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Andhra Pradesh Tourism

Andhra Pradesh: Pockets full of culture

Chasing the coast of the Bay of Bengal, is aesthetic, adventurous and abundant Andhra Pradesh. A state with varying shades, some known, and others to be discovered. Its beauty begins with its crystal lakes, moving slowly 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 remnants of ancient civilisations, it does not fall behind in the wheel of change.

Andhra Pradesh tourism welcomes tourists from all over with its vibrant culture and picturesque scenery. The state’s idyllic coastline stretching along the Bay of Bengal is 975 km. The breathtaking beaches lined with it are incredible. They help you unwind yourself from the stress of life, offering relaxation. The state’s history, culture, scenic beauty, and culinary delights irresistibly capture the minds and hearts of domestic and international tourists throughout the year. 

If you are considering visiting this vibrant state, this Andhra Pradesh travel guide would be ideal. Here, you will read interesting highlights of the state, including beaches, lakes, hills and valleys, religious sites, and culture. Also, learn some fascinating facts about Andhra Pradesh, its location on the map, and the best time to visit Andhra Pradesh. 

Andhra Pradesh: A Quick View of the state 
Capital Amaravati – De facto
Hyderabad – De juro
Official Language Telugu
Dial Code 8415 (Hyderabad East)
40 (Hyderabad Local)
8413 (Hyderabad West)
Population 9.02 crores (as of 2018)
Currency Indian Rupee (INR)
Time Zone UTC+05:30 (IST)
Area 162,970 square km

Highlights of Andhra Pradesh: your travel diary entries

Let’s understand what makes Andhra Pradesh tourism so unique: 

Beaches

beach

Visakhapatnam is home to gorgeous little beaches, along the coast of the Bay of Bengal. There, you can peek at a preserved submarine at a museum on Ramakrishna beach or marvel at the palm trees of Yarada beach. One of the oldest beaches in Andhra Pradesh - Baruva beach, commemorates an ancient tragedy of a sinking ship. Kalingapatnam beach, on the other hand, is one the state’s major sand deposits and an old port from which textiles and perfumes were exported. Adding to that, Rishikonda is another beach in the state. It is situated in Vizag, which is approximately 15.5 Km from the Vizag railway station. Here are some activities that you can do on pristine beaches: water sports, swimming, and bird watching. Take a walk along one of them, for an evening of peace. 

Lakes

One of the largest freshwater lakes in India - Kolleru lake, is the nesting place for the majestic Siberian crane and painted stork. Pulicat lake is the second largest brackish water body in India, and attracts more than 15,000 flamingos every year, along with kingfishers, pelicans, herons, spoonbills and storks. Further, do not forget to visit the Talakona waterfall. It is the highest waterfall, standing tall at an impressive height of 270ft. It offers incredible scenic beauty from above and below, attracting more tourists. A visit to any one of these lakes is not only an opportunity to acknowledge these vast bodies of water, but to observe a variety of fascinating birds during their migratory routes. 

Hills and valleys

Are you looking for an escape from the chaos of the hustled life? Andhra Pradesh tourism offers the opportunity to spend days on stunning hill stations. Araku Valley in the Visakhapatnam district is obscured by emerald green forests, glittering waterfalls and rich coffee plantations. This beautiful hill station is clouded with an enchanting mist and holds the promise of indigenous local tribes. Here, you can visit the Anantagiri and Sunkarimetta Reserved Forest and gaze at the fascinating collection of biodiversity. Head to Horsley Hills in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Perched up at a height of 1,265m, these hills are laden with eucalyptus plants and exotic species of trees.  If you’re lucky, you will spot the yellow-throated bulbul, black eagle or white-rumped shama. For a spiritual stop, visit Mahendragiri hill, in Mandasa village. It is the holy abode of Lord Shiva’s 6th incarnation – Parasurama. Additionally, Nallamala Hills, spread over five different districts in Andhra Pradesh, is the largest hill station in the state. Located at an altitude of 3608 ft above sea level, it offers a splendid view. The best places to visit Andhra Pradesh Nallamala Hills are Cumbum Lake, Srisailam Temple, and Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Sanctuary. So, search for these iconic hills and valleys in the Andhra Pradesh travel guide and redefine your experience of visiting hill stations. 

