Visakhapatnam:The scenic Araku Valley is set to draw even more tourists with the launch of a hot air balloon experience, alongside adventure activities like zip-lining and beach festivals.

This move follows a surge in visitors during the Dasara festival, where over 50,000 people flocked to the region in just three days.

The Indian Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) successfully conducted a trial run of the hot air balloon at the Padmapuram Horticulture Botanical Garden. Unlike traditional balloons, this version, inspired by tribal youths trained in Haryana, is designed as a swing that can carry four individuals up to 20 feet.

Due to the influx of tourists, both private and government accommodations in the region are fully booked until January. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) provides 200 rooms, including 10 villas in Lambasingi, while the private sector offers 2,400 rooms across Araku. For outdoor enthusiasts, 6,000 tents are available for rent during the peak season.

Tourist numbers at popular attractions like Borra Caves and Lambasingi have spiked, with thousands of visitors arriving daily. Gowri Shankar, manager of Borra Caves, reported 6,547 visitors on Friday, 5,953 on Saturday, and an estimated 4,000 on Sunday. Similarly, Lambasingi saw over 10,000 visitors each day this week.

Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh recently announced plans for beach festivals in Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Suryalanka, and Nellore in January, highlighting the state’s coastal beauty to international audiences.

While no new projects have been introduced at popular sites, enhancements like the 'light and sound' show at Borra Caves and Bojjanna Konda have been implemented. Special vista dome coaches on trains during the Dasara season also accommodate the rising number of tourists.

Private operators are providing transport to key attractions, including Chaparai, Vanjangi Waterfalls, Araku Valley, and Borra Caves. In Visakhapatnam city, visitors can explore attractions such as INS Kursura Submarine Museum, T-142 Aircraft Museum, Kailasagiri Hills, Rushikonda Beach, and Simhachalam Temple. Plans are also underway to assess the feasibility of a floating bridge in the area, adding another exciting draw for tourists.

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