Develop ‘Kaleshwaram-Manthani-Ramagiri’ Region as Spiritual and Heritage Tourism Circuit-IT Minister Sridhar Babu

NEWS CHARIOT : During a meeting with Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Delhi, Telangana’s IT Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu urged for the development of the Kaleshwaram-Manthani-Ramagiri region as a prominent spiritual and heritage tourism circuit. The proposal aims to highlight the rich cultural and spiritual significance of the region, positioning it as a world-class destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.

Speaking to the Union Minister, Sridhar Babu emphasized the significance of the Kaleshwara Mukteswara Swamy Temple, located on the banks of the Godavari River. The temple, with a history of over a thousand years, is known for its unique architecture and spiritual importance, housing two Shivalingas representing Lord Shiva and Yama, the god of death. The temple’s rare features place it alongside other major spiritual sites such as Somnath, Kedarnath, Mahakaleshwar, Ayodhya, and Kashi. Sridhar Babu urged the central government to support a comprehensive plan that has already been devised for the temple’s development into a world-class spiritual and eco-tourism hub.

Plans are already underway for the Saraswati Pushkaralu to be held this May, expected to draw between 30 to 40 lakh devotees. Furthermore, the Godavari Pushkaras, set to take place in 2027, is anticipated to attract over a crore of devotees, making it one of the largest religious gatherings in the region. These significant events will provide a major boost to the tourism potential of the area.

Sridhar Babu also highlighted the cultural and historical importance of the Ramagiri Fort, which boasts a history of around 1,200 years. The fort, with references found in the Ramayana, is home to several temples dedicated to Lord Rama and offers scenic beauty with waterfalls and medicinal plants. With its immense potential, the fort could become a major tourism center, attracting visitors interested in both history and nature.

The Minister emphasized the need to develop the Mukteswara Swamy Temple and Ramagiri Fort under initiatives like Swadeshi Darshan 2.0 and other tourism development schemes to elevate the region into a premier destination for spiritual tourism.