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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh, India's fifth largest state, is sprawled over an area of 275,068 sq. km. History has forged, and left behind vital links with the state, as is evident from the many edifices, monuments and architectural ruins, the legacy of dynasties as old as 300 B.C. Andhra Pradesh is situated in fertile coastal plains, semi arid Deccan plateau and amidst hills of the Eastern Ghats. Exquisite crafts, glorious remnants of the past, vibrant festivities, irresistible delicacies coupled with the charming features of the people leave behind indelible impressions. Kuchipudi dance of Andhra Pradesh is world famous. Andhra Pradesh has also the largest Information Technology park and largest Film City in Asia.

 How to reach Andhra Pradesh

 The best place to begin a tour of Andhra Pradesh is Hyderabad, the capital. Hyderabad is very well - connected by air, rail and road to all major cities of India. The other major cities of the state are Secunderabad, Visakhapatnam, Waltair and Vijayawada. An efficient road and rail network connects every district to the state capital.

 Tourist Destinations

 

 

 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