Religious sites

With the Andhra Pradesh travel guide, you can explore multiple religious and sacred centres.  St Peter’s Church in Bheemunipatnam, is an architectural gem. You must view the stained-glass window of the east side of the church. It illustrates Christ’s baptism, crucifixion and the breaking of bread with his disciples.

In the hill town of Tirumala, is a temple dedicated to the incarnation of Lord Vishnu – Sri Venkateswara, who appeared to save man from Kali Yuga. It is a classic example of Dravidian architecture, and the wealthiest temple in the world in terms of donations.

Shahi Jamia masjid, in the Kurnool district, is believed to have been built by Governor Siddi Masood Khan. It is open to people of all faiths, who flock to behold the exquisite white monument that is spotted with green. Here, you will appreciate the spectacular beauty of Persian design elements, including beautiful arches and intricate ornamentation. Bavikonda Buddhist Complex is a mere 16km from Visakhapatnam. Here, you can view pottery, inscriptions, caskets, coins, tiles, bricks and even an urn with Buddha’s remains in it. 

Culture

Andhra Pradesh is akin to a story book. With the turn of each page, is a new cultural element to behold. From the local dance form - Kuchipudi, to the unique textile art forms - Machilipatnam and Srikalahasti Kalamkari, to philosophical poems and expressionist Telugu literature, Andhra Pradesh will satisfy the culture connoisseur in you. And while your perusing through these elements, don’t forget to visit the cinema and catch a quintessential Telugu film. Your trip to Andhra Pradesh is incomplete without a taste of its spicy-tangy cuisine. Why don’t you try the sarva pindi, which a pancake made from rice flour, channa dal, green chillies, sesame seeds and curry leaves. Be sure not to miss the taste of the iconic Laddu from Venkateswara Temple Tirumala. Their sumptuous taste will always remain with you even after many years of Andhra Pradesh tourism. 

Interesting facts about Andhra Pradesh – unboxing little surprises

  • Andhra Pradesh is home to the delicious Tirupati Ladoo, that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
  • Pingali Venkayya, an Indian freedom fighter who was instrumental in designing the Indian flag, hailed from the state of Andhra Pradesh.
  • The British referred to the language of Telugu as the ‘Italian of the East’.
  • Lambasingi, a small village in Visakhapatnam, is the only place in South India that witnesses snowfall.
  • India’s first digital technology institute (IIDT), was built in Andhra Pradesh.

Location: On the world map

Andhra Pradesh shares its border with Telangana in the north west, Chhattisgarh and Odisha in the north east, Karnataka in the west, Tamil Nadu in the south and Bay of Bengal in the east. Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra constitute the two major regions in this state.

Click here to view Andhra Pradesh on Google Map

Timings: Best time to visit

Summers can go up to a searing 45 degrees, while the monsoon air is coated with humidity and makes for an uncomfortable trip.  As such, the winter season (November – February) is the most pleasant time to visit Andhra Pradesh as temperatures range from 15-25 degrees.

How to get to Andhra Pradesh – a journey to remember

Are you wondering how to reach Andhra Pradesh? Take a quick look at the following information to ensure a seamless travelling experience. 

By Road – Andhra Pradesh has a well-connected network of state and national highways, covering an area of 1000 km. Its bus service is highly efficient, including Pandit Nehru Bus Station, which is one of Asia’s largest bus terminals. You may choose to avail of the bus service or embark on a long road trip via a private vehicle or taxi.

By Rail – Andhra Pradesh’s intricate rail network is divided into 2 zones and subdivided into divisions. Its broad gauge covers an area of 3703.25 km. It is highly connected, both inter and intra state, rendering it a viable option to select.

By Air – Andhra Pradesh’s airports have access to domestic, international, and private flights. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad has direct flights to and from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Cochin, Goa and Ahmedabad. Visakhapatnam Airport and Vijayawada Airport constitute the other international airports in the state.

History: chronicles of the past

Archaeology points towards the rule of the ancient Mauryan dynasty in the Andhra region. However, the death of Emperor Ashoka led to the demise of this civilisation and the settlement of several smaller empires – The Satavahana dynasty, The Salankanayas, Kakatiyas, Musunuri Nayaks, Reddy Dynasty and Vijayanagara Empire. The 19th century saw the establishment of Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema, as the British East India Company came to the frontier. The Nizam rulers relinquished power to the British but retained control over the local economy. It was in 1948 that the princely state of Hyderabad joined the Republic of India, through Operation Polo.

