Puligundu twin peaks to be developed as adventure, eco and temple tourism hub
Chittoor's Puligundu village will see a three-phase tourism push combining adventure sports, nature trails and temple upgrades.
The Andhra Pradesh district of Chittoor is preparing a comprehensive three-phase plan to turn the small village of Puligundu in Penumur mandal into a major tourism destination. The area is home to two natural 1,000-foot rock peaks, which offer trekking routes and are surrounded by greenery. Adding to the appeal is the three-century-old Sri Puligundeshwara Swamy temple perched on one of the hills, giving the site a unique mix of nature, adventure, and spirituality.
District Collector Sumit Kumar, who has inspected the site several times, said the plan will make the most of the 79 acres of government land already earmarked for development. For adventure enthusiasts, the proposal includes graded trekking trails, rock climbing, and bouldering on the natural rock faces. Officials are also exploring the feasibility of a zip-line and rope course connecting the two peaks. Safety will be a key focus, with trained local youth to be engaged as guides, along with regulated camping and night trekking options.
The eco-tourism component envisions a nature park with native plant species, eco-huts, wooden cottages, a butterfly garden, and designated bird-watching zones. Viewpoints with shaded seating are planned, along with rainwater harvesting systems, recharge pits, and a strict plastic-free policy for the area.
On the temple tourism front, the plan includes beautification of the shrine, repairs to steps and pathways, safety railings, and better lighting for early morning and evening darshan. Resting areas, meditation spaces, and clear signage will also be added. Supporting infrastructure such as parking, accommodation, a reception and information centre, drinking water, toilets, cloakrooms, and food courts promoting local cuisine are part of the blueprint. A first-aid centre, rescue facilities, waste management systems, solar lighting, and digital information kiosks are also proposed. Lighting improvements around the site alone are estimated to cost ₹10 lakh.
Officials have stressed that visitor safety is the top priority. The plan includes strengthening existing steps and railings, installing warning boards and safety ropes, deploying trained rescue teams, and setting up CCTV surveillance along with a police control room. The project is expected to generate local employment, boost the sale of regional food and handicrafts, and put Puligundu on the tourism map at both the state and national levels.