In Budget 2026, the Centre has placed special emphasis on the tourism sector, identifying 20 key tourist destinations across the country as development hubs. Among them, Andhra Pradesh’s Araku Valley has received
special attention. The scenic hill region is set to be developed as a hub for trekking, eco-tourism, and skill development activities.
Alongside this, the Centre has also announced dedicated facilities for birdwatching in Pulicat, further strengthening the state’s tourism offerings.
With a nationwide focus on tourism, the Centre has officially recognised 20 prominent destinations as tourism development centres, giving Andhra Pradesh significant importance in this plan.
Araku has been identified as a trekking development hub, with the announcement of several new trails aimed at enhancing visitor experiences. These include a Turtle Trail, a Bird Watching Trail, and access to 15 archaeological sites, all of which will be part of the broader initiative to attract tourists from across the country.
Trekking Development
The Centre has announced plans to develop Araku Valley as one of India’s leading trekking destinations. Mountain trails will be redesigned with a strong focus on safety and environmental conservation.
The initiative aims to offer tourists and nature lovers a safer, richer, and more immersive experience while preserving the region’s natural beauty.
Skill Training
Around 10,000 tourist guides across the country will receive a 12-week hybrid training programme, to be conducted in collaboration with the Indian Institutes of Management.
This initiative will create employment opportunities for local youth and enhance skill development in the tourism sector, enabling them to participate more actively in the growing travel economy.
Digital Documentation
To digitally preserve India’s historical and cultural heritage, the government will roll out a dedicated programme under the National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid.
This initiative will digitally document heritage sites across the country, generating employment opportunities for local researchers, historians, and content creators.
Eco-Tourism And Wildlife Tourism
Sustainable trekking routes and eco-friendly trails will be developed to promote responsible tourism. These trails will allow visitors to experience nature while reinforcing environmental conservation efforts.
Turtle trails and birdwatching routes, in particular, are expected to enhance local biodiversity awareness and boost tourism appeal.
With these initiatives, the Centre aims to strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s tourism sector while supporting the local economy and expanding employment opportunities across the region.
