Top 25 Places To Visit In Andhra Pradesh
Crowning the southeastern region of India, this majestic and grand state of our country is the fifth largest state. This alluring and classy state grazes the Deccan Plateau. It is encompassed with Tamil Nadu on the south, Karnataka on west, Maharashtra on the north-northwest, Madhya Pradesh joined by Orissa on the northeast and the roaring waters of the Bay of Bengal on the east. The elegant and divine city of Hyderabad serves as the capital to the state. The history of the state unfolds grand chapter of glorious pasts making the state rich in its cultural heritage and architecture. The state is an abode of marvelous monuments, exquisite forts and palaces, holy shrines and shining markets. The panoramic view of the natural beauty of the state is going to make you fall in love with the state. It has a breathtaking aura pertaining to its gushing rivers, shimmering cascades, thick forests, foggy hills and enormous mountains. Andhra Pradesh is blessed to possess sacred religious shrines of which the Trimula and Puttaparthi are amongst the most visited shrines of the country where millions o devotees worship the deity. This creates a positive vides around the place. The serene weather condition of the state attracts flocks of tourists to leisure its hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, pristine beaches and national parks.
Owing to the vast coastline of the state, it has the second largest coastline of the country housing picturesque beaches where you can enjoy the sunset and the calmness of the water. The largest city of the state is Visakhapatnam which gems the Bay of Bengal. The state has 13 districts out of which 9 are in the coastal regions. So the state is a must visit for people who enjoy the peaceful surroundings more than anything else. These characteristics of the state make it the third most visited state of the country.
The state makes great reservations about the tourists to visit and explore the state in turn creating memories for themselves. The various historical monuments, forts, palaces, museums, tombs, hill stations, caves, pilgrimage shrines and many more are all of particular interest for tourists.
Although the state is perfect and bewitching to experience anytime of the year but the best time to visit the state is form October to February where the summers are not hot enough to get in way of your exploration and the winters are not old enough to make you feel dizzy.
Reaching the state is very easy where you can drop first at the capital of the state Hyderabad has an international airport. It has another international airport in Visakhapatnam. The state is well connected by a flourishing network of rails and roads making every place in the state easy to travel and access. The currency of the state is INR (Indian Rupee) and the official language of the state is Telugu although other languages like English and Hindi are also spoken by some.
Every place in Andhra Pradesh whether it is the quiet beaches of Visakhapatnam or the green fields of Nellore or religious places of Puttaparthi every berth is distinct and alluring. When you visit a state so full of history, heritage and culture; exploring it with splendors and painting the town with your presence is of utmost importance. This state is a must visit on your tour to India.
1. Ramakrishnan Beach
Also known as the RK beach; it decorates the coastline of Bay of Bengal. It is one of the most popular beaches a prime attraction of Visakhapatnam. The beach is a perfect destination for your weekend where you can lure yourself into mesmerizing sunsets with your feet soaked into the primal waters in turn relaxing and calming your inner soul. This beach was created under the Ramakrishna Mission. The beach offers you enormous water sports activities to the travelers. The beach is highly crowded during the peak summers where hundreds of tourists flock to experience the picturesque aura around. The beach is encompassed with heighted coconut trees, pristine sea waters and golden sand dunes. The cool breeze blowing will only add on to your leisure. People can endorse themselves in playing volleyball, Frisbee and other kind of sports. You can even walk around the beach with bare legs. The seafood stalls around the beach will indulge you in mouth watering sea dishes. The evening will be spiced up with the sunset where you can actually watch the sun dipping itself into the cold waters of the sea. The beach is going to impress you with its night sessions also where the cold breeze will tinkle across your ears and hairs. Tourists attractions nearby include the INS Kursursa Submarine Museum where the artifacts of the nautical industry are well kept and preserved. The beach is a must visit for people who don’t mind little relaxing sessions during the trip.
