Best places to see in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh has a rich cultural heritage. The rich history, architecture and culture makes the natives feel proud. The beautiful beaches, hills, wildlife, forests and temples let the state vital for visitors of every age. Here we try to brief some of the places without seeing which the tour of Andhra Pradesh is incomplete.

The Charminar is a signature minaret of Hyderabad. The square shaped building of granite is build upon four arches each in four different directions.
Each corner of the square structure has a meter high. It is because of these four minars the building is called Charminar. Each minar rises from a lotus-leaf base which is practically a characteristic feature of Qutub Shahi buildings.

It is the largest mosque in the world situated beside Charminar which accommodates nearly 10,000 people at one time. Mecca Masjid is so called because it is said that the bricks used to build the central arch were brought from Mecca. Though Qutb Shahis started the project it was Aurangzeb who completed it in 1694. Fifteen graceful arches; five in each of the three sides, support the roof.

Salar jang Museum is situated on southern bank of river Musi. The museum has 34 galleries. Special sections for children and library are housed in which good collections of Mir Yusuf Ali Khan and others from all over the world is there. Other than these, exquisite collection of precious piece of Ivory and Marble sculptures forms the collection.

It is a film studio with all kind of arrangements for filmmakers and many entertainment settings for youth. The complex spreads in 2,000 acres. Film producer Ramoji Rao, opened the place in 1996 in association with Usha Kiron Movies. It is also a popular tourism and recreation centre.

Golconda fort is one of the famous forts of India originated in Kakatiyas period. Earlier Golconda was a mud fort which was later rebuilt by Qutb Shahi Kings.
The fort has amazing acoustics and ingenious water supply system and also has the famous Fateh Rahben gun. Sound & Light Show happens at Golconda Fort.

The RK beach spreading along the coastline of the Bay of Bengal and is a great picnic spot to spend time sunbathing and surfing with your loved ones. With its serene waters and tranquil atmosphere, the beach offers a lovely vista of the countryside.

Nagarjuna Sagar, located 150 km from Hyderabad, is one of the tallest masonry dams of the world. The Nagarjuna Dam irrigates over 10 lakh acres of land and is also a prominent Buddhist centers. It is a favorite picnic spot of tourists. This mighty 1-km long dam is built across the river Krishna and has one of the largest networks of canal systems. Also the largest artificial lake is here.

Tirumala's Balaji shrine attracts the largest number of pilgrims in India. It is the richest shrines in the world. The presiding deity in ancient and sacred temple is Sri Venkateswara. The temple is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala of the Tirupati Hill.
Thus Venkateswara is also called the Lord of the Seven Hills.

Karnataka is rich with scenic beauty. This is the eighth largest state in India both in area and population. Bangalore is the capital city of Karnataka and is famous as IT hub housing many small and large IT companies. People who are keenly interested in activities like river rafting, rock climbing, trekking, and paragliding will find tremendous opportunities to indulge their adventurous side when they travel to Karnataka.

Karnataka has rightly been named the 'Cradle of stone architecture' - it has a profusion of monuments, including the temples of Badami and Aihole, domes and minarets of Bijapur, the World Heritage Center at Pattadakal. Apart from being a major producer of coffee, sandalwood, spices, and betel nut, the state is also known for its silk weaving industry.

Places to visit in Karnataka

The state capital is also known as the 'City of Gardens'. Bangalore is home to many well-known multinational software companies thus known as the 'Silicon Valley of India'. Many reputed scientific institutions are available here. Bangalore has many places of tourist interest such as Lal Bagh, Cubbon Park, Bull temple, Bangalore Palace etc.

This tomb of Mohammad Adil Shah, built in 1659, has the second largest dome in the world. The city has historic architecture (Islamic) and was also the capital of Adil Shahi Dynasty.

These are exquisite ornamental gardens at Krishnarajasagar Dam 19 km from Mysore; the main attraction is the 'dancing musical fountains'.

It is an ideal recreational paradise offering aqua therapy, ayurvedic, cosmetic surgery, fitness programs, and other kinds of treatments for a complete fitness tour.

Formed by the river Sharavati, the grandeur of the 253m high falls is best appreciated by a tour during and after the monsoon.

It is an open Square surrounded by temples. It is also world famous for its delicious cuisine and Udupi restaurants.

