and is came to know through Sri Seshadasula to the general public for performing pujas and is located at Pedda Chintharevula Village of Dharoor Mandal in Mahabubnagar District.
Sri Seshadasula was worked as ‘Patwari’ for Dharoor Village under Gadwal Kingdom, which is 10 km away from Pedda Chintharevula. The actual name of Sri Seshadasula was Seshagiri Rao during 1802 to 1885. Due to some personal differences with the Gadwal King of Soma Bhupal on some occasion, Sri Seshadasula was resigned for ‘Patwari’ position and also deserted his life and went to forests in Pedda Chintharevula Village to die and kept his hand in the hole (termite hill), where snake resides and slept by weeping. Lord Sri Anjaneya Swamy appeared in dream and told to Sri Seshadasula that he is in the termite hill and he ordered to Seshadasula to dig termite hill and perform puja to the idol of Sri Anjaneya Swamy. Then, Sri Seshadasula digged the termite hill next day and he found idol of Sri Anjaneya Swamy in the termite hill. Sri Seshadasula performed puja to Sri Anjaneya Swamy for two days with fasting. Then, Sri Anjaneya Swamy ordered Sri Thimmaiah to help Sri Seshadasula for conducting pujas, sevas, etc. The Thimmaiah was the present ‘Patwari’ of the RevulapalliVillage at that time and Revulapalli is 3 km away from Pedda Chintharevulapalli. Sri Thimmaiah and Sri Seshadasula were performed pujas Sri Anjaneyula Swamy for few days and constructed a temple with the help of villagers residing in surrounding villages. Thus, the temple is constructed by Sri Vyasarayala in 18th century. The temple is one of the oldest temples in that area and is surrounded by many villages.
2) National Importance
The destination has very good national importance. There is highest flow of tourists is high from Karnataka as the Dharoor is located 10 km away from Karnataka and also from Maharashtra to this destination
3) Location and Reach
Road: The destination is located 10 km away from Dharoor, 10 km away from Gadwal and 18 km away from Atmakur.
Rail: The nearest Railway Station is at Gadwal, which is 10 km away from the destination.
Air: The nearest Airport located at Shamshabad (Hyderabad), which is about 160 km from the destination.
4) Jurisdiction of the Destination
The destination is under the control Endowments Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh.
5) Road Condition
The road condition is good to reach the destination without any problem.
There is 60′ BT Road is available from Dharoor to Priyadarshini Jurala Project, from there 30′ BT road with good condition available up to the destination.
6) Present Status of Tourist Attractions around the Destination
The following are the main tourist attractions available at the proposed destination.
Ø Deer Park
Ø Sri RamalayamTemple, Jurala PJP Camp
Ø Sri ParthaSarathyTemple, Dharur
Ø Lift Reservoir (JLIP Scheme), Guddamdoddi
Ø Jurala Project
Ø All the destinations/temples proposed for heritage circuit in Mahabubnagar district
7) Visitors Flow at the Destination
The flow of visitors to the destination has been increasing every year. As per the local people and officials of destinations, the visitors’ flow during the three years is as below:
Year
Approximate No. of Visitors
2006-07
5,80,500
2007-08
8,12,700
2008-09
11,61,000
It found that 500-600 tourists per day on an average are visiting the temple for performing pujas, vrathams, etc and the number goes to 5,000 persons on Saturdays. The visitors flow on every Amavastya Day is more than 10,000 and the pilgrims from surrounded villages & Karnataka attend on that day. During the festival seasons, the tourist flow goes more than 1000 per day on an average.
The TempleAuthority celebrates Brahmotsavam for a period of 7 days at the destination and more than 10,000 pilgrims per day visit the temple. Festivals also celebrated at the temple on a grand scale. On Ugadi Day, Panchangam will be organised by the temple authority and Priests/Pandits predicts future projections on that day. The flow at the destination on this day is high.
The local villagers performs marriages on a large scale at the destination and is famous for performing marriages. The management performs about 500 marriages per year on an average and between 400-600 people present for each marriage.
