Tourism in Andhra Pradesh

Like much of India, the history of Andhra Pradesh goes back millennia, with the earliest mention of an Andhra Kingdom in ancient Sanskrit epics dating to the first century B.C. Andhra Pradesh has an extensive history, and there are hundreds of relics of its varied past, with fantastic monuments built by Hindu, Muslim, and British alike.

The majority language is Telegu, and it is one of the major hubs of the Indian cinema industry. Recently, new development brought by pharmaceutical companies has changed the region, providing an intriguing contrast of new and old.

The state of Andhra Pradesh comprises like scenic hills, forests, beaches and temples. Also known as The City of Nizams and The City of Pearls, Hyderabad is today one of the most developed cities in the country and a modern hub of information technology, ITES, and biotechnology. Hyderabad is known for its rich history, culture and architecture representing its unique character as a meeting point for North and South India, and also its multilingual culture,

Charminar in Hyderabad

The Charminar in Hyderabad was constructed in 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutab Shah. He built the Charminar to mark the end of plague in the Hyderabad city. Since the construction of the Charminar, the Hyderabad city has almost become synonymous with the monument. The Charminar is a massive and impressive structure with four minarets. In the evening, with illumination, the great Charminar looks even greater. With the passage of time the Charminar occupied so much importance that it became the heart of all bustling activities. It is in the bustling bazaars around the Charminar that you find the traditional nahari stalls and kulchas of Hyderabad. Hyderabad is one of those few cities, which have a fine blend of modernity and tradition.

Andhra Pradesh is the home of many religious pilgrim centres:

Tirupati, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, is the richest and most visited religious center (of any faith) in the world. Srisailam, the abode of Sri Mallikarjuna, is one of twelve Jyothirlingalu in India. Amaravathi's Siva temple is one of the Pancharamams, Vemulavada temple, one of the old abodes of Lord Shiva, reputed as Dakshina Kashi – Benaras of South India. Vemulavada temple is built by Chalukya Kings between. Yadagirigutta, the abode of an avatara of Vishnu, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha.

The Ramappa Temple and Thousand Pillar Temple in Warangal are famous tourist spots and depict the finest taste of Kakatiya dynasty for arts & culture and temple carvings. Warangal is also home to Medaram – the Asia's largest tribal fair/festival called "Sammakka Saralamma Jatara".Gnana Saraswati Temple, Basar is one of the only two Saraswati Temples in India.

Famous Buddhist centres in Andhra Pradesh:

Amaravathi – Guntur District.

Nagarjuna Konda – Bhattiprolu.

Mangalagiri – Near to Vijaywada City.

Ghantasala – Krishna District.

Nelakondapalli – Krishna District.

Dhulikatta – Karim Nagar District.

Lingapalem – West Godavari District.

Others are Bavikonda, Thotlakonda, Shalihundam, Pavuralakonda, Sankaram, Phanigiri and Kolanpaka.

Attractions of Andhra Pradesh:

Charminar – Center of the Hyderabad Old City.

Golkonda Fort – Largest and 400 years oldest fort.

Makka Masjid – Masjid in Hyderabad City.

Ramoji Film City – Largest Film City in the world situated in Hyderabad City.

Kilash giri – Mountain View along with beach side situated in Vizag City.

Bhimili Beach – Beautiful Beach near to Vizag City.

Araku Valley – known as Andhra Ooty near to Vizag City.

Borra Caves – caves formed 1 million years ago situated near to Vizag City.

Golkonda a ruined city of south-central India and capital of ancient Kingdom of Golkonda, is situated 11 km west of Hyderabad.

Beaches In Andhra Pradesh:

Bheemunipatnam Known as a Bhimili for short. Bheemunipatnam, the second oldest municipality in the country, lies at the mouth of the Gostani river. The town is just 25km north of Vishakhapatnam and the road runs along the shoreline, providing breathtaking views at many spots. Bheemili beach is considered one of the safest for swimmers and surfers as the water shallow.

Kakinada Uppada Road Beach:

The Beach of Uppada road is located about 5km from Kakinada town and is well connected by bus. The beach and shore water are clean. The slope is gradual and the shore is wide. There is a beach park .

Kalingapatnam Beach:

It is located in Srikakulam District and is being developed as a beach resort by Andhra Pradesh Tourism.

Kottapatnam Beach:

It is located 18km from Ongole town and is one of the beaches close to Onlgole town. The beach is clean and serves as a popular recreation spot for the near by villages.

Krishnapatnam Beach:

It is in Nellore District on the southern tip of AP It has a clean beach.

Manginapudi Beach (Machilipatnam):

Machilipatnam is the Head quarter of Krishna District. Manginapudi Beach is known for its beauty and also as a historic port city. Kalamkari art, it was a major port once and was known as "Bandar". In fact,the British preferred Machilipatnam as their gateway to India.

Motupalle Beach:

Motupalle village is about 12km from Chinaganjam and 45 km from Ongole. The land abutting the beach is lined with kasuarina plantations providing in excellent back-drop to the clean beaches here.

Maipadu Beach:

Located 25 Kms from Nellore Laze on The golden sun-kissed beach as the gentle waves of sea lap at the fine sand. The lunch vegetation all round makes for an enchanting setting. Exciting trips on the local boats in the undulating sea make the experience all the more memorable.

Perupalem Beach:

Perupalem is located very close to Narsapur town in West Godavari District. The drive to Perupalem and state highway is very scenic with beautiful vast spread, green paddy fields separated with lines of coconut trees.

Lawson's Bay:

A beautiful beach that falls on the way to Kailasagiri Hill, Lawson's Bay is an ideal spot for sea bathing and surfing. Lawson's bay present a picturesque and beautiful scenic beauty. The vast stretch of water and the accompanying calm is in sharp contrast to the scurrying activity on the road and the apartments on the other side. On the shores, it is a virtual fair with a colorful crowd of tiny tots, young and old having a fun filled time on the sand bed.

Rushikonda:

Just 8Kms from Vizag, Rushikonda beach is a picture perfect setting with golden sands, surf, sea and hill cottages overlooking the grand vista. For lovers of swimming and water sports like skiing and wind surfing, Rushikonda is an ideal destination. At the end of a grueling session, one can always chillout at the bar cum restaurant attached to the cottage.

Suryalanka Beach:

Located 7km from Bapatla is the beautiful sun-kissed beach of Suryalanka stretching endlessly. The beach attracts a large number of visitors on weekends and holidays and on some auspicious days for a dip in the sea. The beach is relatively flat with a gradual slope and wide shore.

Vodarevu Beach:

Vodarevu is sea-side village in Chirala taluk of Prakasam District and located 6km from Chirala. This village was a minor port with fairly substantial volume of trade with Madras, Colombo, Jafna, Cochin and Nagapatnam.

Tourism by State