Tag: Tourist Places in Andhra Pradesh

  • Tourist destinations and Pilgrimage sites in Andhra Pradesh state of India

    Andhra Pradesh, located on the southeastern coast of India along the Bay of Bengal, is known for its ancient temples, Buddhist heritage, pristine beaches, hill stations, caves and rich cultural traditions. The capital is Amaravati, while Visakhapatnam serves as the largest city and major economic center. The state’s main airports are Visakhapatnam International Airport, Vijayawada International Airport (Gannavaram), Tirupati Airport and Rajahmundry Airport. The state is home to the world-famous Tirumala Tirupati Temple, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world and many other highly sacred temples.  Andhra Pradesh also boasts important Buddhist sites such as Amaravati & Nagarjunakonda, scenic destinations like Araku Valley and historic monuments including Lepakshi.

    District-Wise Tourist destinations and Pilgrimage sites in Andhra Pradesh:

    Tirupati District’s Attractions:

    Tirupati district known for one of the world’s most important Hindu pilgrimage site Tirumala Devasthanam temple at about 20 kms from Tirupati city district headquarter. Major Attractions in Tirupati district:

    • Tirupati Balaji or Tirumala Venkateswara Temple: One of the richest and most visited temples in the world dedicated to Lord Vishnu is located on Tirumala hills near Tirupati town. It is believed that Lord Vishnu is residing during Kali Yuga here.
    •  Sri Venkatesvara Museum: Located in the complex of Lord Sri Venkatesvara temple on Tirumala hills is a must visit place.
    • Padmavathi Temple: Famous temple also called Alamelumangapuram dedicated to Goddess Padmavati companion of Lord Venkateshwara /Balaji is located at about 5 Kms from Tirupati.  Believed that Tirumala is only benefited if devotee visits this temple too.
    • Akasa Ganga waterfall: A sacred waterfall at 5 Kms from Venkateswar/Balaji Temple, its water is used for daily Abhshekam of the deities.
    • Papavinasam Thirtham:  Located at about 4 Kms from Tirupati, is one of seven holy theerthams in Seshagiri hills and it is believed that its holy water releases the devotees from his  all sins).
    • Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple: An ancient Shiva temple also known as Kapila Theertham in foothills of Tirumala hills with a cascading waterfall dropping in a holy pond of temple.
    • Govindaraja Swami Temple: This famous temple built by Saint Ramanujacharya in 12th century and dedicated to Sri Govindaraja Swami is located in Tirupati.
    • Sri Vari Museum: Located in Tirupati town houses the collection of artefacts to get a glimpse into the religious history of the region).
    • Regional Science Centre: Located at foothills of Tirumala near Tirupati town in Chittoor district.
    • Seshachala Vanadarshini Forest Museum: A forest museum located in Tirumala hills near Tirupati town.
    • Sri Venkateswara National Park: A wildlife sanctuary located near Tirumala and know for rich biodiversity and trekking.
    • Talakona Waterfalls: Located near the Sri Venkateswara National Park at about 40 Kms from Tirupati city.
    • Kailasakona Falls: This waterfall believed to have medicinal powers is located at 46 Kms from Tirupati city.
    • Veyilingakona waterfalls: Located near Sahasralinga temple at 37 Kms from Tirupati city, Veyilingakona literally means ‘valley of the thousand lingas’.
    • Chandragiri Fort: it is 11th century fort of Chalukya dynasty located at 15 Kms to Tirupati city, which is now a museum was annexed to Golkonda.
    • Nagalapuram or the Nagala Hills: This famous hill station located near Nagalapuram town is the part of Eastern Ghats at 63 Kms from Tirupti city and its tourist attractions are Veda Narayanaswami temple, Mini Courtallam, Shiva Temple falls, Nagalapuram waterfalls, Ubbalamadugu waterfalls.
    • Rural Handicrafts Centre: Located in Srikalahasti town at 40 Kms from Tirupati city, which is famous for handicrafts.
    • Pulicat Lake Wildlife Sanctuary: It is a brackish-water eco-system located in Tirupati (near Sullurupeta town), Chittoor & Nellore districts of Andhra Pradesh and also its some part in Tamil Nadu state).
    • Ubbalamadugu Falls or Tada Falls: Located in the forests of Siddulaiah Kona near Varadaiahapalem village at about 80 Kms from Chennai can be reached by trekking and get crowded during Mahasivarathri due to a myth associated with Lord Shiva.

