Major Tourist DestinationsApart from these, there are many more places to be visited in the state. They include,

Visakhapatnam city

Visakhapatnam city has many tourist attractions namely Kailashagiri park near the sea, Visakha Museum, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, the INS Kursura (S20) Submarine museum, the Dolphins Nose, Lighthouse are very famous tourist attractions.

Vijayawada is also a tourist spot that includes Prakasam Barrage, Kondapalli Fort, Krishna River, Bhavani Island and many more parks in the city.

Rajahmundry city, located on the banks of Godavari River is one of the main attractions of the city. The serene palm-fringed canals, lakes, lagoons, rivulets, coconut groves, village of Dindi for its backwaters, soothing houseboat cruise have pristine beauty.

Nature Tourism

Beaches

Visakhapatnam has many beautiful beaches along the Bay of Bengal namely R.K.Beach, Rishikonda Beach, Lawsons Bay Beach etc. There are other beaches too along the long coastline of the state. They are Suryalanka Beach, located 9 km from Bapatla in Guntur District.

Caves

The Borra Caves in the Ananthagiri Hills of the Eastern Ghats, near Vishakapatnam at an altitude of about 800 to 1300 metres are famous for million-year-old stalactite and stalagmite formations. They were discovered by British geologist William King George in 1807. The caves got the name from a formation inside the caves that looks like the human brain, which in Telugu language is known as burra.

Belum Caves

The Belum Caves in Kurnool District have a length of 3,229 metres (10,594 ft), making them the second largest natural caves on the Indian subcontinent. The Belum Caves derive their name from Bilum, the Sanskrit word for caves. The caves have long passages, spacious chambers, freshwater galleries, and siphons. The caves' deepest point is 120 feet (37 m) from the entrance and is known as Patalaganga.

Valleys and Hills

Araku Valley, is a famous hill station in Visakhapatnam district. The Anantagiri and Sunkarimetta Reserved Forest which are part of Araku Valley, are rich in biodiversity. It has beautiful thick forests, coffee plantations, waterfalls. This scenic beauty attracts large number of tourists.

Horsley Hills, a summer hill resort in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. It is situated at an elevation of 1,265 metres and attracts lots of tourists which is the departure point for the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary at a distance of 87 km (54 mi). The Papi Hills located in Khammam district, near Bhadrachalam surrounding the Godavari river is also famous.

Fields and Lakes

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary

Konaseema is another place in East Godavari for nature lovers with scenic greenery of lush paddy fields and Coconut Groves along the banks of river Godavari and its canals.

Kolleru Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in India located in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is a located between Krishna and Godavari delta. The lake was declared as a wildlife sanctuary, and designated a wetland of international importance. The wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 308 km².[2] During the winter season, many birds migrate here to nest at the sanctuary from Siberia and other countries such as Siberian crane, ibis, and painted storks. The sanctuary is situated about 65 km from the city of Vijayawada.

Pulicat Lake is located at the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Pulicat Lake covers an area of 500 sq.km. It is a brackish water lagoon, the second largest in India, and is situated along the coast of Bay of Bengal. The barrier island of Sriharikota separates the lake from the Bay of Bengal. The lake encompasses the Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary attracts many migratory birds and also is a feeding and nesting ground for aquatic and terrestrial birds such as flamigoes, pelicans etc.

Divine destinations

Srikalahasti Temple

The state is home to many pilgrim destinations. It has many temples and shrines, mosques, and churches. The crafted shrines and temples in the state has rich cultural heritage. A number of festivals are organized within the temple premises with thousands of tourists visiting them. Most of the temples were built during the reign of Vijayanagar empire. Some famous temples are

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in the town of Tirumala in Chittoor district is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus throughout India. It is one of the richest pilgrimage temple of any religious faith in the world.[3] It is the abode of Lord Venkateswara.

