Andhra Pradesh Travel Guide

The flourishing Satvahana Empire, which followed the Mauryas, covered the entire Deccan plateau by the 1st century AD. From the seventh to the 10th centuries, the Chalukyas ruled the state. This was followed by the rule of the Cholas, Kakatiyas, and the powerful Vijayanagar Empire. By the 16th century AD, the Qutab Shahi dynasty established its firm foothold in and around Hyderabad. The Nizams, as the rulers of Hyderabad were called, maintained their rule, even during the advent of the French and British. Andhra Pradesh was constituted as a separate state on October 1, 1953, comprising the 11 districts of the erstwhile Madras state, and made Kurnool the capital. By November 1, 1956, the Nizam’s state of Hyderabad was amalgamated to the state of Andhra Pradesh. The cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh is rich with Tribal, Folk, Classical and Other performing arts ranging from the ballad singing 'Burrakatha' to the refined classical form of 'Kuchipudi' dance. Andhra Pradesh is home of abundant Tribal, Folk, Classical and Modern Performing arts. Exquisite crafts, glorious reminders of the past, vibrant festivities, irresistible delicacies coupled with charming features of the people and the musical mother tongue Telugu leave behind everlasting 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. The state of Andhra Pradesh is rich in flora and fauna. There are the Kawal, Sivaram, Pakhal, Pranahita, Eturnagaram, Kinnerasani, Papikonda, Nagarjunasagar, Srisailam, Pocharam, Gundlabrahmeshwaram, Shri Venkateshwara, Srilanka Malleswara, and Kaundinya wildlife sanctuaries besides the Kolleru, Rollapadu, Nelapattu, and Manjira bird sanctuaries.

In terms of the beauty of nature Andhra Pradesh boasts of the Ramakrishna beach, Lawson's bay and Rishikonda beach, Bheemunipattnam beaches et al. The captivating coastline of Andhra Pradesh is heaven for the sun worshippers and the sea bathers alike. The climate is generally hot and humid. The summer temperatures vary from 20°C to 40°C, while in winter it is between 13°C and 32°C. The southwest monsoons play a major role in determining the climate of the state. The northeast monsoons are responsible for about one-third of the total rainfall in Andhra Pradesh.

Places Of Interest in Andhra Pradesh : Birla Temple, Hussain Sagar, Indira Park, Charminar, Mecca masjid, Osmania University, Qutub Shahi Tombs & Golconda Fort, Nehru-Zoological Park, High Court, Public Gardens, Race Course, State Central Library ,Tank Bund,Asmongarh, Khajana Museum, Planetarium, State Archaeological Museum, Salar Jung Museum.

The best place to begin a tour of Andhra Pradesh is Hyderabad, the capital. Hyderabad is very well - connected by air, rail and road to all major cities of India. The other major cities of the state are Secunderabad, Visakhapatnam, Waltair and Vijayawada. An efficient road and rail network connects every district to the state capital