Andhra Pradesh - The Essence of Incredible India

Andhra Pradesh – described as the Kohinoorof India. Chasing the coast of the Bay of Bengal, is artistic, adventurous and rich Andhra Pradesh. The state is spread across two unofficial regions – Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema which is an astounding combination of colour, contrast and experience. Andhra Pradesh is a land stand up with numerous heritage sites; the forts; citadels, mind astonishing range of beautiful cliffs; spectacular stretches of coast; glorious ruins; pristine water lapping against golden powder and lip-smacking regional cuisines.

Andhra Pradesh is a state with variable shades, some known, and others to be discovered. Its beauty begins with its crystal lakes, moving gradually to its winding valleys, spearing right up to its prestigious peaks. Andhra Pradesh is synonymous with its dramatic cinema, spicy delicacies and diverse spiritual beliefs. Although, it has fragments of ancient civilisations, it does not fall behind in the wheel of change.Tirupati Balaji or the lord Venkatesa temple, situated at the foot of Tirumala hill, is believed to be one of the richest temples in the country.

Pilgrimage Tourism

Andhra Pradesh, with its exquisite temples and ancient shrines, mosques, and churches attract millions of pilgrims. Mostly, these temples were built during the rule of Vijayanagar Empire. A large number of festivals are organized with thousands of tourists visiting them. Famoustemples are described under:

• Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in the town of Tirumala in Tirupati in Chittoor district is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus throughout India. It is among the richest pilgrimage temples of any religious faith in the world. It is the house of Lord Venkateswara.
• Ranganayakula swami Temple, Penchalakona Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple in Nellore district.
• Mallikarjuna Swamy temple situated at Srisailam in the Nallamala Hills of Kurnool district, is the abode of lord Mallikarjuna Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines in India. LordRama himself installed the this Sahasralinga, while the Pandavas lodgedthe Panchapandava lingas in the temple courtyard. The Vijayanagara Empire built a number of monuments, including the Srisailam and Lepakshi temples.
• Kanaka Durga Temple of the goddess Durga is situated on the Indrakeeladri Hill in the city of Vijayawada on the banks of Krishna River. A large number of pilgrims attend the colourful celebrations of Tepotsavam and for a holy dip in the Krishna river during Dussherafestival.
• Simhachalam, located on a hill 20 kilometres north of the Visakhapatnam city centre, is said to be the abode of the saviour-god Narasimha.
• The five ancient Hindu temples of Lord Shiva, known as PancharamaKshetras, are located at Amararama, Draksharama, Somarama, Ksheerarama and Kumararama.
• The home of Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi in Anantapur.

Islam is also popular religion, with a number of mosques built during the reigns of Muslim rulers. One of the famous is Shahi Jamia Masjid in Adoni of Kurnool district. There are many famous churches constructed centuries ago with historical significance. One of them is the Gunadala Church at Vijayawada.

The state has large number of Buddhist centres at Amaravati, Nagarjuna Konda, Bhattiprolu, Ghantasala, Nelakondapalli, Dhulikatta, Bavikonda, Thotlakonda, Shalihundam, Pavuralakonda, Bojjannakonda (Sankaram), Phanigiri and Kolanpaka.

Rich Heritage Structures

Andhra Pradesh state, ruled by powerful and glorious dynasties like Mauryas, Cholas, Chalukyas, and the famous Vijayanagara Empire, is spreadover with gloriousedifices which reflect its rich historical past. The Amaravati Stupa, Amaravati Mahachaitya and Amaralingeswara Temple are some of the best heritage places to visit. About 65 Kms away from Amaravati, other heritage city known as Vijayawada is famous for the Kondapalli Fort, Undavalli&Mogalarajapuram Caves, Hazratbal Mosque and Mangalagiri – Lakshmi Narasimha Temple.