Mallikarjuna Swamy temple situated at Srisailam in the Nallamala Hills of Kurnool district,[4] is the abode of lord Mallikarjuna Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines in India. Lord Rama himself installed the Sahasralinga, while the Pandavas lodged the Panchapandava lingas in the temple courtyard. The Vijayanagara Empire built number of monuments, including the Srisailam and Lepakshi temples.

Durga Temple in Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Temple of goddess Durga is situated on the Indrakeeladri Hill in the city

of Vijayawada on the banks of Krishna River. A large number of pilgrims attend the colourful celebrations of Tepotsavam and for holy dip in the Krishna river during the festival of Dusshera.[5]

Simhachalam is another popular pilgrimage site of national importance located on a hill 20 kilometres (12 mi) north of the Visakhapatnam city centre. Simhachalam is said to be the abode of the savior-god Narasimha.

The five ancient Hindu temples of Lord Shiva, known as Pancharama Kshetras, are located at - Amararama, Draksharama, Somarama, Ksheerarama and Kumararama. Other religious places include, Srikalahasti temple in Chittoor district, Raghavendra Swami Mutt in Mantralayam of Kurnool district, Lord Venkateswara temple in Dwaraka Tirumala of West Godavari District, Annavaram temple in East Godavari and Arasavalli Surya temple in Srikakulam District etc., are also religious places for divine worships in the state.

Sankaram caves

Islam is also popular religion with number of mosques built during the reigns of Muslim rulers. One of the famous is Shahi jamia masjid in Adoni of Kurnool district. There are many famous churches with historical significance constructed centuries old. One of them is the Gunadala Church at Vijayawada.

The state has numerous Buddhist centres at Amaravati, Nagarjuna Konda, Bhattiprolu, Ghantasala, Nelakondapalli, Dhulikatta, Bavikonda, Thotlakonda, Shalihundam, Pavuralakonda, Bojjannakonda (Sankaram), Phanigiri and Kolanpaka.[6]

The South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh presents one with an wide range of attractive tourist "Destinations" that enthralls and enchants the tourist. Andhra Pradesh is blessed with the bounty of nature that is very appealing to the tourist. The natural and scenic beauty of the place overwhelms the tourist and fills them with an utmost sense of satisfaction.

The capital of Andhra Pradesh, "Hyderabad" is one of the most important tourist destination. The city boasts of the rich architectural legacies of the "Nawabs" who had ruled the city for a considerable period. The splendid monuments, palaces, and forts are architectural marvels of the by gone days.

The "Port City" of "Vishakapatnam" attracts many tourists. Amidst the picturesque landscape of the place, Vishakapatnam is blessed with many attractive tourist spots that captures the imagination of the poet.

An important religious place for the Hindus, the holy land of "Tirupathi" draws several devotees through out the year to seek divine blessings of the Lord Venkateswara.

The scared land of the "Puttaparthy" is one of celebrated place for the Hindus who visit the place in search of solace and eternal happiness. The place of "Puttaparthy" is the birth place of the great religious leader of Sri Satya Sai Baba who is believed to be the re- incarnation of Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi in Maharashtra.

The ancient city of "Warrangal" display the artistic skills and the architectural creation of the rulers of the Kakatiya dynasty. The city has many monuments and structures that bears the imprint of the rich architectural past of South India.

The beautiful town of "Nagarjuna Sagar" is blessed with one of the most longest Dams of Asia which draws many visitors through out the year.

Places to See in Andhra Pradesh

Discerning traveler finds a wide range of tourist attractions in Andhra Pradesh. The history of the region dates back to some 300 B.C. The numerous monuments, located all over the region, bear the legacy of the Mauryas, the Pallavas, the Cholas, the Satavahanas, the Chalukyas and the Vijayanagar - the several dynasties that ruled.