2. Simhachalam Temple
Also known as the Simhadri Temple; it is located in Visakhapatnam also known as Vizag. This temple has a glorious history attached to its name. It is said to have derived from two Sanskrit words mainly “Simha” whixh means lion and “Achala” which means hill. The temple is one of the eighteen shrines of Lord Narsimha in India which are known as NarsimhaKshetras. The rich folklore says that Lord Narsimha rescued Prahlada from the tortures of his evil father Hiranyakasipu. Crowing the state, this temple sits on the top of a hill and is devoted to Lord Vishnu patronizing the idol of Lord Narsimha in a tribhangi posture that portrays Lord Narsimha acquiring a human head on a lion body. The festive season of Chandanotsavam depicts the coating of the idol of Lord Narsimha with sandalwood only once in the enire year during the month of May. The coated idol called as Nijaroopadarshan is the only time the idol can be worshipped for 12 hours after which it is again wrapped with sandalwood paste. This time attracts a number of devotees and worshippers who pray the deity to grant them with divine blessings. Not only this the surrounding of the temple is lush green with mango trees, shrubs and cashew trees. The architecture of the temple is the finest you can see and dates back to the Kalinga period. There are enumerable inscriptions carved on the walls of the temple.
3. Borra Caves And Katiki Falls
Grazing the Ananthagiri hills of Araku Valley this place is dedicated to Lord Shiva. These caves are said to be the largest on the country. The caves are said to be decorated with Stalagmite and Stalactite formations. The bustling waters of the Gosthani river also originate from the caves. The caves are covered around with plush green arcades of forests and wildlife.
Lying is the proximity of the Borra Caves at a mere distance of 7 km; this is the most acclaimed tourist spots of Visakhapatnam. The panoramic view of the Katiki Waterfalls is breathtaking. Although in order to get the mesmerizing feel of the waterfalls requires you to perform some hard trek surviving yourself through the dense forests and the dramatic terrains; all your efforts will be worth it once you reach there. The pre reaching sessions would be easily balanced with the translucent waters of the pond. People enjoy the adventurous trekking of the undulating cliffs and bathing in the limpid waters of the waterfall. You will give yourself a credit for exploring this place. Marinated chicken is a worth treat of this place. You can even camp over here and relish in the extravagant yet peaceful surroundings of the place. All in all, this entire place is fun and thrilling to visit.
4. Trupati
The antique city of Chittor district of Andhra Pradesh; the spiritual hub is a pilgrimage site for thousands of devotees around the world. The city roars across the Ponnai River. The city has bewitching waterfalls, hills and valleys. The Trimula Hills in the city are known be the second oldest rock mountains in the world. The major attraction of the city is the SRI VENKATESHWARA TEMPLE which crowns the Trimuala Hills. The temple has a lot of facts attached to its name, the 2.2 acre of area, richest temple in the world and the second most visited shrine after the Vatican in the world. The temple ensconces the Swami Pushkarini River. The spiritual and religious aura around the place will cleanse your mind, body and soul. The gusting waters of the TALAKONA WATERFALLS will embrace you into a divine experience. Being the highest waterfall of the state, the views of this place are amazing and spectacular. Reaching to this place demands a high trek of 2 km but the waterfall are going to lure you into nature, wildlife and adventure. Other electrifying canopy rope walk is going to activate your senses. Touching the heavenly side of nature requires you to enthrall yourself into the DEER PARK where the spectacular landscapes and pure vibes is going to entertain you mind. The SRI GOVINDARAJASWAMI TEMPLE is a must visit to worship the elder brother of Lord Balaji. A stop at the KANIPAKAM and SRIKALAHASTI will engage your senses into a holy vibe.
