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Explore Kadapa district’s emerging solar energy tourism with its colossal solar parks, floating installations, captive plants, eco-adventures, cultural detours, and culinary experiences—all set in Andhra Pradesh’s sun-drenched heartland.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction – Kadapa: Where Sun Meets Adventure
2. Kadapa Ultra Mega Solar Park (1,000 MW)
3. ENGIE’s 250 MW Solar PV Park
4. Sprng Energy & Ayana Projects on the Horizon
5. Captive Solar: Bharathi Cement’s 10 MW Plant
6. Floating Solar at Brahmamsagar Reservoir
7. Seasonal Travel Tips & Route Planning
8. Eco‑Touring Kadapa: Off‑site Attractions
9. Local Culture & Cuisine
10. Sustainable Tourism: Stay & Transport
11. Conclusion

1. Introduction – Kadapa: Where Sun Meets Adventure

Off the beaten path in Andhra Pradesh lies Kadapa, a sun-soaked district rapidly evolving into a renewable energy hotspot. With vast solar farms, floating panels, and industrial rooftops capturing daylight, Kadapa has become a compelling travel destination—not only for energy enthusiasts but also for eco-conscious tourists seeking cultural immersion and sustainable exploration.

2. Kadapa Ultra Mega Solar Park (1,000 MW)

Located in Mylavaram mandal, this mammoth 5,930-acre solar park ranks among India’s largest. Developed by AP Solar Power Corporation (APSPCL) and backing from SECI, the park’s first 250 MW phase was commissioned in 2018, with another 750 MW underway . The site generates around 5.5–6.0 kWh/m² per day—a seamless fusion of land and technology under the unrelenting sun. Visitors can walk along demarcated viewing paths and witness scale rarely seen elsewhere.

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3. ENGIE’s 250 MW Solar PV Park

Commissioned by ENGIE and Solairedirect in May 2019, this award-winning plant won “Best Large-Scale Project of the Year” in 2021. Spanning more than 25 km² with a million panels, it offloads millions of tonnes of CO₂ annually . The rocky terrain posed challenges that were met with innovation—overhead cable trays, drone cleaning, and string-inverter systems from Huawei. Travelers are often awed by the engineering ingenuity visible during guided site tours.

4. Sprng Energy & Ayana Projects on the Horizon

Springing up in the same district are two more mega projects:

• Sprng Energy (250 MW), set to launch in 2025, owned by Sprng Soura Kiran Vidyut, feeding power to NTPC Renewable Energy.
• Ayana Renewable Power (250 MW), planned for 2026 and tied to SECI.

These projects, though still under development, signal a green wave in Kadapa’s solar horizon—perfect for future-minded travelers keen on witnessing cutting-edge installations in person.

5. Captive Solar: Bharathi Cement’s 10 MW Plant

Not all solar investments are massive; some are industrial. Fourth Partner Energy built a 10 MW plant across 41 acres for Bharathi Cement’s manufacturing unit, producing roughly 1.6 crore units annually and embodying corporate sustainability in action. Guests can tour the industrial campus to learn how captive solar complements production—ideal for travelers with an interest in energy policy and factory tours.

6. Floating Solar at Brahmamsagar Reservoir

Kadapa’s Brahmamsagar reservoir has been earmarked for a groundbreaking 252 MW floating solar farm, planned over 1,206 acres adjacent to the Sundupalli (Sri Pothuluri Veerabrahmendra Swamy) reservoir. When complete, it will be Andhra Pradesh’s largest floating PV installation. Tourists can spot early construction, take boat rides, and enjoy waterfront nature excursions, blending engineering marvel with scenic calm.

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7. Seasonal Travel Tips & Route Planning

• Best time to visit: October to March—pleasant weather ideal for site visits and outdoor exploration.
• Getting there: Kadapa town is connected via railway (Jammalamadugu and Proddatur stations; both have rooftop solar panels) and by road. Private vehicles or EV rentals are best for reaching remote sites.
• Nearby airport: Kadapa Airport (45 km).
• Suggested route: Start in Kadapa town → visit 1,000 MW mega park → tour ENGIE site → quick detour to Bharathi Cement plant → visit Brahmamsagar by late afternoon.

8. Eco‑Touring Kadapa: Off‑site Attractions

• Gandikota (“India’s Grand Canyon”): Carve through deep gorges and visit the 13th-century Gandikota Fort.
• Brahmamgari Matham & Sundupalli Reservoir: A pilgrimage center with relaxing boating options.
• Lankamala Sanctuary: Ideal for wildlife spotting and forest walks, perfect after a solar site tour.

9. Local Culture & Cuisine

Explore Kadapa’s vibrant bazaars filled with handloom textiles, brassware, and clay crafts. Don’t miss:

• Cuisine highlights:
  • Ragi mudde (finger millet balls)
  • Kodubale (savory ring fritters)
  • Sweet pootharekulu (paper-thin rice pastry)
• Dine at local eateries for authentic Andhra meals. In towns like Pulivendula and Badvel, roadside stalls serve spicy curries and tangy pickles—a taste of rural charm.

10. Sustainable Tourism: Stay & Transport

• Eco‑stays: Small guesthouses in Kadapa now incorporate solar-powered lighting and rainwater harvesting.
• Getting around: Rent electric two-wheelers; bringing a portable solar charger is a smart choice for those planning full-day solar site visits.

11. Conclusion

Kadapa is no longer just a waypoint in Andhra Pradesh—it’s a solar odyssey. From the sheer scale of ultra mega solar parks to the ingenuity at ENGIE and industrial captive plants, the district underscores how renewable energy shapes landscapes, economies, and cultural identities. Pair these insights with scenic escapes in Gandikota or Brahmamgari Matham, and you’ve got a travel narrative steeped in sustainability, engineering marvel, and regional pride. Whether you’re a renewable energy aficionado, an eco-tourist, or simply curious, Kadapa offers a travel experience where the future meets tradition—basking truly in the power of the sun.