AP to develop Buddhist tourism circuit, clusters

The Andhra Pradesh Tourism has identified a clutch of projects for development to harness the potential of rich Buddhist heritage in the State.

The State tourism department has taken up projects worth Rs 25.99 crore for the promotion of Buddhist tourism, which will facilitate creation of a circuit, develop clusters and also help preserve ancient Buddhist monuments and its heritage.

Theme park

As a part of the Government move to attract visitors to the Buddhist tourism sites in the State, AP Tourism is developing a Buddhist theme park – Buddhavanam at Nagarjunakonda enroute to Amaravati with an investment of Rs 16.36 crore.

This will host a museum, open air theatres,

stupa , amphi theatre, restaurants and tourist facilities. According to a statement from Mr Sabhyasachi Ghosh, Commissioner, AP Tourism, the Government plans to notify areas with strong Buddhist tourism potential and aim to encourage private investments to develop these sites.

Buddha jayanthi celebrations

AP Tourism is celebrating 2555{+t}{+h} Buddha Jayanthi on May 17 coinciding with Buddha Purnima, wherein Buddhist relics will be displayed at State Museum in Public Gardens amidst chanting of hymns by monks.

Andhra Pradesh is rich in Buddhist heritage with settlements dating back to 3{+r}{+d} century BC to 12{+t}{+h} century AD and having more than 150 sites rich in Buddhist heritage.

Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda are amongst the most popular tourist sites.

Heritage connection

The State is known to have produced Buddhist philosophers such as Acharya Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Bhavaviveka, Dinnega, Dharmakrithi and Buddharakshita.

Buddhists had created a large number of stupas , chaityas, caves and sculptures representing the spirit of the times and its thoughts.