Cuddapah to Rajahmundry Flights

  About Cuddapah

Cuddapah or Kadapa is a city nestled in the south-central part of Andhra Pradesh's Rayalseema region. With a district headquarters of Kadapa district, the city is famously known for holding the gateway to the sacred Tirumala Hills from the west. The popular route from Cuddapah leads straight to Tirumala Tirupathi Balaji Temple and hence, holds tremendous importance. The city also has some historical significance as it has been ruled by several dynasties including the Cholas, Khalji emperor Alla Uddin from the Mughal era, rulers from the Kingdom of Mysore and eventually, the British Raj. As per shreds of evidence extracted by the Archaeological Survey of India, it is also stated that the Mourya and Satavahana dynasty, Chalukya and Pallavas were also habitants of Cuddapah.

With so many various dynasties taking charge, the city's landscape does have some exciting architecture and cultural structures. Cuddapah's location between the Nallamala and Palkonda Hills on the Eastern and Western ghats have enabled the city to acquire some beautiful lush green landscapes. You will also find forts, mosques, dense forests and temples, which round off to be the top tourist attractions.

The city of Cuddapah has impeccable flight connectivity as well as rail and road transportation. Ahead of the trip, try to book flight tickets with some deals on Cuddapah. You can find a plethora of flight ticket options online. There are quite a handful of decent hotels in the city. Booking hotels in Cuddapah might be slightly challenging if you are looking at lavish accommodations. However, there are some modest hotels that you can choose from.

Best time to visit Cuddapah

Most of the cities in the South of India often face extreme summers. The temperatures range from 35 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius during peak season. Hence, it is recommended to avoid planning trips around this time. Cuddapah also falls under this category and has high temperatures during summer. Travelling during peak season between March to May would not be ideal for your itinerary as the scorching heat would tire you out. Plus, it is also quite unpleasant and should be avoided at all cost.

Winters though, are a treat. The city might not see frigid cold weather, but it would certainly have a charming appeal with all the greenery and cool breeze. The winter season starts from December and lasts till February. The lowest the temperatures would fall to is 25 degrees Celsius. This would enable you to step out during the day and explore more of the city without worrying about the consequences of excess heat.

Monsoons in Cuddapah begin in June and last up to October. The rains are quite moderate and don't wreak havoc in the city; the humidity following the rains could be annoying. You can always pack some extra cotton clothes to feel less hot if a trip to Cuddapah during monsoon is inevitable.

Places to visit in Cuddapah

Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary

Another important tourist attraction is the Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary. The green expanse boasts over 1500 motley of plants and trees that you've probably never heard or seen. The sanctuary is also home to a varied species of birds along with wildlife such as spotted deer, blackbuck, sambar, sloth bear, hyena and more. Established in 1989, the sanctuary is well-maintained and continues to see many visitors.

Ameen Peer Dargah

Constructed in 1683 by Sufi Saint Peerullah Hussaini, the Ameen Peer Dargah stands as a symbol of harmony in Cuddapah. The dargah's significance is how it brings forth a feeling of harmony among every individual that nullifies their religious descent. Made in good faith by the Sufi saint, the dargah continues to see a massive number of visitors who find the story and the structure, symbolic. Further, it is also believed that a person of faith's wishes is granted when asked from the Dargah premise.

Pushpagiri

For those heading to Cuddapah for a pilgrimage to Tirumala Hills, you can actually start your temple excursions from the city itself. Pushpagiri is one such famous location which has a handful of temples in the same vicinity. It is the largest temple region and is also known as the second Hampi of India. There are temples of Hindu faith ranging with shrines of Saiva and Vaishnava, to name a few. The temple complex also has Chennakesava Swamy temple which sees tremendous visitors all-year-round.

Sidhout Fort

Snuggled up on the banks of the Pennar River is the beautiful and artistic Sidhout Fort. The existence of the fort dates back to 1303 AD and covers a vast expanse of 30 acres of land. Right from the entrance of the fort with embellished pillars to intricate carvings on the wall, the fort promotes the flourishing architecture of the ancient era. You should definitely visit the place and take in all the astounding architecture.

Bhagvan Mahavir Government Museum

With a dynamic history, the Bhagvan Mahavir Government Museum has quite a lot of historical artefacts and scriptures from the ancient eras. Some of the artefacts exhibited are as old as 5th century. You will find some exciting stories from the antiques and displays. The museum came into existence in 1982, and the government has since then been preserving the institution by consistently adding more displays from their excavation endeavours. It will be quite an educational trip and ideal for travellers who are invested in the history and culture of Cuddapah.

Things to do in Cuddapah

Explore India's Grand Canyon at Gandikota

Touted to be a replica of the famous Grand Canyon of the United States of America, the location of the Gandikota Fort is a little close to the Erramala Ranges in Andhra Pradesh. With the Penna River flowing through the natural wonder, experts have commented that the canyon is easily more than 1000 years old. What makes the place even more alluring is the fact that it has been untouched or exploited by excessive travellers. The area continues to maintain its natural serenity and blends with the rich heritage. As you reach the summit, you will find yourself in the Gandikota Fort. The structure was constructed in the 13-century with stunning red sandstone that continues to glisten to this day.