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Andhra Pradesh: Pockets full of culture

Chasing the coast of the Bay of Bengal, is aesthetic, adventurous and abundant Andhra Pradesh. A state with varying shades, some known, and others to be discovered. Its beauty begins with its crystal lakes, moving slowly 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 remnants of ancient civilisations, it does not fall behind in the wheel of change.

Andhra Pradesh tourism welcomes tourists from all over with its vibrant culture and picturesque scenery. The state’s idyllic coastline stretching along the Bay of Bengal is 975 km. The breathtaking beaches lined with it are incredible. They help you unwind yourself from the stress of life, offering relaxation. The state’s history, culture, scenic beauty, and culinary delights irresistibly capture the minds and hearts of domestic and international tourists throughout the year. 

If you are considering visiting this vibrant state, this Andhra Pradesh travel guide would be ideal. Here, you will read interesting highlights of the state, including beaches, lakes, hills and valleys, religious sites, and culture. Also, learn some fascinating facts about Andhra Pradesh, its location on the map, and the best time to visit Andhra Pradesh. 

Andhra Pradesh: A Quick View of the state 
Capital Amaravati – De facto
Hyderabad – De juro
Official Language Telugu
Dial Code 8415 (Hyderabad East)
40 (Hyderabad Local)
8413 (Hyderabad West)
Population 9.02 crores (as of 2018)
Currency Indian Rupee (INR)
Time Zone UTC+05:30 (IST)
Area 162,970 square km

Highlights of Andhra Pradesh: your travel diary entries

Let’s understand what makes Andhra Pradesh tourism so unique: 

Beaches

beach

Visakhapatnam is home to gorgeous little beaches, along the coast of the Bay of Bengal. There, you can peek at a preserved submarine at a museum on Ramakrishna beach or marvel at the palm trees of Yarada beach. One of the oldest beaches in Andhra Pradesh - Baruva beach, commemorates an ancient tragedy of a sinking ship. Kalingapatnam beach, on the other hand, is one the state’s major sand deposits and an old port from which textiles and perfumes were exported. Adding to that, Rishikonda is another beach in the state. It is situated in Vizag, which is approximately 15.5 Km from the Vizag railway station. Here are some activities that you can do on pristine beaches: water sports, swimming, and bird watching. Take a walk along one of them, for an evening of peace. 

Lakes

One of the largest freshwater lakes in India - Kolleru lake, is the nesting place for the majestic Siberian crane and painted stork. Pulicat lake is the second largest brackish water body in India, and attracts more than 15,000 flamingos every year, along with kingfishers, pelicans, herons, spoonbills and storks. Further, do not forget to visit the Talakona waterfall. It is the highest waterfall, standing tall at an impressive height of 270ft. It offers incredible scenic beauty from above and below, attracting more tourists. A visit to any one of these lakes is not only an opportunity to acknowledge these vast bodies of water, but to observe a variety of fascinating birds during their migratory routes. 

Hills and valleys

Are you looking for an escape from the chaos of the hustled life? Andhra Pradesh tourism offers the opportunity to spend days on stunning hill stations. Araku Valley in the Visakhapatnam district is obscured by emerald green forests, glittering waterfalls and rich coffee plantations. This beautiful hill station is clouded with an enchanting mist and holds the promise of indigenous local tribes. Here, you can visit the Anantagiri and Sunkarimetta Reserved Forest and gaze at the fascinating collection of biodiversity. Head to Horsley Hills in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Perched up at a height of 1,265m, these hills are laden with eucalyptus plants and exotic species of trees.  If you’re lucky, you will spot the yellow-throated bulbul, black eagle or white-rumped shama. For a spiritual stop, visit Mahendragiri hill, in Mandasa village. It is the holy abode of Lord Shiva’s 6th incarnation – Parasurama. Additionally, Nallamala Hills, spread over five different districts in Andhra Pradesh, is the largest hill station in the state. Located at an altitude of 3608 ft above sea level, it offers a splendid view. The best places to visit Andhra Pradesh Nallamala Hills are Cumbum Lake, Srisailam Temple, and Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Sanctuary. So, search for these iconic hills and valleys in the Andhra Pradesh travel guide and redefine your experience of visiting hill stations. 

Religious sites

With the Andhra Pradesh travel guide, you can explore multiple religious and sacred centres.  St Peter’s Church in Bheemunipatnam, is an architectural gem. You must view the stained-glass window of the east side of the church. It illustrates Christ’s baptism, crucifixion and the breaking of bread with his disciples.

