Colombo, 24 June'05: The Andhra Pradesh Government on Friday launched an historic promotion of Buddhist trail and Hyderabad in Colombo. The unique roadshow jointly organized by the AP Tourism and Srilankan Airways set a new road map for all Srilaankan Travellers on a new destination in the south. The Tourism minister, Dr.Smt. J Geetha Reddy while announcing the package deal to destination AP called upon the young and the old in Lanka and back home to utilize this unique opportunity to unravel the unknown destination of Buddhism in AP.

Speaking on the occasion the Sriankan Deputy Minister for Tourism Faizal Mustafa said that his government will extend all possible help to AP Government in promoting religious tourism in a big way. He said that the relaxation of Travel rules had encouraged all of South Asia tourist to make a beehive to the land of beaches.

Dr,P Ramanujam Secretary Srilanka Tourism mooted the Idea of linking his country to Puttaparthy. He said that about 109 flights move between various cities of India. An increase of almost about 85% during the last two years. Dr. Ramanujam said that India has become the fourth most favoured destination to Srilankan tourist.

Earlier in the day the AP Tourism a overwhelming response from the Lankan tour operators. In his presentation in the business session of AP as a tourist destination, C. Anjaneya Reddy, Chairman APTDC emphasized the need for better religious co-operation between the two. Mr.Sabhyasachi Ghosh, Director AP Tourism called upon the tour operators to utilize the package deal. 

The Holiday Package to Hyderabad from Colombo is priced at US$ 329 for a 2 nights and 3 day package (per person) inclusive of return economy airfare, hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis etc. Cost for accommodation is for budget hotels only and options are available for Fivestar and other facilities at extra charges. 

Taj Samudra Colombo, will host a Hyderabadi Food Festival from 24th June to 3rd July where the one can enjoy a feast fit for a king from the delectable Hyderabadi delicacies, prepared by master chefs specially flown in from Hyderabad. Come…enjoy the royal taste of Hyderabad. 

Brief backgrounder on AP Tourism

The Department of Tourism, Government of Andhra Pradesh jointly with Srlankan Airlines and other service providers are launching an exciting Tour Package which includes in the itinerary an enthralling sightseeing trip around the 400 year old city of Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, and a blissful sojourn to the most important Buddhist sites of Nagarjunakonda and Amaravati. 

Hyderabad, known as the 'Pearl City' of India is a city of enchanting contrasts where history merges effortlessly with modernity. There are numerous spectacular monuments, most famous among which is the Charminar, with many other splendid forts and edifices that speak of the past grandeur. The cityscape is studded with beautiful gardens, parks and splendid historical monuments that make Hyderabad truly a city of enchantment. Hyderabad offers a myriad marvelous options for the delight of tourists. 

Sparkling like a jewel at the heart of Hyderabad is lake. Hussain Sagar. The world's tallest monolithic statue of Buddha stands midlake on Hussain Sagar. This lustrous lake is surrounded by lush green parks and various wonderful venues for recreation, amusement and entertainment. Garlanding the lake is the city's most popular promenade called Necklace Road, where many cultural events, exhibitions and enthralling programmes are conducted. It is a most happening venue. There is also a Multimedia Laser Show on a giant water screen in Lumbini Park, on the banks of Hussain Sagar. NTR Gardens is another world class recreation zone, which is in the vicinity of the lake. 

Hyderabad is a bustling metropolis which offers infinite attractions. A virtual shopper's paradise, Hyderabad is famous for its lacquer, semi precious stone studded bangles from "Laad Bazzar', its handloom silks and textiles from "Pochampally", "Gadwal, Dharmavaram and Venkatagiri", its stunningly attractive "Bidri" metal ware, inlaid with pure silver motifs and designs , its incredibly delicate and lacelike "Filigree" items carved from pure silver, its unique and colourful "Kondapalli" toys and a plethora of handloom carpets, dhurries, bed linen, and exquisite crafts in an amazing variety that takes your breath away. The pride of Hyderabad is unquestionably the dazzling array of Hyderabadi Pearl Jewelry and fine gold jewelry which can be purchased either near Charminar where the pearl trade originates or the fabulous showrooms and shopping malls in all key shopping areas of the city. 

In addition to being a shopper's paradise, Hyderabad is justly famous for its cuisine which is a wonderful mix of the Andhra and the moghlai flavours. Hyderabadi favorites include the aromatic and temptingly tasty 'Biryani ' with a delicious spread of accompanying dishes like Mirchi Ka Salan, Dum Ka Gosht, Shahi Khorma, Pasinde, Dalcha , Baghara Baingan, and a mouthwatering range of Kebabs. Haleem is another favourite which Hyderabad serves with pride on festive occasions. Andhra cuisine includes diverse delectable preparations such as the 'Dosa', Idli, Vadas, all accompanied by the piping hot sambar( lentil soup). Andhra fish stew is a hot favourite and the prawn, crab and other non-vegetarian preparations are a gourmets' delight. Sweets and desserts include " Qubbani Ka Meetha', Sheer Khorma, " Dubble Ka Meetha" 'Payasam", and many more items one would relish. 

Travelling from Hyderabad , on the Buddhist Trail, one would reach Nagarjunakonda which is within a motorable distance of 150 kms. On the way, one would witness the man made marvel of the Nagrajuna Sagar Dam, the largest masonry dam in the world. Nagarjuna konda, is the island museum where many precious Buddhist relics have been preserved .The Museum has been built in the shape of a Vihara. The Museum houses precious relics of the Buddha and a stunning monolithic statue of Buddha in a striking pose of bliss is a major attraction at this Museum. Once, the site of a Buddhist University, excavations here have unearthed monasteries, viharas, Sculptures and an entire amphitheater. Acharya Nagarjuna, the great Buddhist scholar taught here and is said to be the originator of Hinayana sect of Buddhism. Anupu another interesting Buddhist site is situated in the vicinity of Nagarjunakonda and it is here that the Buddhist amphitheatre has been relocated brick by brick.

Amaravati, is another famous Buddhist site which is located 28 km from Vijayawada. In ancient times, Amaravati was considered to be the most sacred of Buddhist sites in South India. There is a magnificent Buddhist Stupa here which when built measured 30m in height. It was once the largest Buddhist stupa in the world. Exquisitely carved panels once decorated the dome and the railings, depicting the Buddha's life in enchanting detail. Many densely carved panels still stand testimony to the Buddhist glory during the times when Amaravati was the hub of Buddhist activity. It is from here that Buddhism is said to have spread to Srilanka and other countries. Nearby are other sites of importance where precious relics have been found. Chandavaram, Bhattiprolu and Ghantasala are worth mentioning. There are 144 Buddhist Sites which have been discovered through archeological excavations in Andhra Pradesh and many of these sites testify to the tremendous Buddhist influence in Andhra Pradesh, dating from the 3rd Century B.C.