Places to Visit in Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad city familiarly known as the ‘Pearl city’ is one of the most prosperously expanding cities of India. There is an abundance of tourist attractions in Hyderabad here like historical monuments, beautiful gardens and parks, lakes and a variety of resorts. Among the must-visit tourist places in Hyderabad, will find a lot of museums and exquisite lip-smacking cuisines in Hyderabad.

One among the most enriching states in South India is the territory of Telangana and the area around its capital city of Hyderabad. Known for its zesty and tasty biryani and acclaimed spots like the Charminar and the Golconda Fort, this place is a standout amongst the most dynamic and overflowing spots in the south. Verifiable Monuments of Hyderabad are well known for their magnificent design. Numerous eminent landmarks are arranged in old city of Hyderabad and few of them are in and around Hyderabad city.

 Apart from having a rich history, tourist places in Hyderabad also include the prime locations for technological development in India. You can visit the most beautifully designed ancient monument and mosques as well as temples in this city. The geographical location of Hyderabad has had a major influence on its varied cuisine, which ranges from the Hyderabadi style with its strong Mughalai influence, to a pure Andhra cuisine — hot and spicy.

Hyderabad has a number of options for weekend getaways. Places like Hampi, Bidar and resorts around Hyderabad are in close proximity for weekend getaways but if you're willing to travel a little more you can explore options like Dandeli, Gokarna and Badami. There are several companies that connect all of these places with individual travelers and corporate travelers from Hyderabad.

The Port City of Visakhapatnam, popularly known as Vizag, is one among the three proposed state capitals in Andhra Pradesh. The Vizag port is known to be the home to the oldest shipyard in mainland India. The city attracts a plethora of tourists each year, courtesy its alluring landscape and scenic beaches that look straight out of a picture.

The geographical location of Vizag makes it a popular tourist destination for people who love a bit of both mountains and the sea. Nestled between the Eastern Ghats and located on the coats of the Bay of Bengal, Vizag is a visual delight for visitors who come to experience the hustle of the city and the tranquility of the tribal villages close to the city. The city is also known as The Jewel of the East Cost for myriad worthwhile reasons.

Visakhapatnam offers a great deal of activities to do for the tourists. You can take a day tour of the city to explore the beaches namely; RK Beach, Rushikonda Beach, Bheemili Beach, Appikonda Beach and Yarada Beach are some of the great beaches in Vizag. Most of these beaches have various eateries where you can get the authentic taste of local street food. The Rushikonda beach is the most visited beach in Vizag.

If you are in the mood to indulge in some adventure sports, you can try activities like parasailing, scuba diving, paramotoring, and speed-boating on the beach. Additionally, if you are lucky to be there at the right time of the year, you can also witness the grandeur of the beach festivals. For instance, the RK Beach holds an annual beach festival around the New Year and the Appikonda Beach attracts a plethora of devotees around the time of Mahashivratri for the annual beach festival.

You will also get to discover a profusion of museums like the Submarine Museum, Aircraft Museum, Visakha Museum and more. Araku Valley, the hill station known for its splendid unadulterated beauty, is a must-visit point of interest for the tourists who come to Vizag. The valley is also known for its plantations of coffee, pepper and certain other spices. If you are looking for a retreat from the hubbub of the city, the momentous green hills of the Eastern Ghats and the celestial rustling of waterfalls is sure to have a therapeutic effect on you. 

Srisailam is a devotional town situated in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. This town is famous for the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple which is known as an important place of pilgrimage for the Shaktism and Shaivism sects of Hinduism. The town attracts thousands of pilgrims every year because of its spirituality and its religious ambiance, making it a popular tourist destination as well.

The beauty of Srisailam lies in its divinity and spirituality. Cradled in the lush green Nallamala Hills, the small town of Srisailam is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Andhra Pradesh. The holy place of Srisailam Devasthanam is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.

Besides visiting the temples to offer your prayers, you can also indulge in numerous other activities and check out interesting places to visit such as Pathala Ganga - a place that is believed to have medicinal properties for curing skin diseases. The Srisailam Tiger Reserve is one of the largest Tiger Reserves in India that protects endangered species like Royal Bengal Tigers. The Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple dates back to 6th century AD making it one of the oldest temples in this ancient town, that is definitely worth checking out.

You can indulge in different activities like shopping, sightseeing and trekking in Srisailam. Don’t forget to visit some of the local bee farms and take back a jar of pure, organic honey collected by the local tribes. Visiting the Chenchu Tribal Museum will allow you to learn more about the local culture of Srisailam.  The Octopus Viewpoint is the latest addition to the list of tourist attractions in Srisailam. This viewpoint offers magnificent views of the lush green forests and scenic beauty of the River Krishna.

