Holiday Tourism India --» South India Holidays --» Andhra Pradesh Holidays
Andhra Pradesh Holidays
Andhra Pradesh, India's fifth largest state, is sprawled over an area of
275,068 sq. km. 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. Traces of the diverse
and variegated facets of the culture of the Mauryas, Pallavas, Cholas, Satavahanas,
Chalukyas and Vijayanagar, offer imposing vistas, that continue to fascinate
the observer.

Andhra Pradesh lives in its fertile coastal plains, semi arid Deccan plateau
and the lofty hillscapes of the Eastern Ghats. Exquisite crafts, glorious
remnants of the past, vibrant festivities, irresistible delicacies coupled
with the charming features of the people, and the sonorant mother tongue
Telugu leave behind indelible impressions.
Some of the incredible sights of Andhra Pradesh are the world's tallest
masonry dam, million year old caves, South Asia's first lion safari and
the world's richest temple.
Places to See
Hyderabad
Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, along with its twin city Secunderabad
has over 400 years of history. Hyderabad is a heady mixture of heritage,
traditionally hospitality and a thriving software revolution. A revolution
that has already attracted Microsoft to set its only overseas base here.
The fifth largest city in India and has a population of over 2.2 million.
Hyderabad is famous world over for its fabulous Diamond markets, glass embedded
bangles and the delectable Hyderabadi cuisine. It has a Hindu - Muslim culture
with a number of monuments of historical importance. Legend says that in
1589 Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutub Shahi dynasty
founded a new city along the banks of river Musi for his ladylove, Bhagmati.
The city was then called Bhagyanagar. Later when Bhagmati entered the royal
family, she was honored with the title Hyder Mahal. And Bhagyanagar became
Hyderabad. There are no forests in this district, and this district is the
Smallest district in Andhra Pradesh and the densest one in the whole State.
Tirupati
The abode of the 'Kaliyuga' deity Lord Venkateswara, popularly known as
Balaji, Tirupati has for centuries remained a destination divine and this
feeling grows on one as one goes round the various temples and spots of
natural beauty surrounding this major town. In fact, the government has
proposed to give special status to the town on the lines of the Vatican.
Lying at the southern tip of the Eastern ghats in Andhra Pradesh, the district
has a number of perennial water falls and vast forest cover.
Vijaywada
Vijayawada is known as the political as well as publishing capital of andhra
Pradesh. Vijayawada is a vital rail and road link between North and the
South and is now known as 'the city that never sleeps'. A major business
centre, it is the hub of commercial activity in the coastal area.
Visakhapatnam
The land of the golden beaches was just over half a century ao a small fishing
village. One would be amazed at the manner in which this port city with
a natural harbour developed into one of the fastest growing cities in Asia.
Vast stretches of beaches right next to the city on one side and undulating
green hills on the other have made Vizag, as it is endearingly called, a
tourist haven. An ideal destination, it caters to the religiousminded, the
Buddhist pilgrim, the fun-lovers and adventure-seekers. A number of beaches
and a long stretch of road along the sea-shore up to Bheemunipatnam town,
the second oldest municipality in the country, are a pleasure to experience.
Warangal
The city was once the heartland of Telugu culture. The capital of the Kakatiya
rulers. Warangal today contains some of the best forms of architecute, especially
in temples. The 1000-pillar temple and the Ramappa temple in the district
are glowing examples of the exquisite architecture patronized by the Kakatiyas.
Warangal city today is part of a cluster of three towns - Warangal, Kazipet
and Hanamkonda, the district headquarters. Attraction in the city are Planetarium,
Musical Garden, Rock garden, Archeological Museum, Samskriti Vihar.