Andhra Pradesh - 1st Linguistic State

 

ATTRACTIONS OF ANDHRA PRADESH

Andhra Pradesh is a state in India. Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) is a state government agency that promotes tourism in Andhra Pradesh, describing the state as the Koh-i-Noor of India. Andhra Pradesh has a variety of tourist attractions including beaches, hills, caves, wildlife, forests, and temples.

The State of Andhra Pradesh is well promoted by its tourism department and is well known for its rich natural resources, temples, and rivers. The rich cultural heritage, ancient architecture, and historical importance have made Andhra Pradesh one of the top tourist destinations in India.

Andhra Pradesh, state of India, is located in the southeastern part of the subcontinent. It is bounded by the Indian states of Tamil Nadu to the south, Karnataka to the southwest and west, Telangana to the northwest and north, and Odisha to the northeast. The eastern boundary is a 600-mile (970-km) coastline along the Bay of Bengal. Telangana was a region within Andhra Pradesh for almost six decades, but in 2014 it was carved off to form a separate state. The capital of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is Hyderabad, in west-central Telangana.

1. Tirupati

Situated in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati is known for Lord Venkateshwara Temple, one of the most visited pilgrimage centers in the country. Tirumala is one of the seven hills in Tirupati, where the main temple is located. The temple is believed to be placed where Lord Venkateshwara took the form of an idol and is hence home to the diety Govinda. Tirupati is one of the oldest cities of India and finds mention in plenty of ancient Vedas and Puranas.

The non-stop chanting of ‘Om Namo Venkatesaya’, the mad pilgrim rush, and the 8-feet tall idol of Lord Venkateshwara – everything about the Sri Venkateshwara Temple is majestic. Spread over an area of 26 kilometers and visited by nearly 50,000 pilgrims every day, the temple is also commonly referred to as the Temple of Seven Hills.

There are other temples in Tirupati too that you can visit, including the Sri Kalahasti temple, Sri Govindarajaswami Temple, the Kondandarama Temple, the Parashurameshwara Temple, and the ISKCON temple. Tirupati is home to a unique geological wonder that you shouldn’t miss out on! The Silathoranam is a natural arch formed out of rocks and is located in the Tirumala Hills.

2. Vizag

A dream holiday destination for the entire family, Visakhapatnam is more than just an Industrial city. Situated on the east coast of Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam is named after Visakha, the Hindu God of valor, and is more popularly known as Vizag.

Apart from being known for the numerous industries, having the country’s oldest shipyards, and being the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy; Vizag is also known as a major tourist destination with hordes of tourists thronging this beautiful city of Andhra Pradesh every year.

With sprawling attractive beaches, ancient temples, beautiful caves and splendid valleys, this city of Destiny has something to offer for everyone.

Once ruled by Ashoka, Andhra Kings of Vengi, Chalukyas, and Pallavas; this city offers the best of both the worlds - ancient as well as modern. With its rich culture and old heritage, Vizag is one of the most sought out destinations for nature lovers, environmental enthusiasts, animal lovers, and pilgrims.

Being well connected by rail, road, air, and sea; this second largest city of Andhra Pradesh is easily reachable through major cities of India. The city of Vizag offers umpteen numbers of options for the tourists with Rama Krishna Beach, Rushikonda beach, Gangavaram beach, Yarada beach, Bheemili Beach, Borra Caves, Kailasagiri, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Simhachalam Temple, Submarine museum, Erra Matti dibbalu, and Araku valley being some of the most popular sightseeing places here.

Located about 5km from the heart of the city, Rama Krishna beach alias RK beach is a favorite picnic spot for tourists. It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy yourself with your loved ones while enjoying the view of the sea. The added attractions around this beach are a submarine museum, Visakha museum, aquarium, kali temple, and a number of eateries and parks around.

3. Araku Valley

At an elevation of about 3200 ft, Araku is famous for its coffee plantations surrounded by beautiful gardens, streams, waterfalls, and valleys that are covered with lush green forests. Situated in the Eastern Ghats, the hill station is about 112 km southeast of Vishakhapatnam.

Araku is located in the Eastern Ghats about 114 kilometers (71 mi) from Visakhapatnam, close to the Odisha state border. The Anantagiri and Sunkarimetta Reserved Forest, which are part of Araku Valley, are rich in biodiversity and are mined for bauxite. Galikonda hill rising to a height of 5,000 feet (1,500 m) is amongst the highest peaks in Andhra Pradesh. The average rainfall is 1,700 millimeters (67 in), the bulk of which is received during June–October. The altitude is about 1300 m above sea level. The valley spreads around 36 km.

The best time to visit Araku Valley is September, October, November, December, January, and February. Since this is the peak season expect a little crowd during this time. March, April, and May periods experience moderate weather.

4. Amaravathi

Amaravathi is a city on the banks of the Krishna River, in the Guntur district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is the headquarters of Amaravathi Mandal and forms part of the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region with its headquarters at new Amaravati 35 km (22 mi) east, whose name is also borrowed from that of the older Amaravathi.

Amaravathi was founded by Raja Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu in the 1790s as the new capital of his zamindari estate. He moved there from his former capital Chintapalli in protest of alleged mistreatment by the British East India Company. Amaravathi is named after the ancient Amaravati Stupa, which was unearthed in the process of the town's construction. It is adjacent to the ancient Satavahana capital Dhanyakataka (now called Dharanikota).