The town of Srisailam experiences tropical climatic conditions. The weather remains pleasant all throughout the year.  The summers in Srisailam last from March to June.  The temperature can go as high as 40 degrees Celsius during summer. Monsoon stays between June to September. The town experiences winter between December to February, when the weather remains cool and pleasant and is ideal for trekking and exploring the city.

Tucked away in the interiors of Andhra Pradesh lies a rare gem, a series of hills called the Horsley Hills which are an absolutely breathtaking sight to behold. At an elevation of 1290 metres, the hills don’t offer a lot in terms of activities, yet people from near and afar visit this hill station for its exemplary views, delicious food and relaxed vibe coupled with beautiful weather.

Nestled in the lap of the lushly forested Eastern Ghats; araku valley is an unexplored jewel situated in the north eastern corner of Andhra Pradesh.  Located at about 1,200 above sea level, Araku valley is a frieze of earth. It is fondly known as the ooty of Andhra Pradesh, owing to its quaintness and unmatchable beauty. The valley is renowned for its delectable coffee, exquisite green countryside and rich tribal culture.

Blessed with dazzling waterfalls, dense green forests, sprawling coffee plantations and astounding climate, Araku valley has been a prominent tourist destination for quite some time now. Situated 120km away from Visakhapatnam, this picturesque valley offers peace and tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The charisma attached to this place has been successful in luring tourists from around the globe.

Araku has several fascinating sites to explore, including the caves of Borra, Tyda, Katiki Falls, Tribal Museum & Padmapuram Botanical Gardens. Besides, such areas, coffee plantations are a must- for those who want to indulge themselves in the richest flavors of coffee. The valley also boasts of growing the first sustainable coffee brand by Indian tribal farmers. Araku doesn't disappoint adventure enthusiasts either because it's a popular trekking spot drawing adventure enthusiasts from all over the world.

The valley enjoys a pleasant climate all year long, with days being warm and nights cool and crispy.The year starts with the winter season and slowly progresses towards a somewhat tougher summer season. The mid-time of the year is for monsoons and finally, the year ends with the winter season. This is why the location is a must-see when you're considering a ride to Vizag.

Lying at a distance of around 149 kilometers from Hyderabad, Warangal is the fifth largest city of Telangana. Known popularly for its rich historical significance, this city was once used as their capital city by the Kakatiya dynasty. Warangal city was formerly known as Orugallu, where the term “Oru” implies one and “Kallu” implies stone. According to popular old beliefs, the entire city had been carved out from a single rock.

With its impressive historical sites and exquisite natural beauty, the city of Warangal will take you back to the bygone times, when kings and queens graced this place. This beautiful place flaunts a multitude of magnificent temples that showcase brilliant architectural designs and glorious history. In addition to religious sites, this flamboyant city is also packed with a plethora of historical sites, serene lakes, and wildlife hubs, all of which add to the natural and man-made beauty of this place.

Warangal is home to a number of important attractions present in the state of Telangana. From religious sites like Thousand Pillar Temple and Bhadrakali Temple to historical spots like Warangal Fort and from wildlife shelters like Vana Vigyan Kendra Mini Zoo and Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary to nature hubs like Pakhal Lake and Bheemuni Paadam Waterfalls, Warangal tourism has something for every traveler.

The city of Warangal offers the tourists the chance to indulge in a number of exciting activities, which adds to the fun factor of their holiday. From admiring the stunning rock cuts of Ramappa Temple to enjoying a boat ride at Laknavaram Lake and from watching the musical fountain show at Kakatiya Musical Garden to seeking blessings at Siddheshwar Temple, Warangal will fill your vacation with memorable activities.

Warangal hosts a hot and dry climatic condition, with summers being unbearable hot and monsoons bringing in heavy rainfall. The most ideal time to plan a trip to Warangal is between the winter months of October to March, when the weather remains cool and favors local sightseeing.

Guntur is the largest city in Andhra Pradesh. Guntur city is the 11th most densely populated city in India and ranks 24th in the world. Since Guntur is situated in the plains, you can find a few hillocks in the surrounding suburban areas and the city itself is bordered by the Perecherla Reserve Forest in the north-west. The official language of the city is Telugu, but other languages like Hindi, Odia, Urdu, English are also spoken by the locals.

While it is mostly an industrial city, there are many natural attractions that make it incredibly beautiful as well. Dams, rivers, National Parks, sanctuaries and nature reserves make it a natural retreat as well. There are areas in Guntur with extensive forest reserves and natural lakes, which attracts migratory birds during the autumn season.

The main attractions in Guntur are the heritage site of Amaravathi, famous for its 2nd Century Mahachaitya Stupa and many other such historical relics. The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and Ethipothala Fall, both situated on the River Krishna, are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Andhra Pradesh. The Amareshwara Temple is a very popular shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Mangalgiri is located between Guntur and Vijayawada and is a famous Vaishnav Temple. The other main attraction of Guntur is the remnants of the Buddhist Stupa built in 1796.

