A travel Guide to Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh Tourism

With the longest coastline of 972km, Andhra Pradesh, India, is a land of cultural heritage and charming beauty. The state, blessed with the two exquisite rivers Godavari and Krishna, offers aesthetic and adventurous delights. Andhra Pradesh tourism allows one to explore the winsome hill stations, historical monuments, winding valleys, diverse spiritual beliefs, and lip-smacking delicacies. Stretching along the mighty Deccan Plateau with the longest coastal belt of India, this place is an excellent blend of bygone cultures and modern rejuvenation.

Andhra Pradesh tours include many natural splendours like beautiful landscapes, tranquil holy shrines, glorious beaches, intricate architecture, fabulous pearls, and ornate arts. The shrines of Srisailam and Lepakshi, the Rajahmundry city lounging along the gurgling Godavari river, Visakhapatnam city with picturesque hill stations and ravishing beaches are some eminent gems of Andhra Pradesh. Be it a holy pilgrimage or a rejuvenating vacation, Andhra Pradesh tourist attractions have a lot to offer.

Andhra Pradesh travel guide covers remarkable cultures, pristine nature, incredible architectures, excellent hotels, and divine tranquillity, letting every tourist enjoy an indelible holiday. Wildlife sanctuaries and National parks add to the affluent fauna from this state and make it one of the best South Indian tourist places.

Places to Visit in Andhra Pradesh

1. Tirumala

Known as the spiritual capital of Andhra Pradesh, Tirumala is the abode of Lord Venkateshwara, welcoming millions of devotees every year. Andhra Pradesh travel guide is incomplete without a trip to Tirumala. Also known as the best heritage city in India, this place is one of the oldest with copious marvellous locales in and around it. The chants of Lord Vishnu, the pilgrim rush, and the 8-feet long Venkateshwara idol from Tirumala are enchanting. One can also visit the Sri Kalahasti temple, the Govindarajaswami temple and the Kanipakam temple near Tirumala.

2. Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam is one of the oldest Indian port cities and is known for its picturesque beaches and tranquil landscapes. The city is dotted with many Andhra Pradesh attractions like the shipping harbour, Araku valley, shrines, beaches surrounded by majestic mountains and Katiki waterfalls cascading down the gleaming green rocks. The golden sands give amazing views of sunrise and sunset. You will also find intricate handicrafts here. Visakhapatnam has a magical aura that makes tourists want to visit the place oftentimes. The large number of tourists led to the opening of top-notch hotels in Visakhapatnam.

3. Rajahmundry

Rajahmundry or Rajamahendravaram is situated on the banks of the glaring river Godavari. It is acclaimed as the born city, for it is the birthplace of the Telugu language. Rajahmundry is home to many shrines, landscapes, textiles, and the acclaimed Pushkar Ghats. This place is one of the finest Andhra Pradesh attractions.

4. Konaseema

Konaseema is a delta amid the Godavari tributaries and the Bay of Bengal. This place has an affinity to the resplendent backwaters of Kerala, which is why it has the name God’s own creation. The green carpets of paddy fields, mighty coconut groves, fisherfolk villages, yummy mangoes, artistic sceneries, serene temples, and sublime temperatures lure tourists and make Konaseema an important part of Andhra Pradesh tourism.

5. Vijayawada

Nestled on the banks of the river Krishna, Vijayawada is a blend of the old and modern world. It is one of the foremost Andhra Pradesh attractions. This place is filled with canals, hills and caves carved into holy shrines. The Bhavani island, Krishna river, Victoria Museum, Kanaka Durga temple, and the Undavalli caves are some of the places to visit here.

6. Gandikota

Gandikota is a quaint village in Kadapa, known as the Grand Canyon of India. The gorges formed by the river Penna that divides the Erramala hills. The view of the place reminds one of the Grand Canyon of Arizona. The ruined relics of the Gandikota fort by the Penna kloofs add to the natural beauty. The intricate carves, sweeping hills and valleys, and stunning landscapes make Gandikota a notable place in Andhra Pradesh tourism.

Things to do in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh tourist places perfectly content every tourist with a plethora of engaging pursuits. The following are some things to do in Andhra Pradesh.