Monuments in Andhra Pradesh

Charminar

Category : History & CultureThe Charminar is the one of the biggest tourist attractions in Andhra Pradesh. The legend says Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of the city built this magnificent square shaped edifice

to ward of ward off the break out of an epidemic at the center of the original city in his time. Four 48.7 metre high minarets built of Granite flanking four grand arches explains the name Char (four) minar. A lotus leaf structure, which was a special recurrent motif in Qutub Shahi buildings, supports the base of each minar.The arches support two floors and gallery of archways. The first floor housed a madarasa (college) during the Qutub Shahi period. The second floor houses a mosque on the western side.

It requires a special permission from the Archaeological Survey of India to go to the top of the minarets, which offers a spectacular view of the city. The monument is open all the days.

Golconda Fort

Category : History & CultureIt is one of the famous forts of India and derives its name from the Telugu words "Golla Konda" meaning "Shepherd's Hill". Golconda was originally a mud fort and the origin dates back to the Kakatiya period. Later in course of history it passed to the Qutb Shahis (1518 to 1687 A.D). First three Qutb Shahi kings rebuilt Golconda, over a span of 62 years. The fort is famous for its acoustics, palaces, factories, ingenious water supply system and the famous Fateh Rahben gun, one of the cannons used in the last siege of Golconda by Aurangzeb, to whom the fort ultimately fell. An evening light and sound show brings alive the history of the Golconda Fort.

Qutb Shahi Tombs

Category : History & CultureThe tombs of the Qutb Shahi kings are the oldest historical monuments in Hyderabad. The uniqueness lies in the fact that this is a graveyard where an entire dynasty has been buried at one place. Located close to the Golconda Fort, the tombs, built of gray Granite with with stucco ornamentation, reflect a unique blending of Persian, Pathan and Hindu architectural styles.

Osmania University, Hyderabad

Category : History & CultureThis is one of the oldest universities in India established in 1918. it derives its name from Mir Osman Ali Khan, the Nizam of Hyderabad. The splendid building, especially the Arts College building, display a perfect example of example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.

Ramoji Film City

Category : History & CultureLocated at the outskirts of Hyderabad, sprawling over nearly 1000 acres, Ramoji Film City is largest, most comprehensive and professionally planned film production centre in the world. It is open everyday from 09:00 AM - 05:30 PM and the visitors can take a conducted tour organized

by the authority.

Museums of Andhra Pradesh

The Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad

Category : History & CultureThis one-man collection of antiques by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan Salar Jung III is the biggest in the world. The museum houses a superb collection of:

Persian carpets, Moghal miniatures, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquer ware sculptures including the Veiled Rebecca and Marguerite and Mephistopheles

Daggers belonging to Queen Noor Jahan and the Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, the sword of Aurangzeb and many other antiques

The Nizam's Museum, Hyderabad

Category : History & CultureThe stately palace of Purani Haveli, which was acquired by the second Nizam in the year 1750, is now converted to a museum. The museum showcases the gifts & mementos presented to the last Nizam on the occasion of Silver Jubilee Celebration in 1937. The fabulous collection includes a 1930 Rolls Royce, Packard & a Mark V Jaguar are among the vintage cars displayed. There is an interesting collection of models made in silver of all the prominent buildings of the city & citations in Urdu about H.E.H Mir Osman Ali Khan, gold burnished wooden throne used for the Silver Jubilee Celebrations, gold Tiffin box inlaid with diamonds, gold model of Jubilee Pavilion and a silver filigree elephant with mahout to name only a few.

The museum is open on all days except Friday from 10.30 am to 05.00 pm.

Caves and Valleys in Andhra Pradesh

Araku Valley and Borra Caves, Vishakhapatnam

Category : NaturePerched at an altitude of 3,100 feet on the Eastern Ghats at a distance of 112 km. from Visakhapatnam, the picturesque Araku Valley is popularly known as the Ooty of Andhra.

A visitor to the valley will be greeted by smooth flowing silvery streams and 46 tunnels & bridges by a train journey.

Traditional folk dances like the Dhimsa and Mayuri are still performed here by the native

Adivasis.