5. Vijayawada
Perching across the mighty River Krishna; the city of Vijayawada bears the largest railway junction of South India. The city is a conglomeration of historical prestige and modern economization with dazzling pictographic of hills, appealing forts and ghastly dams. The elegant and beauteous attraction of the city includes the conglomeration of Kondapalli Fort, the classy and ancient Prakasam Dam, the indominable Undavalli Caves and the lusty Mogalarajapuram Caves. The modern era is illustrated with the gigantic skyscrapers like PVP square, Trendset Mall and many more. the ethereal side of the city is explored with the Subramanya Swamy Temple, Hazarat Bal Mosque, Hinkar Thirtha and the Gunadala Mary Matha Church. You can turn back the pages of the history of the city by visitng the Victoria Jubilee Museum or the River Valley Museum. You can cherish the likings of nature in the Rajiv Gandhi Park where you can enjoy the zoo, horticulture, library and a light and sound show. The place will enrich your mind and lure you to explore more about the state
6. Nellore
Growing across the banks of the River Penna; is the majestic and royal city of Nellore which was once a home to a varied and glorious rule of empires ruling the entire country. Nellore is the most historic city of the state that unfolds the rich history of various empires that ruled. These illustrations are depicted by the grandeur of the Udayagiri and the Venkatagiri forts. The city adds on to its importance by citing various temples for their exquisite architecture and religious attributes. The city witnesses lush green fields of paddy along with the fathomless lakes,lagoons and thick forests. Other than that bird watching is also a leisure activity here where such bustle can be enjoyed at the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary and the Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary. The city also homes innovation and technology at its peak with ISROs launching station of Sriharikota. The city also has the deepest port of the country called the Krishnapattanam Port. The city can be rightly said to be an amalgam of science, technology, heritage, culture and nature.
7. Anantapur
The city is a seat of the state’s history and aestheticism. Grazing the most western part of the state; the city homes a number of temples and forts. The city is most famous for the birthplace of Sri Satya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi attracting various tourists to visit the native home of the spiritual leader. The city is a blend of some very famous temples of the state like the Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple most visited during the festivity of Rathothsavam and The Lepakshi Temple representing the architecture dated back to the 16th century Vijaynagara style. Other tourist attraction includes the Penukonda Fort which used to be the home of the former Vijaynagara kingdom and the Gooty Fort. The view of the city and its surrounding from these forts is splendid and breathtaking. While in the city, a visit to Dharmavaram to explore the silk saris of India is a must.
8. Kurnool
Popularly known as the “Gateway to Rayalaseema” the state is bordered with Telangana on the north and the Bellary distirct of Karnataka in the west. The city has earned its name owing to its spectacular rock paintings and caves. The most famous tourist destination of the city is the Konda Reddy Fort which is also known as the Konda Reddy Buruju. The fort is said to the heart of the city. Religious interests in the city include those of the Ayyappa Swamy Temple and the Jagannatha Gutta Temple devoted to Lord Shiva. The city is also known to stimulate your taste buds into an everlasting taste to your tongue and an imprint on your mind. The must try delicacies include Andhra style fried chicken, Natikodi Pulusu, Jonna rotti, borugulu, ragi mudda, Brahman Neyyi Dosa and Haleem. The city has stores of white jowar and sonamasuri rice which one should try eating. Other must products to your shopping cart must include gold which is of purest quality in the entire state. The city offers multiple chances to explore the history and architecture of the city. There is also a buff for wildlife lovers with the Sri Sailam Tiger Reserve and Rollapu Sanctuary.
9. Kadapa
Splendid with a rich culture and heritage; this city is known to be the ‘Gateway’ city to Trimula being bordered by Nallamala and Palakonda hills. The city is famed due to the fact of its proximity to Vontimitta; a city located just 20 km away from Kadapa where the Kishkindakanda is postulated to take place. The city had experienced different kingdoms ruling over and so have a blend of different cultural and a more enhanced history attached to it. It is rightfully regarded to be one of the best cities of the state. The city had an erstwhile name of ‘Gadapa’ which was reframed to Cuddappa during the British rule. The name was given due to it being the entry point to the holly hills of Tirumala. The city has its own waves of art and crafts blowing thorugh the state owing to have a conglomeration and confluence cultural heritage and historical reminiscence. The village of Shilparamam is known for its crafts base and represents to be a perfect illustration for the same. The city attraction includes the Ameen Peer Dargah, Devuni Kadapa and the Bhagwan Mahavir Government Museum. The wildlife spot of your soul will be satisfied with the Gandi Wildlife Sanctuary and the Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary. The city also treats you with South Indian dishes like Ragi sangati, Natukodi Chicken, ragi mudda and paya curry.
