About Andhra Pradesh
Travel to Andhra Pradesh - the Kohinoor of India. Andhra Pradesh is the fifth largest state of India, irrigated by the Godavari rivers and is aptly termed the Rice Granary of India. Andhra Pradesh is renowned for its legendary nawabi dynasties, for the magnificent Tirupati Temple, rich literature, vibrant Kuchipudi dance and colourful festivals.
Andhra Pradesh - an intricately woven tapestry of a culturally rich past with a brilliant future, and a present that reflects what has gone by and what is going to be. No wonder then, it’s the most captivating tourist destination of the millennium. Its luring beaches, its sacred places of worship, its lush green forests, its enticing cuisines and its hospitable people wait for you. Discover Andhra Pradesh - a land rich in everything worth living for.
Andhra Pradesh has preserved its ancient charm and variegated facets of the culture of the Mauryas, Pallavas, Cholas, Satavahanas, Chalukyas and Vijayanagar. On your tourism to Andhra Pradesh, take a tour to the magnificent Charminar at Hyderabad – the city of pearls, Golconda Fort – a tour of this fort transports you to the bygone era and the ancient shrine of Tirupati – the most visited pilgrim centre of India. Hyderabad, the city of Nawabs, the Vishkhapatnam, the port city with its endless stretch of sand beaches, are some of the destinations, which will make a delightful tour.
Tour to Andhra Pradesh – a land of heterogeneous history. On your tour to Andhra Pradesh, you must visit the famous Charminar, Salar Jung Museum, Golconda Fort in Hyderabad and Buddhist viharas at Nagarjunasagar. Also travel to the wildlife and bird sanctuaries of Nagarjunasagar, Kolleru, Manjira, Kawal and Papikonda.
Travel to the temples of Andhra Pradesh and know more about its history, art & sculptures and philosophy. The diverse style of architecture of the temples of Andhra Pradesh are specimen of its diverse historical past. A must visit on your tour to Andhra Pradesh is the Tirupati - most revered and most visited pilgrimage centre in India. The temples of Andhra Pradesh will astonish you with their excellence of craftsmanship. Plan a tour to Andhra Pradesh and visit the temples, which would entice you to explore the beauty of this wonderland.
All of these and more will make your travel to Andhra Pradesh truly exhilarating. Plan a tour to Andhra Pradesh and relish the unspoilt charm of its surroundings
HYDERABAD
Fondly called the 'city of Nawabs' Hyderabad offers a captivating combination of tradition and trend to the tourists and travellers. Hyderabad is one of the most rapidly growing cities of India. The IT hub in Southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh is easily accessible. Regular flights, frequent trains and the excellent road network make Hyderabad a great travel destination.
Sightseeing at Hyderabad
Charminar : This is the landmark structure of Hyderabad. Located in the heart of the city the galleries and arches of Charminar are of great importance to the tourists. The Charminar is the hub of the city, has four wide roads radiating in the four cardinal directions. The four minarets command the landscape for miles. The structure is square, each side measuring 100 feet, with a central pointed high arch at the center. The whole edifice contains numerous small decorative arches arranged both vertically and horizontally.
Mecca Masjid : Close to the Charminar stands the Mecca Masjid, begun by Muhammad Qutb Shah in 1617 and completed by Quranzeb in 1693. It is a grand edifice with a huge courtyard, which can accommodate nearly ten thousand men at prayer.
Falakuma Palace : Another tourist attraction in Hyderabad is the Falakuma palace. The palace was home to the last Nizam and stores the most expensive art objects, tapestries and carpets, in addition to the largest single-man collection of diamonds.
Husain Sagar Lake : Between Hyderabad and its twin city Secunderabad lays the Husain Sagar Lake. This large artificial lake offers breathtaking views of Naubat Pahad, a hilltop crowned by the Birla temple.
Golconda Fort : The majestic and imposing monument which lies on the Western outskirts of Hyderabad city - Golconda Fort, unravels with it the 400 years of the rich cultural heritage of this city. Golconda has been known as famous center for diamonds, and the diamond mines boast of some of the most renowned diamonds in the world. The Kohinoor originally belonged to Golconda as did the Darya-I-Noor, the Orloff, the Pitt, and the great table of the Nizam. This massive fort is 11 km in perimeter and its walls are 15 to 18 ft high. The whole fort is built in granite and is flanked by 70 ramparts and 8 huge gates.