    Chittoor District’s Attractions:

    Known for religious tourism, hill temples and cultural heritage. (HQ: Chittoor) Major Attractions:

    • Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple: Famous self-manifested Ganesha temple located at 11 kms from Chittoor city.
    • Horsley Hills:  Popular hill station with pleasant climateis a beautiful series of hills near Madanapalle town, tourist attractions are Horsley Hills Zoo, Chennakesava Temple, Kaigal Falls, trekking.
    • Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary: Known for elephant habitats.
    • Kaigal Waterfalls: Also known as Dumukurallu Waterfalls, located near Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary and nearest town is Palamaner.
    • Nagari Hills: A best picnic spots located near Nagari town, tourist attractions are Nagari Nose, Gurramkonda fort, Kailasakona falls, trekking alongside the Kushasthali river.
    • Gudimallam temple: An ancient temple built by Pallavas dedicated to Lord Shiva and known as Parasurameswara temple, located in Gudimallam village at 30 Kms from Tirupati city.

    Visakhapatnam District’s Attractions:

    Known for beaches, hills ports, and modern urban tourism. (HQ: Visakhapatnam) Major Attractions:

    • Ramakrishna Beach: Located near Ramakrishna mission ashram & INS Kurusura submarine museum, is much liked urban beach among youths due to various entertainment facilities nearby, also called R K beach.
    • INS Kurusura Submarine Museum: INS Kursurasubmarin converted into a unique naval museum at the port of Vishakapatnam is a must visit place.
    • Bheemunipantan Beach: Located at 24 kms from Visakhapatnam city near Sri Kanka Mahalakshmi Temple, a famous temple dedicated to Goddess Sri Lakshmi, old churches & large Buddha head statue are other attractions),
    • Gangavaram beach: A scenic beach located at 35 kms from Visakhapatnam city remains the attraction for film and TV serial makers).
    • Vishaka Museum: Located at Beach Road in Visakhapatnam city is the collection of artefacts related to Kalingandhra dynasty.
    • TU 142 Aircraft Museum: A preserved Tupolev Tu-142 located in Visakhapatnam city on beach road.
    • Naval Museum or Swarna Jyoti Museum: Located in Naval area of Vishakhapatnam city houses the models of naval ships, guns and weapons.
    • Kailasagiri:  A scenic hilltop park overlooking the sea and housing massive white Shiva-Parvati idols at 10 Kms from Vishakhapatnam city, known for panoramic views of Bay of Bangal.
    • Simhachalam Temple: Famous hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy in Vishakhapatnam city.
    • Lambasingi : This famous hill station also called as the ‘Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh’ is a small village in Estern Ghats at 100 kms from Vishakhapatnam city. Tourist attractions are Kothapalli waterfall, Thajangi Reservoir, “Ocean of Clouds” a scenic view in morning, Freezing climate and scenic plantation.  
    • Thatiguda Falls: A stream of Ghostani River, located in Ananthagiri hills near Araku valley town at about 70 kms from Vishakhapatnam city.
    • Rishikonda Beach: An exotic beach of gold sand coastline at about 13 kms from Vishakhapatnam city.
    • Yarada Beach: Located near Dolphin’s Nose and Gangavaram Port at about 15 kms from Visakhapatnam city.
    • Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary: Famous Wildlife Sanctuary near Visakhapatnam city.  
    • Dhanadibbalu and Pandavula Guha: These are important ancient Buddhist sites located near Kotturu village at 45 kms from Vishakhapatnam city.
    • Ross Hill Church: A beautiful hilltop Church in Vishakhapatnam city (Shrine of Our Lady of the sacred Heart) among other many famous churches in city.

    Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) District’s Attractions:

    Located in Eastern Ghats, known for nature tourism, lush biodiversity, rolling hills and rich tribal heritage. (HQ: Paderu) Major attractions:

    • Araku valley: A famous hill station and valley located in Ananthagiri hills and Galikonda hills of Estern Ghats at 115 Kms from Vishakhapatnam city.  Its tourist attractions are Borra caves, Dubriguda waterfalls, Aruka valley coffee museum, Ananthagiri hill station, Tribal Museum, Katiki waterfalls, trekking & camping facilities.
    • Katiki waterfalls: A much attractive waterfall located at about 4 Kms from the Borra Caves in Arraku Valleys, can be reached after 2 Kms trekking.
    • Maredumilli Amruthadhara Falls:  (Located near Rajahmundry is a must visit place.
    • Kothapally waterfalls: Located near Paderu town (30 kms).
    • Araku Tribal Museum: Having collections related to indigenous tribal culture of various tribal communities located in Araku hill town is the most popular tourist site.
    •  Coffee Museum: (Located in Araku hill town near tribal museum is tourist attraction and much liked place to enjoy coffee drinking.
    • Papikonda National Park: Located in the Papi Hills of Eastern Ghats at 50 Kms from Kunavaram, Rajahmundry and Bhadrachalam towns.  

