Tourist places in 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. We shall discuss in brief the top 15
places to visit in the State of Andhra Pradesh.

1. Visakhapatnam

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.Given below are the major tourist attractions of Visakhapatnam:

 Borra Caves
 Araku Valley
 Yarada Beach
 Rishikonda Beach
 Katiki Waterfalls
 Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
 Kailasagiri Hill Park
 VUDA Park

2. Tirupati

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 temples 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. Here are some of the
major tourist attractions of Tirupati:

 Sri Venkateswara Temple

 Talakona Waterfalls
 TTD Gardens
 Deer Park
 Sri Vari Museum
 Sri Govindarajaswami Temple
 Srikalahasti
 Kanipakam

3. Vijayawada

Vijayawada, being the third largest city of Andhra Prades 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 lays 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. Some
popular tourist places in Vijayawada are:

 Undavalli Caves
  Mogalarajapuram Caves
 Prakasam Barrage
 Bhavani Island
 Victoria Museum
 Kondapalli Fort
 Kolleru Lake
 Gandhi Hill

4. Nellore

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. Here are
some important tourist destinations in Nellore:

 Udayagiri Fort
 Venkatagiri Fort
  Nellapattu Bird Sanctuary
 Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
 Penchalakona
 Jonnawada
 Mypad Beach
 Pulicat Lake

5. Chittoor

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. Some major tourist places in Chittoor are given below:

 Horsley Hills
  Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary
 Kalavagunta
 Gurramkonda Fort
 Nagari Hills
 Sri Venkateswara Temple
 Mogili
 Ramagiri

6. Anantapur

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. Given below are major places to visit in Anantpur:

 Penukonda
 Ravadurg Gooty Fort
 Thimmamma Marrimanu
 Dharmavaram
 Hemavathi
 Aluru Kona
  Lepakshi
 Raidurga Fort

7. Kurnool

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. Some major attractions of
Kurnool are given below:

 Kurnool Fort
 Belum Caves
 Nallamala Forest
 Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary
 Adoni Fort
 Mahanandi
  Kurnool Museum
 Mantralayam

8. Kadapa

Kadapa literally means a “Gateway”. This name owes to its special location which acts
as a gateway to the pilgrim spot of the Tirumala Hills. The town was a part of the
various ancient kingdoms of the South and it’s famous for its various temples and
forts that exemplify a marvelous Dravidian style architecture and prowess of the
artisans when it comes to stone carving. The Bellum Caves are few of the longest caves
in the Indian subcontinent and a spot that one shouldn’t miss. The town got its
economic boom when the large deposits of natural Uranium were discovered here and
is one of the world’s top 20 reserves of the nuclear fuel. The Shree venkateshwara
wildlife sanctuary located here is also a great spot worth visiting and is rich with flora,
fauna and some breathtaking views. Major tourist places in Kadapa include:

 Belum Caves
 Gandikota Fort
 Sidhout Fort
 Bhagvan Mahavir Government Museum
 Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary
 Pushpagiri
  Ontimitta
 Ameen Peer Dargah

9. Srikalahasti

Located on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River, Srikalahasti is located near the
pilgrim city of Tirupati. The name of the town comes from the native names of three
animals (spider, snake and elephant) which are said to have received salvation owing
to their worship of Lord Shiva. Many different spots of this sacred town have been
mentioned in the ancient texts and epics like Mahabharata. The town being a holy spot
for the Hindu pilgrims boasts of its various temples which are architectural marvels
and are located in few of the most picturesque locations between the surrounding
hillocks. The town’s major sources of economy are agriculture and tourism so the
visitors can expect good food and hospitality. Here are some major tourist places to
visit in Srikalahasti:

 Sri Kalahasti Temple

 Talakona Waterfalls
 Veyilingala Kona Waterfalls
 Ubbalamadugu Falls
 Gudimallam
 Sahasra Linga Temple
  Bharadwaja Tirtham
 Durgambika Temple

10. Ongole

Ongole is an ancient town that came under the reign of the ancient southern Indian
kingdoms like Mauryas and Sathavahanas and the Pallava Ruler Krishna Deva Raya.
Due to this ancient history behind the town’s origin, it is famous for its Hindu temples
which date back to the 17th century. The town’s major produce is tobacco and is
famous for its various small scale industries. Ongole is famous for its small beaches
which are often devoid of huge crowds and has various water sport facilities. The
sands are grainy and golden and the waters are clean. The hidden waterfalls of
Bhairavakona are also not to be missed and you’re sure to get lost in the breathtaking
and relaxing surroundings. Here are the major tourist attractions of Ongole:

 Kothapatnam Beach
 Vodarevu Beach
 Chennakesava Swamy Temple
 Kashi Visweswara Swamy Temple
 Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir
 Tangutur
 Chandavaram
  Bhairavakona

