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.
Tourism
With
its pristine beaches, sacred places of worship, lush
green forests, spicy cuisines and hospitable people,
Andhra Pradesh is the tourist destination of the millennium.
The state an intricately woven mosaic of a culturally
rich past with a brilliant future. It uniquely combines
history, beaches and mountains into a great travel destination.
The state of Andhra Pradesh is recognized variously-for
its legendary dynasties; for its most revered temple,
Tirupati; for its beautiful language, Telugu; for its
lacquer toys and beautiful weaves; rich literature and
the vibrant Kuchipudi.
Weather
The climate is generally hot and humid. The summer temperatures
vary from 20C to 40C, while in winter it is between
13C and 32C. The South-West monsoons play a major role
in determining the climate of the state. The North-East
monsoons are responsible for about one-third of the
total rainfall in Andhra Pradesh.
Places
of Tourist Interest
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.
Festivals
& Events
Ashtabhandhana Festival :
Held every 12 years, the festival envisages cleaning of
the interiors of the sanctum sanctorum and the surroundings
of Lord Venkateshwara Temple in Tirupati..
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.
When to Go
The best time to visit Andhra Pradesh
is October to February.
Interesting
Fact
Telugu, the language of the state is often called the
'Italian of the East' because of its melodious pebbly
sound.
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about Andhra Pradesh
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