Some groups will take you through a tour of the canyon. You can take cycles and pedal up to the valley. You can also take up trekking as an option to reach the fort. Make sure that you take tour guide along with you for this trip though.

Aside from the Gandikota excursion, there are several hills around Cuddapah that you can explore by hiking or trekking. Although camping is not allowed due to safety reasons, one can always go on midnight treks to catch the sunrise or opt for a day trek to see the sunset.

Food and Restaurants in Cuddapah

Andhra food is known to be spicy. In fact, they love their colossal quantity of rice on the plate, bowl full of pickles and lip-smacking spicy food. Cuddapah is no different when it comes to the said cuisine. The city does have some variety in their food options, but the Nizam influence inspires much of it. Cuddapah's cuisine is a melange of various famous delicacies including Mughlai, South Indian and biryani binge. Some of the famous restaurants in the city are Mantra Family restaurant, Andhra Spice restaurant, Shahi Dharna and Chennur Dum Biryani, to name a few. These food joints have non-vegetarian food and are exceptionally good when it comes to biryani and Mughlai food. As for the vegetarians, Aaritaku restaurant, Rosayya Tiffin Centre, Aahar 2000 are some joints that only provide vegetarian food.

How to reach Cuddapah (Transportation)

By Air

Cuddapah Airport (also called Kadapa Airport) has decent flight connectivity from Hyderabad and Chennai. The only direct flights to Cuddapah are from these two cities, and hence, if you're travelling from different parts of India, you will have to change flights in Chennai or Hyderabad. There is one dedicated airline called TruJet that has regular flights to and from Cuddapah. There are a bunch of flight deals that you can acquire when looking for flights to and from Cuddapah. No specific international routes connect to Cuddapah as it is a small city in Andhra Pradesh. The presence of the airport simplifies travelling. There are some decent hotels in Cuddapah as well. The flight tickets to Cuddapah are quite cheap and affordable, even on peak season.

By Rail

The city has its railway station called Kadapa Railway Station. Interestingly, the busiest domestic routes that pass through Cuddapah is from Mumbai to Chennai. Often people who wish to reach Tirumala Hills get down either at the Kadapa station or the Guntakal station. The state is currently also working on constructing a Cuddapah-Bangalore line to make travelling convenient by train.

By Road

The road connectivity to Cuddapah from other cities is quite robust. There are buses and other forms of transport from major cities such as Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Nellore, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Kurnool and more, that pass through Cuddapah. Public and private buses take the domestic route from Cuddapah to reach other major cities.

  About Rajahmundry

Nestled on the banks of the Godavari River is the city of Rajahmundry, an ancient town in Andhra Pradesh. It is also called Rajamahendravaram and has a rich history, too. It was earlier ruled by the Dutch and then the British. This is also considered as the place where the language Telugu was born. The city has become a popular tourist spot in the state. The Pushkar Ghats that is located along the river Godavari is an important place and is also where the Pushkara festivals take place every 12 years in a grand manner. You must certainly add Rajahmundry to your vacation destination list, if you are planning one to Andhra Pradesh. Apart from dams and bridges, Rajahmundry is also popular for its hills, lush greenery and for being a textile hub.

Best Time to Visit Rajahmundry

Winter and monsoon are the ideal months to visit Rajahmundry. Since summer in the Southern states of India can get pretty intense and gruelling, it is advisable to not travel to the city during these months. November to March is when the city witnesses winter. The temperature drops down to 14 degree Celsius and you can indulge in a lot of activities in Rajahmundry during these months. The city does not experience very cold winters. You can book a hotel in Rajahmundry at affordable rates during this time since it is also peak season. You might even get decent flight deals to Rajahmundry.

April to June is summer in Rajahmundry and the temperature crosses 40 degree Celsius sometimes. The blistering heat will only make it difficult for you to plan any outdoor activities. May is one of the hottest months in the city and even heading to the hilly areas won't help deal with it. The evenings might get slightly better than the days but you won't feel like heading for any activities. Tourists also usually avoid travelling to Rajahmundry during the summer.

The city experiences monsoon from August to October and though it does not receive heavy rainfall, the light showers come as a relief from the scorching heat of the summer. The weather is quite pleasant during monsoon and since it is also off-season, you might get cheap flight tickets to Rajahmundry. If you book at the right time, you might even get good deals on hotel bookings for Rajahmundry.

Places to Visit in Rajahmundry

Annavaram is a popular tourist spot in Rajahmundry. It is situated on the banks of river Pampa and is popular for the Lord Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy temple that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple sees tourists and pilgrims throughout the year. Devotees perform a specific ritual of the Satyanarayana Vratam to please Lord Vishnu, mostly before wedding functions. Maredumilli is another wildlife project in the city that also houses tribal people. Their hospitality will certainly win you over. Rajahmundry is also a pilgrim spot that has a lot of temples like the Draksharama, Maredumilli, Annavaram, Dwaraka Tirumala and ISKCON temple. You can visit the temples to embrace your spirituality. Papi Hills or the Papikondalu mountain range that runs along the river Godavari is a tourist spot that you must not miss. The scenic view from the hilltop is breathtakingly beautiful.

