Leisure & Travel

New tourism destinations of Andhra PradeshIn a state better known for farmers‚ suicides and the naxalite movement, a determined effort is being made to create a new income stream from tourism. Five new tourism destinations have been recently promotedWith the tourism minister in the Congress-led coalition government at the Centre (Renuka Choudhury) from Andhra Pradesh and a friendly Congress government installed in the state, a huge effort is being made to create a tourist income stream for this drought-prone region known more for its farmers‚ suicides and naxalite movement. This is evidenced from the state‚s tourism promotion budget, which has been raised to a massive Rs.45 crore (2004-05) from Rs.20 lakh in 2002.A large part of this record Rs.45 crore tourism budget has been invested in developing the infrastructure in five new tourism destinations in the state (pop. 76 million). In early March a group of journalists (including this writer) and seven travel agents from Bangalore were taken on a conducted tour of the state capital (which is also being given a makeover) and the new tourism destinations. Hyderabad-SecunderabadThe capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh these now conjoined cities are an important centre of Islamic culture and studies. The city‚s famous landmarks include the massive Charminar (180 ft tall and 96 ft wide), Mecca Masjid, Purani Haveli, Salar Jung Museum, Nehru Zoological Park, and the Birla Mandir. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) has recently introduced a range of water sports in Hussain Sagar lake which also hosts the largest monolithic Buddha statue (56 ft tall, 350 tonnes) in the country. Parasailing (Rs.300), water scooter (Rs.50), kayaking (Rs.50) and other aqua sports are offered. Lumbini Park adjoining the lake houses another new introduction, the Lumbini Laserium where visitors are treated to a 45-minute laser show, featuring a short film on the history of Hyderabad and an impressive musical dancing fountain which attracts over 1,800 visitors daily (entry price: Rs.30). Accommodation. Top-end: Taj Krishna (Rs.5,520-23,000 per night); Taj Residency (Rs.2,600-7,500); Hotel Viceroy (Rs.2,200-2,900). Mid-range: APTDC‚s Punnami Taramathi Baradari (Rs.475-950); Hotel Megacity (Rs.375-450). Budget: Royal Hotel (Rs.130-230); Hotel Suhail (Rs.180-250); New Asian Hotel (Rs.100-150). Hyderabad is famous for its eateries offering variations of Mughlai-style biryanis of spiced meat, vegetables and rice, haleem (pounded spiced wheat with mutton) and kebabs. However visitors should note that the local cuisine is heavily spiced with chilli. Excursions. Numerous day excursion options are available ex Hyderabad. Golconda Fort (16 km) dating back to the early 16th century is a massive citadel built on a 400 ft high granite hill and surrounded by crenellated ramparts. The unique feature of the fort is its built-in acoustics ‚ even the smallest sound from the grand portico echoes across the entire fort complex. A 60-minute son et lumiere show (Rs.40) offers an entertaining way to learn the history of Hyderabad and Golconda. Durgam Cheruvu (18 km) aka secret lake, is a placid water body surrounded by hills. It‚s a perfect setting for a cool boat ride amidst serene environs.…