While enjoying the archaeological wonders of Guntur, you can also indulge in different kinds of activities to unwind and relax with your friends and family. Other interesting places you can visit are the Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary, where you can participate in bird watching and spend your time in the midst of nature. Crazy World is a water park which is well-equipped and provides the perfect entertainment for families and friends visiting Guntur.

The weather in Guntur remains warm and humid. The warmest month is May, with the temperature soaring up to 39 degrees Celsius and the coldest month is December when the temperature drops to a pleasant 29.2 degrees Celsius. The average temperature remains around 28 degrees Celsius all throughout the year.

The city of Nellore is situated on the banks of River Penna, in the Nellore District, in the state of Andhra Pradesh. This place serves as the headquarters of the Nellore district. Nellore is the 4th most populated state in Andhra Pradesh. Nellore is also a historical city in Andhra Pradesh. The city was once ruled by the most powerful dynasties of South India such as the Pallavas, Cholas, Mauryas, Satavahanas, and the Chedi Dynasty. Even King Ashoka ruled over Nellore in the 3rd Century B.C. as part of his kingdom.

The beauty of modern-day Nellore lies in its vibrant cosmopolitanism and industrial growth, which has thrived while leaving the historical aspects of the city undisturbed. Situated on the banks of River Penna, Nellore is loved for its prawns and shrimp.  Its fertile land is also known for producing large scale sugarcane and rice along with other crops as well.

Some of the major tourist attractions in Andhra Pradesh, specifically in Nellore, are Udayagiri Fort, which is situated on a hilltop, at an altitude of 3,079 feet, offering a panoramic view of Nellore city. The historical Venkatagiri Fort is located in this town, which is also home to the Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, which is home to over 1,500 pelicans along with several other rare species of migratory birds. The famous 7th Century Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple on the banks of Pennar River was built by the Pallavas and still stands today. You can also visit Penchalakona, which is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. 

One of the most beautiful places to relax in, in Nellore is Pulicat Lake, which is shared by the states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The quiet, serene and pollution-free environment attract many birds, which makes it the ideal place for bird watching and picnics. Apart from the Pulicat Lake, you can also check out Mypadu Beach, Nellapattu Sanctuary, Pulicat and Bird Sanctuary, Kandaleru Dam, along with the Children’s Park in Nellore that has a playground and a skating rink.

The tropical city of Nellore experiences warm summers and windy monsoons with relatively heavy rainfall. Nellore, being almost at sea level, also has many beaches where you can enjoy cool winds throughout the year. The winters are not very cold, but they are a little dry. The average annual rainfall is 984 mm.

Perched on the peaceful banks of Krishna river, Vijayawada is the second largest city of Andhra Pradesh. Owing to its rapid growth and development, this city is also referred to as the “Media, political, and commercial capital of Andhra Pradesh”. The very name Vijayawada implies “The Land of Victory” and the city has been named after goddess Kanaka Durga, also called Vijaya. Vijayawada city presents before the world a blend of the new and the old world; while on one hand it shelters rock-cut temples and caves, it manifests modern architectural marvels on the other.

The beauty of Vijayawada lies in its most treasured history, heritage, and culture. That said, the modern avatar of this exuberant city is equally stunning and delightful for the eyes. The ancient caves, magnificent temples, lush parks, iconic museums, towering forts, and opulent malls, enrich the charm of this wonderful city.

The city of Vijayawada shelters some of the most sought after destinations of the state of Andhra Pradesh. While the historical attractions of the city encompass Undavalli Caves, Mogalarajapuram Caves, and Kondapalli Fort, the religious hubs of the place include Kanaka Durga Temple, Subramanya Swamy Temple, and Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple. While the natural beauties of the place include Kolleru Lake, Bhavani Island, and Gandhi Hill, the man-made attractions of the place include VMC Disney Land, Prakasam Barrage, and Scrap Sculpture Park.

Vijayawada tourism offers travelers the chance to indulge in a plethora of interesting activities to make the most of their holiday to this flamboyant destination. While the religious seekers can go seek spirituality at Hinkar Thirtha, the adventure seekers can go experience thrill at Haailand. While history buffs can go admire the Akkanna Madanna Cave, nature lovers can soak in the beauty of Mangalagiri Hill.

Vijayawada experiences a very moderate climatic condition, with the summers being unbearably hot, winters being mild, and monsoons getting heavy downpours. The best time to visit Vijayawada is during the winter season, from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and balmy.

Amaravati is the capital city of Andhra Pradesh, situated on the banks of River Krishna, in the Guntur district. The name of the village is inspired by the historic village of “Amaravathi”, which was the ancient capital of the Satavahana Dynasty. The foundation stone of this city was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu in 2015, declaring it the capital of Andhra Pradesh. Amaravathi is famous for its picturesque surrounding regions of Kotappakonda, Bhattiprolu and also for its good quality tobacco, cotton, pepper and chilli.