In the hill town of Tirumala, is a temple dedicated to the incarnation of Lord Vishnu – Sri Venkateswara, who appeared to save man from Kali Yuga. It is a classic example of Dravidian architecture, and the wealthiest temple in the world in terms of donations.

Shahi Jamia masjid, in the Kurnool district, is believed to have been built by Governor Siddi Masood Khan. It is open to people of all faiths, who flock to behold the exquisite white monument that is spotted with green. Here, you will appreciate the spectacular beauty of Persian design elements, including beautiful arches and intricate ornamentation. Bavikonda Buddhist Complex is a mere 16km from Visakhapatnam. Here, you can view pottery, inscriptions, caskets, coins, tiles, bricks and even an urn with Buddha’s remains in it. 

Culture

Andhra Pradesh is akin to a story book. With the turn of each page, is a new cultural element to behold. From the local dance form - Kuchipudi, to the unique textile art forms - Machilipatnam and Srikalahasti Kalamkari, to philosophical poems and expressionist Telugu literature, Andhra Pradesh will satisfy the culture connoisseur in you. And while your perusing through these elements, don’t forget to visit the cinema and catch a quintessential Telugu film. Your trip to Andhra Pradesh is incomplete without a taste of its spicy-tangy cuisine. Why don’t you try the sarva pindi, which a pancake made from rice flour, channa dal, green chillies, sesame seeds and curry leaves. Be sure not to miss the taste of the iconic Laddu from Venkateswara Temple Tirumala. Their sumptuous taste will always remain with you even after many years of Andhra Pradesh tourism. 

Interesting facts about Andhra Pradesh – unboxing little surprises

  • Andhra Pradesh is home to the delicious Tirupati Ladoo, that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
  • Pingali Venkayya, an Indian freedom fighter who was instrumental in designing the Indian flag, hailed from the state of Andhra Pradesh.
  • The British referred to the language of Telugu as the ‘Italian of the East’.
  • Lambasingi, a small village in Visakhapatnam, is the only place in South India that witnesses snowfall.
  • India’s first digital technology institute (IIDT), was built in Andhra Pradesh.

Location: On the world map

Andhra Pradesh shares its border with Telangana in the north west, Chhattisgarh and Odisha in the north east, Karnataka in the west, Tamil Nadu in the south and Bay of Bengal in the east. Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra constitute the two major regions in this state.

Click here to view Andhra Pradesh on Google Map

Timings: Best time to visit

Summers can go up to a searing 45 degrees, while the monsoon air is coated with humidity and makes for an uncomfortable trip.  As such, the winter season (November – February) is the most pleasant time to visit Andhra Pradesh as temperatures range from 15-25 degrees.

How to get to Andhra Pradesh – a journey to remember

Are you wondering how to reach Andhra Pradesh? Take a quick look at the following information to ensure a seamless travelling experience. 

By Road – Andhra Pradesh has a well-connected network of state and national highways, covering an area of 1000 km. Its bus service is highly efficient, including Pandit Nehru Bus Station, which is one of Asia’s largest bus terminals. You may choose to avail of the bus service or embark on a long road trip via a private vehicle or taxi.

By Rail – Andhra Pradesh’s intricate rail network is divided into 2 zones and subdivided into divisions. Its broad gauge covers an area of 3703.25 km. It is highly connected, both inter and intra state, rendering it a viable option to select.

By Air – Andhra Pradesh’s airports have access to domestic, international, and private flights. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad has direct flights to and from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Cochin, Goa and Ahmedabad. Visakhapatnam Airport and Vijayawada Airport constitute the other international airports in the state.

History: chronicles of the past

Archaeology points towards the rule of the ancient Mauryan dynasty in the Andhra region. However, the death of Emperor Ashoka led to the demise of this civilisation and the settlement of several smaller empires – The Satavahana dynasty, The Salankanayas, Kakatiyas, Musunuri Nayaks, Reddy Dynasty and Vijayanagara Empire. The 19th century saw the establishment of Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema, as the British East India Company came to the frontier. The Nizam rulers relinquished power to the British but retained control over the local economy. It was in 1948 that the princely state of Hyderabad joined the Republic of India, through Operation Polo.

Language Spoken

Telugu

Currency used:

INR (Indian National Rupees)

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