About Andhra Pradesh:
Situated in the southeastern coast of India, Andhra Pradesh is the 4th largest State of India. The capital of the state was Hyderabad which is also the largest city here. However, due to the announcement of the recently formed Telangana State, Hyderabad will be a part and capital of Telangana from the 2nd of June 2014. The State of Hyderabad will continue to function as the State Capital of Andhra Pradesh for a period not exceeding 10 years till a new capital is determined. The state of Andhra Pradesh is mentioned since 800 BC in the Sanskrit Epics like Aitareya Brahmana and Mahabharata. The native language ‘Telugu’ is often associated with the Early Cholas. Andhra Pradesh also came under the rule of the Maurya Empire, the Ikshvaku Dynasty, Pallava, Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas and Later Cholas.When it comes to geography, Andhra covers most of the eastern part of the Deccan plateau and the eastern plains of the Eastern Ghats. The Eastern Ghats being a mineral rich area is covered with thick vegetation and the two regions are connected by patch of sparse vegetation. The State of Andhra Pradesh is well promoted by their tourism department and is well known for its rich natural resources, temples and rivers. The state of Andhra also shares a part of the coastal areas of the Bay of Bengal. The rich cultural heritage, ancient architecture and historical importance have made Andhra Pradesh one of the top tourist destinations in India.
Tourist places in Andhra Pradesh.
1. Visakhapatnam
Visitor Information
• Famous for: Beaches, Caves and Ports.
• Major Attractions: Kailasagiri and RK Beach.
• Nearby Places: Ananthagiri, Vizianagaram.
• Ideal Visit Time: 2-3 days.
Visakhapatnam was the second largest city in Andhra Pradesh and a major sea port of India. However, with the recently announced Telangana State, Vishakhapatnam will now be the largest city of Andhra Pradesh and a probable Capital of the future state of Andhra Pradesh. The climate is tropical and humidity is high throughout the year. The city has all the necessary attractions and resources to make it one of the top tourist destinations in India. Its various beaches, hilltops and a wildlife sanctuary attract a major tourist crowd. The place is the major port of the Indian National Army and is the deepest ports of India. There are various valleys like the Araku Valley, which is a picturesque location for picnics and is a hill station that has some really great trekking hotspots. The various beaches like Yarada and Rishikonda are situated in some of most picturesque locations and are relatively clean and are frequented by many tourists.
2. Tirupati
Visitor Information
• Famous for: Tirupati Balaji, Hinduism.
• Major Attractions: Venkateswara Temple and Govindaraja Temple.
• Nearby Places: Srikalahasti, Chittoor.
• Ideal Visit Time: 1-2 day.
Tirupati is one of the major cultural and religious pilgrimage spots in India. The city is located at the southern part of Andhra Pradesh and is situated at the foothills of the Eastern Ghats in the Chittor district. Although the major language spoken here is Telugu, the word Tirupati is a Tamil word as saint Ramanujacharya who was a Tamil Vaishnava saint was responsible for founding this city. The town is famous for its temple dedicated to ‘Balaji’, a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple's foundation history is unknown and it was expanded over the centuries by various kingdoms and dynasties including the Chola, Pallava and the Vijaynagar Empire. The temple is one of the major pilgrimage spots in India and especially in the southern India. Apart from the temples, there are various other attractions like parks and zoos.
3. Rajahmundry
Visitor Information
• Famous for: River Godavari, Culture, Pilgrimage.
• Major Attractions: Pushkaram, Dutch Fort.
• Nearby Places: Vishakhapatnam, Guntur, Amalapuram.
• Ideal Visit Time: 1 day.
The city is known to be the cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh and is notable for its ancient Vedic culture. The city was said to have been founded by the Chalukyas in the 11th century. However it has been disputed by many historians and archeologists who claim that the town existed before the rule of the Chalukyas. Rajahmundry is also known to be the birthplace of the Telugu language. The river Godavari is the major attraction in this town and various parks and ghats are located by its banks. The boat cruises on the river are also an activity that shouldn’t be missed. The town being an ancient one is also famous for its ancient Dravidian Hindu temples that are frequented by tourists from all around.
4. Vijayawada
Visitor Information
• Famous for: Caves, History, Nature.
• Major Attractions: Undavalli Caves
• Nearby Places: Guntur, Amaravathi, Ongole.
• Ideal Visit Time: 2 days.
Vijayawada, being the third largest city of Andhra Pradesh is number 3 on this list. The city is an agriculturally rich state and has been recognized as the Global city of the future by McKinsey. The former name of the city was Bezawada and has been under the rule of various ancient kingdoms of the South and has been one of the places the Chinese pilgrim Hieun Tsang stayed at. The River Krishna runs through the city and is located at the hills of the Eastern Ghats. The city’s location is unique as well as to its west lies the deep jungles of the Kondapalli Reserve Forests which is known to house leopards, jackals, wolves, wild boar and wild dogs. The city itself is a cultural and religious center with its various temples, religious monuments, rivers, ancient caves and many more. Do not forget to buy the famous Kondapalli Toys as souvenirs.
