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Cities of Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh, the symbol of true spirit of Indian secularism where people of all faiths -Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu form a symphony of religions. 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.

Hyderabad

  • Travel to Hyderabad - The Second Silicon Valley of India

    Charminar Hyderabad Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh is a bustling 400-year-old metropolis with an urban population of 4.2 million people approximately. Hyderabad is located on the Deccan Plateau and the Musi River, 650m above sea level. The physiography of Hyderabad is dominated by hills, tanks, forests, and rock formations.

    The Hyderabad city is cosmopolitan, and is richly endowed with a variety of cultures. While Muslim people are concentrated more towards the old city like Charminar, Secunderabad has got a more contemporary look with a concentration of Anglo-Indians. The city of Hyderabad presents an attractive amalgam of old world charm together with the ebullience of growth and enterprise. Beautiful old edifices built in the medieval, Mughal, Colonial and Indo-Saracenic styles abound, rubbing shoulders with large glass and chrome temples of commerce.

  • Hyderabad Tourist Attractions

    Charminar - Charminar is a majestic architectural monument standing at the heart of the old city of Hyderabad, built by Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah in 1591 supposedly to commemorate the eradication of plague from Hyderabad.

    Golconda Fort - Golconda fort is a majestic monument, which lies on the western outskirts of Hyderabad city. It speaks of a great cultural heritage of 400 years and is regarded as a place worth visiting.

    Mecca Masjid - Mecca Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India accommodating upto 10,000 worshippers. This is the biggest mosque in Hyderabad and lies within hundred yards to the southwest of Charminar.

    Hussain Sagar - Hussain Sagar is a large lake in the midst of the city and was constructed in 1562 AD. Also known as Tank Bund, it connects the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

  • Excursions From Hyderabad

    Hyderabad Film City - It is one of the most comprehensive and professionally planned film production centre in the world. Located at an hour's distance from Hyderabad, it is spread over an area of more than 1000 acres.

    Osman Sagar - 20-km away from the center of Hyderabad is Osman Sagar. Popularly known as 'Gandipet', it is an excellent picnic spot with well-laid gardens.

    Shilparamam - Shilparamam is a crafts village at Madhapur, set amidst lovely rocks, rippling waterfalls and gorgeous lawns, about 14-km from Hyderabad.

    Ocean Park - Located at Gandipet in Hyderabad, Ocean Park is one of the first theme parks started in the twin-cities. It is a unique amusement park for the entire family and has attractions like a kiddie's pool, a 60ft high ride, the Slam Bomb, bumping cars and dry rides for people of all ages.

  • How to reach there?

    Hyderabad - An important centre in the air transport network of south India is well connected with domestic and international airlines. Hyderabad, being the capital city of Andhra Pradesh, has excellant road services to adjoining states and has a strong rail network with all major cities of India.

    By Air - Hydrabad is an important centre in the air transport network of south India. There are flights in either direction between Hydrabad and Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Bhubaneswar, Nagpur, and Vishakhapatnam. Hyderabad has an international airport too.

    By Rail - The twin cities of Hydrabad and Secunderabad are extensively covered by the railway network connected with Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai and other cities in India. Hydrabad is well connected by rail with all the important places within the state also. The city bus service operates from the railway station.

    By Road - On the crossroads of National highways 7 and 9, Hydrabad is well connected. Buses of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation and Private buses operate to all centres in the region.

 

Vishakhapatnam

  • Vishakhapatnam - The City Of Destiny :

    Ramakrishna Beach - Vishakhapatnam Vishakhapatnam is built along the seashore of the Bay of Bengal, and is bounded and broken by the bold headland called the Dolphin's Nose (357m above the sea level). The city boasts of a beautiful beach with a long beach road ending at nearly Bheemunipatnam on the northern end. The surrounding area is dominated on the west by the well-forested Eastern Ghats and farther east is drained by numerous rivers, among them the Godavari and Indravati.