Best Season to Visit : Through out the year.
Reaching Hyderabad
Air : Hyderabad is connected by air with Ahemdabad, Bhubaneshwar, Kolkotta, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Tirupati and Visakhapatnam.
Rail : Hyderabad / Secunderabad are connected by rail with major cities.
Road : Hyderabad is also well-connected by National Highways. It is connected by road to Banglore(590 km), Visakhapatnam(667 km), Chennai(671 km), Goa (698) km, Mumbai (713 km).
STD/ISD Codes
If dialing from India ------- 040 (number)
If dialing from abroad -------+91-40 (number)
Shopping in Hyderabad
Hyderabad is a shopper's paradise. The city is synonymous with pearls. Cultured pearls studded in gold and silver jewellery of exquisite design are specialty. Laad Bazar near Charminar is the heart of old Hyderabad, and where you'll find Hyderabadi specialties such as pearls, glass and jewelry. One can also buy Bidriware from here, as Hyderabad is also famous for Bidriware. For women, Hyderabad holds yet another shopping opportunity ¬ those irresistible late Kat saris in striking colors. Also typical of the state is Kalmakari¬the hand painted fabric, and Nirmal painting, using dyes to create memorable scenes from the Mahabharat and the Ramayana.
Abids Basheerbagh, Nampally and Sultan Bazar in Hyderabad; MG Road and Rashtrpati Road in Secunderabad are the most ideal place for the shoppers.
Vijayawada
Vijayawada is an important port city situated in south India and is considered to be the cultural capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh. The biggest railway junction in the South Central Railway leading to major cities like Chennai, Calcutta, Delhi and Hyderabad, Vijaywada is full of the tourists coming from all over. Being a busy port and a major junction on the Calcutta-Chennai railway line, this city has emerged into an important industrial centre.
Situated at the head of the Krishna Delta, Vijayawada, at a distance of 70 km from the sea and is surrounded by bare granite hills. The place is famous for its rock mountains and the rivers that cut through them. Vijayawada is famous for its delicious mangoes and pickles as also its delicious, spicy cuisine. Attractions in and around the city include the Mogalrajapuram caves, the Kanakadurga Temple, the Prakasam Barrage and Gandhi Hill.
Sightseeing at Vijayavada
Prakasam Barrage : Established in 1957, the Prakasam Barrage is an impressive 1223.5 m long, modern regulator and road bridge that continues across the river Krishna. Its beautiful lake and the three canals that run through the city give Vijayawada a Venetian look.
Mogalrajapuram Caves : About 5 km from Vijayawada are the Mogalarajapuram caves having three cave temples, dating back to the 5th century AD. Out of the 3 cave temples built here only one is still in better condition with the idols of Lord Nataraja, Vinayaka and others. The Ardhanareeshwara Murthy found here is considered the only one of its kind in south India.
Hazrathbal Mosque : Hazrat Bal Mosque, a site of religious significance in Vijayawada. A holy relic of Prophet Mohammad is kept here and displayed once a year.
Kanaka Durga Temple : Kanaka Durga, goddess of power, riches and charity is considered as the presiding deity of Vijayawada. The temple is set on the Indrakiladri hill. The deity in the Kanaka Durga temple is regarded as Swayambhu (self-manifested), hence is considered very powerful. It is said that Adi Sankara visited this temple and installed the Sri Chakra here.
Akkana and Madanna Caves : En-route to the Kanaka Durga Temple are the rock-cut caves dedicated to Akkana and Madanna, who were ministers in the court of Abdul Hasan Tanashah in the 17th century AD. A short distance away is another cave that dates back to the 2nd century BC, which hosts the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara.
Malleswaraswami Temple : Close to the Kanaka Durga temple is the shrine of Malleswara Swamy on the Indrakiladri hill. Mallikarjuna or the Malleswara as he is known in the Puranas is said to have been installed by Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Panch Pandavas, as a token of their victory of the South.