11. Puttaparthi

The significance of Puttaparthi rose to fame due to it being one of the major religious
centers of ‘Satya Sai Baba’. The various temples and sociocultural centers in the town
attracted a majority of the tourist population and pilgrims. The town houses a no. of
religious sites and temples popularized by Satya Sai. The Chitravathi River is also
referred as being the new Ganges and was used a cleansing spot for the pilgrims who
visit here. One of the most distinctive places to visit here would be the Chaitanya Jyoti
Museum which is a modern architectural marvel. The museum combines a mix of
Chinese, Thai, Japanese and Gothic style architecture into a single monument. The
Satya Sai Space Theater and planetarium is also worth visiting. Here are some major
places to visit in Puttaparthi:

 Sai Kulwant Hall

 Chaitanya Jyoti Museum
 Sri Sathya Sai Space Theatre
 Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium
 Gopuram
 Anjaneya Hanuman Swamy Temple
 Village Mosque
 Chitravathi River
12. Rajahmundry

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 birth place 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. Some of the most popular places in Rajahmundry is given
below:

 Papi Hills
 Kadiyapulanka
 Godavari Boat Travels
 Kotilingeswara TempleRallabandi Subbarao Government Museum
 Pattiseema
 Markandeya Temple
 Dowleswaram Barrage

13. Secunderabad
The town is famous for bearing the nickname ‘The twin city of Hyderabad’.
Secunderabad was founded in 1806 AD as a British cantonment; the city differs in
major ways from the city of Hyderabad. The town developed under the direct rule of
the British as opposed to the Nizam ruled princely state of Hyderabad. Secunderabad
is also one of the largest cantonment areas of India. The town is distinct from the other
places in Andhra Pradesh due to the majority of its population being Anglo-Indian
and Parsis. The town’s various forts and the famous hussain sagar lake are a must
visit. Here are the main places to visit in Secunderabad:

 Golconda Fort
 Hussain Sagar Lake
 Konaseema
 Birla Mandir
 Trimulgherry Fort
 Birla Planetarium
 Saidanimba Tomb
 All Saints’ Church

14. Amalapuram
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. Major tourist attractions in Amalapuram include:

 Appanapalli Temple
 Ainavilli Siddhi Vinayaka Temple
 Sree Veereswara Swamy Temple, Muramulla

15. Srikakulam
The town of Srikakulam is located at the banks of the Krishna River and is placed on
the northeast corner of Andhra Pradesh. This town came under the kalinga region of
ancient India and is known for its various ancient temples. The town has one of the
longest coastlines in the state of Andhra Pradesh and its various beaches are also
worth visiting. Srikakulam is also a major producer of Khadi products. The various
historic temples, monuments and beaches are deserving of a definitive visit.

Being a part of the ancient kingdoms of the southern India, Andhra Pradesh is one of
the major sources of Dravidian culture and history. With numerous tourist places in
Andhra Pradesh, vast natural resources, varied climatic conditions and numerous
ancient temples is a great location which will definitely make you look into the history
books.

Tourist places in Telangana

The State of Telangana is to be a newly christened state of India on the 2nd of June
2014. The region was a part of the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh. It contains 10
districts, many of which are important towns of Andhra Pradesh including its very
own capital, Hyderabad. The Main Language spoken is Telugu, and the word
Telangana itself was meant to distinguish Telugu speaking region from the
Marathawada region. The state is rich with historic and cultural heritage and the
climate is hot n dry. The place has a majority of historic monuments and temples
which were once a part of the State of Andhra Pradesh.
One of the oldest dynasties in India the Sathavahanas were the dominant power here.
The rule was followed by the reign of prominent royal dynasties like the Vakataka,
Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas but the golden age of the Telangana region came under the
reign of the Kakatiya dynasty which is attributed for most of the ancient architecture
in this State. In the 14th century the city of Hyderabad came under the Delhi sultanate
and the Nizams of Hyderabad which led to it becoming a princely State. In this article
we shall discuss in brief the different cities of the upcoming State of Telangana.

1. Hyderabad

Hyderabad, the capital and the largest city of the State of Telangana and also the
capital of the State of Andhra Pradesh till the next capital is determined. The place is
rich with historic and urban structures. The city is also a home to the ‘Telugu Film
Industry ‘or ‘Tollywood’, which is the second largest producer of motion pictures in
India. Monuments like Charminar, marketplaces, cuisines, the town of Hyderabad is a
must visit.

2. Warangal
The district lies not very far from the Capital city of Hyderabad and is one of the
largest cities in Telangana. Warangal enshrines a huge number of ancient temples and
monuments. The Pakhal lake is a must visit. The thousand pillar temple here is a
historic marvel to behold and will ensure you note it down in your bucket lists for this
city.
3. Nizamabad

Located by the River Godavari, Nizamabad is also a major city in the State of
Telangana. The town is famous for its various temples and historical monuments. The
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is located next to the Pocharam Lake in Nizamabad and
contains a rich flora and fauna. The Nizamabad fort is also a great place to visit.
4. Karimnagar

Karimnagar is located by a tributary of the Godavari River and is located at an

approximate distance of 165 kilometers. The city is famous for its various historical
forts owing to it being under the Nizam’s reign. The Elgandal fort is a great place to
visit due to its great location. The town is also famous for its various pilgrimage spots
with some really amazing temples. The city is the 4th most populated city in the State
of Telangana.

