Travel to Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh offers a heady mix of history, pilgrimage, natural wonder, scenic beauty. Of late, it has started drawing huge number of tourists from across the world.

Andhra Pradesh Travel Guide highlights the reasons why one should travel to Andhra Pradesh, how to reach there comfortably and what all does the state offers to its tourist so that they have a memorable vacation.

Andhra Pradesh is one place which has something for everyone. Right from enthralling beaches, historical places, sacred temples and mosques which also are architectural wonders in themselves, the city has it all. Andhra Pradesh is the only state in India where most of the tourists are the pilgrims who visit the state with an aim of offering prayers at the numerous temples and mosques of the state. The capital city of Andhra Pradesh is Hyderabad, which also is the largest city in the state.

Best Time to visit Andhra Pradesh

If you are allured by the beauty of Andhra Pradesh and are scheduling a trip to the state, it is very important to keep an account of weather conditions of the state so that you can make maximum out of your visit without being bothered by climatic conditions. The weather in the state of Andhra Pradesh is at its best in the months between October and February when otherwise hot and humid state receives some winter rainfall which makes it cool and comfortable. It is advisable not to travel to the state in summers and monsoons as the humidity and hotness can make you really uneasy.

The state is well connected with rest of India and you will easily find good accommodation options suiting your budget. Travelling to Andhra Pradesh is, therefore, not cumbersome.

How to Reach Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is the most visited tourist destination in India. Numerous temples and architectural wonders, beaches and panoramic sights are some of the factors that attract tourists to the state of Andhra Pradesh. The state is well connected by air, rail and road thus making it easily accessible. 'How to Reach Andhra Pradesh' will help you reach the state.

By Air

Andhra Pradesh has one international Airport in the capital city - Hyderabad. Other important airports are located at Tirupathi and Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry and Vijayawada. Several Airlines operate regular flights to and from Andhra Pradesh to the other important cities and states in India.

By Rail

Nearly 5,085 km of the railways route cover the state Andhra Pradesh out of which 4,362 km is broad-gauge, 686 km is metre-gauge and 37 km is narrow gauge. The major Railway Station at the capital city- Hyderabad receives trains from all parts of the country, thus, connecting the state to rest of India.

By Road

Around 4,104 km of the National Highways network pass through the state of Andhra Pradesh. State highways measure up to nearly 60,000 km and there is another 1, 04,000 km of Panchayati Raj road network. Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) operates regular buses to and from the state to other important cities and states in the country. Tourists can also hire private taxis or cabs to reach the state.

Places to See in Andhra Pradesh

Charminar
Category : History & Culture
The 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.

Charminar

 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 & Culture
It 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).

Golconda Fort

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.

 Ramoji Film City
Category : History & Culture
Located 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.

Ramoji Film City

It is open everyday from 09:00 AM - 05:30 PM and the visitors can take a conducted tour organized by the authority.

Araku Valley and Borra Caves, Vishakhapatnam

Araku Valley and Borra Caves

Category : Nature
Perched 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. 

The Statue of Lord Buddha, Hyderabad
Category : Religious
In 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.

The Statue of Lord Buddha

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.

Andhra Pradesh Food

The state of Andhra Pradesh is famous for its spicy Andhra and Hyderabadi cuisines. Known as the 'Rice Bowl of India', Andhra Pradesh has rice as a major food crop and it is used quite liberally in the cuisine of the state. 

Andhra Pradesh Food

When in Andhra Pradesh do try the Hyderabadi Biryani, famous all across the world for its rich and traditional flavor. The spicy curries of Hyderabad are absolutely not to be missed. You can also try various other Mughal delicacies that will transpose you to the royal Mughal Era through their taste. Along with traditional dosas and idlis, the pickles and chutneys found in the state are also quite popular for their mouth watering taste. 


                           Andhra Pradesh Travel Tips

• Avoid going to the beaches alone after late in the evenings. There may not be a lifeguard available at that time in case of an emergency. It is advisable for female travellers not to travel alone to any place at night.
• Always travel with a guide approved by the State Government to ensure your safety.
• Never pass any racial or religious comments in public places. Presence of people from various religions and communities in the state makes it absolutely necessary to keep this in mind.
• Always keep a water bottle handy if travelling to the state in summers as the humid climate may leave you drained and dehydrated.
• There is a large conglomeration of people in numerous temples and mosques of the state and there have been incidents of chaos which have resulted in many fatal accidents. Do not panic in any situation and let the authorities take the essential measures in any chaotic situation.

Shopping in Andhra Pradesh

Along with the great holidays, shopping in Andhra Pradesh is also an exciting experience. Andhra Pradesh boasts of its exquisite jewellery of pearl and diamond, amazing handicrafts by the rural artisan, old antiques reminding of a bygone era and the fantastic silk and cotton weaves which would leave you spoilt for choice.