Vijayeswara Swami Temple : The Vijayeswara temple is set on the Indrakiladri hill in Vijayawada. The installation of Vijayeswara is said to have been done by Arjuna, to commemorate his victory with Lord Shiva in the form of 'Kirata' (hunter).
Best Season to Visit : October to March
Reaching Vijaywada
Air : Viyaywada is connected by Hyderabad & Visakhapatnam.
Rail : The City is well connected to important cities.
Bus : Regular bus service from important cities.
STD/ISD Codes
If dialing from India ------- 0866 (number)
If dialing from abroad -------+91-866 (number)
Shopping in Vijayavada
There are numerous shops in Vijayavada with several exquisite items. The best buys would be jewelry, handloom items, handicraft items, textiles, etc.
Warangal
Warangal is situated about 140 km from Hyderabad and is well connected by road and train. Warangal was the capital of the glorious ancient Kakatiya dynasty. The creative genius in the field of architecture, literature, and engineering still hold their brilliance in the form of ruins that lie in striking solemnity.
Sightseeing at Warangal
Warangal Fort : Warangal fort is 12-km from Hanamakonda, which dates back to the 13th century.
Bhadra Kali Temple : Situated on a hilltop between Hanamkonda and Warangal, it is noted for its stone image of the Goddess Kali.
Thousand Pillar Temple : This temple is a fine specimen of Kakatiya architecture and sculpture. Rudra Deva built it in 1163 AD in the style of Chalukyan temples, star shaped and triple shrined
Kolanupaka : Kolanupaka, 80-km from Hyderabad, is situated between Hyderabad and Warangal. This was the second capital town of Kalyani Chalukyas during the 11th century AD. During this period the village was a religious centre of Jains, and ranks among other great Jain centers in the south.
Jain Temple : The 2,000-year-old Jain temple of Mahaveer is a famous place of worship for Jains in the country. The temple is embellished with beautiful images of Thirthankaras. The 5ft high image of Mahavira is entirely carved of Jade.
Sri Veeranarayana Temple : The temple is constructed in the Chalukyan style around 1104 AD.
Pakhal Lake : A manmade lake completed in 1213 AD by the Kakatiya king, Ganapathidev, by harnessing a small tributary of the Krishna River. It is located 50-km from Warangal and spreads over an area of 30-sq-km.
Ramappa Temple : Also know as Ramalingeswara temple, this is situated in Palampet village, which is 70-km form Warangal This is a beautiful monument dates back to 1213 AD. It depicts the glory and richness of the Kakatiya kingdom.
Kolanupaka Museum : Kolanupaka came into prominence when it was made the alternate capital of the Kalyani Chalukyas in the 11th century AD. The State Department of Archaeology and Museums established a sculptural gallery, which displays exquisite artifacts from the various historical monuments in Kolanupaka.
Best Season to Visit : September to February
Reaching Warrangal
Air : The nearest Airport is Hyderabad (140-km) connected by Indian Airlines flights to all the major cities of India.
Rail : Warangal is well connected to all the important cities in India by rail.
Road : Regular bus services are available (APSRTC) from Hyderabad, Yadagirigutta, Vijayawada, Armur, Kolanupaka, Jangaon, Kodad, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Adilabad, Suryapet, Palampet, Jagtial, Khammam, Bhadrachalam, Basara, Bangalore, Mysore and Tirupati.
STD/ISD Codes
If dialing from India -------08712 (number)
If dialing from abroad -------+91-8712 (number)
Shopping in Warrangal
Pick a few hand-woven durries from Warangal, Andhra Pradesh - they come in the brightest of colours.
Tirupati
Situated amidst the exotic Seven Hills in South Andhra Pradesh, India, the temple town of Tirupati and Tirumala, the abode of Lord Venkateswara is a great place to worship. Tirumala is in the extreme southeast of the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. It is situated in the Chittoor district of the state. The Tirumala Hill is 3200 ft above sea level, and is about 10.33 sq miles in area. The town of Tirupati is one of the most ancient and holy pilgrimage centres in India. Tirupati is the town and transport hub at the bottom of the hill. The hill near the temple is called 'Tirumala' or the "sacred hill." The temple here is said to be the busiest and richest in the world.