Amaralingeswara temple in the village is one of the Panchakarma Kshetras for Hindus. The place was also a historic Buddhist site, as shown by the presence of Amaravati Stupa built during the 2nd century BCE and the 3rd century CE, as well as the Dhyana Buddha statue, a large 21st-century Buddha statue in Dhyana posture. It is one of the sites selected for the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) scheme of the Government of India, to preserve the rich cultural heritage of India.

5. Anantagiri Hills

Set amid the Eastern Ghats, Ananthagiri Hills is a beautiful retreat 90km away from Hyderabad city. One of the earliest human habitat areas, Ananthagiri is a hill town of ancient caves, temples, medieval fort palaces that showcases the history of the area.

The place offers some of the best trekking trails and thus serves as a trekker's paradise. Breathtakingly gorgeous and absolutely scintillating, the town oozes out charm mixed with the whiff of coffee aroma and beauty of exotic flora. With romanticism in every aspect of the region, it is a perfect place for honeymooners as well as family vacationers.

The hills are the main water source for Osmansagar and Himayathsagar. It is considered one of the dense forests in the Telangana region. Ananthagiri has a famous temple located in this forested region, which is also the birthplace of the Musi River.

This season is not ideal to travel to Ananthagiri Hills and should be avoided. During this time of the year, the waterfalls and other water bodies are not bubbling with water. ... But, if you plan to stay in and enjoy the beauty of nature, you can travel here at this time.

6. Gandikota

Gandikota is a village and historical fort on the right bank of the Penna river, 15 km from Jammalamadugu in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The fort was the center of power for various dynasties, such as the Kalyani Chalukyas, Pemmasani Nayakas, and the Golconda Sultanate. Gandikota was the capital of Pemmasani Nayakas for more than 300 years. Pemmasani Ramalinga Nayudu constructed the huge fort at Gandikota with 101 towers replacing the previous sand fort constructed by Kaka Raja, Vassals of Kalyani Chalukya rulers. Various additions to Islamic architecture were made during subsequent Muslim rule.

The fort of Gandikota acquired its name due to the 'gorge', formed between the Erramala range of hills, also known as Gandikota hills, and the river Pennar that flows at its foot, reducing its width to a mere 300 ft.

Endearingly known as the ‘Grand Canyon of India’, Gandikota is a twee village in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. Flanked by River Pennar on the right side, the village is popular for the spectacular gorges formed by the river cutting through Erramala Hills. The narrow valleys with streams running between them and the steep rocky walls to give them company reminds one of the renowned Grand Canyon in Arizona. It requires a walk of almost a kilometer from the main gate to reach the boulder from where you can observe the mesmerizing view from the viewpoint near the fort.

Located 1.5 hours away from Belum Caves, the highlight of the village of Gandikota is the ruins of Gandikota Fort which was built in the 13th Century. The sturdy fort is flanked by the Pennar gorges on both sides and is protected by a majestic 5-mile wall. Built-in red sandstone, the fort boasts beautiful, intricate carvings in the interior. It also offers sweeping views of the hills and valleys below. In addition to a granary, jail, and ruins of some temples, there are several structures within the fort that you can visit.

7. Anantapur

A city pacing towards modernity and development, while continuing to guard its age-old traditions and the rich heritage of its momentous history, Anantapur forms a perfect meeting point of the past and the present. This ancient city has witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties, from the mighty Vijayanagar Empire to the Nawabs, Nizams, and the British. Each of them has left their marks on the city, gifting it with a vibrant cultural legacy. Located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, it is today, emerging as a technological hub characterized by rapid development. This brilliant convergence of the ancient and the modern gives the city a charm that makes it irresistible to any traveler.

The top sightseeing places in Anantapur are Ahobilam Temple, ISKCON Temple, Anantapur, Veera Bhadra Temple, Anantapur Clock Tower, Bugga Ramalingeswara Swami Temple, Penukonda Fort.
It was built to commemorate India's independence. With a number of temples spread across the city, Anantapur is a place of religious importance. Popularly known as the ISKCON temple, the Radha Parthasarathi Temple is renowned for its grand structure resembling a horse-drawn chariot.

8. Papikodalu

Papikonda National Park is located near Rajamahendravaram in the Papi Hills in East Godavari and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh and covers an area of 1,012.86 km² (391.07 sq mi). It is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area and home to some endangered species of flora and fauna.

The entrance of Papi kondalu can be seen from Koruturu (West Godavari District). The original name for this hill range was ‘Papidi Kondalu’. Papidi is a rough translation for partition in Telugu. Since this range looks like a well designed partition that splits river Godavari, this name was coined. There is also another idea that the range looks like a partition of a typical Indian Woman’s hairline. In due course, it settled for ‘Papi Kondalu’.Papikondalu Andhra Pradesh – “Papi kondalu” or the “Papi Hills” are a series of the mountain range that is located in Rajahmundry in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. Papikondalu Mountain range runs along River Godavari, one of the largest and vivacious rivers in India. The mighty river narrowing and passing with twists and turns along the Papi Hills is every visitor's delight.

Papikondalu mountain range spreads over a vast area, covering about three districts of East Godavari, West Godavari, and Khammam Districts. To get the real essence of Papikondalu, one has to go for the boat journey either from Rajahmundry, Bhadachalamr. There are small motorboats with a capacity of five including the rider or River Streamers carrying about fifty to sixty people. The journey takes about 8 hours and the adventure begins the moment you step onto the boat.