Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is situated on the Deccan (south) plateau and it is one of the oldest geological formations in India. The state was established on 1 November 1956 and is the 5th most populous state in the country. The state is divided in to three regions. Northern part of the state is known as Telengana, southern part is Rayalaseema and the third region is Coastal Andhra.

This place is well known for the museums. Salar Jung museum and Victoria Jubilee Museum in Hyderabad is famous for its collection of various paintings, sculptors and religious artifacts, paintings, idols, weapons, cutlery and inscriptions. Here both men and woman perform classical dance. Kuchipudi is the traditional dance form of Andhra Pradesh. The state has many famous pilgrimage destinations. It is home to Hindu saints of all castes. Food from the state is another speciality that it is rekniwned for. The Andhra pickle, sharp and extremely hot, is a favorite all over the country. Papads, roasted or fried, are another popular condiment.

South-West monsoon plays an important role to determine the climate of the state. The winter season in Andhra Pradesh is pleasant and tourists are mostly attracted to the place during winter season. Cotton dresses are most suitable for the climate and October to February is the best time to visit this place.

Quick Facts:

Language: Urdu, Telugu

Climate: Hot and Timid

Transport: Road, Rail, Air

Capital: Hyderabad

Top Destinations of Andhra Pradesh:

Tirupati:

Tirupati is in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. It is most famous for Sri Venkateswara Temple dedicated to Vishnu, also known as Balaji in North Indian and Govinda in South Indian. The temple is located on top of Tirumala hills. Lord Venkiteshwara is known as the lord of these seven Hills. The temple has acquired its special sanctity in Hindu religion. The benefit of pilgrimage to this holy place is even mentioned in Vedas and Puranas.

Nallamala:

The rocks of the Nallamala ranges belong to the Kadapa system which is a series some 20,000 ft. thick. The climate ranges warm to hot throughout the year. It merges with flat Palnadu basin in the northern boundaries and in the south it merges with the Tirupati hills. Srishailam is one of the most famous pilgrimage spots near Nallamala.

Visakhapatnam:

Vishakhapatanam is considered as the best tourist spot in Andra Pradesh. The different tourist spots in this district show the cultural diversity of India. Anyone visiting Andra Pradesh must visit Araku Valley and Kailasagiri. Borra caves show the natural colors of cave formation.

The Indira Gandhi zoological park, located at the outskirts of the city, is a must visit. The Zoo Park is a 30-minute drive from the city centre. Bheemunipatnam is a beach town with good beach resorts - an ideal place spends long-weekends. The Simhachalam Temple - the temple of Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami, built by King Krishnadevaraya one of its kind in India. The most famous landmark at Visakhapatnam is the Dolphin's Nose, a rocky promontory in the port, 358 m high. Located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, Visakhapatnam has a typical coastal climate. Best time to visit is October to February.

Belum caves:

This is the largest cave in Indian sub continent. The cave is well known for its stalactite and stalagmite formations. The history says Buddhist monks and Jains were occupied the caves centuries ago. There are eight sections in Belum cave. Each section has got its historical importance. APTDC runs Punnami Hotel in vicinity of Belum Caves. The only accommodation type offered is a 32 beds dormitory. The charges for dormitory accommodation are Rs.40.00 per person.

Rishikonda Beach:

The beach situated 8km away from Vishakapatanam, Rishikonda Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of Andhra Pradesh. The charming beauty of the beach attracts many tourists all the year round. This beach would offer a great treat for those who enjoy water sports. It is the most suitable place for water skiers and wind surfers. Rishikonda Beach makes it a perfect destination for those who love to go for a sun bath. You can stay in the Daspalla and Dolphin Hotel. These two hotels situated very near Rishikonda Beach.