Sightseeing at Tirupati :
Lord Venkateswara Temple : Tirupati, at the foothills of tirumala, is the abode of the Lord Venkateswara one of the most venerated shrines in India. One of the oldest temples, Tirupati was maintained by Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas and Vijayanagara kings. This most revered place is also referred in the Sastras, puranas and the Sthalamahattyas. According to the Puranas, the range of the Tirumala hills represents the body of the serpent Adisesha on which Lord Vishnu-protector of the world-rests. The seven hills represent the seven heads of the serpent. The main temple is a magnificent example of Indian temple architecture. The shrine id dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Varahaswami. The splendid Vimana over sanctum sanatorium is plated with gold, as Dhwajasthambam or temple, is said to be more ancient.
Other renowned shrines in Tirupati town include the Shri Govindarajaswami temple and the sacred Kapila Theertham Tank, where Lord Shiva is said to have appeared before the Sage Kapila. The Temple of Goddess Alivelumanga, the divine consort of Lord Venkateswara, is at Tiruchanur. Another temple dedicated to this goddess is in Sri Mangapuram, about 12 km from Tirupati. Chandragiri Fort, stronghold of the Vijaynagar empire, is 11 km from Tirupati. It is built on 56 m high rock and dates back to 1000 AD. Within its walls lie the remnants of ancient palaces and temples.
The 'holy hill' of Tirumala in the extreme south of Andhra Pardesh is one of the most important pilgrimage centres in India. Tirumala is a classic place where you can easily spend the entire day just roaming around. It's one of the few temples in India which allows non-Hindus into the sanctum sanctorum.
Reaching Tirupati
Air : It is possible to visit Tirupati for a daylong trip from Chennai. There are direct flights from Hyderabad and Chennai.
Rail : Direct railway services are available from Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bangalore.
Road : We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.
STD/ISD Codes
If dialing from India ------ 08574 (number)
If dialing from abroad ------+91-8574 (number)
Shopping in Tirupati
There are no major shopping centers. However, basic amenities are easily available. Pasuparthy Super market and Suresh Super Bazar.
Visakhapatnam
Vishakhapatnam, formerly known as Vizag, along the eastern coast of present-day Andhra Pradesh previously belonged to the Dutch, who were among the first Europeans to make their presence felt in India. A quiet fishing town with little or no infrastructure till the early 1920s, Vishakhapatnam was established by the British and was opened to sea-going vessels in 1933. Since then it has been a medium - sized port town, serving to the requirements of the Deccan Plateau and the eastern parts of the country. Known as Waltair under British rule, Vishakhapatnam was also seen to be of strategic importance by the military who set up base here.
Vishakhapatnam is the right spot where one can find the charm of Andhra. From lakes to cool beaches, from beautiful hill ranges to caves and valleys enclosures, Vishakhapatnam possess them all. A visit to Vishakhapatnam will definitely be exciting, enriching and enlivening experience with all its enticing beaches, caves and temples.
Sightseeing at Vishakhapatnam
Kailasagiri : Kailasagiri is settled on a hilltop and is a must to visiting place for all people visiting Vishakhapatnam. The charming hill on the seafront, affords a breath taking scenic view, especially towards Bheemunipatnam.
Rishikonda Beach : About 8 km from Vishakhapatnam is the Rishikonda Beach, a golden, virgin beach, braced by the sun-warmed sea.
Ramakrishna Beach : One of the prettiest beaches on the Eastern Coast is the Ramakrishna beach, which is a favourite resort for tourists visiting Vishakhapatnam.
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park : The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is situated in Vishakhapatnam amidst the picturesque eastern ghats of India, enclosed by hills on either sides and Bay of Bengal on the east.
Best Season : August to October and January to March
Reaching Vishakhapatnam
Air : Vishakhapatnam has an airport. Indian Airlines flies to Vishakhapatnam daily from Mumbai, Kolkatta, Hyderabad and Chennai.
Rail : Vishakhapatnam is the centre point for the trains going between Chennai and Howra and Howrah and Secunderabad. It is well connected by rail to all the important places in and outside the state.