5. Amalapuram
Visitor Information
• Famous for: River Godavari, Konaseema, Temples.
• Major Attractions: Appanapalli Temple.
• Nearby Places: Rajahmundry, Vizag.
• Ideal Visit Time: 1 day or less.
A small town which is mainly known for its agricultural produce of coconuts and rice, Amalapuram has a rich Vedic culture and is known for its various temples. While there isn’t much to see in this town the main places to visit are the Appanapalli Temple, Ainavilli Siddhi Vinayaka Temple and Sree Veereswara Swamy Temple. The town also lies at the head of the Konaseema Delta which is formed by the Godavari River. The town is also a hub of financial and education institutes in the Konaseema region.
6. Nellore
Visitor Information
• Famous for: Religion, Rivers.
• Major Attractions: Ranganatha Temple, Pulicat Lake.
• Nearby Places: Tirupati, Chennai.
• Ideal Visit Time: 2 days.
The name ‘Nellore’ literally means ‘Paddy Place’ and is thus one of the primary agricultural cities in Andhra Pradesh. The vast paddy fields of Damaramadugu are one of the prime sources of rice in the state and in the country. The town is split in two by the Pennar River and is thus located at both the banks of the river. Towards the east of the city is the Bay of Bengal and thus Nellore is at a unique and strategic geographical location. The city has seen various ancient dynasties like the Mauryas, Chola, Pallava and Vijaynagar etc. Nellore is also famous for its ancient temples which are amazing owing to their stunning architecture and the cultural history associated with them. Nellore also has the Nelapattu bird sanctuary which is a great spot for the photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. The various lakes, temples, forts in the ancient agricultural town of Nellore are sure to keep you enchanted.
7. Chittoor
Visitor Information
• Famous for: Temples, Agriculture, Nature.
• Major Attractions: Vinayaka Temple, Kaigal Water Falls.
• Nearby Places: Tirupati, Kanchipuram.
• Ideal Visit Time: 1-2 days.
The city of Chittoor lies at the banks of the Ponnai River and is thus an important agricultural town in Andhra Pradesh. The town’s major source of economy is its crops and agricultural products like grain, sugarcane, mango and Peanuts. The town has a unique climate which is high in the Eastern areas and low in the western areas because of the change in the altitude. The place is considered to be a backward district as far as the economy is concerned; nevertheless it is a great place to visit and an undiscovered gem for a tourist. The town with its various hills, rivers, temples, forts and a rich collection of flora and fauna is a must visit. A personal recommendation would be to spend more time at the western areas near the Horsley Hills and simply relax. While most attractions in Chittoor can be covered in a day, it is more of a place to relax and rejuvenate.
8. Anantapur
Visitor Information
• Famous for: Temples, History, Heritage.
• Major Attraction: Veerabhadra Temple.
• Nearby Places: Hampi, Puttaparthi.
• Ideal Visit Time: 1 day or less.
The Largest of all the districts in Andhra Pradesh, Anantapur is famous for diamond mining and agricultural produce like rice, cotton, maize, chillies etc. The town is located near the bordering State of Karnataka and has 6 rivers that flow through the district. The town is an undiscovered tourist location with a number of monuments that exemplify the ancient reign of the Vijaynagar Kingdom and is famous for its ancient temples as well. The old ruins of the hilltop forts, its hidden waterfalls make it an amazing tourist attraction. The town of Anantapur is also famous for housing the mighty banyan tree of ‘Thimmamma Marrimanu’ which is one of the largest trees in the world. Its branches are spread in an area covering around 2.5 acres and a canopy that is spread around 19,107 sq meters. Anantapur is a definitive visit for all people visiting Andhra Pradesh.
9. Kurnool
Rock Gardens, Photo (Cropped) by Poreddy Sagar, CC BY-SA 3.0
Visitor Information
• Famous for: History, Caves.
• Major Attraction: Belum Caves, Oravakallu Rock Garden.
• Nearby Places: Mantralayam, Hampi, Hyderabad.
• Ideal Visit Time: 1 day.
Kurnool is known for being the erstwhile capital of the State of Andhra Pradesh. The town is one of the oldest cities and based on the rock paintings of Ketavaram, the town has seen humans since the Paleolithic era. The ancient caves and fort ruins in Kurnool date back pretty far in history and are a marvel to behold. The town is surrounded by the parallel running mountain ranges from north to south. The various temples and pilgrimage sites in this ancient town are not only significant when it comes to their cultural history but are also important architectural heritage of the city. The Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary is one of the prime reasons one must visit this town as it is a great place for both nature lovers and the shutterbugs.
