Many pilgrims are coming all their way to Vijayawada and Guntur, to dip in the holy Krishna river, for once-in-12 year event Krishna Pushkaralu. After the holy dip, do you know that, for many pushkar pilgrims their favourite destination is Bhavani Island.

Bhavani Island is also, set up with elaborate arrangements to attract the pilgrims with all the renovations required and the thrilling water games. Not only the water games, but cultural programmes, food courts and the cottages are also attracting the pilgrims.

APTDC is operating around 15 kind of boats at the Punnami Ghat to provide joy trips to the pilgrims. There are other boats like American Pontoon Boat, with 20 seat limit at a cost of Rs.50 per head. Speed boat, which can be used by four, and charging Rs.300 per trip. The other one, Jet Skie Water Scooter, which moves fast, will be costing Rs.250. The other major attraction and the huge hit, is the Para-sailing.

The other attractions include, cruises, Banana boats, floating restaurant, floating golf court.

The tech savvy Chief Minister is back with yet an another tech idea, to reach pilgrims of the Krishna Pushkaram. Chief Minister on his personal @ncbn twitter account, posted the below message.

As soon as this tweet, many piligrims raised the issues they are facing, and surprisingly they got reply from the CM and also calls from the CMO, with the follow up actions. Below are some of the replies from Chief Minister.

On the occasion of Independence Day, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, has inaugurated a huge national flag mast, which is of 100 feet. This is placed near the upcoming interim terminal at Gannavaram Airport and this is going to be a permanent structure, which would be flying in the nights as well.

Below are some of the points to be known about this flag:

• The height of the flag mast is about 100 meters, which is 43 feet
• The flag’s mast was bought from a Kolkata firm name Skipper Limited
• The cost of the whole project is around Rs.10 lakh
• Spare flags are also maintained, to replace if any damage done
• The flag’s fabric is 30 feet long and 20 feet wide, and this alone costs Rs.50,000

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The pilgrims visiting Vijaywada city for Krishna pushkaram are offered with an opportunity to have a joy ride on helicopter around the city.

The Pawan Hans Ltd., a Government of India Enterprise in association with Andhra Pradesh Tourism and the Krishna district administration has been operating helicopter Joy rides for the pilgrims from Loyola College Ground in Vijayawada, during the 12-day river festival.

The helicopter Joy Rides would be offered from 9 a.m to 5 p.m till 23rd August 2016. Tickets will be available at the Loyola College Ground Helipad.

Contact nos.: 08080781319, 08689966266. The Ticket fare has been fixed at Rs 1,999/- per passenger.