10. Srikalahasti
It is regarded as one of the most religious and spirital place of the state. The city is most famous for the Srikalahasti Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated just 36 km away from Tirupati Balaji. It represents the Vayu Linga describing the wind. The temple was said to be constructd during the reigns of the Chola and Vijayanagara kings. The legend speaks that this is the same place where Kannappa was granted nirvana by Lord Shiva when he was ready to offer both his eyes to cover up the blood flowing from the Sivalinga. The temple is one of the abode of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams the pther four being Tiruvannamalai, Thiruvanaikaval, Chidambaram and Kanchipuram. Other folklore to its name is that Arjuna a figure of Mahabharata visite this place in order to worship a form of Lord Shiva called as Kalahastiswara. Other religious places of interest include Gudimallam Temple, Sahasra linoga Temple and Sri venkateshwara Swamy Temple.
11. Ongole
Owing to its rich spiritual legacy; the city is popular amongst tourists who wish to explore the state to its heart. It is an antique city located in the Prakasam district of the state. It is famous for its tobacco trading across the country. The city is even exemplified in the inscriptions which date back to the rule of Pallavas. The city is also known for its stores of pulses, pepper, cereals and groundnut. The most famous attractions of the city include the KOTHAPATNAM BEACH. The beach is perfect for a sundown evening, glazing the shiny suns, playing with the crystal clear waters of the sea, the brown sand dunes and the cool but pricking breeze. The beach is also famous for its boating. The VODAREVU BEACH is another must visit place in Ongole. Other than enjoying adventurous activities like boating, swimming and fishing you can leisure a quiet evening with blue waters. CHENNAKESAVA SWAMY TEMPLE is around 46 km away from the city but is worth the travel. The temple is beautifully crafted and constructed. It was built by the Sri Telledevulapalli Satyanarayana Siddanthi. Other religious sites like TANGUTUR and CHANDAVARAM will rejuvenate your inner self and will satisfy with peace and harmony. The BHAIRAVAKONA is a 200 meter high waterfall. It is located in the Nallamala Hills where other than the waterfalls; eight different temples are also homed. Here you can very well observe the blend of nature, god and wildlife.
12. Puttaparthi
Erstwhile known as Gollapalli; it is a town in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. The town rises on the banks of River Chitravathi bordered by high and low rise hills. The place is most famous as the homeland of Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba and his ashram called as Prasanthi Nilayam which literally means ‘the abode of highest place’. Other major attractions include the Sri Sathya Sai Space Theatre and Chaitanya Jyoti Museum. It attracts several tourists from around the globe who worship their spiritual leader in this place. It has a religious and spiritual aura attached with it that provides calmness and satisfaction to the soul. It’s a must visit for devotees who want to attain a soothing feeling for their soul.
13. Rajahmundry
Also known as the Rajamahendravan city; it has a rich diversified collection of historical, agricultural, economic and cultural records making it the cultural capital of the state. It is the most visited city of the state. It is also the city where the Telugu film industry is known to flourish. mainly in Pattiseema. The city has the Asia’s second largest road cum Rail Bridge known as the Godavari Bridge. Other than this, the Havelock Bridge is also of significant importance to the city. Leisure yourself in the Gowthami Library a must visit for bookworms. Art and craft lovers should attend the Damerla Ram Art gallery. Other places of interest are the Sir Arthur Cotton Museum and RallabaNDI Subba Rao Museum. The rural ethnicity of Maredumilli will make you cherish those times the most. Boating across the Godavari River will unleash the adventurous side of your body. Turn back the pages of history by visitng the Chitrangi Palace and enjoy at the River Bay resort. The religious part of your body would be rejuvenated by visiting the ISKCON temple, Draksharama, Kotipalli, Samalkot, Ryali, Dowleswaram, Annavaram, Dvaraka Tirumala and many more. Laugh a little by visiting the Goutami Ghat and recreate yourself in the water rides and other adventure rides. Wash your thoughts off in the Papi Kondalu waterfalls. It is also the home to the most rate species of fish; the Pulasa Fish only found during the monsoons.
