Telangana urges Centre to declare Kaleshwaram-Manthani-Ramagiri tourism circuit

Minister Sridhar Babu appeals to Union Minister Gajendra Singh to declare Kaleshwaram-Manthani-Ramagiri tourism circuit

Minister for IT and Industries Duddilla Sridhar Babu presented an ambitious proposal to Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat advocating development of ‘Kaleshwaram–Manthani–Ramagiri’ corridor into an iconic spiritual and heritage tourism circuit.

During his official visit to New Delhi, he met Mr. Shekhawat on Wednesday seeking the Centre’s support in promoting these tourist destinations.

Nestled along the tranquil banks of the Godavari, the Kaleshwaram Mukteshwar Temple stands as a unique spiritual landmark with a heritage spanning over a millennium. Known as ‘Dakshina Kashi’ (the Varanasi of the South), the temple is renowned for its sanctum sanctorum which houses two Shivlingas - Mukteshwara (Lord Shiva) and Kaleshwara (Lord Yama).

The Minister highlighted the temple’s unparalleled spiritual and cultural significance, comparing it to globally revered sites such as Somnath, Kedarnath, and Kashi.

“This year’s Saraswati Pushkaralu is expected to attract 30 to 40 lakh devotees, while the Godavari Pushkaralu in 2027 is projected to draw over a crore pilgrims. With comprehensive infrastructure development and eco-tourism facilities, this temple can evolve into a world-class destination, blending spiritual enrichment with environmental sustainability,” he stated.

Equally captivating is the Ramagiri Fort, a historical marvel with a 1,200-year-old legacy that uniquely combines history, mythology, and natural beauty. Referenced in the Ramayana, the fort is home to ancient temples dedicated to Lord Rama, cascading waterfalls, and a diverse array of medicinal plants.

Calling for its inclusion under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, the Minister remarked, “Ramagiri Fort is a treasure trove of India’s cultural and natural heritage. Its scenic allure and mythological significance are unparalleled, and with targeted investments, it can transform into a globally recognised heritage site, attracting tourists and scholars alike.”