    Anakapalli District’s Attractions:

    Known for agriculture, jaggery production, beaches and proximity to the Eastern Ghats. (HQ: Anakapalli) Major Attractions:

    • Bojjannakonda & Lingalakonda: Ancient Buddhist rock-cut monasteries and stupas on twin hills at 4 kms from Anakapalli city.
    • Nookalamma Temple: An ancient and highly reverted temple dedicated to Goddess Nookalamma (a incarnation of Goddess Durga) located in Anakapalli town.
    • Other Attractions: Kondakarla Ava (a massive scenic lake), Vanjangi hills, Rambilli Beach, Pudimadaka lighthouse & Beach, Gangavaram Beach, Anakapalli Jaggery market (famous for unrefined juggery & cashews).

    Anantapur District’s Attractions:

    Known for historical monuments, temples and dryland agriculture. (HQ: Anantapur) Major Attractions:

    • Thimmamma Marrimanu:  A much old banyan tree & one of the world’s largest banyan trees, known as Thimmamma Marrimanu which is said to be grown on the spot where Setti Balijia performed Setti in funeral pyre of her husband. It is believed that pray in this tiny shrine below this tree can blessed a lady by son. So this is also a pilgrimage site at about 30 Kms from Kadiri town.
    • Gooty Forts: An ancient hill fort ruins which is actually having about 15 small forts with separate entrance located at Gooty town.
    • Ramalingeshwara Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Tadipatri, believed that Linga in this temple is ‘Swayambhu’.
    • Mallikarjuna Temple, Kambaduru:  An ancient temple dedicated to Lord shiva located in Kambaduru village.
    • Venkata Ramana Temple: This beautiful temple of architectural importance dedicated to Lord Vishnu built in 16th century is located in Tadipatri town.

    Sri Sathya Sai District’s Attractions:

    Known worldwide as the birthplace of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. (HQ: Puttaparthi) Major Attractions:

    • Prasanthi Nilayam: This prime ashram of Sri Sathya Sai Baba is an International spiritual center located in Puttaparthi town, featuring a massive prayer hall, the Samadhi Shrine and Sarva Dharm Saputa.
    • Chaitanya Jyoti Museum: This museum in Ashram of Sai Baba in  Puttaparthi town houses all stories and incidents of the life of Sai Baba.
    • Lamp pillar: Located in Penukonda town, a long monolithic pillar with a cubical on top having an iron lamp for lighting the street used in past.
    • Madakasira Fort: A hill ruined fort in a horseshoe shape built by Marathas in 18th century in Madakasira town.
    • Hemavathi: A historic village in having group of ancient Hindu temples and a Jain temple built in 8th century during Nolamba Dynasty at Karnataka border.
    • Lepakshi Temple: Famous Vijayanagara-era temple known for hanging pillar and giant Nandi, formerly known as Sri Veerabhadra Temple, located in Lepakshi village at 15 kms from Hindupur town and 120 Kms from Banglore. ( in tentative list of UNESCO).
    • Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple: Ancienttemple dedicated to Lord Narasimhaswamy believed as one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, located in Kadiri town.
    • Penukonda fort: A hilltop fort near Penukonda town, housing 11 tired Gagan Palace, many Jain temples inside it and built in Jainism style by Krishna Deva Raya to protect Jain temples from Muslim, located on Bengaluru- Anantapur highway. The Babayya Dargah is also located in it

    Bapatla District’s Attractions:

    Known for coastal tourism, agriculture and historic temples. (HQ: Bapatla) Major Attractions:

    • Suryalanka Beach: Popular beach known for golden sands and water sports at 9 kms from Bapatla city.
    • Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple: Ancient Vaishnavite temple, under protection of ASI.
    • Vodarevu Beach: Located at about 6 Kms from Chirala town, known for boating and water sports.

