Andhra Pradesh Travel

Andhra Pradesh - Food Bowl of the South

Andhra Pradesh is often called the "Food Bowl of the South." Andhra Pradesh India is recognized for its legendary dynasties; for its most revered temple, Tirupati; the world famous pearls of Hyderabad; its lacquer toys and beautiful weaves; rich literature and the vibrant Kuchipudi. Andhra Pradesh India can be divided into three important regions-the coastal region, comprising of nine districts, generally called Andhra; the interior region, consisting of four districts collectively known as Rayalseema; and the Telengana region, consisting of the capital Hyderabad and nine adjoining districts. The main tourist places are Hyderabad and Tirupati.

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Hyderabad - The City of Pearls
Location: Most famous for its pearls and pearl jewellery, what leads one curious about the city of Hyderabad, is the love story of a young prince and a village belle that resulted in its very foundations being laid.

Tourist Destinations: The Charminar - The four minarets command the landscape for miles. The structure is square, each side measuring 100 feet, with a central pointed high arch at the center. The Charminar market had some 14,000 shops, a unique conglomeration of a grand oriental bazaar. Near the Charminar stand four magnificent arches called Char Kaman, which served as the gateway to the Zilu Khana (ante chamber) of the royal palace. Of much interest to visitors is the Husain Sagar Lake, a large artificial lake lying between Hyderabad and Secunderaad. One of the most visited places in the city is the Salar Jung museum. Near the Charminar stands the Mecca Masjid. The other two mosques--the Jami Masjid and the Toli Masjid-are small and modest structures. The Falakuma palace and The Regency Mansion are some other tourist spots.

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Tirupati - The Abode of Lord Venkateswara
Location: Tirupati is one of the most ancient and sacred pilgrimages in India. The name 'Tirupati' means the "Lord of Lakshmi," and applies to the village on the Venkat hill, the dwelling of Lord Venkateswara. The hill near the Tirupati Temple is called 'Tirumala' or the "sacred hill." The temple here is said to be the busiest in the world, eclipsing even Rome, Jerusalem and Mecca in the number of pilgrims visiting it.

Tourist Destinations: The sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala of the Tirupati Hills, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini. Lord Venkateswara is also called the Lord of the Seven Hills. Swami Pushkarini is believed to be a pleasure tank of Lord Vishnu in Vaikuntham which is adjacent to the Sri Venkateswara temple. Sri Varahaswami Temple in Tirumala is to the north of the Sri Venkateswara temple. Sri Anjaneyaswami Temple is located opposite the Sri Varahaswami temple. Sri Govindarajaswami Temple and the numerous sub-temples in its premises are also equally important tourist centres in Tirupati. Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple is situated in the heart of Tirupati town which houses the deities - Sita, Rama and Lakshmana. Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple is the only temple dedicated to Lord Siva, in the pantheon of Vaishnava temples in Tirupati. There are many more temples worth visiting which lie within 200 kms of Tirupati.

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How to Reach Andhra Pradesh

The capital city of Hyderabad is well connected to most major Indian cities and some overseas. The airport is at Begumpet, 8 kms north of Abids. Other important airports of the state include Tirupati, Vijayawada, and Vishakhapatnam. There are three railway stations-Hyderabad or Nampally, Secunderabad and Kacheguda. Secunderabad main station is well connected to all cities of the country. Of the several bus stands in Hyderabad, the main one is the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) Hyderabad. From these bus stands, one can find buses to all corners of the state and some important locations of neighboring states. Most private buses have their offices at Nampally High Road. Vishakhapatnam is the major port of the state, while Kakinada, Machilipattnam, Bheemunipattnam, Krishnapattnam, Vadarevu and Kalingapatnam are the minor ports.