The “Development of Kakinada Hope Island, Konaseema (Andhra Pradesh) as World Class Coastal & Eco Tourism Circuit” project has reached completion. The plan for the redevelopment was approved under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and has seen extensive enhancements to the area’s tourism infrastructure and connectivity. This initiative aims to significantly enhance both the domestic and international tourist experience, whilst also benefitting the local economy through increased employment opportunities.
About Hope Island
Hope Island is a unique, tadpole-shaped island that came to life approximately 200 years ago as a result of sand formation. It is a geographical marvel located within the East Godavari district. Its positioning is advantageous from a tourism perspective as it sits just 10 kilometers away from both the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and the Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple. These prime locations make it an ideal hub for eco-tourism and religious tourism.
The Swadesh Darshan Scheme
Launched in 2014-2015, The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) introduced the Swadesh Darshan Scheme as a Central Sector Scheme aiming to develop and enrich the tourism sector of India. This scheme focuses firmly on improving the connectivity and infrastructure of identified tourism destinations. A collaborative approach is taken when deciding on the development projects with State Governments and UT Administrations being consulted.
The Swadesh Darshan scheme is theme-based, with each circuit focusing on a specific aspect of Indian culture or geography. These themes include but are not limited to: Buddhist, Coastal, Desert, Eco, Heritage, Himalayan, Krishna, North-eastern, Ramayan, Rural, Spiritual, Sufi, Tirthankar, Tribal, and Wildlife circuits.
Table of Themes Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme
“`
| Theme |
|---|
| Buddhist |
| Coastal |
| Desert |
| Eco |
| Heritage |
| Himalayan |
| Krishna |
| North-eastern |
| Ramayan |
| Rural |
| Spiritual |
| Sufi |
| Tirthankar |
| Tribal |
| Wildlife |
“`
The Outcome of Kakinada Hope Island Development
With the completion of the Kakinada Hope Island project, tourists can now enjoy enhanced accessibility and improved infrastructure. The redeveloped island serves as a testament to the success of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme in promoting India’s diverse cultural, religious, and geographical attributes.
