In an interesting suggestion, V.L.V.S.S. Subba Rao, Economic Advisor and Joint Secretary, Ministry of HRD, said tourism should first take shape in mind and be visualised to be carried to its cinematic extreme with creativity and technology.
Citing example of Tirumala hill shrine, he said very soon most of people would have to stay downhill for want of space for expansion.
Cable cars
“This is the time for one to think of cable cars, helicopter trips to ferry people and tourism projects can coordinate this downhill activity,” he says. Sun God temple at Arasavilli in Srikakulam is another place that can attract visitors from across the country, yet it remains largely unknown. Suryanamaskar is the basic initiation into yoga and this place can be promoted as health-oriented pilgrim centre, he said.
Spa resort
Similarly Araku Valley can be developed as spa resort on the lines of ‘Ananda’ spa in Himalayas and the valley can have convention centres and sports meets to attract more visitors. The concepts unique to various places should be explored for turning them into tourist destinations, be it adventure sports, eco, health or pilgrim centres, he said.