Hyderabad
The state capital is famous for its culture,
cuisine, pearls and historical monuments. It is also one of the foremost
information technology centers of India. Some of the famous tourist spots
include the Golconda Fort, Salarjung Museum and Char Minar. There are
number of other historical monuments within and around Hyderabad.
Tirupati
Tirumala
Tirupati
is the best known of the temples of Andhra Pradesh, attracting millions of
pilgrims throughout the year. Tirupati City is located in the southeastern
part of Andhra Pradesh State. It lies about 160-km northwest of Chennai in
the Palkonda Hills. Tirupati is known as the abode of the Hindu god
Venkateshvara, "Lord of Seven Hills". About 10-km northwest of Tirupati,
is the sacred hill of Tirumala. Tirupati temple is considered to be the
richest temple in India with millions of pilgrims offering donations every
year.
How to reach Tirupati – Tirupati is well
connected by Air, rail and roads. Regular flights operate for Tirupati
from Delhi and Hyderabad. Hyderabad is about 700 Km and Chennai around 160
Km by road from Tirupati.
Warangal
Warangal is situated about 140 km from
Hyderabad and is well connected by road and train. It was the ancient
capital of Kakatiya rulers.
Places of tourist interest in and around
Warangal:
Warangal Fort: Warangal fort is 12-km from Hanamakonda, which dates
back to the 13th century.
Bhadra Kali Temple : Situated on a
hilltop between Hanamkonda and Warangal, it is noted for its stone image
of the Goddess Kali.
Thousand Pillar Temple : This temple is a fine specimen of Kakatiya
architecture and sculpture. Rudra Deva built it in 1163 AD in the style of
Chalukyan temples, star shaped and triple shrined
Kolanupaka : Kolanupaka, 80-km from
Hyderabad, is situated between Hyderabad and Warangal. This was the second
capital town of Kalyani Chalukyas during the 11th century AD. During this
period the village was a religious centre of Jains, and ranks among other
great Jain centers in the south.
Sri Veeranarayana Temple : The temple
is constructed in the Chalukyan style around 1104 AD.
Jain Temple : The 2,000-year-old Jain
temple of Mahaveer is a famous place of worship for Jains in the country.
The temple is embellished with beautiful images of Thirthankaras. The 5ft
high image of Mahavira is entirely carved of Jade.
Ramappa Temple : Also know as Ramalingeswara temple, this is
situated in Palampet village, which is 70-km form Warangal This is a
magnificent monument dating back to 1213 AD depicts the glory and richness
of the Kakatiya kingdom.
Pakhal Lake : A manmade lake completed in 1213 AD by the Kakatiya
king, Ganapathidev, by harnessing a small tributary of the Krishna River.
It is located 50-km from Warangal and spreads over an area of 30-sq-km.
Kolanupaka Museum : Kolanupaka came into prominence when it was
made the alternate capital of the Kalyani Chalukyas in the 11th century
AD. The State Department of Archaeology and Museums established a
sculptural gallery, which exhibits artifacts from the various historical
monuments in Kolanupaka.
Vishakhapatnam
Vishakhapatnam is the true spot where one can
find the beauty of Andhra. From lakes to cool beaches, from beautiful hill
ranges to caves and valleys enclosures, Vishakhapatnam has them all. A
visit to Vishakhapatnam will definitely be exciting, enriching and
refreshing experience with all its sun kissed beaches, caves and temples.
How to reach Vishakhapatnam –
It is well connected with major Indian cities
and state capital Hyderbad by Air, Railway and road. Indian Airlines
operates daily flights to Vishakhapatnam from Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad
and Chennai.
Places of tourist interest in and around
Vishakhapatnam:
Kailasagiri : Kailasagiri is located
on a hilltop and is a must to visiting place for all people visiting
Vishakhapatnam. The charming hill on the seafront, affords a breath taking
scenic view, especially towards Bheemunipatnam.
Bheemunipatnam : About 25-km from
Vishakhapatnam is beautiful beach of Bheemunipatnam.
Ramakrishna Beach and Rishikonda
Beach:
One of the loveliest beaches on the East
Coast, the Ramakrishna beach is a favorite resort for tourists visiting
Vishakhapatnam. Just 8-km from Vishakhapatnam is the Rishikonda Beach, a
golden, unspoilt beach, washed by the sun-warmed sea.
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park: The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is
located in Vishakhapatnam amidst the scenic eastern ghats of India,
flanked by hills on either sides and Bay of Bengal on the east.
Ananthagiri Hills: Anantagiri is a breathtakingly beautiful resort
sheltered in the lush undulating ranges of the Eastern Ghats. It is
considered to be a perfect head off to get away from the blistering summer
months. The Ananthagiri hills are on the way to Araku Valley and are
famous for coffee plantations.
Araku Valley: About 115-km from
Vishakhapatnam is the beautiful Araku Valley, with its bracing climate,
orchards, and the Ananthagiri Ghats, which present an enchanting view to
the visitors.