Some other renowned tourist places at Vijayawada are Prakasam Barrage, Kondapalli Fort, Krishna River, Bhavani Island. Also visit historical village Lepakshi,One of the most important heritage sites in the state, it highlights the legacy of Vijayanagara Empire and is renowned for its group of shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Shiva and Veerabhadra. Apart from the splendid temple architecture and paintings, it is the hanging pillar supported from the ceiling that surprises the visitors.

Wildlife Tourism

Andhra Pradesh, rich in biodiversity, is famous for wildlife tourism. Visit Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park. Also visit Nagarjuna Sagar – Srisailam Sanctuary, which is the third largest tiger reserve in India, spread across an area of 3,658 square kilometres along the Nallamala Hill Range of Eastern Ghats. Visit Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary which is the habitat of more than 120 different kinds of birds, including the White-Backed Vulture, Oriental White Ibis, Painted Stork, Purple Heron and Spot-Billed Pelican. This sanctuary is also famous for mangroves, which are believed to be the second biggest in India. Wildlife tours in Andhra Pradesh should also consist of a visit to Manjira Wildlife & Bird Sanctuary, Mrugavani National Park and the Alisagar Deer Park.

Beach Tourism: Panoramic views

The famous beaches are in Visakhapatnam, Rishikonda Beach and Rama Krishna Beach, Yarada Beach, Gangavaram Beach and Dolphin’s Nose.

Enthralling Cave Tourism

Andhra Pradesh state is home to a number of caves, which makes cave tourism an attractive option for travellers. Famous caves are Mogalarajapuram Caves in Vijayawada - which are a protected monument of national importance, and renowned as noteworthy cave temples of Andhra, housing the idol of Ardhanareeswara. The other famous caves in Andhra Pradesh are Borra Caves, Belum Caves and Mogalarajapuram Caves, located in Visakhapatnam, Kurnool and Vijayawada respectively. Amongst these, the Belum Caves are considered the second longest caves in India.

Most visited tourist destinations

• Visakhapatnam : Lakes, caves, beaches, architectural wonders, valleys and hill ranges makes Visakhapatnam one of the most beautiful coastal cities in Andhra Pradesh.
• Tirupati : Tripuati is the spiritual hub of Andhra Pradesh and one of the most famous Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. It’s also famous for wooden toys.
• Nellore : Nellore is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Andhra Pradesh for its spiritual & religious legacy, historic sites, sightseeing and various delicacies.
• Chittoor : Chittoor is a famous tourist attraction in Andhra Pradesh because it’s rich in flora & fauna, possesses historic significance & has several grand temples.
• Kadapa : Kadapa is counted among the most visited tourist places in Andhra Pradesh since it’s the Gateway city to Tirumala and is blessed by nature’s bounty.
• Secunderabad : Places like Golconda Fort, Hussain Sagar Lake and Birla Mandir, apart from dozens of other historical sites make Secunderabad a major tourist attraction.
• Amalapuram : Amalapuram is blessed with picturesque landscapes, coconut groves, lakes, serenity, famous five temples called Panchalinga Puram, all of which make it so famous.
• Guntur : Visit the city of Gutur to see the modern side of Andhra Pradesh. What makes it so highly visited are its exciting sightseeing opportunities at parks, museums, resorts & caves.
• Machilipatnam : Machilipatnam is a historic port town which was once occupied by the Dutch and French. Its temples and beaches are the major crowd pullers.

Capital: Visakhapatnam, Location: South India.

Best time to visit :
October to March (winter) & August to September (Monsoon).

Why visit Andhra Pradesh ?
Visit Andhra Pradesh for rich architecture, cultural, beaches, caves. Fairs & festivals, which are also must visit festivals for their scale of celebrations, colours and festivities, the most important ones are SrivariBrahmotsavam–its 09 Days long fiesta held on the grounds of the sacred Tirupati Balaji Temple. Vinayaka Chaturthi Fair, held in the ancient port city of Machilipatnam, and Sri Rama Navami Festival, celebrated at Bhadrachalam. Ugadi festival is also famous in other parts of India.