    Guntur District’s Attractions:

    Known for agriculture, Buddhist heritage and religious tourism. (HQ: Guntur) Major Attractions:

    • Amaravati Buddhist sites: Ancient Buddhist site of international importance, having the stupa and monastery built during the sovereignty of Great Ashoka is located on the bank of the Krishna River near Amaravati city.
    • Amaravathi Archaeological Museum: Houses the records of Satavahana era, ruins of Buddhist & Jataka, Drum slabs etc located in Amaravati city.
    • Amaralingeswara Temple: An ancient and reverted   Shiva temple on the bank of Krishana River in Amaravati.
    • Nagarjunakonda: Ancient remains of Buddhist monasteries at Nagarjunakonda hill, a historic town.
    • Kondavidu Fort: Located at Kondavidu village near Guntur city, built in 14th century by Reddy dynasty.
    • Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary: Important birdwatching destination near Guntur city.
    • Manglagiri: An important Hindu pilgrimage site at 21 kms from Guntur city.
    • Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in Krishna delta in Krishana and Guntur districts.

    Palnadu District’s Attractions:

    Known for historical battles, temples and wildlife. (HQ: Narasaraopet) Major Attractions:.

    • Ethipothala Falls: Scenic waterfall and picnic destination located at about 12 Kms from Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and has a crocodile breeding centre in ponds formed by it.
    • Manchikallu Buddhist remains: These are the remains of Buddhist monasteries at Manchikallu village at 60 kms from Narasaraopet town.  
    • Nagarjunasagar Dam: One of the biggest dams in world is a wonderful sight with water related actives near it, which islocated on the border of Telangana. Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve covering Nandyal, Prakasam and Palnadu districts is also near it.

    Konaseema District’s Attractions:

    This district Officially named as ‘Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema District’, known for lush coconut groves, backwaters, temples and scenic landscapes. (HQ: Amalapuram) Major Attractions:

    • Appanapalli Temple: Revered temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara located in Appanapalli village at 70 Kms from Kakinada city.
    • Antarvedi Lakshmi Narasimha Temple: Famous pilgrimage site at the confluence of river and sea in Antarvedi village at 25 kms from Narsapur town.
    • Ainavilli Vinayaka Temple: Ancient and reverted temple on the bank of Vynateya River in Ainavilli village at 55 kms from Rajahmundry town.
    • Konaseema Backwaters: Scenic tourism destination often called the “Kerala of Andhra Pradesh.” Dini village is destination at 55 Kms from Amalapuram.
    • Other Attractions: Adurru (Ancient Buddha Saputa ruins), Kotipalli (ancient Someshwer Swamy temple),

    East Godavari District’s Attractions:

    Known for the Godavari River, temples, culture and natural beauty. {HQ: Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry)} Major Attractions:

    • Dowleswaram Barrage: This barrage located at 10 Kms from district headquarter is a historic engineering landmark.
    • Kotilingeshwara Temple:  Major Shaivite pilgrimage site in Kotipalli village at 40 kms to district headquarter.
    • Maredumilli: This famous tourist spot is a village at 120 kms to district headquarter and tourist attraction are Jalatharangini falls, Amruthadhara Falls, Rampa waterfalls, Sokuleru Vagu, Manyam Viewpoint etc.
    • Rallabandi Subbarao Government Museum: This museum is collection of sculptures & inscriptions related to true history of Andhra pardesh, located in Rajamahendravaram.
    • Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary: Famous Wildlife Sanctuary located in Coringa village at 20 kms from Kakinada town.
    • Umakamandeleshwara or Sri Jagan Mohini Keshava Swamy Temple: This ancient temple associated with a myth is dedicated to Lord Umakamandeleshwara a form of Lord Shiva, Located in Ryali village at about 25 Kms from Rajamundry town.
    • Saneeshwara Temple: This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and also known as Sri Madeswara Swami or Someshwar temple is located in Mandapalli village, visited by large number of devotees due to a myth associated with it.
    • Dubaraju Gudi Buddhist site: This site located in Adurru village near Nagaram,  is the remnants of ancient Buddhist monestaries on the bank of Vainetaya branch of Godavari River.
    • Kodavali Buddhist sites: This ancient site is located near Kodavali village in Gollaprolu mandal.
    • Shree Shankheshwar Parshwanath Jain Temple: Built on unearthed statues of Lord Parshwanath in the mudra of ‘Ardha-Padmasana’ belonging to Mauryan Dynasty period,  in Gummileru village.

