Andhra Pradesh Travel Guide and Information, Andhra Pradesh Tourism, Places of Tourist Interest/Attraction, Tourism Information Guide, Tourist Destinations in Andhra Pradesh

Known as the "Rice Granary of India", Andhra Pradesh is the favourable tourist state endowed with a variety of physiographic features ranging from high hills, undulating plains to a coastal deltaic environment. The State has the longest coastline (972 km) among all the States in India. Located in South India, Andhra Pradesh is bounded by Tamil Nadu in the south, Maharashtra in the North and North-West, Madhya Pradesh in the North-East, Karnataka in the West, and by the Bay of Bengal in the East.

The interesting places in Andhra Pradesh includes Hills & Valleys, Leisure Spots, Monuments and Wild Life.

Hyderabad : Hyderabad is a vibrant city of minarets and modern high rise buildings. In the midst of old city stands the 400-year-old Charminar, while modern shopping complexes and malls add to the charm of this city. Also, Cyberabad (means Cyber City), is a new area created to keep pace with the zooming Information Technology & Tourism sector. Pearls, bangles, silks, computer software, handicrafts and above all a delectable cuisine add to the splendour of this great city.

Tirupati : The abode of the 'Kaliyuga' deity Lord Venkateswara popularly known as Balaji, Tirupati has for centuries remained a destination divine and this feeling grows on one as one goes round the various temples and spots of natural beauty surrounding this major town of Andhra Pradesh.

Nagarjunasagar : Nagarjunasagar, a massive irrigation project on the River Krishna, about 150 kms from Hyderabad, has a rich and interesting past. It was a valley in the Nallamalai range of the Eastern Ghats with civilizations dating back to thousands of years. Recorded history, however, assigns the first signs to the later Satavahanas and subsequently the Ikshvakus in the third century. Nagarjunasagar is an engineering marvel, largest masonry dam and one of the largest man-made reservoirs.

Vijayawada : Once known as the political as well as publishing capital of Andhra Pradesh, Vijayawada is a vital rail and road link between the North and the South and is now known as 'the city that never sleeps. Important sites to visit are Kanaka Durga Temple, Gunadala (St. Mary's Church), Prakasam Barrage, Rajiv Gandhi Park, Gandhi Hill, Victoria Museum, Mogalarajapuram Caves, Bhavani Island, Hazrat Bal Mosque, Undavalli Caves, Mangalagiri, Hinkar Thirtha, Kondapalli Fort, Manginapudi Beach, Kuchipudi, Amaravati, Kolleru Lake and Buddhist sites.

Visakhapatnam : Visakhapatnam, land of the Golden Beaches was just a small fishing village, over half a century ago. Its natural to be surprised over the manner in which this port city with a harbour developed into one of the fastest growing cities in Asia. Vast stretches of beaches right next to the city on one side and green hills on the other side has made Vizag, as it is endearingly called, a tourist haven. A number of beaches and a long stretch of road along the seashore up to Bheemunipatnam town, the second oldest municipality in the country, are pleasure to experience. No trip to Vizag is complete without a sojourn at Araku, 110 kilometers away; a lovely valley nestled amidst the high Eastern Ghats. No doubt, Visakhapatnam is an ideal destination as it caters to the religious minded, the fun-lovers and adventure-seekers alike.

Kurnool : The temple of Ahobilam, the Jyotirlinga at Srisailam, the large caves of Belum, all stand testimony to the rich heritage of Kurnool district. The main attraction of Kurnool are Srisailam, Nagarjunasagar Srisaialam Tiger Reserve, Mantralayam, Mahanandi, Belum Caves, Rollapdu Sanctuary, Ahobilam, Yaganti, Alampur, Gadwal and Konda Reddy Buruju.

Warangal : The city was once the heartland of Telugu culture. The capital of the Kakatiya rulers, Warangal today contains some of the best forms of architecture, especially temples. The 1000-pillar temple and the Ramappa temple in the district are glowing examples of the exquisite architecture patronized by the Kakatiyas. The district is also known for its picturesque lakes, hand-woven thick cotton fibre carpets, scroll painting done on cloth in earth colours mainly at Cheriyal nearby, and sheet-metal artistry at Pembarti.

Batkamma Festival : Celebrated by ladies, this festival is worshipped to appease Goddess Batkamma (Parvati). A floral mountain is created by arranging flowers on a square wooden plank or a square bamboo frame.

Bonalu Festival : Celebrated annually, Ashada Jatara festival marks the decoration of small pots (Ghatams). These pots are then filled with flowers and installed in different temples across Hyderabad and other places in the state. Ashada Jatara festival held in the honour of Sri Ujjaini Mahakali.

Krishna Pushkaram : Thousands of devotees bathe in the Krishna waters in this special festival which is held every 12 years.

Mother Mary Festival : Mother Mary, the lady of health is honoured every year on September 8 at the 40-year old octagonal church at Khairtabad, Hyderabad.

International Pearl and Bangle Festival : International Pearl and Bangle Festival, held in November every year for three days. is an impressive exhibition of pearls – the sight of so many pearls is absolutely dazzling. A fashion show with the models showing off exquisite jewellery is next on the cards. The festival also showcases the best of the cultural fare from the region – traditional dance, drama and theatre. The Mehandi show provides an opportunity to get traditional henna patterns to be done on the hand while the Food Festival is any gourmet’s dream. The Bangle Festival is held around the Charminar, Hyderabad’s landmark and is any woman’s dream of a shopping experience.