Andhra Pradesh is rapidly gaining momentum as a leading adventure tourism destination in India, following the launch of its new Adventure Tourism Policy under Government Order Ms. No. 15. Since the policy’s introduction, the state has received over 130 applications from individuals and organizations eager to offer eco-friendly and regulated land, water, and air-based adventure activities.
The comprehensive policy framework, announced by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC), sets stringent guidelines for operator registration, safety audits, certified equipment usage, and mandatory first-aid training. Adventure tourism in the state is now officially classified into three categories: land-based activities like trekking, rock climbing, and ATV rides; water-based sports such as scuba diving, kayaking, and river cruising; and air-based adventures including paragliding, skydiving, and air safaris.
To ensure participant safety, the policy mandates that all operators provide minimum insurance coverage of ₹2 lakh per participant, prohibit minors under 18 from high-risk activities, and clearly display risk signage at all locations. Furthermore, adherence to ‘Leave No Trace’ environmental ethics and regular inspections by a dedicated monitoring committee are required, reinforcing Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to sustainable tourism.
APTDC Managing Director Dr. Amrapali Kata emphasized the state’s vision to position Andhra Pradesh as a top adventure tourism destination while maintaining world-class safety and sustainability standards. She also mentioned that a second window for application submissions is expected to open soon, reflecting the growing interest and demand in this segment.
With strict penalties in place for non-compliance, including license cancellation or blacklisting in the event of accidents, the policy establishes a firm regulatory framework. The surge in operator interest coupled with proactive governance makes Andhra Pradesh one of the most promising states for adventure tourism in India today.