    West Godavari District’s Attractions:

    Known for temples, aquaculture and religious tourism. (HQ: Bhimavaram) Major Attractions:

    • Somarama Temple: One of the five sacred ‘Pancharama Kshetras’ dedicated to Lord Shiva in Bhimavaram city, also known as Gunupudi Someshwara Temple, believed that Linga in this temple is ‘Swayambhu’.
    • Perupalem Beach: Scenic beach located about 20 km from Naraspur town is a famous tourism destination.
    • Sri Kshiraramalingeswara Swamy Temple: A nine story temple dedicated to Lord Shiva known for its towering gopuram and spiritual significance, located in Palakollu town.

    Eluru District’s Attractions:

    Known for wetlands, birdlife and religious sites. (HQ: Eluru) Major Attractions:

    • Papikondalu: A hill station on the bank of Godavari River in Papi hills of Estern Ghats at 50 kms from Rajahmundry, is an ideal place for trekking and tourist attraction are Bhadrachalam temple, Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary, Pattisam island.
    • Kolleru Lake: One of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes and a bird sanctuary.
    • Dwaraka Tirumala Temple: Popular hilltop pilgrimage destination known as “Chinna Tirupati” means  ‘Mini Tirupti’.
    • Guntupalli Buddhist Caves: These are ancient rock-cut caves believed to be older than Ajanta and Ellora caves located near Kamavarapukota town at about 40 Kms from Eluru.
    • Pedavegi (VngiI): This village is a historical and archaeological site for ruins of capital of Eastern Chalukuas.

    Kakinada District’s Attractions:

    Known for beaches, mangroves and temples. (HQ: Kakinada) Major Attractions:

    • Draksharamam Temple: One of the five sacred ‘Pancharama Kshetras’ dedicated to Lord Shiva in Kakinada town.
    • Uppada beach: A most beautiful beach at about 5 Kms from Kakinada city which is ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
    • Hope Island:  Scenic island destination at 7 kms rom Kakinada city.
    • Other Attractions: Sri Bhavanarayan Swamy Temple (historic temple of Lord Vishnu & Lord Sun), Pithapuram (ancient pilgrimage site), Draksharamam (ancient spiritual site).

    YSR Kadapa District’s Attractions:

    YSR Kadapa district is cultural and historical hub of Andhra Pradesh state, featuring natural wonders and ancient religious sites (HQ: Kadapa city). Key attractions:

    • Bhagavan Mahavir Government Museum: An archaeological museum located in Kadapa city, having collections of 5th century antique sculpture of Hindu deities evacuated from nearby areas.
    • Chennakesavaswami Temple: This temple dedicated to Chennakesavaswami is an antique & beautiful architecture located in Pushpagiri city, there are many other ancient ruined temples near it.
    • Devuni Kadapa Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple: An ancient temple visited before proceeding on pilgrimage to Tirumala.
    • Vontimitta Ramalayam: Ancient temple feathering rock-cut carving depicting of Sri Rama, Lakshamana and Sita at 25 Kms from Kadapa city.
    • Gandi Anjaneya Swamy Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, nested in gap (gandi) between two hills on Papagni River in Veerannagattupalle villlage.
    • Ameen Peer Dargah: A reverted Sufi Sharine Dargah in Kadapa city, also known as Pedda Dargah.
    • Gandikota: A 13th century fort on canyon, where Penna River cut through Erramala hills, tope sightseeing spot of region.
    • Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary: Known for Jerdon’s courser bird & located in the southern part of the Nallamala Hills at 50 kms from Kadapa city.
    • Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram) National Park: Located on the north bank of the Penna River in Rameswaram.

    Annamayya District’s Attractions:

    Named after saint-poet Tallapaka Annamacharya and known for temples and scenic hills. (HQ: Rayachoti) Major Attractions:

    • Tallapaka Village: Birthplace of 15th century saint-poet Tallapaka Annamacharya and featuring Chennakesava and Siddeswara temples.
    • Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple: Historic pilgrimage center, located in Rayachot city.
    • Gurramkonda Fort: Hilltop fort located in Gurramkonda village built by Vijayanagara dynasty.

