GUNTUR: To enhance the experience for devotees visiting the Kotappakonda shrine, the Palnadu Forest Division is developing the Kotappakonda Giripradakshina into Giri Vana Vihar, which will feature medicinal plants.
The Central government has allocated Rs 2 crore under the Nagarvan Yojana for the development of Kotappakonda Nagaravanam. The circumambulation of the holy hill takes place year-round, with heightened activity during the Karthika Masam and Shivaratri festivals.
In partnership with the Sri Satya Sai Seva Trust, forest officials have planted over 749 medicinal plants in Giri Vihar. The planting event, held on Tuesday, was attended by Palnadu District Forest Officer N Ramachandra Rao and Satya Sai Seva Trust AP President R Lakshman Rao, among others.
Unlike other Nagaravanams in the district, the forest department aims to uniquely develop Kotappakonda Nagaravanam as Giri Vana Vihar, offering visitors health benefits alongside spiritual and aesthetic experiences.
Eight distinct walking tracks will be established, including Panchatatva, Prakruti, Vinayakavanam, Usirivanam, Mareduvanam, Rudrakshavanam, and medicinal plant tracks, each designed to provide a unique visitor experience.
The Panchatatva track, composed of eight elements such as 20mm stone, 10mm stone, 6mm chips, river stone, rough sand, tree bark, black soil, and surface patches, aims to improve health by addressing insomnia, boosting immunity, enhancing blood circulation, affecting the nervous system, activating hormones, reducing inflammation, promoting cardiovascular activity, and lowering stress levels.
This track will have three stages, catering to the needs of elders and individuals suffering from knee and joint pain.
Additionally, all basic amenities, including drinking water kiosks, washrooms, sit-out areas, and other facilities, will be provided, according to the District Forest Officer.