The cultural heart of Karnataka, A city of natural beauty, royal aura and quaint charm it never fails to charm its visitors. Mysore is called the city of palaces.

Famous for its exquisite temples and sculptures, it presents the finest arts and architectures of the Hoysala period and so rightly called the Dakshina Varanasi.

Hampi and Pattadakal are famous for their temple ruins. Another world famous travel attraction of Karnataka is the rock cut Badami caves that were built in the 6th century.

Karnataka has many humongous jungles that have been the homes of the many wilds since times unknown. The waterfalls inside the jungles, especially Jog fall is the highest waterfall in Asia. Wildlife Destinations in Karnataka are Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary, Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary. The hill stations Coorg is one of the most beautiful and exotic hill stations of south India. Lush green vegetation, Steep hills, hanging valleys and deep gorges with countless streams make Coorg a wonderful place to visit.

Due to the ownership the 320 kms long coastline of the Arabian Sea, Karnataka tourism promotes beach tours for all those who want a splash of the pristine waters of Karnataka. Enjoy a vacation on the Karwar beach where one can enjoy diving and snorkeling. The Malpe beach is another important beach in Karnataka.

Kerala Tourism

Tamil Nadu is one of the Indian states, located at the southern end of Indian peninsula. Tamil Nadu is a land of Temples with great stone structures. Tamil Nadu is a bastion of Hinduism at its most hearty, whose past endures into the present.

Main cities to be visited are:

Kapaleeswarar, an ancient Shiva temple, is the biggest temple in Chennai. Sri Parthasarathy Temple, The Santhome Cathedral Church, St. Thomas Mount , St. Thomas ,Fort St. George ,St. Mary's Church ,Fort St. George ,St. Mary's Church ,Kalakshetra ,The Theosophical , society, Fort St. George ,St. Mary's Church ,Kalakshetra ,The Theosophical Society, The Valluvar Kottam, Birla Planetarium houses , The National Art Gallery ,The Valluvar Kottam are places to visit.

City of the Cosmic Dancer is 245 Kms away from Madras. The image of Nataraja (the dancing Shiva) represented by the bronze image known throughout the world as the most perfect creation in metal of art. The main image of Nataraja is within a rectangular shrine, covered with copper tiles and gold and it is called the "The Golden Hall". The Chitrakootam is another shrine, situated adjacent to the Nataraja temple is dedicated to Lord Govindraja.

It is the second largest town of the three Nilgiri hill stations. This place is very pleasant to relax. Places to visit are Sim Park , Lamb's Rock, Udhagamandalam (Ooty), Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, Stone House, St. Stephen's Church etc.

It is a center of rich agriculture area and is noted for its agricultural university. Botanical garden is a place to see. The VOC Park and Zoo near the stadium has a toy train circuit.

It is situated 76 Kms southwest of Madras. This old city is known as 'the Golden city of 1,000 temples'. It is famous for hand-woven silk fabrics. The Ekambareswara Temple, The Kailasanatha (Shiva) Temple, The Vaikunthaperumal Temple (Vishnu's Paradise), The Varadaraja Temple ,Tiger Cave, Tirukkalikundram, Crocodile Bank , Mamallpuram, Vendantangal Bird Sanctuary are the places for tourist attraction.

It is one of India's holiest sites. Kanniyakumari Temple, Gandhi Mandapam, Vivekananda Memorial, Mundanthurai Tiger Sanctuary, Kuttralam ( Courtallam) ,Nagercoil etc are the places in and near kanyakumari.

It is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu. The Meenakshi Temple is the main attraction. Other then this is Tirumala Nayak Mahal.

It is the highly fertile delta of the Cavery River and the capital of the Cholas during their supremacy.The Brihadiswara Temple, The Raja Museum and Art Gallery, Thirukandiyur (10 km), Thiruvaiyaru (13 km, Tiruvarur (55 km), Velenkanni (94 km) are situated near city.

It is situated at the head of the Kaveri delta. The Rock Fort, The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Sri Jambukeswara Temple, Thiruvanaikkaval all are famous for their temple architecture.

The island of Rameshwaram, spread out over 56 km of gentle sand dunes, embellished with casuarina trees and stark palms, is a sacred place for Hindus since, according to the Ramayana; this is where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to absolve himself of the sin of killing Ravana. This Southern state is referred to as the cradle of Dravidian culture because its ancient culture is distinguished by unique languages and customs.