This winter, visit Lambasingi, the Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh

Lambasingi (also known as Lammasingi), a tiny picturesque village in the Eastern Ghats in Chintapalle mandal, is going to be the new tourist attraction in Andhra Pradesh. Located about 100 km from Visakhapatnam at an altitude of 1025 meters above sea level, Lmbasingi is known as the ‘Kashmir of Andhra’, as the temperature in winter can go down to minus degree. The nearest town is Narsipatnam, which is 30 Km away.

The tourism ministry has been striving to provide a comfortable stay at the tourism venue, which has been hindered by the opposition by a section of tribal inhabitants of the area and reluctance by the contractors to undertake the work under difficult hilly terrains. Currently the works are reported to be completed around 70 per cent of the first phase.

The temperature of the village is said to be around 10 degrees C even as the areas in its vicinity maintain normal temperature.  Despite the good climate, there has not been any flow of tourists as expected for such tourist destinations, due to lack of basic amenities. Mostly, tourists visit the place would leave before dusk, as there has not been any facility for stay.

Now the tourism ministry is expecting a growth in the number of tourists visiting the place, once the accommodation and other facilities are provided at the site.

“The first phase of resorts is in advanced stage and it will be ready in a month making it a New Year gift to the tourists. The allocation for first phase was ₹5 crore,” said Giri Prasad Reddy, APTDC Divisional Manager to the media.

In order to exploit the winter season, which has already begun, the authorities are arranging temporary accommodation and other facilities at the site, with an aim to open it for the tourists by next week. A temporary cafeteria is also in the plan.

The first phase envisages a 100-seater bar and restaurant, conference hall to accommodate 150, eight luxury suites and three deluxe rooms. The first phase will have 15 furnished rooms. The second phase will have 10 rooms. The tendering process for the second phase to be implemented at a cost of Rs 4 crore is on. It is expected to be completed within 12 months.