Vijayawada: Bhavani Island has been witnessing an increase in the footfalls of tourists for the past two years. Taking cognizance of its potential, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) has started working on its master plan. Officials revealed that the master plan for island number one has already been completed and approved. The APTDC MD Himanshu Shukla revealed that they have called upon tenders for several works and two big star hotels would be coming up under Private Public Partnership (PPP) mode. Previously, there wasn’t much to see here at the river island, but people would come for the boat rides and adventure zone and lazing out in the hammocks, listening to the water swaying to the wind and watching an occasional boat pass by.However, now as per tourism’s plan, there is soon going to be some amusing facelift with robotic Jurassic World theme park, glow garden, monorail, adventure zone, and a 4.5 km long pathway to take a free battery car ride. The tourist footfall at the island goes above 5,000 during the weekend and tourist officials do admit that there is a crunch in boat facility to cater to them all. “In this regard, we are soon going to launch another four boats for people to avail them soon,” Himanshu Shukla said. Tourism department is looking to attract more tourism activity by bringing in house boats and sea lion shows in Vijayawada. Tourism officials said that they have roped in Paulin Group, a professional sea lion trainers from Turkey.They have allotted a 10-acre space at Bhavani Island for the event to take place. Officials said that they have seen the performance and it would be a ‘marvellous’ experience for people. Sea lions, which get their name from their loud roars, barks, and honks, put on a fascinating show whenever they are in the water. The intelligent mammals would demonstrate a variety of impressive behaviours and tricks for people. The entire project would cost Rs 10 crore for the department.Another major reason that makes Bhavani Island a viable place to avail accommodation is that there are other tourist attractions nearby like Kanaka Durga temple, Boating point at Durga Ghat, Akkanna Madanna Caves, Undavalli Caves and Prakasam Barrage. From parasailing to speedboat rides, there are a number of adventure sports already for youngsters.

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