Spl services in place for tourists this festive season

Visakhapatnam: Transport and tourism authorities have come up with special arrangements for passengers and tourists with Diwali just round the corner.

Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) Visakhapatnam divisional manager DVM Prasad Reddy said that nearly 96 per cent of the 280 rooms in tourism hotels in the division comprising Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam were booked till Diwali, which is on October 27.

With the festival falling on a Sunday, a rise in tourist footfall in the division is expected, which has nearly 20 spots for sightseeing, such as Araku, Borra Caves, numerous waterfalls and temples, including the Sun God temple at Arasavilli in Srikakulam town.

“Tourism season generally begins in October and lasts up to January. We have relaunched some attractive tourism packages this year,” Reddy told TOI.

A new tourism package, Balaji Darshan, was relaunched on October 20, Reddy said, adding that tourists would have darshan of Lord Venkateswara Swamy at Tirupati. The package costs Rs 4,000 per adult for three days and two nights, he said.

Meanwhile, transport authorities, including railways and APSRTC said that special train and bus services were also started to clear the rush of passengers during the festive season.

Waltair division railway spokesperson said that a special express tourism train between Vizag and Araku has been started to exclusively cater to the needs of tourists travelling to Araku and Borra Caves from Vizag.

“We upgraded the train from passenger to express after seeing good response from tourists. We will continue this train service as long as demand continues,” the railway official said.

APSRTC deputy chief traffic manager for city M Sudha Bindu said that the RTC has also planned special buses during the festival to clear the rush of passengers, especially those visiting tourist spots like Kailasagiri, Simhachalam and Bheemili.