5. Khammam

The city’s name ‘Khammam’ owes to the local derivation of the name of hill located in
this area. The Godavari River covers an area of 250 kilometers in this area from the
Warangal district. This is also rich in coal minerals and called the ‘Coal Town of South
India’. The town is famous for its lakes, forts, temples and hot springs. The
Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to visit which houses animals like
tigers, pythons, jackals etc.
6. Adilabad

Adilabad is the second largest city in Telangana and is known for its handicrafts. The
area is distinguished from the Karimnagar and Nizamabad districts by the River
Godavari. The Kawal wildlife sanctuary is a home to wildlife species like the tiger,
panther, crocodiles etc. The town is also known for its various waterfalls and parks. A
great place to visit would be the Basar Saraswati Temple which is situated at the
banks of the Godavari River.

7. Mahbubnagar

Located at a distance of around 100 kilometers from the capital Hyderabad,

Mahbubnagar was the core of the Sathavahanas and the Chalukya Dynasties’ reign
and was also a part of the Princely state of Hyderabad. The town is famous for various
palaces and ancient temples. A major tourist attraction is the ‘Peerlamarri’ which is a
800 years old banyan tree and its underlings are spread across 3 acres of land.

8. Medak

Medak is famous for its rock paintings that date back to the Neolithic era. The
Narsapur Forest is a great place to visit especially for the wildlife enthusiasts. The
Devnoor Village is a beautiful village which is located by the Manjira River and is a
great place to visit. The Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary is also a great place to visit and is a
home to a variety of migratory birds and crocodiles. The Medak cathedral is a
monolithic church of the Methodist Christian sect and the second largest Diocese in
the world. The gothic styled architecture is a marvel to behold.

9. Nalgonda
The city of Nalgonda is located between two hills and is known for its various hill
forts. The rivers Krishna, Musi River, Aleru, Peddavagu, Dindi and Paleru flow
through the city and enrich it with various natural resources. The World’s largest
masonry dam, Nagarjuna Sagar is located in this city and is a major source of
irrigation in the region. The town is also famous for its old temples and monuments.
10. Rangareddy

Rangareddy was form in 1978 when it split from the Hyderabad district. The town is
basically a rural district and is famous for its temples. Ananta Padmanabhaswamy
Temple is a major tourist attraction here. The Osman Sagar Lake is also a great place
to visit. The town however has fewer attractions than the rest of the cities in Telangana
and due it being close to Hyderabad can be covered in a day.

Even though Telangana is a newly christened state, we might see many more
additions to the huge list of tourist places to visit in the future. The cultural heritage
and the historic significance of Telangana has certainly made it a must visit place in
India.
Beach Resorts in Chirala
1. Seabreeze resort

http://seabreeze-beachresorts.com/

2. Palm Coast Beach Resorts

3. Buddha Beach Resorts

4. Gagana Beach Resorts

Hotels in Vijayawada
Hotel Chaya

Hotel Chaya is a budget class hotel in Vijayawada near Railway Station and
Bus Stand. It has 18 rooms.

Alankar Inn

Alankar Inn, Vijayawada is a wonderful hotel that caters upright business

hospitality. Featuring an outstanding contemporary architecture with classy
interiors offers an ideal stay to their guests. The hotel brings 3 star

AVS Hotel Governerpet

The hotel has 60 Double - Bed Rooms including 14 suits. There are special
rooms for families with larger numbers. All the rooms are aesthetically
decorated having good 3 star

Fortune Murali Park M G Road

Fortune Murali Park offers the best of services to the business travelers in the
beautiful city of Vijaywada. The close proximity to the airport and railway
station makes it a comfortable hotel

Haailand Resorts & Theme Park, Chinnakakani

Haailand Resorts and Theme Park, Vijayawada is a phenomenal retreat with
eye-catching infrastructure. Elegantly designed rooms with contemporary
amenities keep visitors comfortable all through their stay.

Hotel Continental Park, Governerpet

Guests can experience the warm hospitality, convenient setting and a
welcoming atmosphere throughout their stay.

Hotel Executive Inn, M G Road

Mandatory Photo Ids required for Married Couples and if found invalid then
the booking will be cancelled and entire amount will be charged Hotel
Executive Inn, Vijayawada, is synonymous with heart-warming
Hotels in Guntur
Grand Nagarjuna Hotel, Brodipet
Grand Nagarjuna Hotel is a mark of architecture's innovation, blended with
the novel vision of the promoters. Situated in the heart of Guntur, which is
0.5 K.M. drive away from centre

Hotel Geetha Regency, Arundelpet

Hotel Geetha Regency, located in the commercial area of Guntur, offers a
panorama of contemporary amenities coupled with restful accommodation
and delightful cuisine.

Hotel New Central Inn, Brodipet

Situated at a prime area, Hotel New Central Inn is a comfortable and
luxurious accommodation in Guntur. The property is located at a walking
distance from Guntur railway station.

Hotel Sindoori, Brodipet

Hotel Sindoori, Guntur, welcomes you to experience the best in class
hospitality and mouth watering dishes prepared with utmost case. The hotel is
located at a distance of 1km from centre