Three moonlit nights among fascinating three-million-year-old rock formations, live performances by award-winning stars, hot air balloon rides, rock climbing and bungee trampoline: these are just some of the unusual experiences the Andhra Pradesh tourism department has lined up for the first moonlight festival at Orvakal.
"The full moon festival (Punnami Orvakal) is being organised at Orvakal Rock Garden, which is an ideal weekend getaway for tourists and visitors from Bengaluru and Hyderabad, as Kurnool is a midway town between the two capitals," Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority Chief Executive Himanshu Shukla told reporters.
Kurnool in the Rayalaseema region is 350km from Bengaluru and 210km from Hyderabad.
"The festival date is significant as June 9 coincides with 'Eruvaka Purnima', a local festival in southern India, celebrated by farmers and rural people to welcome the onset of the south-west monsoon every year," Shukla said.
Located 20 km from Kurnool, Orvakal boasts of three million-years-old rock formations.
"We want the people in both the neighbouring states to know and explore Orvakal which has many things to offer," Shukla added.
Being hosted across 200 acres, tourists planning to spend the weekend can stay in air-conditioned and well-furnished tents with modern comforts at the venue at a budget of Rs 5,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000, which includes food for four persons on all three days.
"We have also lined up live performances by actress and dancer Shobana, Indian Idol winner Revanth and other singers," said Shukla at a preview of the event.
About 500 registered guests and over 5,000 local people are expected to attend the festival.
The venue has a restaurant, a cave museum and a picnic area.
Akshar The Band and Black Sheep will enthrall guests with live band performances. Venetian Carnival, Mind Reader Mohit Rao and Illusion Artists shows will also be held.
Bookings for the festival can be made online through BookMyShow and MeraEvents.
IANS inputs