The enormous eco-tourism potential of the sprawling Kinnerasani wildlife sanctuary, a treasure trove of rich biodiversity, at Yanambailu in Palvancha mandal is waiting to be harnessed.
Nestled in the lap of nature, the sanctuary derives its name from the Kinnerasani river, a lifeline for farmers and Kothagudem Thermal Power Station and other industries in Palvancha and Kothagudem divisions in the district.
Spread in an area of 635 sq km, the sanctuary is an abode of diverse flora and fauna besides wildlife, including spotted deer, bison and tigers.
The scenic surroundings of the Kinnerasani reservoir bounded by lush green vegetation offer an enchanting view to the visitors.
A deer park housing little over 80 spotted deer nearby the scenic Kinnerasani dam site is the major attraction for tourists. The vast Kinnerasani reservoir harbours number of crocodiles and other aquatic species.
Located at a distance of about 100 km from Khammam and 300 km from Hyderabad, the picturesque eco-tourism site has a lot in store for not only tourists but botanists and nature lovers.
The spot is well connected by road just 11 km from Palvancha town and 45 km from the temple town of Bhadrachalam, making it an ideal and highly potential tourist destination.
A glass house christened “Addala Meda” with wooden flooring and nine cottages were constructed by the Singareni Collieries at a vantage point abutting a small hillock about one km from the Kinnerasani dam on the banks of the river.
The cottages served as holiday homes for the Singareni employees for several years in the past. However, they were left abandoned ever since the naxalites reportedly blasted the Addala Meda in 2001.
The cottages which are now lying in shambles were built in a way to facilitate a panoramic view of the entire river stretch and explore nature’s bounty.
Although there are no accommodation facilities available for tourists at the Kinnerasani project site, several private lodges are located in Palvancha, Kothagudem and Bhadrachalam towns within a radius of 50 km from the tourist spot.
Proposals have been sent to the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) for revival of the food court and introduction of boating facility in the reservoir, says Suman Chakravarthi, District Tourism Officer, Khammam.
A TTDC team had recently visited the Kinnerasani dam to explore ways for developing facilities at the tourist spot, he said, adding that the site will emerge as a leading eco-tourism spot in the entire Telangana State if the dilapidated cottages were reconstructed for the benefit of tourists.