Simhachalam: About 16-km from
Vishakhapatnam is Simhachalam, famous for the temple of Sri Varaha
Lakshminarasimha. Architecturally this ancient temple deserves high
praise.
Borra Caves: At a distance of about
90-95-km from Vishakhapatnam are the Borra Caves, which have historical
and religious importance.
Vijaywada
It is situated 257-km from Hyderabad
and is located on the banks of the Krishna River, and is bounded by the
Indrakiladri hills on the West and the Budameru River on the North.
How to reach Vijaywada -
Vijaywada is well connected by air, rail and
road. Situated along the Chennai- Howrah and Chennai-Delhi rail route,
this is the largest railway junction of the South Central Railway. There
are also daily flights from Hyderabad and Vishakhapatnam.
Tourist destinations around Vijaywada
–
Kanak Durga temple – The temple is set
on the Indrakiladri hill and deity is considered to be the presiding deity
of Vijaywada.
Buddhist Relics at Amaravati :
Amaravati is situated in Sattenapalli Taluk,
35-km away from Guntur and 64 km from Vijaywada. Buddhist sculptures at
Amravati are world famous. It is renowned for temple of Lord Shiva
worshipped here as Lord Amareswara.
Chandavaram : Chandavaram is located
in Prakasam district, 50-km from Vijayawada. It is a Buddhist site of
great significance. Take a look at a unique double terraced stupa on top
of a hillock known as "Singarakonda" (beautiful hillock). It's probably
the only one of its kind in elevation in South India.
Nellore
Situated about 175 Km from Chennai, Nellore
is famous for its Ranganath temple.
Wild
life Parks in Andhra Pradesh:
Nellapattu Sanctuary and Pulicat Lake:
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is in Nelapattu village. It is located on the
East Coast about 20-km north of the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary in the Nellore
district. It is just 50-km from Chennai. The Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is
one of the largest pelican habitats in Southeast Asia. The total area of
the sanctuary is 404-kms. Pulicat Lake near Nellore is the second largest
brackish water lake in India and attracts thousands of migratory birds.
Alisagar Deer Park
Alisagar Deer Park is located in Nizamabad
district of Andhra Pradesh. The Nizam constructed the Alisagar in 1931.
Flanked by natural hillocks and lovely flower gardens, the lake and its
surroundings are rich in scenic beauty.
From Nizamabad there are regular buses to
Alisagar.
Coringa
Sanctury
-
Situated 20 Kms
from Kakinada and 70 Kms from Rajahmundry, this sanctuary is a part of
river Godavari and has a rich growth of Mangrove plantation. A unique
feature of this sanctuary is that it's located on the backwaters of the
sea. There are estuarine crocodiles, sea turtles, fishing cats, otters and
large variety of birds here. This place is well connected by road. Best
time to visit is October to May.
Manjira Bird Sanctuary
Manjira Bird
Sanctuary is located near Sangareddy in Medak district spreading over 20
sq.km. Nestling between Manjeera and Singur barrages, the Manjira wild
life sanctuary comprises of nine small islands, which are home to a number
of resident and migratory birds in addition to Marsh Crocodiles and
Muggers. This place is 50 Km from Hyderabad and well connected by
road. Best time to visit is between October and March.
Eturnagaram
Wildlife Sanctuary
It is located at a distance of 90 km. from
Warangal and 250 km. from Hyderabad.
The forest includes southern tropical dry deciduous type of teak and its
associates like Thiruman, Maddi, Bamboo etc., while the fauna includes
several endangered animals like Tiger, Sloth Bear, Four Horned Antelope,
Chinkara, and Black Buck etc. Best season to visit: From October to April.
Gundla
Brahmeswaram Sanctuary
Gundla Brahmeswaram Sanctuary lies between
Kurnool and Prakasam districts, spread over 1194 sq.km at a distance of 30
Km. from Nandyal. This sanctuary has mixed deciduous forests and large
variety of flora and fauna. Tiger, Panther, Sloth bear, Wild dog, Hyena,
Jungle cat, Langur, Bonnet monkey, large variety pf antelopes, deer and
reptiles are found here. Best Time to visit: October to May.
Other Wild life sanctuaries and parks in
Andhra Pradesh are –
Kaundinya wild life sanctuary – 50 Km
from Chitoor
Kinnerasani sanctuary – In Khammam
district
Kolleru water bird sanctuary – Largest
fresh water lake in Asia. It is 65 Km from Vijaywada
Rollapadu bird sanctuary – 60 Km from
Kurnool
Mrigavani National Park, Chilkur – 25
Km from Hyderabad.
Pakhal wildlife sanctuary – 50 Km from
Warangal
Papikonda sanctuary – 50 Km from
Rajahmundary
Pocharam sanctuary – 15 Km from Medak
Paranahita wildlife sanctuary – 35 Km
from Mancherial
Rajeev Gandhi
wildlife sanctuary
– In Nagarjunsagar district