About Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is the South Indian state, which is the fifth largest state
of India. Also called the 'Rice Granary of India,' Andhra Pradesh is crossed
by two major rivers, the Godavari and Krishna. Andhra Pradesh is the leading
producer of rice in India, and is referred to as India's Rice Bowl. The
state is one of the major tourist destinations in India, and has a coastline
of around 1,000 Kms. The serene beaches and lofty mountains draws a large
number of tourists throughout the year. Andhra Pradesh boasts of the
Prehistoric cairns, Buddhist setups, important Hindu and Jain temples,
churches and secular monuments. In addition the state houses some fantastic
mosques and Islamic tombs, which are famous for their architectural
splendour. The state people lead a relaxed life style, with deep interest in
fold dances and music. Andhra people celebrate many festivals, as every
season remains a festive season for them. The favourite cuisine of the state
include items prepared from rice like Dosas and Idlis, Pickles and Chutneys,
Biryani etc.
Major Attractions Andhra Pradesh
Hyderabad : Hyderabad, the city of Nizams, is the capital
city of Andhra Pradesh. The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad is
divided by Hussain Sagar lake. One of the major tourist destination in
Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad is popular for its historical grandeur, forts,
monuments, temples and mosques.
Charminar : Charminar the major landmark of Hyderabad
city, was built by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutub Shahi, in 1591. It was built
by Sultan to commemorate the end of epidemic plaque in the city. Major
attractions of this 56 metre high building is its minaret (towers),
galleries, arches and a small mosque.
Mecca Masjid : Situated close to Charminar, the mosque is
one of the biggest mosques of the world. Its construction was begun by
Abdullah Qutub Shahi in 1617 and completed by Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb in
1693. The mosque can accomodate around ten thousand men.
Falaknuma Palace : The residence of the last Nizam,
Falaknuma Palace is a major attraction for the tourists. The palace has the
large collection of antiques, precious artifacts, carpets, diamonds and
architectural gems.
Hussain Sagar Lake : Built by Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali in
1562, the artificial lake separates the twin cities of Hyderabad and
Secunderabad. A massive statue of Buddha (17.5 metre) stands in the middle
of this beautiful lake.
Tirupati : Tirupati one of the most ancient and sacred
places of Hinds, is located in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. The city
is famous for the shrines situated on the top of Tirumala hills. Situated
amidst the lush greenery, the temple is attracts the thousands of devout
everyday. The
Lord Venkateswara Temple is the most popular temple, which is dedicated to
Sri Venkateswara - one of the incarnations of Vishnu. Other temples are
Padmavati Devi Temple, Kodandaramaswami Temple Sri Agastheswara Temple, Shri
Kapileswaraswami Temple and Shri Govindarajaswami Temple.
Visakhapatnam : Visakhapatnam, the port city of Andhra
Pradesh is located on eastern coast, 650 Kms from the capital city
Hyderabad. Named after the God of valour, Visakha, the city was once a small
fishing village. Over the centuries Visakhapatnam grew in size and it was
transformed into a port town by the British. Today, the city is industrial
and commercial city, and has largest shipbuilding yard of India. Among the
famous attractions of the city include Dolphin's Nose Ramakrishna Mission
Beach, Lawson's Bay Beach, Kailasagiri Hills and Park and Indira Gandhi
Zoological Park
Warangal : Warangal, the ancient capital of the Kakatiyas
is located at a distance of 157 Kms from Hyderabad. Situated amidst
landscaped surroundings, Warnagal is famous for its beautiful lakes, temples
and wildlife. Warangal is renowned for its richness in antiques and relics
it has many places of tourist interest. The major tourist attractions in
Warangal are Warangal Fort, , Bhadra Kali Temple, Thousand Pillar Temple and
Siddeshwara Temple.
Vijaywada : The city located on the banks of the river
Krishna, is considered as the cultural, pilgrimage and educational centre of
Andhra Pradesh. Situated at a distance of 70 km from the sea, Vijaywada is
surrounded by bare granite hills. It is popular for its rock mountains and
the rivers that cut through them. Major attractions of Vijaywada include
Kanakadurga Temple, Victoria Museum, Gandhi Hill, Bhavani Island, Gundala
Matha Shrine, Andapalli Fort, The Prakasam Barrage and Mogalrajapuram Caves.
Reaching
Air : Hyderabad is the major airport of the state, which
has the domestic as well as international flights. Apart from Hyderabad,
other places like Visakhapatnam, Vijaywada and Tirupati have airports.
Rail : Hyderbad and Secunderabad railway station are
connected to major cities of the country. The places like Visakhapatnam,
Vijayawada and Warangal are connected to rest of the country.
Road : Andhra Pradesh has good network of roads. The
state run and private buses ply within the state and also outside the state.