Road : National Highway No.5 (Howrah to Chennai) passes through Vishakhapatnam. The Vishakhapatnam to Steel Plant - Anakapalli Road is most modern 4 Line Highway spans 45-km. The APSRTC runs buses and private buses connect major cities of the state and the cities in the neighboring states of Orissa and Madhya Pradesh with Vishakhapatnam.
STD/ISD Codes
If dialing from India --------0891 (number)
If dialing from abroad -------+91-891 (number)
Shopping in Vishakhapatnam
There is lot you can buy in Vishakhapatnam. For some reason shops in the same trade tend to be located next to each other, which makes shop hopping and bargaining easier. Earlier the area around Kurupam market with its narrow lanes and poky shops, was famous for Gold and Silver shopping. But, today you will find shops in the area in Dwaraka Nagar on the other side of TSR complex. The entire stretch of road expanding from Jagadamba Junction to the Old Post Office has literally countless shops selling a wide variety of items. Chandana Brothers, Bommana, Puchala, are the famous shops, which sell almost all varieties of sari. The government owned Lepakshi is the place for handicraft items
Mypad Beaches
Andhra Pradesh with nearly 1000 km of coastline with is embellished with numerous sun kissed beaches with azure water caressing the golden soft sands. It is a thrill of a different kind for the sun, sand & sea loving holidaymakers. Starting from Bheemunipatnam near Visakhapatnam down to Mypad in Nellore district, the coastline of Andhra Pradesh offers unalloyed joy to the sun worshippers and sea bathers. Apart from Visakhapatnam and Bheemunipatnam beaches, there are other famous beaches such as Manginapudi, Kakinada, Chirala, Kalingapatnam and Mypad.
Mypad is a small village located about 25 km from Nellore in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
A determined sea lover will find the entire coastline of Andhra Pradesh stunningly appealing with azure sea waters gently washing the sunbathing sands and lush green vegetation providing an enchanting back drop. It is 25 km from Nellore and 130 km from Tirupati. As beaches go, this one too is pretty with the sea kissed shoreline very beckoning to all those who visit the beach.
Mypad. If you are a Telugu man, call it Mypadu. The sizzlling beach on the shores of Bay of Bengal. Located about 18 km from the district headquarters of Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, Mypad offers you the best of serenity and tranquil moments
Andhra Pradesh has an impressive 950 KM long coastline but since tourism in Andhra is still in its infancy state very few beaches have got some limelight. Believe me, there many more places to explore. Since I belong to Nellore I will take
25 km away from Nellore, this is a fine sandy beach. A determined sea lover will find the entire coastline of Andhra Pradesh stunningly appealing with azure sea waters gently washing the sunbathing sands and lush green vegetation providing an enchanting back drop.
Reaching Mypad Beach :
Air : The nearest airports are at Tirupati (130 km.) and Chennai (200 km.)
Rail : Mypad beach can be reached from Nellore (25 km.)
Road : Mypad Located from Nellore at a distance of 25 km.
Charminar
The Charminar in Hyderabad, at the capital city of Andhra Pradesh, is a massive arch built by Mohammed Quli Qutab Shah. The famous monument of not only Hyderabad, but of South India, Charminar is an impressive square monument with four minarets. The travel icon of the Pearl city towering to a hieght of 180 ft., Charminar located in the centre of the old city, is a picture of beauty. Built in 1591 AD by the founders of Hyderabad in memory of the eradication of plague, the monument with its four minarets, profusely crafted leaves is an inerasable imprint on the minds of the tourists.
The arch is illuminated daily in the evening, an unforgettable sight to view. The city of Hyderabad, with its delightful blend of the past and the present, exhibits to the visitors an interesting skyline with modern buildings standing shoulder to shoulder along with the splendid 400 year old edifices.
Charminar is always on the top of the attraction list of any tourist visiting Hyderabad. To say that Charminar is a major landmark in the city is to repeat a buzzword. The great monument is a synonym for Hyderabad and the pivot around which the glory and history of the city have developed. This beautiful massive structure in granite, lime, mortar and, some say, pulverised marble, was at one time the heart of the city. Apart from being the core of the city’s cultural ambience, it has become a brand name.
