AP Tourism Clears Five Ultra-Luxury Boat Services in Vijayawada, Suryalanka Backwaters

By Admin

22 Dec, 2025

Introduction
In a significant move to elevate high-end tourism, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) has granted preliminary approval for the operation of five ultra-luxury tourist boats in the scenic backwaters of Vijayawada and Suryalanka Beach. The initiative is designed to position Andhra Pradesh as a premium river and coastal tourism destination, similar to the successful luxury backwater tourism model of Kerala.

Luxury Tourism Gets a Boost
The ultra-luxury boat services will be operated by private players, marking a strong push towards private participation in tourism development. As part of the project, private operators will construct five jetties at identified locations and arrange electricity facilities required for smooth boat operations. Permissions for the boat designs will be obtained from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), after which construction activities will begin. The luxury vessels are expected to be ready for commercial operations by October 2026.

Vijayawada Backwater Experience
Under the Vijayawada segment, two ultra-luxury boats will operate between Berm Park and Pavitra Sangam. A firm with experience in running luxury boats in Kerala has partnered with an Andhra Pradesh-based company for this project. A detailed survey of the 20-kilometre stretch has already been completed.
One of the proposed boats will feature five bedrooms along with a conference hall that can accommodate up to 100 people, making it suitable for corporate events and premium gatherings. The second vessel will be designed for dinner cruises, with the capacity to host up to 200 guests. Bhavani Island will serve as the docking point for overnight stays, with jetty and electricity facilities in place.

Ultra-Luxury Boats at Suryalanka
Three additional ultra-luxury boats will be introduced in the backwaters stretching from Nagarjuna Canal to Nizampatnam near Suryalanka Beach in Bapatla district. These vessels will offer varied accommodation options, including boats with four bedrooms, three bedrooms, and two bedrooms. Tourists will be able to enjoy cruises of up to 30 kilometres through tranquil backwaters, passing several identified picturesque locations, offering a unique blend of comfort and natural beauty.

Future Expansion Plans
APTDC is also conducting feasibility studies to introduce similar ultra-luxury boat tourism services in other prominent locations, including Rajahmundry, the Visakhapatnam coast, the Godavari River near Kakinada, and Nagarjunasagar. Once these studies are completed, tenders will be invited from interested private operators. This initiative is part of the coalition government’s sustained efforts over the past year to expand tourism offerings across rivers, sea, and backwaters, strengthening Andhra Pradesh’s position on the national tourism map.