    The city is also known as "Vizag" and is surrounded by three hills, each of which has a shrine dedicated to a different religion - Venkateswara temple (also spelt as Venkateshwara) on Venkateswara Konda, Baba Ishaq Madina Dargah on Dargah Konda and Church of the Virgin Mary on Rose hill.

  • The History

    According to the history, the city was named after the god of 'Valor-Vishakha'. It was a part of the Kalinga Kingdom, under Ashoka's rule in 260 B.C. It passed on later to the Andhra Kings of 'Vengi'. After this Pallava, Chola and Ganga dynasties ruled the city. In the 15th century, Vishakhapatnam became a part of the Vijayanagar Empire.

    The Europeans, the Dutch, the French and the English established themselves from the 17th century onwards and used this as a major trading center to export textiles, ivory, tobacco, indigo etc. This port is well documented in the histories of these colonial powers as well as in Indian historical records. This coast played a major role during the reign of the Asaf Jahis and the Golcondas.

  • A Prominent Shipbuilding Centre

    Vishakhapatnam is an important shipbuilding centre; the first steamer to be built in India was launched in Vishakhapatnam's harbour in 1948. Vishakhapatnam's port has grown greatly in importance because it has the only protected harbour on the Coromandel Coast. Agriculture is the mainstay of the region's economy. There are major industries like Ship Building, Oil Refinery, Fertilizer, Petro Chemicals, Steel Mills and a Naval base. The suburb of Waltair, at the north end of the bay, is the site of Andhra University.

    Vishakhapatnam is the true spot where one can find the beauty of Andhra. From lakes to cool beaches, from beautiful hill ranges to caves and valleys enclosures, Vishakhapatnam has them all. A visit to Vishakhapatnam will definitely be exciting, enriching and refreshing experience with all its sun kissed beaches, caves and temples.

  • Prime Attractions

    Indira Gandhi Zoological Park - The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is located in Vishakhapatnam amidst the scenic eastern ghats of India, flanked by hills on either sides and Bay of Bengal on the east.

    Ramakrishna Beach - One of the loveliest beaches on the East Coast, the Ramakrishna beach is a favorite resort for tourists visiting Vishakhapatnam.

    Rishikonda Beach - Just 8-km from Vishakhapatnam is the Rishikonda Beach, a golden, unspoilt beach, washed by the sun-warmed sea.

    Kali Temple - Small temple beautifully constructed situated near Rama Krishna Beach.

    Vishakha Museum - Situated on the shores of the Rishikonda beach, this museum gives historic insights of the past.

    VUDA Park - Located in Vishakhapatnam, VUDA Park is a heavy crowd puller and has a dancing musical fountain.

    The Harbour - It is one of the natural harbours in the world. A temple, mosque and church are located on hills overlooking the harbour.

    Dolphin's Nose - A huge rock, 357m high, is shaped like a Dolphin's nose. The rock juts out into the sea, forming a headland on which is the lighthouse. This lighthouse has a beam that can be seen 65-km out at sea.

    Kailasagiri - Kailasagiri is located on a hilltop and is a must to visiting place for all people visiting Vishakhapatnam. The charming hill on the seafront, affords a breath taking scenic view, especially towards Bheemunipatnam.

    Mudasarlova Water Works And Park - Situated 10-km from the city, it is beautiful valley framed by hills with a lake that supplies water to the city. There is also a scenic 18-hole Golf course belonging to East Point Golf Club.

    Submarine Museum - Another Attraction to Vizag is the recently setup submarine museum, one of its kind in the country and the first Museum in Asia to be build off a Submarine.

  • Excursions

    Bheemunipatnam - About 25-km from Vishakhapatnam is Bheemunipatnam. The most important aspect of interest at the place is the beach, which is perhaps matchless for its beauty all along the east coast.

    Simhachalam - About 16-km from Vishakhapatnam is Simhachalam, famous for the temple of Sri Varaha Lakshminarasimha. Architecturally this ancient temple deserves high praise.

