Destination Travel Guide - Andhra Pradesh Tour

Andhra Pradesh, India's fifth largest state, is sprawled over an area of 275,068 sq. km. History has forged, and left behind vital links with the state, as is evident from the many edifices, monuments and architectural ruins, the legacy of dynasties as old as 300 B.C. Traces of the diverse and variegated facets of the culture of the Mauryas, Pallavas, Cholas, Satavahanas, Chalukyas and Vijayanagar, offer imposing vistas, that continue to fascinate the observer.

Places of Interest

Hyderabad : Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, along with its twin city Secunderabad has over 400 years of history. Hyderabad is a heady mixture of heritage, traditionally hospitality and a thriving software revolution.

Nagarjuna Sagar : Nagarjunasagar, a massive irrigation project on the River Krishna, about 150 km from Hyderabad, has a rich and iteresting past. It was a valley in the Nallamala range of the Eastern Ghats with civilizations dating back to thousands of years.

Tirupati : The abode of the 'Kaliyuga' deity Lord Venkateswara, popularly known as Balaji, Tirupati has for centuries remained a destination divine and this feeling grows on one as one goes round the various temples and spots of natural beauty surrounding this major town.

Vijaywada : Vijayawada is known as the political as well as publishing capital of andhra Pradesh. Vijayawada is a vital rail and road link between North and the South and is now known as 'the city that never sleeps'.

Visakhapatnam : The land of the golden beaches was just over half a century ao a small fishing village. One would be amazed at the manner in which this port city with a natural harbour developed into one of the fastest growing cities in Asia.

Warangal : The city was once the heartland of Telugu culture. The capital of the Kakatiya rulers. Warangal today contains some of the best forms of architecute, especially in temples.

Monuments
Charminar, Hyderabad : The Charminar is as much the signature of Hyderabad as the Taj Mahal is of Agra or the Eiffel Tower is of Paris.

Buddhist Art & Culture
Stupas were constructed by lay people for enshrining the relics of Lord Buddha. The symbolism of the stupa is varied. According to some, the dome depicts the bubble, reflecting the transience of life. Some say the spire on the top of the dome suggests Buddha's compassion.

Wildlife
Alisagar Deer Park is located in Nizamabad district of Andhra Pradesh. The Alisagar was constructed in 1931 by the Nizam. Flanked by natural hillocks and lovely flower gardens, the lake and its surroundings are rich in scenic beauty.

Caves
Belum Caves, Belum: Originally discovered in 1854 by H.B.Foote, these subturanean passages were explored by the Department of archealogy and Museums, followed by team of European spalelogist led by Mr Gebaner, Belum Caves are the second largest natural caves in Indian Sub. continent after Meghalaya Caves.

Museums
A.P.State Museum, Hyderabad: A visit to the Andhra Pradesh State Museum is a delight for art lovers. Located in the picturesque Public Gardens, the museum boasts of one of the richest repositories of antiques and art objects in the country.