Situated in the southeastern coast of India, Andhra Pradesh is the 4th largest State of India. The capital of the state was Hyderabad which is also the largest city here. However, due to the announcement of the recently formed Telangana State, Hyderabad will be a part and capital of Telangana from the 2nd of June 2014. The State of Hyderabad will continue to function as the State Capital of Andhra Pradesh for a period not exceeding 10 years till a new capital is determined. The state of Andhra Pradesh is mentioned since 800 BC in the Sanskrit Epics like Aitareya Brahmana and Mahabharata. The native language ‘Telugu’ is often associated with the Early Cholas. Andhra Pradesh also came under the rule of the Maurya Empire, the Ikshvaku Dynasty, Pallava, Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas and Later Cholas.When it comes to geography, Andhra covers most of the eastern part of the Deccan plateau and the eastern plains of the Eastern Ghats. The Eastern Ghats being a mineral rich area is covered with thick vegetation and the two regions are connected by patch of sparse vegetation. The State of Andhra Pradesh is well promoted by their tourism department and is well known for its rich natural resources, temples and rivers. The state of Andhra also shares a part of the coastal areas of the Bay of Bengal. The rich cultural heritage, ancient architecture and historical importance have made Andhra Pradesh one of the top tourist destinations in India.
Tourist places in Andhra Pradesh.
1. Visakhapatnam
Visitor Information
• Famous for: Beaches, Caves and Ports.
• Major Attractions: Kailasagiri and RK Beach.
• Nearby Places: Ananthagiri, Vizianagaram.
• Ideal Visit Time: 2-3 days.
Visakhapatnam was the second largest city in Andhra Pradesh and a major sea port of India. However, with the recently announced Telangana State, Vishakhapatnam will now be the largest city of Andhra Pradesh and a probable Capital of the future state of Andhra Pradesh. The climate is tropical and humidity is high throughout the year. The city has all the necessary attractions and resources to make it one of the top tourist destinations in India. Its various beaches, hilltops and a wildlife sanctuary attract a major tourist crowd. The place is the major port of the Indian National Army and is the deepest ports of India. There are various valleys like the Araku Valley, which is a picturesque location for picnics and is a hill station that has some really great trekking hotspots. The various beaches like Yarada and Rishikonda are situated in some of most picturesque locations and are relatively clean and are frequented by many tourists.
2. Tirupati
Visitor Information
• Famous for: Tirupati Balaji, Hinduism.
• Major Attractions: Venkateswara Temple and Govindaraja Temple.
• Nearby Places: Srikalahasti, Chittoor.
• Ideal Visit Time: 1-2 day.
Tirupati is one of the major cultural and religious pilgrimage spots in India. The city is located at the southern part of Andhra Pradesh and is situated at the foothills of the Eastern Ghats in the Chittor district. Although the major language spoken here is Telugu, the word Tirupati is a Tamil word as saint Ramanujacharya who was a Tamil Vaishnava saint was responsible for founding this city. The town is famous for its temple dedicated to ‘Balaji’, a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple's foundation history is unknown and it was expanded over the centuries by various kingdoms and dynasties including the Chola, Pallava and the Vijaynagar Empire. The temple is one of the major pilgrimage spots in India and especially in the southern India. Apart from the temples, there are various other attractions like parks and zoos.
3. Rajahmundry
Visitor Information
• Famous for: River Godavari, Culture, Pilgrimage.
• Major Attractions: Pushkaram, Dutch Fort.
• Nearby Places: Vishakhapatnam, Guntur, Amalapuram.
• Ideal Visit Time: 1 day.
The city is known to be the cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh and is notable for its ancient Vedic culture. The city was said to have been founded by the Chalukyas in the 11th century. However it has been disputed by many historians and archeologists who claim that the town existed before the rule of the Chalukyas. Rajahmundry is also known to be the birthplace of the Telugu language. The river Godavari is the major attraction in this town and various parks and ghats are located by its banks. The boat cruises on the river are also an activity that shouldn’t be missed. The town being an ancient one is also famous for its ancient Dravidian Hindu temples that are frequented by tourists from all around.
4. Vijayawada
Visitor Information
• Famous for: Caves, History, Nature.
• Major Attractions: Undavalli Caves
• Nearby Places: Guntur, Amaravathi, Ongole.
• Ideal Visit Time: 2 days.
Vijayawada, being the third largest city of Andhra Pradesh is number 3 on this list. The city is an agriculturally rich state and has been recognized as the Global city of the future by McKinsey. The former name of the city was Bezawada and has been under the rule of various ancient kingdoms of the South and has been one of the places the Chinese pilgrim Hieun Tsang stayed at. The River Krishna runs through the city and is located at the hills of the Eastern Ghats. The city’s location is unique as well as to its west lies the deep jungles of the Kondapalli Reserve Forests which is known to house leopards, jackals, wolves, wild boar and wild dogs. The city itself is a cultural and religious center with its various temples, religious monuments, rivers, ancient caves and many more. Do not forget to buy the famous Kondapalli Toys as souvenirs.