14. Amalapuram
One of the most graceful towns of the state; it is where beauty meets nature. The city has a splendor of extravagant greenery, panoramic view of the landscapes, tall coconut trees and deep canals. The city has the most famous temples of the state. It is also called as the ‘Panchalingapuram’ or the land of five important temples devoted to Lord Shiva. It is the third most developed city of the state. Apart from having a rich heritage to its name, it even possesses renowned educational institutions of the country. The APPANAPALLI TEMPLE also known as the Sri Bala Balaji Devastanam edifies along the banks of River Vynateya is the second most famous temple after Tirupati. The location of the temple is encircled by the Godaveri River on three sides and the Bay of Bengal on the fourth makes the view breathtaking and marvelous. The tall coconut trees, mango trees, lush green paddy fields make it even more splendid. Other than this the AINAILLI SIDDHI VINAYAKA TEMPLE devoted to Lord Siddhi Vinayaka and Sri Visveswara Swamy is another place where you can rejuvenate your soul. The Sree Veereswara Swamy temple is another famous temple in the near vicinity of the city. These places are going to give you an insight on the rich religious heritage of the country.
15. Srikakulum
Formerly known as Chicacole; the city resides on the shores of River Nagavali, beset by Orissa on one side and Bay of Bengal on the other side. The city has its walls painted with the Buddhist monasteries and shrines like Salihundam and Danthapuram. Other attractions bear centers like Srikurmam, Srimukhalingam, Arasavalli and Ravivalasa. The famous Srikurmam Temple is located just 13km away in the village of Srikurmam form the city. The Srikurmam Temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu who is said to exist in the form of tortoise inside the chambers of the temple. Other pilgrim shrine like the Arasavalli Temple is dedicated to the Sun God and is only Sun Temple of the country. The festive seasons Of Dussehra decorates the streets of the Korni Village possessing the Konnamma Temple where the vibes call for a real celebration in the village. Another gem on the city is placed by the Jama Masjid which was built under the reign of the ruler of the Qutbshahi Hyderabadi dynasty; Sher Muhammad Khan. The lush green gardens surrounding the mosque add on to its charm. The city even houses waterfalls and beaches that increase the dignity of the city.
16. Lepakshi
This town located in the Anantpura district of the state; owns its folklore and status to the shrines of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Veerabhadra. These pilgrimages were built during the patronage of the Vijaynagara Empire. The temple dazzles with mural paintings of the Vijayanagara kings emblazoned with Kannada inscriptions. The temple has a Nandi bull built out of the granite rocks. The tortoise shaped hills homes other smaller temples like the Papanatheswara, Raghunatha, Srirama and Durga. The most acclaimed Veerbhadra Temple is said to built by brothers Viranna and Virupanna. The sparkling paintings built on the walls are all made from natural pigments.
17. Guntur
The city has a promiscuous assortment of appealing and charming caves, grand forts and historic temples. This city is a must for people who wish to go beyond the normal and explore into the nature and past of the state. It is second Largest city of the state in terms of area and third most populous city of the state. The city shines and sparkles like the Kollur mines of the district which is a major mine in the diamond industry of the world. The applauded Kohinoor diamond taken away by the British from India was mined from here. Apart from the fancy diamond industry; the city is known to be a major exporter of chilli. Places of interest of the tourists include the ruins of Amaravati Mahachaitya which is a collapsed Buddhist monument. Other places like the Undavalli Caves carved out of a single sandstone are of particular interest. The caves represent the true sense of rock cutting. The cave even has a idol of lord Vishnu which was carved out of a single granite rock. The city even corners the Ethipothala Falls which makes the tourists feel the bliss and heaven all at the same time. Environmentalists can frolic around the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and the Uppalapadu Nature Conservation and appreciate nature at its best. History lovers can explore the Bhattiprolu, Kondaveedu and Kotappakonda.
