Source: The Hindu
HYDERABAD, INDIA, FEBRUARY 18, 2002: Twenty-eight temple places in the state have been notified for incentives and concessions to be given to private parties for developing them as pilgrim tourism centers. The places are Srisailam, Mahanandi, Ahobilam, Mantralayam, Kurnool, Kandimailayyapalle, Mukha Lingam, Annavaram, Drakshramam, Antarvedi, Mandapalli, Ryali, Vemulawada, Kaleswaram, Dharampuri, Bhadrachalam, Basar, Nacharam, Arasavalli, Sringavarapukota, Korukonda, Dwaraka Tirumala, Hanamkonda, Vontimitta, Mangalagiri, Medak, Jarasangam and Khammam. The Minister for Tourism, T Srinivasa Yadav, said as a first step the Government had invited private investment to develop facilities in Tirupati. He said, the government, through the AP tourism Development Corporation, had taken up pilgrim facilities like guesthouses and upgrading of existing hotels/restaurants at a number of places. In Tirupati, ten hi-tech coaches were introduced, a multiplex theater and religious theme and amusement parks