    Araku Valley - About 115-km from Vishakhapatnam is the beautiful Araku Valley, with its bracing climate, orchards, and the Ananthagiri Ghats, which present an enchanting view to the visitors, is attracting tourists not only in India but from abroad too.

    Borra Caves - At a distance of about 90-95-km from Vishakhapatnam are the Borra Caves, which attained historical and religious importance.

    Ananthagiri Hills - Anantagiri is a breathtakingly beautiful resort sheltered in the lush undulating ranges of the Eastern Ghats. It is considered to be a perfect head off to get away from the blistering summer months. The Ananthagiri hills are on the way to Araku Valley and are famous for coffee plantations.

 

Vijayawada

  • Travel to Vijayawada - The City of Victory

    Temple - Vijayawada Vijayawada, also called as "Bezawada", is 257-km from Hyderabad and is located on the banks of the Krishna River, and is bounded by the Indrakiladri hills on the West and the Budameru River on the North. Situated along the Chennai - Howrah and Chennai-Delhi rail route, this is the largest railway junction of the South Central Railway. The city forms a part of the Krishna district, spread over an area of 58-sq- kms (urban area).

    Vijayawada or the "City of Victory" if literally translated gets its name from the legend, which says it was here on the Indrakiladri Hill, that Arjuna, the Pandava Prince, won the blessings of Lord Shiva for his penance. During the British rule the city experienced significant growth.

    In particular, the completions of the Krishna Barrage and the Railway Bridge on Krishna have helped the region expand its agricultural and commercial base. The famous Chinese traveller Hieun T`sang has visited this city. Today, with excellent communications, perhaps the best in the South where railways are concerned, Vijayawada become one of the big business centres of the State. Commercially, culturally and industrially the city is a very flourishing one.

  • Best For A Temple Journey

    Vijayawada is a must-visit if one wants to go temple hopping in Andhra. The abode of Kanaka Durga, goddess of power, riches and benevolence, is the presiding deity of the city. The city is also a base for visiting the Buddhist sites located around Vijayawada like Amaravati, Gudivada, Ghantasala and so on.

    Also accessible from Vijayawada are the towns of Kuchipudi, Mangalagiri and Kondapalli, which are famous for dance, temple and handicrafts respectively. Another important feature of the place is the Krishna Pushkaram an all-India festival that is held once in twelve years.

    The most luscious mangoes, the king of fruits, are grown here and the region is renowned for its tradition of pickle making. So altogether Vijayawada presents a colourful and varied picture and can be termed as a business - cum - pilgrim - cum - tourist centre.

  • Prime Attractions in Vijaywada

    Prakasam Barrage - Completed in 1957, the Prakasam Barrage is an impressive 1223.5m long, modern regulator and road bridge that stretches across the river Krishna. Its panoramic lake and the three canals that run through the city give Vijayawada a Venetian appearance.

    The Gandhi Stupa - The Gandhi Stupa, 15.8ft high, stands on Gandhi Hill, which was formally known as "Orr Hill". This Monument built in memory of Mahatma Gandhi and was inaugurated by the late Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1968. It has the teachings of Gandhi inscribed on stone slabs .The Gandhi memorial Library, sound and light show and planetarium are added attractions here. Climb to the top of the hill for a bird's eye view of the town.

    Hazrathbal Mosque - Hazrat Bal Mosque, a site of religious significance in Vijayawada. A holy relic of Prophet Mohammad is kept here and displayed once a year.

    Mogalrajapuram Caves - Just 5-km from Vijayawada are the Mogalarajapuram caves having three cave temples, dating back to the 5th century AD. Out of the 3 cave temples constructed here only one is still in good condition with the idols of Lord Nataraja, Vinayaka and others. The Ardhanareeshwara Murthy found here is considered the only one of its kind in south India.

    Akkana and Madanna Caves - On the way to the Kanakadurga Temple are the rock-cut caves dedicated to Akkana and Madanna, who were ministers in the court of Abdul Hasan Tanashah in the 17th century. A short distance away is another cave that dates back to the 2nd century BC, which hosts the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara.

