The  Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) has come out with a strategy to facilitate tourist destinations all year round

APTDC has categorized its tourism offerings into three distinct phases  Pre-Summer, Summer, and Post-Summer each tailored to the seasonal appeal of select destinations

KIRANMAI TUTIKA | AMARAVATI 

In an ambitious move to position Andhra Pradesh as a premier summer travel destination, the state’s tourism department is in plans to unveil a series of curated tour packages and themed festivals aimed at boosting tourist footfall and generating greater revenue through experience-driven travel.

Breaking away from the conventional coastal attractions of Visakhapatnam, Konaseema, and Araku, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) is shifting focus toward diversified experiences across the state — including an increased promotional push for the historic and cultural capital region of Amaravati.

As part of its dynamic strategy, APTDC has categorized its tourism offerings into three distinct phases — Pre-Summer, Summer, and Post-Summer — each tailored to the seasonal appeal of select destinations.

While Pre-Summer festivities will concentrate on bustling urban hubs like Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, the peak Summer phase will spotlight hill stations and forest retreats, drawing heat-weary travelers seeking cool escapes. Post-summer experiences are being curated around wellness, culture, and heritage circuits, particularly in Amaravati and surrounding temple towns.

Inspired by Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch festival, the state is introducing a first-of-its-kind ‘Glamping’ (Glamorous Camping) Festival in the scenic valley of Araku. Tentatively scheduled from April 30 to May 30, the month-long event will blend eco-tourism with luxury, offering visitors an upscale camping experience nestled amidst lush green hills and coffee plantations.

The festival will feature luxurious tent stays, guided treks, adventure activities, cultural evenings, and musical nights, with tariff packages ranging between Rs.3,000 and Rs.5,000. “During the summer season, Araku typically sees a high influx of tourists, often resulting in accommodation shortages. To address this, we’ve introduced the Glamping concept, which provides comfortable yet immersive stays amidst nature, along with curated recreational experiences,” said APTDC Chairman, Nukasani Balaji.

Vijayawada too is getting its share of summer excitement with ‘Regatta’, a vibrant water sports and boat racing festival to be hosted at Bhavani Island in the first week of May. Modeled after the famed Jal Mahotsav, this event will feature traditional and modern boat races, kayaking, banana boat rides, and family-friendly aquatic adventures. “The Regatta is designed to engage both adventure seekers and families, turning Bhavani Island into a summer hotspot,” Balaji said.

In a first, the tourism department is planning to bring out a statewide tourism calendar, mapping events to specific destinations based on seasonal suitability and demographic appeal. The department has identified 30 destinations, categorized under eight activity-based themes — including adventure, wellness, culture, pilgrimage, coastal, and eco-tourism.

“We are not only planning state-run events but also inviting private players to collaborate under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to organize larger and more frequent tourism experiences,” Balaji added. APTDC is also looking to shine a spotlight on Amaravati, aiming to draw more cultural and spiritual tourism to the capital region with a focus on heritage trails, Buddhist sites, and architectural tours.