Travel (Commonwealth Union) _ With its countless breathtaking locations, Andhra Pradesh is teeming with culture, tradition, and gorgeous landscapes. The seventh-largest state of India is located on the country’s east coast, and it is renowned for its rich agriculture and several heritage sites. Here is a list of eight places you can visit when planning a trip to Andhra Pradesh, whether you are travelling for culture or just relaxation.
- Lepakshi
Lepakshi, a centre for art and history, is a small village famous for housing the Veerabhadra Temple, built during the 16th century. It displays Vijayanagara architecture with intricate frescoes and carved pillars, depicting various elements from Hindu mythology. It is also known for having ties to the Ramayana, with a towering statue of Nandi, carved from a single block of wood. Its cultural history makes it an extremely tempting holiday destination for those who are enthusiastic about the subject.
- Srikalahasti
The sight of an ancient temple of Shiva looming magnificently over the landscape is reason enough to visit this pilgrimage site. However, apart from stunning Dravidian architecture, sculptures and gopurams, this temple town is also famous for its Kalamkari art. This traditional hand-painted or block-printed textile creation can be seen firsthand through various workshops that are available for visitors.
- Rajahmundry
This stunning district has been dubbed the cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh, and quite rightfully so. Lying right on the banks of the Godavari Bridge, Rajahmundry holds one of Asia’s largest road-cum-rail bridges, the Godavari Bridge, as well as the ISKCON and Markandeya temples. There are also boat rides available to Papi Hills, making this one of the most picturesque locations in the state.
- Guntur
Guntur is miles and miles of lush greenery and holds a hefty number of ancient forts and temples, making it a spot for admiring engineering as well as a breathtaking relaxation site. With cascading waterfalls sprinkled throughout the area, it makes for a deserving escape for nature lovers. The city also boasts its culture with elaborate festivals and its famously fiery cuisine.
- Nellore
Located on the Penna River Bank, Nellore, like Guntur, is also a nature lover’ paradise. However, this location boasts far more than greens and waterfalls. In addition to the renowned Ranganatha Swamy Temple and the Penchalakona Temple, this location is famous for Pulicat Lake, which holds various migratory birds, including flamingos – a natural attraction for bird watchers and photographers. However, a stretch of pristine beaches adds to the allure of this city.
- Horsley Hill
Horsley Hills, one of India’s many hill stations, is certainly not to be missed. The hills, layered with diverse flora and fauna, offer many opportunities, such as trekking and adventure sports such as rappelling and zorbing. Of course, Horsley Hills boasts its own cultural elements, including the Mallamma Temple, dedicated to a local deity.
- Amaravati
The official capital city of Andhra Pradesh, Amaravati, rooted in Buddhist culture and heritage, holds one of the largest stupas in India, which dates back to the 2nd century BCE. The city also holds a looming sculpture of the Buddha, which stands at 125 feet. With a rich religious and cultural history, Amaravati is a main attraction for pilgrims and history buffs.
- Visakhapatnam
A mix of modern and traditional, Visakhapatnam, or Vizag, boasts breathtaking beaches such as R.K. Beach and Yarada Beach, offering an array of watersports. For more educationally motivated individuals, there is a deep history of the city’s maritime and cultural heritage that can be explored at the Submarine Museum and the Visakha Museum, making it a favourite travel spot among all types of travellers.
