Andhra Pradesh

Blessed with impressive cultural heritage and rolling green blankets, Andhra Pradesh has everything for everyone. This is one Indian state where you can see a perfect blend of history and modernism. Visit here to explore its impressive monuments, overwhelming museums, complex havelis, beautiful hill stations and unexplored natural caves which take you back into the history of this place.

Sightseeing
Attractions in Andhra Pradesh are diversified. The city of Visakhapatnam lets you have a whale of a time with sightseeing places like Borra Caves, Araku Valley, Yarada Beach, Katiki Waterfalls and Kailasagiri Hill Park. Religious souls must visit Tirupati, one of the most significant spiritual hubs of Hindus in India. Here you can visit temples like Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Sri Venkateswara Temple, Sri Govindarajaswami Temple, ISKCON Tirupati and Kapila Theertham

Apart from these, Andhra Pradesh has many places of interest like Vijayawada, Nellore, Chittoor, Anantapur and Kurnool which have their own unique history, traditions and cultures.

Wildlife
Andhra Pradesh has more than its fair share of wildlife parks blessed with abundance of flora and fauna. Some of the most popular ones include Nagarjunsagar Srisailam Wildlife (biggest tiger reserve in the country), Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (where conservation of endangered fauna is performed), Kolleru Lake (biggest fresh water lake in the country), Pulicat Sanctuary (second biggest brackish water Eco-System in the country) and Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park (with Seshachalam hill ranges nestling the abode of Lord Venkateshwara). Wildlife lovers visit here to enjoy sites of diverse mammals, birds and reptiles.

Festivals
Festivals of Andhra Pradesh mirror the state's cultures and traditions. Some of the most prominent festivals celebrated by the locals here include Ugadi (Telegu New Year), Varalakshmi Vratham (dedicated to goddess Lakhshmi), Lumbini Festival (dedicated to Buddhism), Visakha Utsav (displaying local traditions and culture) and Rayalaseema Food and Dance Festival (a major cultural event).

Food
Known with the name of "Food Bowl of the South", Andhra Pradesh is just perfect for food lovers seeking real Indian taste. Every region here has its own unique food items. If you are visiting Telangana, then do taste dishes like Karapu Annam, Rasam and Kakarakaya Pulusu. Hyderabad remains a dream place for every gourmet with its range of mouth-watering dishes like Biryani, Boti Kabab, Khatti Dal, and Bhuna Ghost.

Shopping
Shopping in Andhra Pradesh is more about local artefacts made by the artistic people of the state. You can buy ornaments, handicrafts, wooden artefacts as well as brass carvings from here. Hyderabad is extremely known for exclusive pearls. Kalamkari is a famous artwork on textile here and makes beautiful souvenirs. Bajara, made of beautiful mirrors, is also loved by travellers. The art is used to decorate clothes and other materials. Andhra Pradesh has many Government Emporiums and the Arts and Crafts Village apart from Laad Market in Hyderabad from where you can bag all these items at great prices.

Weather Conditions
The best time to visit Andhra Pradesh is the winter season starting from October. This is a great time to partake in sightseeing tours.

How to Reach
Begumpet Airport (also known as Hyderabad Airport) is a major airport for both international and domestic travellers. Domestic flyers can also land at Vishakhapatnam Airport, Warangal Airport, Rajahmundry Airport, Vijaywada Airport, Tirupati Airport and Cuddapah Airport.

Hyderabad is a major railhead with seamless connection with all parts of India. Other prominent stations in the state are Secunderabad, Visakhapatnam and Vijaywada. The state shares land borders with Maharashtra, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Thus, land connectivity is also great here.