About Tourism in Andhra Pradesh
Beautiful, Andhra Pradesh is a land bristling with many heritage sites; the forts; citadels, mind boggling array of beautiful cliffs; best stretches of coast; magnificent ruins; pristine water lapping against golden powder and authentic regional cuisines. Located at the foot of Tirumala hills, Tirupati Balaji or the lord Venkatesa temple is the home of one of the richest temples in the country. The state’s 13 districts are spread across two regions – Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema which is an astounding amalgamation of Colour, contrast and experience.
Ancient architecture marvels & grand temples make it a major pilgrimage destination for the tourist!
Andhra Pradesh, with its bautiful temples and ancient shrines, is consiered the top pilgrimage destinations in India. In Andhra Pradesh pilgrimage tour, tourists can visit the sacred ‘Mallikarjuna Temple’ in Srisailam and pay their obeisance to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva, admire the architectural brilliance of the stunning mural-adorned statue of grandeur of the ‘Lepakshi Temple’ in Anantpur, or just dip in the mystical aura of the ‘Kanaka Durga Temple’ at Vijayawada, where Goddess Durga is worshipped in her Mahishasurmardini avatar.
Apart from that, pilgrimage tourism in Andhra Pradesh one should also pave a visit to the holy abode of Lord Shri Venkateswara Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who is believed to have been residing in the hallowed sanctuary of “Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple” since Vedic times. Built in 300 AD by the Tamil King, Thondaimaan, it is one of the world’s richest shrines, which receives a donation of over 350 crore every year from millions and millions of devotees.
Andhra Pradesh, with its glorious past and ruled by the rich and mighty dynasties like Mauryas, Cholas, Chalukyas, and the famous Vijayanagara Empire, is dotted with magnificent structures which reflect its rich history. For that very reason, it is regarded as one of the top tourist destinations to experience heritage tourism in India. Tourism with heritage perspective should begin with a visit to the town of Amaravathi, located in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. It is a treasure house of several structures and monuments dating back to the Satvahana Era. The Amaravati Stupa, Amaravati Mahachaitya and Amaralingeswara Temple are the best heritage places to visit in Andhra Pradesh.
Around 65 kilometres from Amaravati is another important heritage destination, Vijayawada. The second largest city in Andhra Pradesh, it is famous for the Kondapalli Fort, Undavalli & Mogalarajapuram Caves, Hazratbal Mosque and Mangalagiri – Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, among many others.
Heritage tourism in Andhra Pradesh is incomplete without visiting the beautiful village of Lepakshi which is located in Anantapur district, about 600 kilometers from Vijayawada. One of the most important heritage sites in the state, This showcases the legacy of Vijayanagara Empire and is famed for its group of shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Shiva and Veerabhadra. Not only the splendid temple architecture and paintings, it is the hanging pillar supported from the ceiling that surprises the people visiting the location.
Rich & diverse wildlife of Andhra Pradesh!
Andhra Pradesh, in South India, boasts a rich biodiversity, and has a lot to offer in terms of wildlife tour lovers. The best wildlife destinations to visit in Andhra Pradesh are the Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, and the famous of all, Nagarjuna Sagar – Srisailam Sanctuary, i.e., the third largest tiger reserve in India, spread across an area of 3,659 square kilometres along the Nallamala Hill Range of Eastern Ghats. Away from the Eastern Ghats, the deltaic region of Andhra Pradesh hosts an exceptional aura.
The popular Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is the habitat of more than 120 different kinds of birds, which include White-Backed Vulture, Painted Stork, Oriental White Ibis, Purple Heron and Spot-Billed Pelican. This sanctuary finds an honourable mention in the wildlife tourism of Andhra Pradesh because of its 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, which sit as wildlife gems of India .
Captivating sunsets, views ambience and panoramic aura!
Andhra Pradesh, also known for picturesque coastline of 970 square kilometers, make it a best beach destinations in India. While taking a sightseeing tour of the state, tourists usually visit the two popular beaches in Visakhapatnam, Rishikonda Beach and Rama Krishna Beach. Your beach tour in Andhra Pradesh should also include a visit to the Yarada Beach, Gangavaram Beach and Dolphin’s Nose. If you are a nature lover or a photographer, then these beaches, with their captivating sunsets and serene ambience, are exactly the place you should travel.
