As part of World Heritage Week celebrations, Ananthapuramu today hosted a vibrant and meaningful Heritage Walk, organised jointly by Discover Ananthapuram, the Ananthapuram Municipal Corporation (AMC), the District Tourism Department, and the Department of Archaeology.
The walk began at the historic Collectorate, moving through key heritage landmarks — Victoria Hospital, Arts College, Sub-Jail, Peace Memorial Hall, and ending at the District Museum. The curated route offered participants a guided journey through Ananthapuram’s colonial and pre-Independence heritage.
Discover Ananthapuram Founder A. G. Anil Kumar expressed sincere appreciation to District Collector & Magistrate Sri Anand, IAS, and Municipal Commissioner Sri Balaswamy, whose decisive support enabled the restoration of the 143-year-old Sub-Jail in just 7 days—allowing citizens, especially children, to enter a heritage structure that remained closed to the public for over a century.
This year’s walk was highly interactive and children-friendly, with participants receiving special heritage-themed memorabilia:
Fridge magnets,Coffee mugs,
Heritage calendars, Customised canvas bags and
Exclusive badges featuring Ananthapuram landmarks
Officials from AMC, the Tourism Department, and the Archaeology Department joined students from Aryan School, making the event one of the most collaborative and community-driven heritage initiatives of recent years. For the first time in 143 years, children stepped inside the historic Sub-Jail—an unforgettable educational experience.
Discover Ananthapuram’s Proven Track Record in Heritage Revival
During the event, Discover Ananthapuram also highlighted some of its major restoration achievements:
Revival of the 13th-century Step Well near Tank Bund, which earned the organisation the International Tourism Award 2024 for exemplary community-led restoration.
Restoration of the 20th-century Rachanapalli Bridge, bringing attention to early-modern engineering heritage within the district.
These milestones reaffirm the organisation’s long-standing commitment to heritage conservation and public engagement.
Ensuring Heritage Walks Remain Meaningful & Purpose-Driven
A key point emphasised by District Collector Sri Anand, IAS, was the importance of conducting heritage walks with individuals who genuinely value history and heritage. Heritage walks, he reiterated, must be driven by passion, curiosity, and learning—not as routine group activities or photo opportunities.
In line with this guidance, organisers highlighted the need for departments, especially Archaeology, to ensure that students and participants are selected based on interest and enthusiasm, not merely through mass pooling. It was noted that uncurated or indifferent groups can dilute the educational purpose and disrupt the experience for serious participants.
This constructive feedback aims to strengthen future collaborations and ensure that heritage walks retain their true spirit—educational, disciplined, and deeply respectful of Ananthapuram’s historical legacy.
Discover Ananthapuram reaffirmed its pledge to continue championing heritage conservation, heritage education, and civic involvement, thanking all departments, volunteers, and heritage enthusiasts for contributing to the resounding success of the 2025 Heritage Walk.
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