Tourism Min elated over GSI recognition to Belum Caves
Amaravati: Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh expressed delight over the inclusion of Belum Caves, a symbol of ancient culture and heritage, in the geological heritage list.
With the announcement from the Geological Survey of India (GSI), the Minister expects that the Belum Caves, located in Kolimigundla mandal of Nandyal district, with a history dating back 450 years BCE and spread over approximately 23 acres, will gain further tourist prominence.
The Minister said in a statement here on Friday that this recognition as a geological heritage site opens up opportunities for further development.
The Minister stated that Belum Caves are internationally renowned as the second-longest and the longest underground caves in India. He added that the unimaginable natural beauty hidden underground within Belum Caves not only greatly attracts tourists but also provides a refreshing experience.
The Minister explained that millions of tourists visit these caves. He assured that efforts would be made to further attract both domestic and international tourists.
He further stated that Rayalaseema boasts numerous spiritual sites and beautiful tourist destinations, including Tirumala, Ahobilam, Mahanandi, Yaganti, Srisailam, Brahmamgari Matham, Gandikota, Siddavatam, Gandi, and Horsley Hills, and all of them will be developed. Minister Durgesh expressed confidence that the tourism sector will further flourish under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
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New Indian Express
2 days ago
- New Indian Express
Proud moment for Andhra Pradesh as Belum Caves get GSI tag
VIJAYAWADA: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has granted Geo Heritage Site status to the historic Belum Caves. With this recognition, Belum Caves becomes the seventh site in the State to receive this prestigious status. Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh hailed the recognition as a proud moment. 'Glad that the GSI has given special recognition to the world-famous Belum Caves in Kolimigundla of Nandyal district. These are not just natural wonders but ancient cultural sites that deserve national and global attention,' he said. Belum Caves is the country's second-longest publicly accessible limestone cave system. Formed by a tributary of the ancient Chitravathi River, the site also features archaeological remains, including pre-Buddhist pottery and relics linked to Buddhist and Jain monks. The caves were first documented in 1884 by British geologist Robert Bruce Foote. They were later explored in the 1980s and declared a protected site in 1988 before opening to the public in 2002. Durgesh said that the inclusion in the GSI list is expected to increase both domestic and international tourist footfall. 'With this announcement, Belum Caves will become even more popular as a tourist destination. The tag will also bring infrastructure improvements,' he added. He said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is committed to strengthening tourism in the State. 'We will ensure more publicity for Belum Caves to attract foreign visitors and highlight its geological and cultural significance,' Durgesh said. The tourism department plans to enhance connectivity, upgrade amenities, and promote the site to align with the international attention it is now poised to receive.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Hans India
Tourism Min elated over GSI recognition to Belum Caves
Amaravati: Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh expressed delight over the inclusion of Belum Caves, a symbol of ancient culture and heritage, in the geological heritage list. With the announcement from the Geological Survey of India (GSI), the Minister expects that the Belum Caves, located in Kolimigundla mandal of Nandyal district, with a history dating back 450 years BCE and spread over approximately 23 acres, will gain further tourist prominence. The Minister said in a statement here on Friday that this recognition as a geological heritage site opens up opportunities for further development. The Minister stated that Belum Caves are internationally renowned as the second-longest and the longest underground caves in India. He added that the unimaginable natural beauty hidden underground within Belum Caves not only greatly attracts tourists but also provides a refreshing experience. The Minister explained that millions of tourists visit these caves. He assured that efforts would be made to further attract both domestic and international tourists. He further stated that Rayalaseema boasts numerous spiritual sites and beautiful tourist destinations, including Tirumala, Ahobilam, Mahanandi, Yaganti, Srisailam, Brahmamgari Matham, Gandikota, Siddavatam, Gandi, and Horsley Hills, and all of them will be developed. Minister Durgesh expressed confidence that the tourism sector will further flourish under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
A.P. Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh expresses delight over GSI recognition for Belum Caves
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh on Friday expressed happiness over the inclusion of Belum Caves in the Geological Heritage list by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Located in Kolimigundla mandal of Nandyal district, Belum Caves represent ancient culture and heritage, with a history dating back to around 450 BCE and spanning an area of approximately 23 acres. In a statement, the Minister said the GSI's declaration was expected to further enhance the tourism potential of the caves, and that the recognition would pave the way for development of the region. The Belum Caves were known to be the second largest underground cave system in the world and the longest in India, the Minister said, adding that they had gained international acclaim. He highlighted the mesmerising natural underground formations within the caves, which not only captivate visitors but also provide a unique and pleasant experience. He said lakhs of tourists visit the site annually, and added that efforts would be made to promote the site more extensively to attract both domestic and international tourists. Mr. Durgesh said the Rayalaseema region was rich with spiritual destinations such as Tirumala, Ahobilam, Mahanandi, Yaganti, Srisailam, Brahmamgari Matham, Gandikota, Siddavatam, Gandi and Horsley Hills, among many other places, and all these places would be developed further. 'A matter of pride' Meanwhile, addressing the media in Nandyal, Minister for Roads and Buildings B.C. Janardhan Reddy hailed the decision of the GSI. 'It is a very proud moment for the people of the Banaganapalle Assembly constituency,' Mr. Reddy said, adding that the rare recognition would place the famous caves on the national tourism map. He reiterated that the government would initiate all measures to develop the caves so that it could transform into a global tourist destination, which in turn would galvanise employment and economic opportunities in the region. 'The Department of Tourism will soon come up with a comprehensive action plan to attract both domestic and international visitors,' Mr. Reddy said.