    Rajiv Gandhi Park - Walk able distance from the new Vijayawada bus stand, this is an educative park containing built-up structures of dinosaurs and pre-historic animals, with a playing area where one can spend time relaxing and learning. Musical Fountain: 7.30 p.m. to 8.15 p.m. Monday closed.

    Gundala Church - Gundala Church is situated on a hillock on the eastern side of the town, at Gundala. It attracts a large number of devotees. A fair is held annually in the month of February, in which thousands of devotees participate.

    Victoria Jubilee Regional Museum - The Museum of the Archaeological Department situated on Bandar Road contains beautiful sculptures and attractive paintings worth seeing. 'Buddha' Alluru inscriptions of first and second centuries, and Mahishasura Mardhani are some of the important exhibits.

    Undavalli Caves - The Undavalli caves, in the village of Undavalli, are at a distance of 8-km from Vijayawada and nearly 280-km from Hyderabad . The high hill overlooking the Krishna river hosts fine specimens of cut-in architectural and sculptural models.

    Bhavani Island - Located upstream the river Krishna, close to Prakasam Barrage, is Bhavani Island. Make sure you visit this picturesque island that is a fantastic picnic spot for holiday-lovers.

    KanakaDurga Temple - Kanaka Durga, goddess of power, riches and benevolence is considered the presiding deity of Vijayawada. The temple is set on the Indrakiladri hill. The deity in the Kanaka Durga temple is regarded as Swayambhu or self-manifested, hence is considered very powerful. It is said that Adi Sankara visited this temple and installed the Sri Chakra here.

    Malleswaraswami Temple - Adjacent to the Kanakadurga temple is the shrine of Malleswara Swamy on the Indrakiladri hill. Mallikarjuna or the Malleswara as he is known in the Puranas is said to have been installed by Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Panch Pandavas, as a token of their victory of the South.

    Vijayeswara Swami Temple - The Vijayeswara temple is set on the Indrakiladri hill in Vijayawada. The installation of Vijayeswara is said to have been done by Arjuna, to commemorate his victory with Lord Shiva in the form of 'Kirata' (hunter).

  • How to get there?

    Vijayawada is an important link in connecting the three regions of Andhra Pradesh and is a major transit point. Two National Highways, the National Highway 5 from Chennai to Calcutta and the National Highway 9 from Machilipatnam to Hyderabad pass through the city connecting it to other parts of the country. It is connected to other areas of the state, by state highways and district roads.

    Air - The domestic airport located at Gannavaram, about 20-km, from the city connects Vijayawada to Hyderabad and Vishakhapatnam. It's about a 30-minute flight from Hyderabad.

    Rail - Situated along the Chennai- Howrah and Chennai-Delhi rail route, this is the largest railway junction of the South Central Railway. There are a number of express and super fast trains that connect Vijayawada with almost all the important places of the country.

    Road - Good motorable roads connect Vijayawada with all the places within the state and also with the major cities in India. Transport by road from Vijayawada to all the places of Buddhist interest is available in the form of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) buses.

 

Warangal Travel

  • About Warangal Travel:

    Thousand Pillar Temple- Warangal Warangal Warangal is located on northern Andhra Pradesh State lies along the Chennai -Kazipet-Delhi rail route. Warangal was the ancient capital of the Kakatiyas, an Andhra dynasty that flourished in the 12th century AD. The city stands out for its beautiful lakes, temples and wildlife. It is very rich in antiques and relics.

    Warangal's fort,lying southeast of the present-day city, was once surrounded by two walls, traces of the outer wall remain, as do the four stone gateways ('sanchar') of the inner wall. A thousand-pillared temple, built in 1162, is located within the city itself. Warangal is now a commercial and industrial center.

