Visakhapatnam district is one among the few places in the country that is uniquely blessed with the natural features of the sea, hills and lush green forests. Tourists who come to enjoy the beaches, go back satisfied after visiting Araku Valley.
However, a number of tourist destinations lack basic facilities and are plagued with perennial problems. The biggest problem the tourists face after visiting a beach and after enjoying a swim is changing rooms.
None of the beaches such as R.K. Beach, Rushikonda, Yarada or for that matter Mangamaripeta, have good changing rooms, where both men and women can change and get back into dry clothing.
"It is surprising that the beaches, which have become so famous, lack this basic facility. One needs to change clothes after a swim and that facility is missing. The authorities concerned need to look into this," said Ashutosh Chatterjee, a tourist from West Bengal.
Beach shack project
The tourism officials proposed beach shack projects at Thotlakonda, Rushikonda, Sagar Nagar, Yendada, Mangamaripeta and Revupolavaram in S. Rayavaram mandal, about two years ago. Food courts, play arena, parking spaces, toilets, etc., were also proposed as a part of the plan.
Expect for Thotlakonda and Rushikonda, no other beach shack has been developed yet. It is learnt that the sites considered for the Sagar Nagar and Yendada shacks are under Forest Department and the issue has been caught in legal wrangles.
Amenities at waterfalls
The picturesque Araku Valley, dotted with several waterfalls, figures in the tour chat of the visitors whenever they visit the Visakhapatnam Agency, especially during the monsoon and winter.
Last year, the APTDC initiated plans to develop tourists amenities at several waterfalls in the Agency, keeping in view the tourist rush. Apart from Katika falls, which receives the highest footfalls, the ones at Kothapalle, Yerravaram, Dharamatham, Sarugudu, Ananthagiri and a few others have been included in the development plan, with proposed cafeteria and viewpoints.
But nothing visible has been done in this regard as the visitors are seen often complaining about lack of toilets and changing rooms.
"For boys, it is fine. But, women are missing out on the fun of playing in waters as there is no facility for changing clothes. The natural beauty is so attracting, but we are left with no options but to sit and watch others having fun. There is no proper facility to have even a cup of hot coffee, as there are no cafeterias," says P. Usha, a homemaker from Visakhapatnam, who went to Yerravaram waterfalls near Chinthapalli along with her family.
Roads yet to be developed
Most of the waterfalls lack proper road connectivity, which includes the Katika waterfalls, the biggest tourist attraction near Borra Caves, Ms. Usha adds.
There is a kuccha and bumpy road, and it can be traversed only by a jeep-like vehicle. Elderly people encounter lots of problem on these bumpy roads. Moreover, one has to book the local travel agencies, as
private vehicles are not allowed by the locals and the tourists are fleeced, said Shantanu Rath, a tourist from Bhubaneswar.
Tourism police station
The Tourism Police Station that was discussed by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu a couple of years back at the District Collectors Conference, still hangs fire.
The tourists not only face issues with the local transporters, who fleece them, but also there are a number of incidents from drunk youth, who allegedly tease the tourists.
Lambasingi
Nestled in the lap of nature’s bounty, Lambasingi in Visakhapatnam Agency, has become the most sought-after winter destination for tourists for its misty climate, thick clouds and most importantly, the near-to-zero temperature. However, lack of adequate amenities such as drinking water, toilets and facilities for a comfortable night stay at this tiny village in the Eastern Ghats still remain a major concern which forces many visitors either to shy away from the place or cut short their stay.