    Krishna District’s Attractions:

    Known for beaches, temples and historic trade links. (HQ: Machilipatnam) Major Attractions:

    • Manginapudi Beach: Located at about 12 Kms from Machilipatnam city, is an important tourism spot and excellent seafood avaiable here.
    • Bandar Fort or Dutch Fort:  Built by the Dutch East India Company in 16th century, located in Machilipatnam.
    • St. Mary’s Church: Also called Taj Mahal of south is located in Machilipatnam town.
    • Panduranga Swamy Temple: Important pilgrimage site located in Chilakalapudi at 4 kms from Machilipatnam city.
    • Other Attractions: Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary, Penuganchiprolu (local pilgrimage site).
    • Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in Krishna delta in Krishana and Guntur districts.

    NTR District’s Attractions:

    Known for commerce, culture and pilgrimage tourism. (HQ: Vijayawada) Major Attractions:

    • Kanaka Durga Temple: A sacred ancient pilgrimage site on Indrakeeladri hill in Vijayawada city, offering panoramic views and overlooking Krishana River.
    • Bhavani island: The largest island in the Krishna River located at about 7 Kms from Vijaywara city is an ideal holiday destination.
    • Victoria Museum: This museum located in Vijayawada, houses the collections of ancient inscriptions, sculptures, manuscripts, Neolithic & Microlithic implements, paintings, idols, ancient stone tools, arms, coins, pottery etc.
    • Prakasam Barrage: Iconic landmark of Vijayawada.
    • Kondapalli Fort: Known as Kondapalli Quilla is 14th century fort constructed by King Prolaya Vema Reddy of Kondavidu is a pleasure place located near Vijayawara city. Mylavaram town
    • Gandhi Hills: Prominent hill offering panoramic view of Vijayawada city and featuring a Gandhi Memorial and planetarium
    • Mogalarajapuram caves & Undavalli Caves: These are ancient rock-cut cave temples located near Vijayawada city on Krishana River, on opposite site to each other and Undavalli caves lies in Guntur district.

    Kurnool District’s Attractions:

    Known for caves, temples and historical monuments. (HQ: Kurnool) Major Attractions:

    • Oravakallu Rock Garden:  Unique geological formations, located at Orvakal village at 20 kms from Kurnool city  .
    • Konda Reddy Fort:  Historic fort in Kurnool city.
    • Jonnagiri inscription: These are the oldest discovered inscriptions in Prakrit & Brahmi language in India related to King Ashoka, located at Jonnagiri village at 12 kms from Pattikonda town.
    • Tomb of Abdul Wahab: A 17th century tomb of 1st Nawab of Kurnool, Abdul Wahab Khan, on the banks of River Handri in Kurnool city is elaborate architecture.
    • Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal Museum: This museum located in Srisailam town, a place to understand the practices and culture of tribes of Nallamala Hills.
    • Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple: This temple dedicated Malleswara Swami, a form of Lord Shiva, is one of 12 Jyotirlingas located at the banks of the Krishna River on the Shri Shaila Mountain in  Srisailam town.
    • Jumma Masjid: This mosque built in 17th century during kingdom of Adil Shahi is a beautiful marvelous Muslim architectural located in Adoni town.
    • Chennakesava Temple: This ancient temple located in Pattikonda, an amazing architecture, which is having massively beautiful photo of ‘Mulavirat Channakesavaswami’ of black granite.
    • Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary: A must visit sanctuary located in Kurnool & Nandyal districts in serene forests of Nallamala.
    •  Mantralayam: A spiritual town on the bank of Tungabhadra River at 74 kms from Kurnool city.

    Nandyal District’s Attractions:

    Known for temples, caves, deep rooted spiritual history and scenic landscapes. (HQ: Nadyal) Major Attractions:

    • Srisailam Temple: Ancient Shiva Temple in Nallamala Hills in Srisailam holy town, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and Temple of Goddess Bhramaramba Devi, one of 51 Shakti Peeths & one of 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, is also located with in same complex.
    • Yaganti Temple: Famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva near Banaganapalle, said that massive Nandi statue is growing its size and featuring a natural spring.
    • Mahanandi Temple: A highly reverted ancient Shiva temple with crystal-clear water tanks and natural healing springs, located at 15 kms from Nandyal city.
    • Ahobilam: Major Narasimha pilgrimage site in Nallamalla Hills,
    • Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary: A popular wildlife sanctuary located at 40 kms from  Nandyal city and 45 kms from Kurnool city.
    • Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve: The largest Tiger Reserve in India located in Nallamala Hills along Krishna River & Srisailam reservoir and Nagarjunasagar reservoir, covering Nandyal, Prakasam and Palnadu districts.
    • Belum Caves: India’s longest cave system open to tourists, located in Kolimigundla mandal.

