Andhra Pradesh Tourism

Magnificent structures that reflect its glorious past!

Andhra Pradesh, having been ruled by powerful and glorious dynasties like Mauryas, Cholas, Chalukyas, and the famous Vijayanagara Empire, is dotted with magnificent structures which reflect its rich past. For that very reason, it is regarded as one of the top tourist destinations to experience heritage tourism in India. Your heritage tour should begin with a visit to the town of Amaravathi, located in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. It is a treasure house of several structures and monuments dating back to the Satvahana Era. The Amaravati Stupa, Amaravati Mahachaitya and Amaralingeswara Temple are some of the best heritage places to visit in Andhra Pradesh.

About 65 kilometers from Amaravati is another important heritage destination, Vijayawada. The second largest city in Andhra Pradesh, it is famous for the Kondapalli Fort, Undavalli & Mogalarajapuram Caves, Hazratbal Mosque and Mangalagiri – Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, among many others.

Heritage tourism in Andhra Pradesh is incomplete without visiting the beautiful village of Lepakshi which is located in Anantapur district, about 600 kilometers from Vijayawada. One of the most important heritage sites in the state, it highlights the legacy of Vijayanagara Empire and is famed for its group of shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Shiva and Veerabhadra. Apart from the splendid temple architecture and paintings, it is the hanging pillar supported from the ceiling that surprises the visitors.

Rich & diverse wildlife of Andhra Pradesh!

Andhra Pradesh, in South India, boasts a rich biodiversity, and has a lot to offer in terms of wildlife tourism. Some of the best wildlife destinations to visit in Andhra Pradesh are the Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, and the famous of all, Nagarjuna Sagar – Srisailam Sanctuary, which is the third largest tiger reserve in India, spread across an area of 3,658 square kilometres along the Nallamala Hill Range of Eastern Ghats. Away from the Eastern Ghats, the deltaic region of Andhra Pradesh hosts an exceptional

The famous Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is the habitat of more than 120 different kinds of birds, including the White-Backed Vulture, Oriental White Ibis, Painted Stork, Purple Heron and Spot-Billed Pelican. This sanctuary finds an honourable mention in the wildlife tourism of Andhra Pradesh because of its mangroves, which are believed to be the second biggest in India. Wildlife tours in Andhra Pradesh should also consist of a visit to Manjira Wildlife & Bird Sanctuary, Mrugavani National Park and the Alisagar Deer Park, which sit as few more wildlife gems of this beautiful Indian state.

Captivating sunsets, serene ambience and panoramic views!

Andhra Pradesh, with its picturesque coastline of 970 square kilometers, finds a place on the list of best beach destinations in India. While taking a sightseeing tour of the state, tourists can visit the two popular beaches in Visakhapatnam, Rishikonda Beach and Rama Krishna Beach. Your beach tour in Andhra Pradesh should also include a visit to the Yarada Beach, Gangavaram Beach and Dolphin’s Nose. If you are a nature lover or a photographer, then these beaches, with their captivating sunsets and serene ambience, are exactly the place you should be.

Other places that Andhra Pradesh has to offer in terms of beach tourism are the Bhavani Island in Vijayawada, Manginapudi in Machilipatnam and Mypadu Beach in Nellore. Baruva beach in Srikakulam district, Bheemunipatnam located about 20 kilometers from Visakhapatnam, Manginapudi about 75 kilometers from Vijayawada and Mypadu located about 25 kilometers from Nellore city, are other best beaches to visit in Andhra Pradesh.

Other beaches which you should visit while travelling to this fascinating South India state are Uppada, located about 5 kilometers from Kakinada town, Suryalanka, 50 kilometers from Guntur city and Vodarevu, located about 100 kilometers from Vijayawada.

Explore the “Cave-Full” of adventures in Andhra Pradesh!

You won’t be disappointed if some adventure is what you seek while visiting Andhra Pradesh in South India. It is home to a number of caves, which makes cave tourism an attractive option to check out during your trip. Cave tourism in Andhra Pradesh should definitely include a visit to Mogalarajapuram Caves in Vijayawada, which are a protected monument of national importance, and famed as significant cave temples of Andhra, housing the idol of Ardhanareeswara which is not found anywhere else in South India. The most popular caves in Andhra Pradesh are Borra Caves, Belum Caves and Mogalarajapuram Caves, which are located in Visakhapatnam, Kurnool and Vijayawada respectively. Amongst these, the Belum Caves are considered the second longest caves in India and a must visit while exploring caves in Andhra Pradesh.

