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The river cruise between Nagarjunasagar and Srisailam dams, a distance of about 110 km through the Nallamalla forest range, is something to cherish.
The near-full reservoir level in both the large dams of 590 ft and 885 ft respectively on the mighty river Krishna brings cheer to everyone, including the tourism authorities. They are able to run this cruise for four - five months. Cruise is possible when the Nagarjunasagar dam has a water level of over 550 ft.
The cruise takes about six hours between the two destinations depending upon which direction it is heading. Efforts are on to introduce a much larger vessel shortly. This will take about 150 people, almost double the present seating capacity and reduce the time to about four hours.
The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation will start the road-cum-river cruise package on Saturday (August 17). The two-day road-cum-cruise tour of the Corporation departs from Hyderabad. After reaching Nagarjunasagar, tourists are taken on the cruise covering the historical Buddhist site of Nagarjuna Konda Museum. At Srisailam, after darshan of Lord Brahmarambha Mallikarjuna Swamy, dinner and night halt, they begin their return journey by cruise the next morning. After returning to Nagarjunasagar, they get to go through to Ethipothala water falls (if time permits). From then on they return to Hyderabad by bus by 9.30 pm. These cruise packages are offered on Tuesdays and Saturdays from Hyderabad. People can also book the entire cruise.
Chandana Khan, Special Chief Secretary, Tourism, who travelled along the cruise recently, said that it is proposed to launch several other innovative projects harnessing the potential of beaches and water resources.
During a recent cruise from Srisailam to Narajunasagar, it was felt that the duration of the cruise could be brought down to three or four hours.
Tourism General Manager Manohar said, “Soon new cruiser will be introduced. This will cut short the time to about four hours. It is also possible to book a cruise only option between the two destinations.”
On the six-hour cruise, there is none to disturb the serene environment. The scenic beauty of the tiger reserve of Nallamalla range will hold your attention. Lucky ones could spot bunches of spotted dears and other wild life.
The Tourism Department is working with Forest Department to start jungle trails. This will enable tourists to enter deeper jungles on jeeps escorted by the forest officials. rishikumar.vundi@thehindu.co.in
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