18. Eluru
The city rises on the shores of River Tammileru and was an erstwhile capital of Northern Circars. The city is famous for its weaving, wool pile carpets and other hand woven products. It is amidst the coastline of Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada. The city has a affluent past being ruled by mighty empires of Salankayanas, Vishnukundina, Chalukyas, Vijaynagara and Golkonda. The city is also betwixt the roaring waters of Krishna and Godaveri Rivers and almost 50km inland of Bay of Bengal. This city is small but has abundant graceful and enticing landscape with picturesque view. The city is famed for its paddy, coconut and tobacco exports. It also has a name in green chilies exporting. The tourist attractions include the Kolleru Lake, Buddha Park and the Guntupalli Caves.
19. Amaravati
This is the newly framed capital of Andhra Pradesh succeeding the erstwhile capital of Hyderabad which has been transferred to Telangana. It is known to be the Indian Singapore where the name means as ‘the place for the immortals’ and is undergoing various reforms and developments to be a bewitching capital. The cities of Amaravati, Vijaywada, Guntur and Tenali are together referred as Andhra Pradesh Capital Region (APCR). The ancient paints glorious pasts being ruled by the Satavahana King.The city is being constructed along the banks of River Krishna. Former to its fame; it has been a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. The much reckoned Amareswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva gems the city. The Dhyan Buddha Statue and The Stupa are other known tourist attractions.
20. Adoni
The city is situated in the Kurnool district of the state. The city owns its fame to the famous Adoni Fort. The fort was the heart of the Vijaynagara kingdom. The city has tons of mythological and historical legacy attached to its name. The folkcore says that during the exile of Lord Rama of Ramayana; he vfrequently visited the place. The grand fort lies behest of the Bangalore- Chennai Rail Line making the passengers aw at the grandeur of the fort. The city is also famous for its gold and cloth markets around the state. Religious shrines like the JUMMA MASJID built by Madu Qadiri is distinguished for its impeccable Islamic architecture etting the tourists dive into their past. The RANAMANDALA ANJANASWAMY TEMPLE dedicated to Lord Hanuman has a rich mythological story spiced to its name. It is said that the demons who were irritating Lord Rama during his exile were killed at this place by Sri Anjaneya. Another RAMANDALA KONDA is also devoted to Lord Hanuman. The beautiful Ramajal Lake adds on the beauty of the temple. The folklore attached to its name is Lord Rama shot an arrow to provide water to Goddess Sita during their exile in turn originating this lake. The ashram of BAICHIGERI SAI BABA is also a pilgrimage for thousands of tourists. Other holy shrines includes the Amba bhavani Temple, Anjaneya Swamy Temple, the Chandramouleswara Swami Temple, the Dattatreya Temple, the Eswara temple and the Ganpathi Temple all create an aura of positive vibes and hopefulness throughout the town.
21. Machilipatnam
Also known as the Masulipatnam and Bandar; this city is located around the tributaries of the River Krishna. This city has a august and classy coastline which the one European traders used while carrying out the import-export of commodities. It used to a very famous coast for trading for British, Dutch and French during the 17th century. The city’s excavation of the Roman coins evealed that there were trading sessions even with the Roman traders. The most important income of the twon came from Muslin cloth. The port of Macilipatnam served as the capital port during the reigns of the Golconda Empire. The city was even taken up by the Dutch and French which is proved by the ruins of the architectural styles built during those times. The city suffered at the hands of nature when a giant tidal wave hit the port destroying and ruining its charm. The only surviving work of this town is the Kalamkari work which had remained popular enough to attract tourist to this place. The Manginapudi Beach is a place to spend your evening when you’re in the town. Other tourist attractions of this town are those of Dattashram, Panduranga Swamy Temple, Agastheeswara Temple and the Jodugudlu Temple.