Trekking at the Talakona Waterfalls

Trekking along the Talakona waterfalls in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most exciting adventures ever. The 240m long rope walk amid the lush green trees and crammed forests is a delight for adventure lovers. You can see affluent flora and chirping birds while trekking here.

Enjoy snowfall in Lambasingi

Lambasingi, Visakhapatnam is a stubby village where the temperatures never rise above 10 degrees and the only place in South India getting snowfall during winters. This Kashmir of South India is an exception to the 40-degree temperatures of the state. Lambasingi is glorious in winters and sees various tourists visiting the viewpoints during this season. This is the most famous Andhra Pradesh tourist places, especially in winter.

Explore Mayavi Caves

Mayavi caves in Kurnool are technical caves full of flowstones, stalagmites, stalactites, and shining minerals sleeping through the caves. These are called technical caves because a space of 20 feet in the caves requires rappelling. Visiting this cave is another enthralling adventure, for you need to climb around 15 feet to reach the horizontal facet and ascend using ropes to move further.

Savour the Breathtaking Araku Valleys

Araku is the finest hill station of Andhra Pradesh. This pack of five mesmerising valleys and surrounding greenery accounts for an excellent vacation. The Andhra’s Ooty takes you along cascading waterfalls, lush green lands, amazing tribal museum, and succulent food. Continue the expedition to the illuminated limestones of Borra Caves filled with stalactite and stalagmites formations. Also, the Katiki waterfalls 4km away from these caves with splashing waters, the spectacular rose gardens, and the valley’s mesmerising Galikonda Viewpoint (the second highest peak of the mighty Eastern Ghats) are some major attractions.

Admire the Glaring Beaches

Andhra Pradesh is dotted with numerous serene and immaculate beaches. Visakhapatnam has the best beaches. Some of the beaches worth a visit are Yarada beach, Bheemili beach, Rushikonda beach, and Ramakrishna beach. Srikakulam, Chirala, and Guntur are other significant places with nice beaches that are apt for hot summer days.

Visit the Hanging Pillar in Lepakshi Temple

The three-shrine collaboration of Lord Shiva, Veerabhadra, and Vishnu constructed by the Vijayanagara Empire forms the exalted Lepakshi Temple of Andhra Pradesh. The crowd-pleaser of this temple is the Aakasa Sthambha or the hanging pillar. Hanging from the ceiling and one-inch from the ground, this pillar fascinates all the people visiting this holy shrine. Lepakshi temple perches on the tortoise hill and welcomes numerous devotees every day. 

Best time to visit Andhra Pradesh

Any time in the year is the best season to visit Andhra Pradesh, for it has ideal tourist spots for each season. Winters are the best to explore every bit of this state without any hindrances. With the pleasant ambience and expedient temperatures, Andhra in winters is crowded with tourists from all parts of India. So, November to February would be the best time to visit Andhra Pradesh.

Summers are also crowded as winters due to the multiple beaches and hill stations. Though the coastal belt results in sultry and humid surroundings, summers are the peak visiting season of this state. Monsoon in Andhra is good for tourists looking for pleasure in the peaceful aura and bounty nature. 

How to Reach Andhra Pradesh

Here are some tips on how to reach Andhra Pradesh.

By Roadways – The state is well connected with on roadways. The National Highway-16 runs along the state connecting it with most prime Indian cities. You can use public or private buses to reach the state’s major cities like Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada. Most travellers prefer self-driving because of the well-maintained roads.

By Railways – Railways are one notable means of transport to this state, connecting it to major Indian cities. With many prominent railway stations, one can reach Andhra Pradesh without much hassle.

By Airways – With six international and domestic airports (three each), Andhra Pradesh is well connected with most metropolises in India. There are daily flights to Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Vijayawada, and other cities of Andhra Pradesh. Board a flight to the city you want to visit.

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5 Star Hotels & Resorts in Andhra Pradesh

Vivanta Vijayawada, MG Road

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Svenska Design Hotel

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Taj Tirupati

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Manjeera Sarovar Premiere

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3 Star Hotels & Resorts in Andhra Pradesh

Best Western Ramachandra

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Paradigm Sarovar Portico Kakinada

₹ 5000₹ 4500 per night

Green Park Hotel

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Red Fox Hotel Vijayawada

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