Before going into a shopping spree, please take look at the striking range of specialties of Andhra Pradesh :

• Pearls: Pearls of Hyderabad are the most famous all over India and the world.
• Silver Filigiri: extremely intricate designs on polished silver demanding great patience and craftsmanship
• Banjara Mirror Work: mirror work done by the local Banjara gypsies on clothes and other cloth products
• Aatar: Exotic perfumes of Hyderabad are world famous
• Fabric: Himroo, Ikat, Uppada, Mangalagiri sarees are distinguished fabrics of Andhra Pradesh Hand-woven carpets are also available with exotic designs
• Kalamkari: Pen-painted fabric from Machilipatnam embellished with mythological depictions on clothing
• Bidri : Art of inlaying silver on black metal originally from Bidar (now in Karnataka)
• Nirmal Toys: Brightly coloured life like replicas of vegetables, fruits, animals, dolls carved out from locally available soft wood

The colourful bazaars along the streets or the swanky shopping malls make shopping in Andhra Pradesh a delightful experience. Governments Emporia and the private shops abound in Hyderabad and other cities.

In Hydearabad Laad Bazaar and Shilparamam, The Arts & Crafts Village are popular shopping joints, which houses a number of shops.

Hotels in Andhra Pradesh

Taj Krishna Hotel, Hyderabad (now in Telanagana)

Belonging to the Taj group of hotels, this hotel is located in Hyderabad. It is located in the heart of the city, being at a distance of 7kms from the airport and 10kms from the railway station. The hotel is replete with 260 well furbished rooms with all the modern facilities like AC, internet connectivity, TV, direct dial facility etc. the rooms can be classified into superior rooms, deluxe rooms, suites and Taj club rooms. If you want to dine in the finest restaurants then come down to the Taj Krishna hotel in Hyderabad. Be it multi cuisine resorts, lounge or bars, the hotel has it all. The other facilities include broadband Internet access, secretarial services, computers, fully equipped conference halls, grand ballroom fitness center, swimming pool, shopping arcade, souvenir shop, discotheque etc.

Hotel Taj Residency, Visakhapatnam

The hotel is located in Visakhapatnam, in a panoramic view, surrounded by the ocean and beach. It is 15kms from the airport and just 4kms from the railway station. The unique feature of this particular hotel is the homely atmosphere that is presented to the guests. The hotel offers ample accommodation facility with 89 rooms and 4 suites and to top it all there is the beautiful view of the sea that can be enjoyed by the guests. The hotel has 3 top class restaurants to cater to the dining needs of the guests. Recreation facilities, swimming pool, souvenir shop, fitness center, Ayurvedic spa, business centre etc are some of the other amenities.

Some of the boutique hotels in Andhra Pradesh are as below.

Celebrity Boutique Hotel

This boutique hotel in Hyderabad (in the state of Telangana), is strategically located within the city and is 1km from the Begumpet Airport and 5kms from the Railway Station. The hotel has some aesthetically designed rooms with facilities like TV, telephone, Internet etc. If you want to pamper your taste buds then check out the dishes offered by the multi cuisine restaurant of the hotel. Apart from these the guests also get to enjoy facilities like internet, business centre, secretarial services etc.

Minerva Grand Banjara, Hyderabad (now in Telanagana)

This boutique hotel is also a business hotel located in close proximity to the commercial and entertainment centres of the city. It is 9kms from the nearest rail station. The hotel has more than 40 rooms and suites which are beautifully designed. Blue Fox, the restaurant of the hotel looks after the dining of the guests, brilliantly well. The hotel is well known for its hospitality and other facilities.

Besides these some of the other hotels in Andhra Pradesh are

• Hotel Green Park, Vishakapatnam
• The Park, Vishakapatnam
• Hotel Grand Bay Vishakapatnam
• Bhimas Residency, Tirupati
• Hotel Kalyan Residency Tirupati
• Hotel Guestline Tirupati
• Hotel Deccan Continental, Secundrabad (now in Telanagana)
• Quality Hotel DV Manor, Vijayawada
• Kalatiya Sheraton and Towers, Hyderabad (now in Telanagana)
• Hotel Green Park, Visakhapatnam
• Hotel Golkonda, Hyderabad (now in Telanagana)
• The Central Court Hotel, Hyderabad (now in Telanagana)
• Hotel Viceroy, Guntur

Be it for business purpose or holidaying, Hotels in Andhra Pradesh have it all for you to make your trip memorable.

Tourist Map Of Andhra Pradesh

Tourist Map Of Andhra Pradesh