    Nellore District’s Attractions:

    This district Officially named as ‘Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore’, known for beaches, bird sanctuaries and temples. (HQ: Nellore) Major Attractions:

    • Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple: Ancient Vaishnavite shrine, known for 70 feet tall ‘Gaali Gopuram’ and gold plated ‘kalashams’.
    • Mypad Beach: Located at about 20 Kms from Nellore city near Nelaputtu Bird Sanctuary, it is calm beach to spend some lonely time with nature.
    • Nellapattu Wildlife Sanctuary: Famous for attracting migrant birds in thousands in winter.
    • Sri Penusila Narasimha Wildlife Sanctuary: A forest area located in Nellore, YSR Kadapa & Tirupati districts of Andhra Pradesh and areas of Tamil Nadu & Puducherry.
    • Other Attractions: Bara Shaheed Dargah, Udayagiri Fort, Pulicat Lake Wildlife Sanctuary (spread in Tirupati, Chittoor & Nellore districts)

    Prakasam District’s Attractions:

    Known for beaches and Buddhist heritage. (HQ: Ongole) Major Attractions:

    • Bhairavakona Caves and Temples: Rock-cut temples and waterfalls at 30 kms from Mydukur town of Kadapa district and at 140 kms from Ongole city.
    • Kothapatnam Beach: Popular beach destination at 15 kms from Ongole city.
    • Motupalle Beach: This beautiful and calm beach is located in Motupalli village at 12 kms from Chinaganjam town 45 kms from Ongole city.
    • Chandavaram Buddhist site: Located on the bank of Gundla Kamma River in Chandavaram village near Singarayakonda town. This site is the ruins of a monastic complex of period 2nd BC to 2nd AD in hillock of Nallamala range
    • Other Attractions: Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (spread in Nandyal, Prakasam and Palnadu districts), Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary (spread in Prakasam & Kurnool districts), Tripuranthakam (ancient hilltop Shiva temple).

    Srikakulam District’s Attractions:

    Known for temples, beaches and Buddhist heritage. (HQ: Srikakulam) Major Attractions:

    • Arasavalli Sun Temple: Ancient Sun temple constructed with beautiful Kalinga architecture, located at 1 Kms from Srikakulam city.
    • Sri Kurmam Temple: Unique and highly reverted temple dedicated to Kurma Avatar (tortoise) of Lord Vishnu, located at 15 kms from Srikakulam city.
    • Kalingapatnam Beach: Famous tourist destination, located in Kalingapatnam village on the delta of Vamsadhara River at 26 kms from Srikakulam city.
    • Salihundam Buddhist site: Ancient and important Buddhist site Kalinga period at hilltop in Salihundam village and overlooking Vamsadhara River, a major tourist attraction at 18 kms from Srikakulam city.
    • Sri Mukhalingeswara Temple: Ancient Shiva Temple and showcases of intricated carvings of Eastern Ganga dynasty, located on the banks of Vamsadhra River at 48 kms from Srikakulam city.

    Parvathipuram Manyam District’s Attractions:

    Known for tribal culture, forests and waterfalls. (HQ: Parvathipuram) Major Attractions:

    • Thotapalli Reservoir: Scenic water body at 15 kms from Parvathipuram town.
    • Kurupam Hills:  Beautiful Eastern Ghats landscapes at 30 kms from Parvathipuram town.
    • Janjavathi Rubber Dam: First Rubber Dam of Ashia on Janjavthi River is a unique engineering and tourist spot at 15 kms from Parvathipuram town
    • Other Attractions: Moganali (Tadikonda) Waterfalls, Thonam & Durgapadu Waterfallls, Adali Viewpoint (in Palakonda hills), Seethampeta Tribal Region ( Eco-tourism hub).

    Vizianagaram District’s Attractions:

    Known for royal heritage, forts and cultural traditions. (HQ: Vizianagaram) Major Attractions:

    • Vizianagaram Fort: Historic royal fort complex in Vizianagaram city.
    • Ramatirtham: Buddhist and Hindu heritage site at 13 kms from Vizianagaram city.
    • Bobbili Fort & Palace: Historical site famous for the ‘Battle of Bobbili’ and its rich historical legacy, located in Bobbili town at 50 kms from Vizianagaram city.

    Blogs ( click on it to see other states)