The Architecture
Charminar is a square shaped structure with four towers in the four corners of the square, each of whose sides is 20 m in length. Every side opens into a plaza through giant arches, which overlook four major passages and dwarf other features of the building except the minarets. Each arch is 11 m wide and soars 20 m to the top from the plinth. The minarets soar skywards by 24 m from the roof of Charminar. Each minaret has 4 storeys, each appears like a delicately carved ring around the minaret. Some Anglophiles call Charminar the Arc de Triomphe of the East. From the ground to the top, the minarets cover a length of 48.7 m.
Reaching Charminar
Air : Hyderabd is well linked to the rest of India by air routes.
Rail : Hyderabad has well defined rail tracks which connects its to rest of India.
Road : There is a good network of roads in the state capital so travelling by road from the nearby states and cities won't be a problem.
Golconda Fort
Golconda Fort is one of the most splendid fortress complex in India which lies on the western outskirts at a distance of 11 km from Hyderabad, the capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh. The history of Golconda Fort dates back to the early 13th century, when this south eastern part of the country was ruled by the Kakatiyas. The massive part of the ruins of this fort, date from the time of the Qutub Shahi kings, who had ruled this province in the 16th and 17th century.
Originally a mud fort, Golconda Fort was later reconstructed in stone. Since then it has had a variety of additions by the various rulers of the region. The fort, on an isolated granite hill, rises about 400 ft above the surrounding plain. The contours of the fort blend with those of the hill. Nowadays, the ruins have a desolate majesty in the midst of an arid plain.
The fortress is built on a granite hill 120 m high, surrounded by massive crenellated ramparts. The granite crenellated wall is about 7 km in circumference with a deep trench. The walls' thickness ranges from 17 to 34 ft and is broken by 87 semi circular bastions which are 50 to 60 ft high.
The fort has 8 gates or Darwazas as they are called locally, the main gate being Fateh Darwaza (Gate of Victory). The door is 13 ft wide and 25 ft high and studded with steel spikes to protect it from attacking elephants. The fort also includes a palace, a mosque, a parade ground, and an armoury besides several other buildings.
Reaching Golconda Fort
Air : Hyderabad can be reached by air, from all the major cities of the country.
Rail : Hyderabad is well connected by rail to all parts of the country.
Road : There is a regular bus service to Hyderabad from many cities in southern, central and southeastern parts of the country.
City Transport : Golconda Fort is around 11-km from Hyderabad. Auto rickshaws and Taxis are available apart from luxury/semi-luxury buses, for local transportation.
Srisailam Temple
Place : Srisailam in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India.
Location : 232 km south of Hyderabad, on the banks of the river Krishna.
Significance : The Pilgrimage Centre.
Peaceful Srisailam, 232 km south of Hyderabad is situated on the banks of river Krishna. The 512 mtrs long Srisailam dam located here is abundant with natural beauty. Situated on the border of the ancient sacred hill of Srigiri on the south bank of the Krishna river, in the Nallamalai range of Andhra Pradesh, is the magnificent temple of Srisailam. The temple complex, whose existing buildings date from the 2nd century AD, is the Bhramaramba Mallikarjunaswamy Temple, it is one of the 12 'Jyotirlingas' in India as well as one of the eighteen most sacred goddess shrines, or Shakti Pithas. This outstanding collection of major Gods and Goddesses shrines at the same location makes Srisailam one of India's most venerated sites. Shiva is worshipped here in his form of Lord Mallikarjuna, and Shakti, his consort, as Sri Bharamaramba Devi.
The temple is the site of Mahakali in the form of Bhramaramba. It is believed, the Vrishabha, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva performed penance here. Lord Shiva appeared before him, with his consort Parvati in the forms of Mallikarjuna and Bharamaramba. A gigantic fort, with 6 mtr high wall encloses the temple.
The images of these deities, both extremely old, are enshrined in the more recent temple built by the Vijayanagar king Harihara Raya around 1404 AD. The temple, whose popular name is Sriparvata, is bounded by a great fortress-like wall that is 20 ft high, 6 ft wide and 2120 ft in circumference. Built in in 1520 AD, the wall has 3200 stones, each weighing over one ton, and is decorated with fine relief carvings displaying images from Hindu mythology.