    Prola Raja of the Kakatiya dynasty founded the place in the 12th century AD, but some identify it with Worakalli, the capital of the Adeva Rajas of Tuluva Andhra or Telengana in the 8th century AD. Warangal or Varankal is believed to be the Korun Kula of Ptolemy, while another name is Akshalinagar, evidently Yeksilanagar mentioned by Raghunath Bhaskar in his Aravachan Kosh. The ancient name of Warangal was known to be Orugallu or Omtikonda on account of huge boulder like hillock situated near the swayambhu Siva Temple and is also called "EKASILANAGARAM". In course of time, it was called as "Orugallu", and finally known as Warangal.

    Warangal has many places, which attracts tourists in large number. It finds a reference in the travel diaries of Marco Polo.

  • Prime Attractions

    Thousand Pillar Temple - This temple is a fine specimen of Kakatiya architecture and sculpture. It was built by Rudra Deva in 1163 AD in the style of Chalukyan temples, star shaped and triple shrined. The 3 shrines are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The temple is famous for its richly carved pillars, screens and detailed sculpture. The black basalt Nandi, a monolith, has a lovely polished finish.

    Bhadra Kali Temple - Situated on a hilltop between Hanamkonda and Warangal, it is noted for its stone image of the Goddess Kali. She is depicted with eight arms and carries a weapon in each hand.

    Warangal Fort - Warangal fort is 12-km from Hanamakonda, which dates back to the 13th century. The Kakatiya king, Ganapati Deva and his daughter Rudramma built the fort. Though the main fort has been ravaged over time, the remains of the four huge stone gateways, similar to those of Sanchi, along with several exquisite pieces of sculpture can still be seen in and around the fort.

  • Excursions

    Ramappa Temple - Also know as Ramalingeswara temple, this is situated in Palampet village, which is 70-km form Warangal This is a magnificent monument dating back to 1213 AD depicts the glory and richness of the Kakatiya kingdom.

    Kolanupaka - Kolanupaka, 80-km from Hyderabad , is situated between Hyderabad and Warangal. This was the second capital town of Kalyani Chalukyas during the 11th century AD. During this period the village was a religious centre of Jains, and ranks among other great Jain centres in the south. It was also a great centre of Shaivism. Literary evidences reveal 'Kolanupaka' as the birthplace of 'Renukacharya' the great 'Vira Saiva' saint, believed to be born from the 'Svayambaghu Linga' at this village and absorbed into it after preaching Vira Saivism.

    Jain Mandir - The 2,000-year-old Jain temple of Mahaveer is a famous place of worship for Jains in the country. The temple is embellished with beautiful images of Thirthankaras. The 5ft high image of Mahavira is entirely carved of Jade.

    Sri Veeranarayana Temple - The temple is constructed in the Chalukyan style around 1104 AD. The appearance of the temple indicates that it was originally a Jain temple converted into a Vaishnava shrine.

    Someshwara Temple - Someswara III the Kalyani Chalukya emperor constructed the temple of Someswara. Rare specimens of architecture and sculpture of the western Chalukyan period can be found in this temple.

    Kolanupaka Site Museum - Kolanupaka came into prominence when it was made the alternate capital of the Kalyani Chalukyas in the 11th century AD. The State Department of Archaeology and Museums established a sculptural gallery, which exhibits artifacts from the various historical monuments in Kolanupaka.

    Pakhal Lake - A manmade lake completed in 1213 AD by the Kakatiya king, Ganapathidev, by harnessing a small tributary of the Krishna River. It is located 50-km from Warangal and spreads over an area of 30-sq-km.

  • How to get there?

    Air - The nearest Airport is Hyderabad (140-km) connected by Indian Airlines flights with Bombay , Bangalore , Bhubaneshwar , Calcutta , Delhi , Madras, Nagpur, and Vishakhapatnam. Continental Aviation also operates flights from Hyderabad to Bombay.

    Rail - Warangal is linked to all-important cities in India by rail.

    Road - Regular bus services are available (APSRTC) from Hyderabad, Yadagirigutta, Vijayawada, Armur, Kolanupaka, Jangaon, Kodad, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Adilabad, Suryapet, Palampet, Jagtial, Khammam, Bhadrachalam, Basara, Bangalore , Mysore and Tirupati.

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