8) Estimated Future Visitors Flow
The visitors’ flow to the destination has been increasing year by year and the estimated future flow of visitors/tourists is as follows.
Year
Estimated Visitors
2009-10
17,41,500
2010-11
23,22,000
2011-12
29,02,500
Justification for Tourist Flow
The logic behind the estimation of future visitors’ flow is that there is huge potential to attract the visitors. The rationale is as follows.
Ø The history and importance of the temple great
Ø The Priyadarshini Jurala Project is very near to this destination and the tourists who visit the Jurala Project also visit this destination
Ø The idol of Sri Anjaneya Swamy was installed by Sri Vyasaraya Swamy in 400 years back and this destination has very good heritage importance
Ø Sri Seshadasula Swamy has created awareness on this temple and about importance of this destination among the people since 200 years back
Ø The idol of Anjaneya Swamy of this temple appears to be as Hanuma, Bheema and Madwacharya faces
Ø Awareness about the temple is increasing day-by-day and this is resulted by telling/creating awareness by the visitors, who visited the destination
Ø Income levels of the villagers, who are residing in surrounding places have been increasing
Ø Increasing number of other State tourists from Karnataka, Maharashtra and neighbouring States of AP
Ø The average growth of visitors flow is increasing on an average of 30% – 40%. Apart from this, if the Tourism Department provides infrastructure and promotional facilitates to the tourists, that can add another 20% -25%.
9) Special Days of Attraction and Visitors Flow
It revealed from the field survey that the visitors prefer the following days in general.
On Every Amavasya Day- Tourist flow is very very high
Festival Days – Tourist flow is very high
Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays increase the flow
Special occasions like Brahmotsavas for 7 days, Ugadi Day, and other main Festivals viz., Srirama Navami, Dasara, Sankranthi, etc
Vacations (like Summer Vacation and Winter Vacation)
The authority performs marriages on a large scale
10) Income Profile of Visitors
The approximate income profile of visitors to the destination is as below:
Lower Income People : 60%
Middle Income People : 30%
Higher Income People : 10%
The villagers, who are residing around the destination are belongs to almost lower and middle income group, who generally visit the destination and are mainly involved in agriculture and other allied activities, which provides very low income.
11) Purpose of Visit
Almost all the pilgrims/tourists visit the destination for devotional purpose only. Pilgrims conduct special pujas especially on every Amavasyas and Saturday.
12) Origin of Tourists
The approximate percentage of tourists and places from where the tourists visited the destination are as follows.
Ø 30% from KarnatakaState
Ø 15% from Maharashtra
Ø 5% from UP, Delhi and Other States
Ø 40% from all the places of Mahabubnagar District and surrounded villages/mandals
Ø 10% from other districts of AP other than Mahabubnagar district
13) Mode of Transport
Majority of the tourists (60%) visit by vehicles (4-wheelers) as they come to visit Jurala Project, generally visit this destination. About 30% of tourists visit this destination by 2-wheelers. The balance about 10% visit through buses and sharing autos.
14) Frequency of Visits
It found that 50% of the visitors are new persons and visited the destination first time after knowing the importance of the destination. About 50% of the pilgrims have been repeating the visit to the destination at least once in a year friends and relatives.
15) Frequency of Visits
It found that 30% of the visitors are new persons and visited the destination first time after knowing the importance of the destination. About 70% of the pilgrims have been repeating the visit to the destination at least once in a year friends and relatives.
15) Group Size
The visitors have been coming to the destination along with their family members and relatives & friends as a group. The group size consists of 5 to 10 persons in general. The approximate group size consists of 8-10 persons by 4-wheeler (jeep); 30-60 persons by tourist buses; 25-40 persons by tractors, DCM Vans, lorries, etc.
16) Accommodation Facilities
There are accommodation facilities available at the destination. One big hall is available at the destination and it accommodates about 500 persons to sleep. In addition, there are 6 rooms without attached bathrooms with electricity. But, at Gadwal, there are good accommodation and boarding facilities available for the tourists. The management is providing accommodation at free of cost to the tourists and the tourists generally stay one day at the destination. During Jathara period, some pilgrims stays for a period of 7 days. Some of the pilgrims, who want to performs special pujas also stay for a period of 7 days to perform.