5. Amalapuram
Visitor Information
• Famous for: River Godavari, Konaseema, Temples.
• Major Attractions: Appanapalli Temple.
• Nearby Places: Rajahmundry, Vizag.
• Ideal Visit Time: 1 day or less.
A small town which is mainly known for its agricultural produce of coconuts and rice, Amalapuram has a rich Vedic culture and is known for its various temples. While there isn’t much to see in this town the main places to visit are the Appanapalli Temple, Ainavilli Siddhi Vinayaka Temple and Sree Veereswara Swamy Temple. The town also lies at the head of the Konaseema Delta which is formed by the Godavari River. The town is also a hub of financial and education institutes in the Konaseema region.
6. Nellore
Visitor Information
• Famous for: Religion, Rivers.
• Major Attractions: Ranganatha Temple, Pulicat Lake.
• Nearby Places: Tirupati, Chennai.
• Ideal Visit Time: 2 days.
The name ‘Nellore’ literally means ‘Paddy Place’ and is thus one of the primary agricultural cities in Andhra Pradesh. The vast paddy fields of Damaramadugu are one of the prime sources of rice in the state and in the country. The town is split in two by the Pennar River and is thus located at both the banks of the river. Towards the east of the city is the Bay of Bengal and thus Nellore is at a unique and strategic geographical location. The city has seen various ancient dynasties like the Mauryas, Chola, Pallava and Vijaynagar etc. Nellore is also famous for its ancient temples which are amazing owing to their stunning architecture and the cultural history associated with them. Nellore also has the Nelapattu bird sanctuary which is a great spot for the photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. The various lakes, temples, forts in the ancient agricultural town of Nellore are sure to keep you enchanted.
7. Chittoor
Visitor Information
• Famous for: Temples, Agriculture, Nature.
• Major Attractions: Vinayaka Temple, Kaigal Water Falls.
• Nearby Places: Tirupati, Kanchipuram.
• Ideal Visit Time: 1-2 days.
The city of Chittoor lies at the banks of the Ponnai River and is thus an important agricultural town in Andhra Pradesh. The town’s major source of economy is its crops and agricultural products like grain, sugarcane, mango and Peanuts. The town has a unique climate which is high in the Eastern areas and low in the western areas because of the change in the altitude. The place is considered to be a backward district as far as the economy is concerned; nevertheless it is a great place to visit and an undiscovered gem for a tourist. The town with its various hills, rivers, temples, forts and a rich collection of flora and fauna is a must visit. A personal recommendation would be to spend more time at the western areas near the Horsley Hills and simply relax. While most attractions in Chittoor can be covered in a day, it is more of a place to relax and rejuvenate.
8. Anantapur
Visitor Information
• Famous for: Temples, History, Heritage.
• Major Attraction: Veerabhadra Temple.
• Nearby Places: Hampi, Puttaparthi.
• Ideal Visit Time: 1 day or less.
The Largest of all the districts in Andhra Pradesh, Anantapur is famous for diamond mining and agricultural produce like rice, cotton, maize, chillies etc. The town is located near the bordering State of Karnataka and has 6 rivers that flow through the district. The town is an undiscovered tourist location with a number of monuments that exemplify the ancient reign of the Vijaynagar Kingdom and is famous for its ancient temples as well. The old ruins of the hilltop forts, its hidden waterfalls make it an amazing tourist attraction. The town of Anantapur is also famous for housing the mighty banyan tree of ‘Thimmamma Marrimanu’ which is one of the largest trees in the world. Its branches are spread in an area covering around 2.5 acres and a canopy that is spread around 19,107 sq meters. Anantapur is a definitive visit for all people visiting Andhra Pradesh.
9. Kurnool
Rock Gardens, Photo (Cropped) by Poreddy Sagar, CC BY-SA 3.0
Visitor Information
• Famous for: History, Caves.
• Major Attraction: Belum Caves, Oravakallu Rock Garden.
• Nearby Places: Mantralayam, Hampi, Hyderabad.
• Ideal Visit Time: 1 day.
Kurnool is known for being the erstwhile capital of the State of Andhra Pradesh. The town is one of the oldest cities and based on the rock paintings of Ketavaram, the town has seen humans since the Paleolithic era. The ancient caves and fort ruins in Kurnool date back pretty far in history and are a marvel to behold. The town is surrounded by the parallel running mountain ranges from north to south. The various temples and pilgrimage sites in this ancient town are not only significant when it comes to their cultural history but are also important architectural heritage of the city. The Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary is one of the prime reasons one must visit this town as it is a great place for both nature lovers and the shutterbugs.
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