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Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is rich in historical monuments and holy temples. Tirupati in Chittoor district houses one of the most famous temples in India. The presiding deity is known as the Venkateswara. The main temple is situated on a hill top, Tirumalai, and is a masterpiece of south Indian architectucture.The main tourist attractions is the capital of the state, Hyderabad. The capital is in reality the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad linked together by the Hussain Sagar Lake. Places of interest are the Char Minar built in 1591, Osmania University, State Museum and Art gallery, Salarjung Museum, Health Museum, Public Gardens, Birla Mandir and Macca Masjid.
The Nehru Zoological Park, near the Mir Alam Tank in Hyderabad is a natural habitat, supporting a teeming wildlife population. It has to its credit the first lion safari park of South Asia. The Pakkal, Tadvai and Ethurnagaram sanctuaries abound in tiger, panther, wild boar, jackal, muntjack, fox, gaur, wild dog and the sloth bear. Kawak Wildlife Sanctuary in Adilabad district lies 50 km from Mancheral railway station.
The largest of the country's Tiger Reserves, the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Sanctuary is spread over an area of 3568 sq. km. Adjoining the reserve is the great reservoir of the Nagarjunasagar Dam on the Krishna river.
Another important centre of tourism is Golconda, about 8 km from Hyderabad. The capital of the Qutb Shahi Sultans in the 16th century, Golconda is rich in historical monuments which include the famous Golconda fort. Golconda was known the world over as rich mine of diamonds in the medieval times. The famous diamonds Kohinoor and Pitt came from the mines of Golconda.
The uncrowded and serene hill stations of Andhra Pradesh offer a cool respite from the heat and grime of the plains. Nestling in the Eastern Ghats are the charming little resorts of Anantagiri and Araku. Laid out amidst picturesque coffee plantations, the road to Anantagiri is literally enveloped with mango groves and waterfalls, that gush and flow into the ravines. Araku is a group of five valleys. The abode of 19 different tribes, life in the valley displays a distinctive culture. Situated south east of Andhra, on the Karnataka border and around 165 km from Bangalore, the Horsley Hills is another popular resort. This serene hamlet offers stunning views of sylvan valleys, offering adventurous forays through sandalwood, eucalyptus, teak and mango plantations.
Fringed by the Bay of Bengal, many an alluring beach is tucked away along the coastline. The seaface of Visakhapatnam, besides its bustling harbour, has a single massive rock jutting into the ocean at a height of 174 m. Referred to as the Dolphin's Nose, the gigantic cliff has a powerful lighthouse that sends signals as far as 65 km. The beach front of Visakhapatnam is peaceful and enticing. Rishikonda and Bhimli are calm, making them aquatic playgrounds. Bhimunipatnam, 24 km from Visakhapatnam is a pleasure resort at the mouth of the river Gosthani. The idyllic beaches at Bapatla, Kalingapatnam, Maipad and Manginapudi are ideal picnic spots.
One of the world’s best equipped film studios is situated in Andhra Pradesh, Ramoji Film City, at an hour’s distance from Hyderabad, is spread over 1000 acres.
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