The beauty of the capital city of Amaravathi lies in its rich and eventful history which has blended perfectly with modernization, technology and industrialization. The most remarkable natural attraction in the city is the expansive River Krishna that flows through it.

Some of the most remarkable tourist attractions in Andhra Pradesh can be found in the capital city of Amaravati. You can visit the Amaralingeswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the 125-feet tall Dayana Budhha Statue located in the Dhyana Buddha Park. Other interesting places include the Great Stupa, Mangalagiri Temple, Amaravathi Mahachaitya, Bhattiprolu and the scenic beauty of River Krishna.

Besides touring the city of Amaravathi, there are many interesting places to visit with your friends and family. While in Amaravathi, you must visit the famous Melghat Tiger Reserve, Bamboo Garden, Shri Bhakti Dham Temple, Upper Wardha Dam, Devi Point, the Malkhed Dam, the Chikhaldara Wildlife Sanctuary and the Wadaii Talao as well. Amaravati is one of the few places in India which offers hot air balloon rides over its beautiful landscape, which is an experience of a lifetime. You can also trek through the many wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves that are in Amaravati, and even enjoy adventure activities such as mountaineering and paragliding.

Amaravathi experiences a tropical climate throughout the year.  The city experiences heavy rainfall during the summer season, when the average temperature hovers at around 28.6 degrees Celsius, With an annual rainfall of 889 mm, and dry and cold winters.

The city of Anantapur is located along the National Highway of Anantapur District in Andhra Pradesh. The town is the divisional headquarters of Anantapur revenue division, as well as the Mandal headquarters of Anantapur Mandal. It is the largest district in the state of Andhra Pradesh.  The city has a rich registry of historically significant monuments. Anantapur is also well-known for its flourishing silk trades, which contributes substantially towards the handicrafts industry and economy of Andhra Pradesh.

Anantapur is the perfect blend of history and cultural heritage with the modernisation of urban life and evolving lifestyles. The old architectural wonders, combined with the high-rises and highways are the perfect representation of the versatility of Andhra Pradesh. There are several beautiful shrines, temples, museums and forts that you can explore, that add to the landscape of Anantapur.

The most remarkable tourist attractions in Anantapur are Ravadurg Gooty Fort, Penukonda Fort, Thimmamma Marrimanu, Rayadurg Fort, Sri Sathya Sai University, and the Spiritual Museum, to name a few. There are also several places of religious significance such as the ISKON Temple, Mounagiri Hanuman Temple, Samadhi Shrine, Madhavaraya Temple

You can also indulge in exciting activities when you are exploring the city of Anantapur. Some examples are visiting the Ahobilam Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, the Veerabhadra Temple dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra,  visiting the Anantapur Clock Tower, trekking to the Penukonda Fort and the Gooty Fort, and finally indulging in some shopping in and around Anantapur.

Anantapur is 349 metres above the sea level and therefore, the city experiences semi-arid climate, with hot and dry conditions prevailing throughout the year. The summers are hot, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 37 degrees Celsius. The region receives moderate rainfall starting from the month of March. Winter lasts from November to February.

The city of Kurnool is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. This city is often referred to as The Gateway of Rayalaseema. Although the region of Kurnool is ancient, with many historical events and landmarks to its name, modernisation of the area started right after it was established in the 16th century, with the construction of the Konda Reddy Fort.

Kurnool is a picturesque town, with the Tungabhadra River running parallel to the lush green Nala Malas Mountain Range. There are several beautiful tourist spots such as Mahanandi, Mantralayam, Belum Caves and Nallamala Forests, which enhance the natural beauty of the place.

There are several major tourist attractions in Kurnool. Some of the places you must visit while touring the town includes the Ahobilam Temple, Belum Caves, Yaganti Temple, Mahanandi Temple, Sakshi Ganapati Temple,  Shikaresvara Temple, Nava Narasimha Temple, etc. The Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is home to over 72 tigers, and if you are a lover of nature, you can visit other places such as Oravakallu Rock Garden and Shivaji Spoorthy Kendra.

The landscape and geography of Kurnool allow tourists to participate in several exciting activities that are bound to make their trip memorable. For example, trekking in the Konda Reddy Fort, visiting the famous Dakshina Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, exploring the culture and history of Kurnool by visiting the Archaeological Museum Kurnool, visiting the Kurnool City Outdoor Stadium, the Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary are some of the more popular activities.

The city of Kurnool is situated at an elevation of 285 metres above sea level, therefore, the climate here is a local steppe climate. The average temperature remains around 28 degrees Celsius with very little rainfall in the area in and around Kurnool. The winters in Kurnool are not very cold, and it is considered the best time to visit if you want to experience the best in the city.