Dowleswaram barrage, built across the Godavari river is another popular tourist attraction in the city. The view from this spot is simply stunning. On the eastern bank of river Godavari, you'll find the Draksharamam temple, one of the five powerful temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is about 40 km away from Rajahmundry and was built in the 11th century. The Godavari bridge is the second largest road and rail bridge in the country. It is also a very popular tourist destination in the city. In the forests of the Papi Hills, you'll find a picturesque landscape called Pattiseema. The village is absolutely beautiful and the perfect place to seek solitude. You will find a lot of peace in this village. The Goutami Ghat near the ISKCON temple is another place you must spend some time in Rajahmundry. You can even book a hotel in Rajahmundry that is near the ghat. The Dwaraka Tirumala and ISKCON temples are some of the most visited temples in the city.

Things to do in Rajahmundry

Whether you want to soak in the best of nature or go on a historical tour or visit temples, Rajahmundry has everything in store for you. There are quite a few places along the banks of the Godavari river that are perfect for taking stunning pictures. Head to the Dowleswaram Barrage or the Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage to catch the magnificent sunset. You will definitely love taking pictures at this spot. Try camping or stargazing at Papikondalu. You will also find a lot of other activities to take up here and the night stay will surely rejuvenate you giving you a lot of memories to take back home from the trip. Get a taste of wonderful tribal hospitality at the Maredumilli. The place promotes ecotourism and is popular for its greenery, pepper and coffee plantations here.

If you are planning to visit Maredumilli, do stop by at Bhupathipalem Reservoir. It is about an hour and a half away from Rajahmundry and is surrounded by forests. You can either go boating or take stunning pictures of the trees and scenery nearby. If you are travelling with a large group, make sure you also go to Water Village by River Bay. The amusement park has rain dance, slides, pools and a lot of activities that will make your day even better. In fact, you can also stay at the riverside cottages that they offer to a lot of tourists. The Godavari Arch Bridge is one of the major highlights in Rajahmundry. The sunset here looks absolutely spectacular. If you love looking at vintage coins, handicrafts, local art forms and so on, make sure that you visit the Rallabandi SubbaRao Archaeological Museum. It's like paradise for history and archaeology geeks. Attending the aarti at Pushkar ghat is a spiritual experience you cannot miss. Rajahmundry will definitely be a vacation to remember. Make sure you plan your travel at the right season and add some of the best places to itinerary for a unique experience. The wildlife and nature experiences will leave you awestruck and you will even return from the holiday with lots of memories.

Food and Restaurants in Rajahmundry

Rose Milk is one of the top-rated dessert places in Rajahmundry and you must definitely try it out. The outlet is pretty small but it has a lot of customers crowding in, waiting for their turn patiently to get their hands on the rose milk. You will find pretty great reviews of this place and it is also recommended by the locals. The service is also pretty good and you won't be disappointed with it. Citrus Restaurant is another place that will fit your bill if you are looking for a fine dining experience. The South Indian cuisine here is mouthwatering and the service is also pretty good. The restaurant also offers a wonderful ambience. Head over to Sitara Coffee House for a refreshing cup of caffeine. Aharam Restaurant is another restaurant that is inside the Anand Regency Hotel that is quite famous. It is a highly recommended place for tourists. Dolphinn's Restaurant and JK Restaurant are also recommended by locals if you want to enjoy a scrumptious meal. Do head to Anand Sweets later for desserts. This place is like paradise for everyone who has a sweet tooth.

How to Reach Rajahmundry (Transportation)

By Air

The Rajahmundry Airport is about 18 km away from the city centre and the flight connectivity from Rajahmundry is quite limited. The airport is connected to cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai and Chennai. Connecting flights from Hyderabad and Bangalore are the most popular routes to Rajahmundry. Getting a taxi or a bus from outside the airport to reach the city centre is not very difficult. You will easily get a taxi from the airport to reach the city or wherever it is that you want to go. In fact, you can even take a taxi or a bus from Hyderabad airport to reach Rajahmundry. If you book your flight tickets to Rajahmundry well in advance, you might get cheap flight tickets to Rajahmundry.

By Rail

All trains between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam stop at Rajahmundry and since it lies on the Howrah-Chennai main coastal rail, a lot of trains stop here. You will get taxis quite easily from the railway station and in fact, travelling by train is also one of the most economical options to reach Rajahmundry. You will also enjoy the view outside during your train journey.

By Road

Rajahmundry is well-connected to the nearby cities by bus and other private transport. A lot of buses leave from and reach the city regularly. While it is a cheaper option to travel, it might not prove to be the most comfortable option. You can also take a private taxi or drive to Rajahmundry from the nearby cities.