North coastal Andhra Pradesh is dotted with temples of the Chalukyan and ancient Kalingan era, making it ideal for temple tourism. However, this is far from being done and the manner in which the endowments department is toying with the structural value of the temples is a further setback to this sector.

Four years ago, there was a proposal to develop a temple tourism circuit in the region, observed sources at the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC). "The plan came into existence some four years ago and the APTDC in the initial phase did develop certain projects at Arisavalli and Srikurmam. Bus services were also introduced by the APTDC," observed U M Rao, general manager, APTDC, Vizag Zone.

However, not much was done after that. Rao said that the APTDC was told to conduct itself in the form of an executing agency and leave the rest to the endowments ministry. This has hindered the development of a potential tourism circuit in the region as per a TOI report.

The numerous temples that dot the region are unique as they represent a style of construction that is a curious mix of the Kalingan and Dravidian styles. One of these is the Simhachalam temple, which has benefited from the largesse of trustees for more than thousand years. Every major dynasty of the region has left its imprint on the temple. Inscriptions in Telugu and Odiya are found in Simhachalam and the composition of pilgrims also more than hint at the large Odiya presence.

Temples such as Rama Theerthalu, Punyagiri, the beach temple complex at Appikonda beach and the Padmanabha Alayam, which are all less than an hour's ride from the city, are also architectural treasures.

Srikakulam, too, is a major hub with temples such as Srikurmam, Arisavilli and Sri Mukhalingam taking pride of place. Arisavilli, which is said to be close to 1,600 years old, is considered the oldest sun temple in India. Srimukhalingam is said to have been built by the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the 9th century. Srikurmam is almost 1,000 years old and is dedicated to Vishnu in Kurmavatara.

These three temples are examples of the architectural splendour of north coastal Andhra Pradesh. However, nothing much has been done as on the lines of Puri to develop this 150-km stretch into a temple tourism hub.

The endowments department looks upon these temples merely as places of worship and not as structures of architectural and historical importance, according to experts.

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