A cluster of minor shrines within the temple enclosure include the Sahasra Linga, Panchapandava temples and Vata Vriksha. The most appealing feature of this temple is that anyone of any cast and creed, can touch the deity and worship here.
At Sikharam, the highest of the Srisailam hills, is Sikhareswara Swamy, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Another beautiful temple is Sri Ganapathi temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesh.
Besides, there is a Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary, which covers area in five adjoining districts, has tigers, panthers, spotted deer, giant squirrels, great lizards, pangolins, crocodiles, civets and a varieties of snake.
Reaching Srisailam
Air : The nearest airport is at Hyderabad (150 kms).
Rail : The nearest railhead is at Hyderabad (150 kms).
Tirupati Balaji Temple
The Lord of Tirumala is the all-pervading Lord of the Universe.A large number of devotees-daily 30,000 on an average, visit the sacred shrine of Lord Venkateswara to pay their homage to Him.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams are in turn dedicated themselves to these devotees by providing facilities for darshan, accommodation as well as for sevas.The aim of the Devasthanams has always been to improve these facilities for making the pilgrimage a spiritual experience.
Sightseeing at Tirupati Balaji :
Swami Pushkarani : This tank, adjacent to the temple, is highly sacred.Pilgrims take a bath here before entering the temple.
Akasa Ganga : This is a waterfall about 3 kms to the north of the temple.
Papavinasanam : This is about 5 kms to the north of the temple.
Vaikuntha Tirtham : Is at a distance of about 3 kms north-east of the temple.
Tumburu Tirtham : Is about 16 kms north of the temple.
Geological Arch : This rare geological formation is situated at 1 km north of the temple.
Lepakshi Emporium : An ideal place for purchasing attractive handicrafts at moderate prices.This is situated near Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Central Reception Office.
T.T.D Gardens : The Devasthanams maintain beautiful ornamental gardens with rare species of plants and trees.
Asthana Mandapam (Sadas Hall) : This is the venue for the devotional programs like discourses, music concerts, harikathas and bhajans conducted under the auspices of Dharma Prachara Parishat.
Reaching Tirupati Balaji :
Air : Indian Airlines connects Hyderabad and Tirupati on Wednesday and Friday.
Rail : Train facilities are available to various destinations like Secunderabad / Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Howrah, Varanasi, Kochi, Mumbai, Bellary, Madurai, etc.
Road : Well connected to all the major cities of south India.
Thousand Pillar Temple
The Thousand Pillars Temple is located in Hanamkonda part of the Warangal City. It is about 6 kms away from, Warangal Railway Station & Bus Station 9 kms away from Kazipet Rly.Junction and is well connected by city bus service.
Popular as : A Pilgrimage Center, where people from all the faith come for meditation and obtaining peace.
Thousand Pillar Temple : Constructed by Rudra Deva in 1163 AD, Thousand Pillar temple is a fine specimen of Kakatiya architecture and sculpture. The monument is built in the style of Chalukyan temples, situated near the Hanamkonda-Warangal highway, is a star shaped and triple shrined. The 3 shrines are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The temple is famous for its richly carved pillars, screens and detailed sculpture. The black basalt Nandi, a monolith, has a lovely polished finish.
The temple is in shape of a star and has three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The temple is built on a 1m high platform on the slopes of the Hanumakonda hill, and has a majestic monolithic Nandi. The black basalt Nandi, a monolith, has a lovely polished finish.
There are many small lingam shrines surrounding the gardens. Popular for its richly carved pillars, screens and detailed sculpture, Thousand Pillar Temple is one of the most visited temple in Tamil Nadu. The atmosphere is calm and serene with the sonorous ringing of the puja bells, gentle chirping of the birds and the soothing cool breeze.
Reaching There :
Air : The nearest airport is at Hyderabad , 157-km away.
Rail : Warangal has a railway station and is well connected by rail to important cities of India.
Road : APSTRC and Private buses connect Warangal with Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Karimnagar, Khammam and some other districts