17) Food & Beverages Facilities
The pilgrims used to cook food under the trees at the temple premises in general. On the Amavasya Day, the management provides free meal to the devotees, who visit the temple on that day. There are two hotels available at the destination and they cook food on order. But, at Jurala Project and Gadwal, there are good number of restaurants, hotels, etc are available for tourists.
18) Illumination Facilities
There are illumination facilities re available inside of the destination at present. But, the management is not providing sufficient illumination facilities around and outside the temple.
19) Sewerage and Public Toilets
No sewerage facilities are available at the destination and also no urinal/public toilet block is available at the destination for the tourists.
20) Water Facilities
Two borewells and two hand pumps are available at the destination and are providing water facilities to the pilgrims. The pilgrims use this water as drinking as well as drainage purposes.
21) Banking/ATM Facilities
Indian Bank is located at 2 km away from this destination. Nationalised banks viz., SBH, SBI, Andhra Bank, ICICI, etc are available at Gadwal. ATM is available at Gadwal for the tourists.
22) Emergency Health Facility
RMP is doctor available at Revulapalli. At Gadwal, all medical facilities with MBBS Doctors, diagnostic centres, medical shops, specialist doctors, private clinics, nursing homes, etc are available.
23) Cleanness
The authority is not maintaining any cleanness at outside of the temple. The management is not maintaining any landscaping at the destination and there is good scope for development of landscaping and parks at the temple.
24) Safety/Security of Tourists
There are two watchmen, two sweepers, one clerk and one Executive Officer available and appointed by the Endowments Department, GoAP for this destination. At present, they are guiding/guarding the tourists on the safety measures. Police Station is available at Revulapalli, which is 2 km away from the destination. There are no threats and robberies occurred at the destination till now.
25) Guide Services
There is no tourist guide available at the destination to guide the tourists. The priest explains the history and other facilities available at the destination and guides the pilgrims.
26) Wayside Amenities
Availability of support services like puncture, air, loose petrol, minor repairs, etc available at Revulapalli, which is 2 km away from this destination. The tourists can avail services viz., major repairs, car rentals, and other facilities are available at Gadwal.
27) Communication Facilities
It noticed that almost all mobile phones receive signals at the destination. There is no PCO facility available at the destination but coin operated PCO boxes are available at Revulapalli for public on pay & use basis.
28) Marketing Facilities (Information Centre, Destination Boards, Direction Boards, etc)
No destination boards, direction boards, information material, etc are not available for the destination. The Trust Members publishes pamphlets on the occasion of Brahmotsav and distributes the same in the surrounded villages during February every year.
29) Shopping Facilities
No shopping facilities are available at the destination. Visitors can do shopping at Gadwal, where all type of shopping facilities available.
30) Local Transport
APSRTC is operating their buses daily from Gadwal to the destination – one trip in the morning and one trip in the evening. But the destination is having good transportation facilities by a good number of sharing autos, jeeps, cars, Commandoes, etc. The devotees usually visit this temple by arranging a vehicle (4-wheeler) to stay for one day at the destination.
31) Parking Facilities
There is no provision to park the vehicles at the destination. Visitors are parking their vehicles in front of the temple as per their convenience.
32) Other Facilities
The pilgrims perform Bajans on every Amavasya and the tourist flow at the destination on this day is very high and majority of them comes from Karnataka as they feel that performing Bajans on the every Day of Amavasya gives good results in all aspects. On all Saturdays, Festival Days and Brahmotsav Days, the Trust Members organise Bajans at the destination.
The Managing Committee Members organises to perform programmes by Palimar Math, Udipi; Raghavendra Swamy Math, Mantralayam; and Uttaradhi Math, Bangalore. Around 2 lakh people attend for these kind of programmes from Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
The Managing Committee Members organise Harikatha Programmes, Satsang Programmes, etc by different Pandits and the Committee organise more than 10 programmes every year in general.
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