The biggest attraction of Araku valley is the Borra Caves.

Located at 90 km away from Visakhapatnam, these one-million-year-old natural caves sprawl over an area of 2 square kilometers at a height 1400 feet above the sea level. The Gosthani River once upon a time flew over the limestone area. Due to the water pressure on the mineral deposits the limestone dissolved and gradually the caves were formed giving rise to interesting forms like a mushroom, a temple, a mosque, a church and many more.

Belum Caves

Category : NatureA team of European speleologists led by Mr Gebaner in 1982 discovered Belum caves, which are the second largest natural caves in Indian Sub-continent after Meghalaya caves. Lying underground a flat agriculture field, these caves have 3 well-like cavities with the central one being the main entrance to the caves. The central one leads to the main entrance to the caves after a descent of 20 meters at the entrance. The 3229 meters long horizontal caves have long passages, spacious chambers, fresh water galleries and siphons inside, which make it a geological & archeological attraction across the globe.

Religious Centres in Andhra Pradesh

Nagarjuna Konda, Nagarjunasagar

Category : ReligiousIt is located at a distance of about 150 kms to the southeast of Hyderabad. Once upon a time this area was one of India's richest Buddhist sites. Now it lies almost entirely under the Nagarjunasagar Dam. Statues, friezes, coins and jewellery were found during the excavation for the constructions of the dam, which are now housed in a museum on the island and give a fascinating insight into the daily lives of this ancient Buddhist centre. The monasteries and chaityas were reconstructed on top of a hill called Nagarjunakonda (konda is the Telegu word for hill), which rises from the middle of the lake. The area takes its name from the Buddhist monk, Nagarjuna, who lived around the turn of the 2nd century AD and was the exponent of the philosophy of sunyata (void).

Amaravati, Vijaywada

Category : ReligiousAn envouy of Emperor Ashoka, who went to propagate Buddhism in the region, laid the foundation of the Great Stupa at Amaravati the ancient Dhanyakataka. It has a brick-built circular vedica (drum) and platforms projecting in the four cardinal directions.

There is also a small Archaeological Museum on the site containing archaeological findings from the site.

The Statue of Lord Buddha, Hyderabad

Category : ReligiousIn the placid waters of the hussain Sagar Lake, stands the tallest monolithic statue of Lord Buddha (72 feet tall and weighing 450 tons). 200 sculptors took 2 years to chisel it out of a white granite rock. The statue was erected on 12th April 1992 on a pedestal. There is beautifully landscaped Lumbini Park attached to it. A visit to Buddha statue by boat from the park is a memorable experience.

Since ancient times Andhra Pradesh has been a rich site of Buddhism in India. From the ports of Andhra Pradesh Buddhism crossed the Bay of Bengal to spread in Sri Lanka and Burma.

Lord Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati

Category : Religious This temple is probably the richest and most renowned temple in India. Tirumala can be approached only after crossing a range of hills of the Eastern Ghats.

Almost all the kings from great dynasties of the southern peninsula - Pallavas, Pandyas, Cholas, Vijayanagar kings have revered and worshipped the presiding deity The Lord Venkateswara, also referred to as Lord of the Seven Hills.

The temple, which is a magnificent example of Indian temple architecture, was developed mainly by the contributions made by kings during their rule.

Some of the kings have their statues installed within the temple.

There are a number of temples in and around Tirupati. Some of them are: Padmavati Devi Temple, Sri Govindarajaswami Temple, Kodandaramaswami Temple, Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple.

Beaches and waterfalls in Andhra Pradesh

Category : NatureThere are quite a few beaches and spectacular waterfalls among the tourist attractions in Andhra Pradesh.

Beaches: Bapatla Beach (Suryalanka) Ramakrishna Beach Rishikonda Beach Waterfalls: Ethipothala Waterfalls, Kuntala Waterfalls, Pochera Waterfalls,

Rampachodavaram