Andhra Pradesh represents true symphony of Indian secularism. People of different faiths live here harmoniously and find this state a place of heavenly abode. It has been a sluggish but steady growth for Andhra Pradesh to make a transition from one of the poorest states of India to an industrial and thriving economy. The state is situated on the high Deccan plateau, extending to the low lying coastal zone at the confluence of Godavari, Krishna and the Bay of Bengal on the eastern front.
Hyderabad, the capital city, was founded by the Qutb Shahi Kings in 1590. The must-visit and the landmark of Hyderabad is Char Minar. Literally meaning the Four Quartets, it was erected in 1590. This Minar came into being to mark the end of an endemic (plague) in Hyderabad. Safdar Gunj Museum is another draw for those who want to splurge on a wide variety of artifacts and trinkets. The Golconda Forts, Qutb Shahi Tombs and Mecca Masjid are also worth a visit.
Hyderabad’s Salar Jung Museum reminds the visitors about the famous Victoria and Albert Museum. Built by Mir Yusaf Ali, this museum has a rich and wide variety of exhibits including sculptures, wooddrawing, armory, pieces of greater religious importance etc. Nehru Zoological Park is another attraction for the travelers. The park is seated on a sprawling 1.2 square km. and houses many exotic species including the rare ones.
Hyderabad and Secunderabad are twin cities separated by the famous Husain Sagar Lake. Vishakapatnam, one of the bustling ports of India, is located in Hyderabad. It is also famous for the sight of ‘Dolphins’s Nose’ which is nothing but a rocky promontory projection into the harbor. Nagarjunakonda is a place of fame for the sight of Buddhist ruins which in clear vicinity from waters of dam.
Tirupati, the holiest of the holy places for the Hindu devotees, is seated at the base of the Tirumal hills. The place houses a temple dedicated to Lord Venkatweshwara and receives thousands of footfalls every day. It is among a few Hindu pilgrimage centers accessible to the non-Hindus.
Another holy place is Prasantha Nilayam Ashram of Lork Sri Sathya Sai Baba, known to be the ‘Abode of Highest Divine Peace’. The Ashram extends excellent hospitality to the devotees and visitors as well. Breathe in divine blessing and enjoy the best food while visiting this Ashram.
Ideal Time to Visit: Between October to February
Places to Visit:
Char Minar – This graceful monument is the signature of Hyderabad. The name ‘Char Minar’ has originated from the magnificent and soaring minarets of 48.7 m in height. It was built by Quli Qutub Shah in 1591 to commemorate the end of the plague that broke in the city and robbed many of their lives. Surrounding the Char Minar is the Laad bazaar, a place of buzzing activities and a perfect hub of pearl, perfume (ittar) and antiques.
Golconda Fort – It is a massive fort having a perimeter of 11 km. In the ruins of the fort is buried the medieval history of Deccan. The fort was of a greater significance in the erstwhile era as the capital of Qutb Shahi kings throughout their rule. The place earned fame due to its diamond market. The world-famous and largest Diamond, the Kohinoor was quarried here.
Tirupati Temple – It is regarded as one of the most sanctimonious and the must-visit Hindu pilgrimage hubs in India. The temple is an exemplary example of Dravidian architectural brilliance. The Gopuram of the temple is facing the east and a sublime beauty of intricate design. The gold plate covered Vimana is popularly known as Ananda Nilayam. Every year, a festival is organized in the month of September and receives thronging crowd coming from every nook and cranny of this country.
Salar Jung Museum – This museum has excellent exhibits of antiques and artifacts representing different periods of time and places. It was Nawab Mir Yusaf Ali Khan (Salar Jung III), the Prime Minister of the Nizam who collected many unique pieces throughout his life and put them together in this museum. It has an amazing collection of about 43,000 art exhibits and 50,000 books from all over the globe.
Nagarjuna Sagar – This important Buddhist site is situated 150 km from Hyderabad. Today, it is mostly famous for the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam. It is the tallest masonry dam in the world and supplies water to over 10 lakh acres of land. During the construction of this dam, the ruins of an ancient Buddhist civilization were discovered. Some of the excavated relics have a pride of place in Nagarjuna Konda, a pretty island located in the heart of a man-made lake.
Medak – Medak is quite famous for the Church. The colorful pictures on the aesthetically designed stained-glass windows depict the story of the Bible.
Thousand-Pillar Temple – This significant landmark of Andhra Pradesh is located near the Hansmkonda-Warangal highway. It was built in 1163 AD by King Rudra Deva. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. It has thousand ornate pillars and magnificent black basalt Nandi.
Borra Caves – Bora is a village nestled in the Ananthagiri hills in the south-east corner of Srungavarapukota Taluk and 29 kms from Araku Valley and 90 kms from Visakhapatnam. Borra Caves are of heightened historical and religious importance. Dating back to a million years, they offer a stunning sight of naturally sprung up sculptures in fabulous stalagamite formations.
Warangal Fort – This 13th Century fort was built by the Kakatiya king Ganapati Deva and his daughter Rudramma. A few remains of this fort represent four huge stone gateways and numerous pieces of exquisite sculptures.