Besides their beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations, they also have a mythological significance which makes them a revered site among the locals. Other caves which you can check out while visiting the famous caves in Andhra Pradesh are Undavalli Caves in Vijayawada and the Mayavi Caves in Kurnool. Colours, music, customs & traditions: Richness of festivals!

While the majority of festivals in Andhra Pradesh, just like elsewhere, display the local folklore, mythological legends and religious traditions, some are also organized by the Andhra Pradesh government to promote state tourism.

Among the popular fairs & festivals in Andhra Pradesh, which are also must visit festivals for their scale of celebrations, colours and festivities, the most important ones are Srivari Brahmotsavam - a nine-day long fiesta held on the grounds of the sacred Tirupati Balaji Temple, Vinayaka Chaturthi Fair, held in the ancient port city of Machilipatnam, and Sri Rama Navami Festival, celebrated at Bhadrachalam. Among the other famous religious festivals, one is Ugadi, also known as Gudi Padwa in other parts of India.

Top 10 most visited tourist destinations of Andhra Pradesh

• Visakhapatnam : Lakes, caves, beaches, architectural wonders, valleys and hill ranges makes Visakhapatnam one of the most beautiful coastal cities in Andhra Pradesh.

• Tirupati : Tripuati is the spiritual hub of Andhra Pradesh and one of the most famous Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. It’s also famous for wooden toys.

• Nellore : Nellore is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Andhra Pradesh for its spiritual & religious legacy, historic sites, sightseeing and various delicacies.

• Chittoor : Chittoor is a famous tourist attraction in Andhra Pradesh because it’s rich in flora & fauna, possesses historic significance & has several grand temples.

• Kadapa : Kadapa is counted among the most visited tourist places in Andhra Pradesh since it’s the Gateway city to Tirumala and is blessed by nature’s bounty.

• Secunderabad : Places like Golconda Fort, Hussain Sagar Lake and Birla Mandir, apart from dozens of other historical sites make Secunderabad a major tourist attraction.

• Amalapuram : Amalapuram is blessed with picturesque landscapes, coconut groves, lakes, serenity, famous five temples called Panchalinga Puram, all of which make it so famous.

• Guntur : Visit the city of Gutur to see the modern side of Andhra Pradesh. What makes it so highly visited are its exciting sightseeing opportunities at parks, museums, resorts & caves.

• Machilipatnam : Machilipatnam is a historic port town which was once occupied by the Dutch and French. Its temples and beaches are the major crowd pullers.

Best Time to Visit Andhra Pradesh for holidays

The winter season between October and February is the best time to plan a trip to Andhra Pradesh as the temperature remains cool and pleasant. A trip to Andhra Pradesh can also be planned during the monsoon season as some of the hill stations could be best enjoyed at its verdant best. However, the state in summer season remains hot and humid, but tourists who don’t mind the scorching heat of the sun can make it to Andhra Pradesh.

A Quick Information About the State – Andhra Pradesh

Region	South India
Capital of Andhra Pradesh	Amaravati
Area	1,60,205 Sq. Kms.
Total Districts	13
Total Population	49.67 Million (According to 2011 Census)
Tribes in Andhra Pradesh	Bodo Gadaba, Gutob Gadaba, Bondo Poraja, Khond Poroja, Parangiperja, Chenchu, Dongaria Khonds, Kuttiya Kondhs, Kolam, Kondareddis, Konda Savaras, Thoti..etc
Languages Spoken in Andhra Pradesh	Telugu (Ofificial), Urdu, Hindi, English, Banjara, Tamil, Kannada, Marathi, Oriya..etc
State Animal of Andhra Pradesh	Blackbuck
State Flower of Andhra Pradesh	Water lilies
State Bird of Andhra Pradesh	Indian Roller (Coracias Benghalensis)
State Tree of Andhra Pradesh	Neem Tree
Major Tourism Cities in Andhra Pradesh	Vishakhapatnam, Vijaywada, Nellore, Tirumala, Orvakallu, Chittor, Araku, Konaseema..etc
Major Tourist Attractions of AP	Magnificent temples, churches, mosque, pristine nature, art and crafts, rich culture, monuments, museums, dance, music, fairs and festivals, beaches, food, heritage tour and shopping.