Prakasam District - 2 | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

Cultural Tourism

• Kothapatnam is a quaint coastal village situated in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
• It is located in the Kothapatnam mandal within the Ongole revenue division.
• Kothapatnam Beach stands out as one of the prime attractions in Ongole, situated about 18 km away from the city.
• This beach offers a delightful experience for both locals and tourists, characterized by its crystal-clear blue waters, expansive sandy shores, and gentle sea breeze.
• Visitors can engage in activities like boating to enhance their beach experience.
• Despite its usual tranquility, Kothapatnam Beach becomes a bustling hub during the Karthika Purnima festival, drawing in thousands of local residents but remaining relatively serene during other times.

Eco Tourism

Bhairavakona

• Bhairavakona is a sacred place located in the heart of the Nallamala Hills within the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The name "Bhairavakona" stems from the presence of the temples of Sri Trimukha Durgamba Mahadevi and Sri Barguleshwari Swamy, guarded by Bala Bhairava Swamy. 
• Situated 43 km from Udayagiri in the Nellore district, APSRTC's Udayagiri depot offers bus services to Seetharamapuram, which is 15 km away from Bhairavakona. From Seetharamapuram, visitors can avail shared auto-rickshaws to reach Bhairavakona. This location is renowned for its ancient Shiva temple and a magnificent 200-meter waterfall. 
• Additionally, there are eight intricately carved temples within the hillside. A notable attraction that draws devotees to Bhairavakona is the phenomenon where moonlight illuminates the idol of goddess Parvati at a temple during Kartik Poornima. This picturesque waterfall is a prominent landmark in the Prakasam district.

Jungle Safari

• Tiger Safari location at Thummalabailu in Dornala Mandal

Nemaligundam Ranganayaka Swamy Temple And Waterfalls

• This temple is a popular tourist spot known for its beautiful waterfalls.
• Visitors can enjoy the serene environment and architectural beauty of the temple.
• The waterfalls near the temple offer a refreshing and picturesque experience for tourists.

Forest Tourism

Nallamala Forest

• The Nallamala Forest is situated in South India, specifically in the Nallamala Hill, which forms a part of the Eastern Ghats. It spans across five districts: Kurnool, Guntur, Kadapa, Mahabubnagar, and Prakasam.
• Encompassing one of the most extensive undisturbed expanses of forest in the region, the Nallamala Forest is known for its vastness and biodiversity. It provides a habitat for a variety of flora and fauna.
• The forest area boasts a significant tiger population and is a part of the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve. Additionally, leopards are frequently spotted in this region, adding to the rich wildlife diversity.
• The Nallamala Forest holds great ecological importance due to its preservation of natural habitats and species diversity. It serves as a crucial ecosystem within the South Indian landscape.
• Efforts are being made to conserve and protect the Nallamala Forest, recognizing its value in terms of biodiversity, wildlife, and ecological balance. Conservation initiatives aim to safeguard this precious natural resource for future generations.

Religious Tourism

Tripurantakam

• Tripurantakam is a renowned historical town situated in Prakasham district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The town derives its name from Tripuantakeswarudu, a former ruler. Notably, it is home to the esteemed SRI BALA TRIPURANTHAKESWARA and SRI BALA TRIPURASUNDARI DEVI temples. 
• The latter has a rich history, housing the authentic idol of bala tripurasundari devi, known for its formidable appearance. Despite its intimidating nature, the temple's location boasts scenic beauty. The NSP canal serves as a major asset to the town.

Sri Chennakesava Swamy Temple

• Sri Chennakesava Swamy Temple is a significant religious site that demands attention. 
• The temple's architecture showcases intricate craftsmanship and cultural significance.
• Devotees from far and wide visit to pay homage and seek blessings.
• Various festivals and rituals are observed throughout the year, adding vibrancy to the temple's atmosphere.
• The temple premises offer a serene atmosphere conducive to prayer and reflection.

Engineering Tourism

Gundlakamma Reservoir

Description of the Project

• Gundlakamma Reservoir is a significant project constructed on the Gundlalam river, standing at a height of 80 feet in Mallavaram.
• With a storage capacity of 12.845 tmns, the primary aim of this project is to provide irrigation to 62,368 acres in Kharif and 80,060 acres in Rabi seasons.
• The total cost of the project's construction amounted to 592 crores.

Key Objectives

• The primary goal of the Gundlakamma Reservoir project is to ensure irrigation to a vast expanse of agricultural land during both Kharif and Rabi seasons.
• Additionally, the project aims to supply drinking water to approximately 250,000 people in Ongole.

Construction Details

• To fulfill the commitment of providing water to all lands within the Ayacut, a high-level canal was dug at a level of 22.5 meters from the rear end of the Right Main Canal.
• Although most of the canal's construction is complete, there remains a small unfinished portion due to ongoing legal issues in the Honorable High Court of Andhra Pradesh.

Impact and Benefits

• The release of water from the Gundlakamma Reservoir project has significantly benefited farmers in the region over the past few years.
• Furthermore, the project has played a crucial role in fulfilling the water needs of both agricultural lands and the local population, contributing to the overall development and prosperity of the area.