Guntur, Oct. 12: Despite being blessed with monuments, ancient Buddhist sites, bird sanctuaries, temples and beaches, the district is unable to attract more tourists because of lack of basic amenities. Neither the tourism department nor the state government has bothered to take steps to provide basic facilities such as restaurants, drinking water, toilets, and parking lots to the tourists. Experts point out that the government could make huge revenue if it focused a bit more on tourism development, but officials would have none of it. Even though they lack facilities, thousands flock to Amaravathi, Chebrolu, Bhattiprolu, Mangalagiri, Nagarjunasagar, Karampudi, Uppalapadu, and Undavalli every year. And tourism operators think aloud on what would have been the case if more facilities were provided. Nagarjunasagar is the biggest tourist attraction in the district but has no proper accommodation for middle class visitors. The existing 18 rooms available for rent are so expensive that only the rich can afford it. The tourists have been urging the state government to construct a mega guesthouse with at least 50 rooms to cater to middle income groups. But that has not happened so far. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is well known for its scenic beauty. Tourists can also visit the historical museum and Nagarjuna Konda, a famous Buddhist centre that dates back to 3 AD. If rooms are available at cheaper rates, thousands more would visit the locale. Bhattiprolu, another historical Buddhist site which is famous for its ancient sthupa, also has no basic amenities such as toilets, drinking water and restaurants. Developmental works worth Rs 20 lakh taken up by the Archeological Survey of India in Bhattiprolu have been stalled in recent weeks. Similarly, the ancient Buddhist centre of Amaravathi, the former capital of the Satvahans, is another important tourist centre suffering neglect. There is nobody to care for the 2000-year-old Buddhist stupa here. Many hundreds visit Amaravathi, which was a renowned seat of learning during the time of Acharya Nagarjuna, the Buddhist philosopher. There is also a museum where recovered relics are kept. "We have sent proposals to the Archeological Survey of India seeking funds to expand the museum and are awaiting clearance," said the museum superintendent, Mr D. Kannababu. "Every day we get over 500 visitors and the number swells during holidays." Funds crunch has also badly affected the progress of the prestigious 125 Dhyana Buddha project in Amaravathi, which was started in 2002 and has not yet been completed. "A giant statue of Lord Buddha in meditation is being built on eight pillars but we need Rs 30 lakh to finish the project," said Mr R. Mallikarjuna Rao, special officer of the project. Chebrolu or Chebrole is another historical spot which lacks basic amenities. Located just 30 km from Guntur, it was a major centre of the Pallavas, Chalukyas and the Kakatiya Empire. The historical four faced Brahma temple in the area is in a state of neglect as are many other temples in the district. The Panakala Swamy temple Gaaligopuram in Mangalagiri has developed cracks. Likewise, Karamchedu, where the historical battle took place between Brahmanaidu and Nagamma in 12th century, is also in ruins. Proposals made to develop the village by spending Rs 20 lakh have been pending for a long time. The district is well connected with road and rail facilities. But unless the state government takes immediate steps to develop these sites, tourism development will remain stagnant.