Mostly visited for – Tirupati (One of the world’s richest and most visited pilgrimage), Puttaparthi (Ashrama of Satya Sai Baba), Charminar (the symmetrical Hyderabadi mosque identical to the heritage of Andhra), Golconda Fort (the kingdom where the largest jewel in the world till date, Kohinoor was mined), Ramoji Film City (the world class film studio), Qutub Shahi Tombs (1 km stretch of stoned tombs), Vishakhapatnam (one of the largest and the oldest Indian shipyard) , etc.
Major Cities – Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, Warangal, Nellore
Weather - Summer: March to June, Monsoon: July to September, Winter: October to February. Climate of Andhra Pradesh is influenced by the South- West Monsoons.
Connectivity
By Air - Numerous domestic airports like Tirupati, Visakhapatnam, Guntur, Secunderabad, Warangal, Vijayawada, dot the landscape of Andhra and provide comfortable journey to the passengers.
By Train – Major railway junctions like Hyderabad Deccan, Adilbad, Adoni, Anantpur, Anakapalle, Bapatta, Basar, Bhimavaram junction, Bhadrachalam raod, Bhimavaram town, Chittor, Chirala, Cuddapah, Dhramavaram junction, Eluru, Gooty, Gudivada junction, Gudur Junction, Guntakal Junction, Kazipet junction, Nalgonda and Nandyal connect Andhra Pradesh on the network of railways.
By Road - The network of roads and highways in Andhra provide it strong connectivity from other major cities of India.
By Sea – A number of commercial sea ports including Vishakhapatnam, Kakinada, Bheemunipatnam, Krishnapatnam, Vadarevu and Kalingapatnam dot the coastline of Andhra Pradesh.
History, Geography and Culture of Andhra Pradesh
Made famous by the Nizams, Qutub Shahis, Vijaynagara and Kakatiya dynasty, Andhra Pradesh is a destination symbolizing the rich essence of incredible India. Famous as the cradle of stone architecture, the chronicles of this state are dotted in the form of illustrious structures, monuments, minarets, stupas and other tomb ruins. This most visited state of India is known for many tourist attractions, predominantly for Tirupati, the most visited place of worship in the world. The state also presents its 3rd century old Buddhist essence ties that can be experienced during the visit to the ruined stupas and cave complexes at Amaravathi, Nagarjunakonda, Chandavaram, Thotlakonda to name a few.
Bordered by Maharashtra, Chattisgarh and Orissa in the north, Karnataka in the west, Tamil Nadu in the south and Bay of Bengal in the east, Andhra Pradesh is the fourth largest area wise state in India. Krishna and Godavari River run across the state and feed the flourishing rice bowl of India. Its highest peak, Jindhagada is not only the highest point in the state, but the highest point in the Eastern Ghats as well.
The culture of this state is defined with an interesting amalgam of its rich traditions. Kuchipudi, the 17th century state’s dance drama is an inevitable contribution of Andhra to incredible India. The language of the region, Telugu is the prominent language preferred for the lyrical composition of Carnatic music. The rich literature is also not different in Andhra. The deep literary cultural value of Telugu prose can be reached out from the works of Nannaya, Srinatha, Tikkana, Yerrapragada, Pothana, Poet Molla and Tarikonda Venkamamba. The modern contributions of Charles Phillip Brown, Vishwanatha Satyanarayana made the language of the land a vibrant and evolving expression.
The jewel box of Andhra features other surprising facets as well. The largest gem in the world till date, the legendary Kohinoor and Hope Diamond were mined in Golconda. The rich region of Andhra is a mine of rich diamonds, pearls and jewellery traditions; adding on to the eternal fortunes of the land.
Religion – Hinduism and Islam
Festivals – International Kite Festival in Hyderabad (Jan)
Kakatiya Festival – Warangal (Jan)
Taramati Festival, Hyderabad (Feb)
Ugadi (New Year Telugu) (Mar-Apr)
Rayalseema Food and Dance Festival, Tirupati (Sep-Oct)
Vijayanagar Dance Festival, Chandragiri (Oct)
Golconda Dance Festival, Hyderabad (Nov)
Visaka Utsav and Rushikonda Beach Festival, Vishakhapatnam (Dec)
Lumbini Festival, Hyderabad, Nagarjunasagar (Dec)
Eat – Famous oven baked non-veg Biryani in Hyderabad, Passarettu Dosa (made of Moong Dal Lentil), tamarind gravies, Gongura (a Roselle plant chutney), Nellore Fish Curry
Buy – Lacquer bangles from colourful Laad Bazaar, Pearl Jewellery, Bidriware in Hyderabad, Softwood toys from Kondapalli and silk saris from Dharmavaram.
Hotels – The state is immaculate as far as hospitality is concerned. The famous Falaknuma Palace Complex in Hyderabad is a living testimony to the statement. This five star hotel recently bagged the Conde Nast Traveller Readers Awards in the Overseas Leisure Hotels (Asia and Indian Subcontinent) category for the second time in a row, defining the immaculate standards of the hospitality. For other hotels in Andhra Pradesh, click here.