More Destinations that Andhra Pradesh has in its bouquet in terms of beach tourism are the Bhavani Island in Vijayawada, Manginapudi in Machilipatnam and Mypadu Beach in Nellore. Baruva beach in Srikakulam district, Bheemunipatnam located about 21 kilometers from Visakhapatnam, Manginapudi about 76 kilometers from Vijayawada and Mypadu located about 26 kilometers from Nellore city, are more best beaches to visit in Andhra Pradesh.
Enjoy the “Cave-Full” of adventures in Andhra Pradesh!
Cave tourism in Andhra Pradesh is important and rare site and should be included a visit to Mogalarajapuram Caves in Vijayawada, which are a protected monument of national importance, and famed as significant cave temples of Andhra, it has the idol of Ardhanareeswara which is not found anywhere else in South India. The most famous caves in Andhra Pradesh are Borra Caves, Belum Caves and Mogalarajapuram Caves, which are located in Visakhapatnam, Kurnool and Vijayawada respectively. Amongst these, the Belum Caves are considered the second longest caves in India and a must visit while exploring caves in Andhra Pradesh.
Besides their beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations, these caves also have a mythological significance which makes them rare for the locals and tourist. Other caves which you can check out while visiting the famous caves in Andhra Pradesh are Undavalli Caves in Vijayawada and the Mayavi Caves in Kurnool. Colours, music, customs & traditions: Richness of festivities!
While the majority of festivals in Andhra Pradesh, just like elsewhere, display the local folklore, mythological legends and religious traditions, some are also organized by the Andhra Pradesh government to promote state tourism activities.
The popular fairs & festivals in Andhra Pradesh, which are also must visit festivals for their uprise of celebrations, colours and festivities, the most important ones are Srivari Brahmotsavam - a nine-day 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. Among the other famous religious festivals, one is Ugadi, also known as Gudi Padwa in other states of India.
Top 10 most visited tourist destinations of Andhra Pradesh
• Visakhapatnam : Lakes, beaches, caves, 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 location in India. It’s also popular 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 considered among the most visited tourist places in Andhra Pradesh since it’s the Gateway city to Tirumala and is blessed by nature’s beauty.
• Secunderabad : Places like Golconda Fort, Hussain Sagar Lake and Birla Mandir, apart from en number of rare historical sites make Secunderabad a major tourist attraction.
• Amalapuram : Amalapuram with picturesque landscapes, coconut groves, serenity, lakes, famous five temples called Panchalinga Puram, all of which make it so famous.
• Guntur : Visit the city of Gutur to see the cosmopolitan side of Andhra Pradesh. Exciting sightseeing With parks, museums, resorts & caves.
• Machilipatnam : Machilipatnam is a historic port town which was earlier occupied by the Dutch and French. Its temples and beaches are the major crowd pullers.
Best Time to Visit Andhra Pradesh for holidays
The winter season between October and February is the best time to plan a trip to Andhra Pradesh as the temperature remains cool and pleasant. A tour to Andhra Pradesh can also be planned during the monsoon period as some of the hill stations could be best enjoyed at its natures best gift to motherland. However, the state in summer season remains hot and humid, but tourists who don’t mind the scorching heat of the sun can visit it to Andhra Pradesh.
About the State – Andhra Pradesh
Region - South India
Capital of Andhra Pradesh - Amaravati
Area - 1,60,205 Sq. Kms.
Total Districts - 13
Total Population - 49.68 Million
Tribes in Andhra Pradesh - Bodo Gadaba, Gutob Gadaba, Bondo Poraja, Khond Poroja, Parangiperja, Chenchu, Dongaria Khonds, Kuttiya Kondhs, Kolam, Kondareddis, Konda Savaras, Thoti..etc
Languages Spoken in Andhra Pradesh - Telugu (Ofificial), Urdu, Hindi, English, Banjara, Tamil, Kannada, Marathi, Oriya..etc
State Animal of Andhra Pradesh - Blackbuck
State Flower of Andhra Pradesh - Water lilies
State Bird of Andhra Pradesh - Indian Roller (Coracias Benghalensis)
State Tree of Andhra Pradesh - Neem Tree
Major Tourism Cities in Andhra Pradesh Vishakhapatnam, Vijaywada, Nellore, Tirumala, Orvakallu, Chittor, Araku, Konaseema..etc
Major Tourist Attractions of AP Magnificent temples, churches, mosque, pristine nature, art and crafts, rich culture, monuments, museums, dance, music, fairs and festivals, beaches, food, heritage tour and shopping.
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