New Trails on the Horizon
The Parvathipuram Manyam district administration has announced an ambitious plan to introduce 'bike tourism' to showcase the region's stunning natural beauty. The initiative aims to create dedicated 30-kilometre routes that will guide tourists on motorcycles
through lush forests, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes. District Collector Prabhakar Reddy has instructed officials to prepare a detailed action plan, identifying safe riding circuits that connect key attractions like waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. This project is not just about attracting tourists; it's a strategic effort to generate revenue and create sustainable employment for local tribal youth, tapping into the area's immense tourism potential.
A Biker's Paradise in the Making
The winding ghat roads and serene environment of the Manyam region, which includes popular areas like Araku and Paderu, are already a draw for motorcycle enthusiasts and cyclists. The new plan formalises this appeal by creating structured tourism circuits. Officials are tasked with identifying 30-km stretches across the district's four constituencies that feature not only beautiful rides but also essential amenities like rest shelters, trekking trails, and secure overnight stay facilities. The administration is even developing an official logo for the project, signalling a branded and organised approach to this new tourism vertical. This builds on existing local initiatives, such as the state's first tribal bike taxi service launched last year, where Adivasi youth ferry tourists to remote waterfalls.
More Than Just Two Wheels
While bike trails are the headline act, this initiative is part of a much broader push for adventure and eco-tourism across Andhra's tribal districts. The administration also plans to develop several waterfalls, including Dalaivalasa, Kurukutti, Tonam, and Pachipenta, and promote activities like rock climbing. In the neighbouring Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district, a comprehensive 122-km trekking network is being planned to link the popular tourist clusters of Araku, Paderu, and Lambasingi. These developments complement existing attractions like the Sunkarametta Wooden Bridge (Canopy Walk) in Araku Valley, paramotor rides, and tethered hot air ballooning. This multi-faceted approach ensures that visitors have a wide array of activities to choose from.
Community and Culture at the Core
A key pillar of this tourism drive is the focus on community involvement and cultural preservation. The developments in both Parvathipuram Manyam and ASR districts are designed to empower local tribal communities. In ASR, an ambitious project aims to establish 40,000 community-run homestays, giving visitors an authentic experience of tribal life while providing sustainable income for residents. Similarly, the Manyam bike tourism plan is explicitly linked to creating jobs for tribal youth. By promoting local handicrafts, tribal cuisine like the famous bamboo chicken, and cultural experiences like the Dhimsa dance, the state aims to create a responsible tourism model that benefits everyone.
What It Means for Travellers
For adventure seekers, this is thrilling news. The planned infrastructure promises safer, more accessible, and richer travel experiences in one of India's most scenic and relatively unexplored regions. The combination of designated bike routes, improved trekking trails, adventure sports facilities, and community-run accommodations will make planning a trip to the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh easier than ever. Whether you are a seasoned motorcyclist looking for challenging ghat roads or a family seeking a mix of nature, culture, and light adventure, the evolving tourism landscape in Manyam and its surrounding areas will soon have something to offer.
