Visitors flock Masula Beach Festival to experience a spectrum of fun

The Hindu

5 hours ago

Minister for Mines, Geology and Excise Kollu Ravindra on Saturday said the government was keen on promoting Manginapudi beach in Machilipatnam as a premier tourist destination.
Speaking at the ongoing Masula Beach Festival-2025, he said the visitors can engage in an array of activities designed to showcase the region's cultural and recreational significance.
He said the event offered exciting adventure and sports activities like water sports and beach games such as beach volleyball, beach football, paragliding and heli-riding.
Celebrating a rich cultural tapestry and culinary expedition, a series of cultural programmes are planned to keep the crowds entertained and a diverse range of food items from across the country have come under one roof, he said.
Sharing his personal experience, the Minister said the beach appeared even more magnificent when paragliding. He, along with Andhra Pradesh Sports Authority chairman A. Ravi Naidu and A.P. State Road Transport Corporation chairman Konakalla Narayana Rao, visited the place and monitored the smooth conduct of events.
Later, at the kayaking event, he congratulated Arjuna awardee and kayaking coach Jayant Kumar and distributed jerseys to the kayaking participants. He said kayaking would be an annual event on the beach, and very soon, national and international competitions would also be organised at this place.
Mr. Ravi Naidu said organising regular sports events on the beach will enhance the reputation of the historically significant beach and groom local sports talent into national and international athletes.
RTC chairman Narayana Rao said free bus services were available from Machilipatnam to Manginapudi beach and encouraged people to utilise this facility to become part of a joyful experience at the beach festival.
On the inaugural day, Minister Tourism Kandula Durgesh said active efforts were being made to secure more funds from the Centre to initiate new tourism projects for the State and make it a tourist hub.
Special Chief Secretary, Department of Tourism Ajay Jain, Krishna district Collector D.K. Balaji and others were present at the inaugural.
The four-day festival, which started on June 5, is drawing large crowds, and elaborate arrangements have been made for their safety.
A combination of water sports like kayaking, parasailing and speed boat rides, along with cultural programmes and other activities, has significantly enhanced the excitement quotient in the vicinity. These attractions provide a variety of experiences, appealing to both adventure seekers and those interested in cultural events.