22. Prakasam
This simple yet elegant town is located in the Coastal Andhra. The city is bordered by the crystal clear waters of the Bay of Bengal and the heritage cities of Guntur on the north, Kurnoolon the west, Kadapa on the south and Nellore on the south. The city is the third largest in the state in terms of area. The city holds its horses dating back to the Mauryan Empire times where the city found its historical name and fame from. The city has a rich cultural heritage owing to it being ruled by different rulers and dynasties. This city has seen the rise and fall of the Satavahana Empire, The sweeping of the aura of the city by Buddhism and the construction of mighty and majestic stupas. The footprints of the cultural legacy left by different dynasties is still clear and of interest to people. The city lures a historical buff into an extended and extravagant exploring sessions where they can check back into the past of the city and the history related to it. The major tourist attraction of this town is the Bhairava Kona Cave temples constructed out of a single rock cut resembling those of the Mahabalipuram dedicated to Lord Shiva. A relishing and rejuvenating walk across the Kothapatnam Beach is how you shouldyou’re your evening. Other tourist attractions include the Motupalli,Markapur, Chandavaram, Vodarevu, Chirala and Tripurantakam.
23. Srisailam
This is a very small town in the gigantic state of Andhra Pradesh. It is regarded to be the most holy and sacred place to worship and devote yourself to. It has earned its name ude to the thousands of Hindu devotees that flock to the city to satisfy their soul. It has the holy idol of Lord Mallikarjuna dated back to 1st century in regard to its construction. It is the oldest shrine of Southern India. The Srisailam Shrine is built on the undulating highs and lows of the Nallamala hills in the Kurnool district of the state. The nallamala hills are one of the natural geological formations of the country. It is regarded highly being one of the eighteen Shaktipeethas of the country and the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is considered in being one of the twelve Jyotirlingas devoted to Lord Shiva. The city lies in close proximity of the capital of Telangana; Hyderabad. The city is upraised along the roaring shores of River Krishna which has a hydroelectric dam built across it. This dam is the second largest dam in the country in terms of capacity. Other tourist attractions include the Nallamala Hills grazing the scenic view of the Eastern Ghats. Wildlife lovers can leisure at the Srisailam Sanctuary which is a part of the Nallamala Reserve.
24. Papikondalu
The hill range which is also known as the Papi Hills is bordered by River Godavari and its tributaries. It consists of a three range hills which encompass the breathtaking view of the Godavari River vast across the lush green paddy field and the misty clouds. The entire area of the Papi Hills gorges beautiful and tall tropical trees and so this tropical rain forest is declared in being a protected National Park. The hill range is situated as a gem on Rajahmundry district of the state. The largest and bustling River Godavari takes a few twists and turns that in turn lead to a breathing picturesque panoramic view that makes one feel like heaven. In order to experience the real bliss of the place you need to bow a boat form Rajahmundry or Bhadrachalam. Surrounding attractions to this place include the Pattisam, Veerabhadraswamy Temple, Perantalapalli, Polavaram and Rajahmundry. The Papi Hills adds on the delight of every visitor making this range of hills a very popular one.
25. Araku Valley
Famously known as the Araku; this scenic beauty is a hill station in the port city of Visakhapatnam or Vizag of the state. It is highly regarded in being the Ooty of Andhra Pradesh. The hill station is maintained by different tribal communities. The bewitching and mesmerizing hill station grazes the Eastern Ghats. The place has a bearable and pleasant climate with plush green fields, gushing waterfalls and serene streams. The hill station is even famous for its coffee plantations and has an aroma of coffee spread across the air of the place.The hill stations encompasses some very famous tourist desitnations like Borra Caves, Tyda, Katiki Falls, Tribal Museum and Padmapuram Botanical Gardens. It is a must visit for people who love the silence created by the nature and crave to experience one. It is a blessing for the state making it the most frequent visited place by the tourists.