Explore the tourist places in Andhra Pradesh for a Memorable holiday experience in India.
When it comes to geographical and cultural diversity, Andhra Pradesh is absolutely in sync with India’s penchant to offer multitude of travel opportunities to its visitors. With the country’s second longest coastline, a lengthy stretch of Eastern Ghats and fertile Krishna and Godavari deltas, Andhra boasts of valleys, lakes, forest reserves, abundant greenery, beaches and more. The birth place of Kuchipudi classical dance, the state has an affluent heritage comprising of intricate architecture, mysterious caves, world-famous pilgrimage sites, fascinating handicrafts and scrumptious Andhra cuisine.
Tourist Places in Andhra Pradesh
Tempted to explore the popular tourist places in Andhra Pradesh? Find out the best options in this blog, which also provides useful tips on:
- Best time and transport and important distances
- Tourist attractions and activities
- Food and shopping opportunities and
- Historical and interesting facts about various places
Lepakshi
Representing the zenith of the spellbinding Vijayanagara Architecture, the Veerbhandra Temple of Lepkashi leaves its spectators completely bowled-over. Carvings and mural paintings (done with natural pigments), along with the wonders like the hanging pillar and the colossal monolithic Nandi statue, make it a wondrous site you would love to explore again and again.
- Distances: Bangalore (123 km.), Hyderabad (473 km.), Chennai (396 km.)
- How to Reach: Bangalore Airport (98 km.), Hindupur Railway Station (13 km.)
- Highlights: Lepakashi (Veerbhadra) Temple, Kurma Saila (tortoise-shaped hill with many beautiful temples); handicrafts like leather puppets, Kalamkari paintings, woodwork, lacquer toys, carpets and more
- Best Time: November-March
Araku Valley
This scenic valley of Eastern Ghats is painted in luscious green with aromatic coffee plantations and milky waterfalls adding to the grandeur. The place also promises a heart-warming rendezvous with the tribal culture existing here since centuries. In the close proximity are the limestone caves of Borra, known for the amusing stalagmite and stalactite formations (one of them worshipped as a Shiva Lingam).
- Distances: Chennai (882 km.), Vishakhapatnam (115 km.), Hyderabad (700 km.), Bhubaneswar (477 km.)
- How to Reach: Vishakhapatnam Airport (107 km.), Araku Valley Railway Station
- Highlights: Katiki Waterfalls, Ananthagiri Coffee Plantations, Tribal Museum, Borra Caves, Paadmapuram Botanical Gardens, Chaaparai Waterfalls; adventures like trekking and rappelling; don’t miss the spectacular train journey from Vishakhapatnam to Araku through 58 tunnels and over 84 bridges; enjoy the famous bamboo chicken and stick chicken.
- Best Time: December-February
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Tirumala
Counted among the best tourist places in Andhra Pradesh, Tirumala is home to Venkateswara Temple (better known as Tirupati Balaji Temple) which is thronged by millions of devotees every year. Located on Saptagiri (seven hills, interestingly believed to be the seven hoods of the mythological serpent Adishesha), it is one of the richest Hindu temples and flaunt mesmerizing Dravidian Architecture.
- Distances: Bangalore (264 km.), Chennai (170 km.), Hyderabad (575 km.)
- How to Reach: Tirupati Airport, Tirupati Junction
- Highlights: Unique experiences at the temple – sound of ocean coming out of the main idol and the delicious Tirupati ladoo; geological wonders like the natural arch called Silathoranam and Eparchaean Unconformity; Sri Venkateshwara National Park and Zoological Park (Asia’s second largest)
- Best Time: July-February
Vishakhapatnam
Andhra Pradesh’s largest city Vishakhapatnam (or Vizag) is a tourism delight with scores of pristine beaches, hilltop spots, interesting museums and spiritual hubs. Historically, a busy seaport, it still is the only natural harbour on the eastern coast and the oldest shipyard in the country. Popularly referred to as the Goa of the East Coast and Jewel on the Coromondal Coast, the city also boasts of flourishing health tourism.
- Distances: Hyderabad (622 km.), Chennai (800 km.), Bhubaneswar (440 km.)
- How to Reach: Vishakhapatnam Airport, Vishakhapatnam Railway Station
- Highlights: Ramakrishna Mission Beach, Dolphin’s Nose, Bheemili Beach, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Rushikonda Beach, Red Sand Dunes, Submarine Museum; enjoy ropeway ride to Kailasgiri; trek to Kambalakonda; excursions to the Buddhist excavations sites of Sankaram, Thotlakonda and Bhavikonda
- Best Time: October-March
Belum Caves
The reputation of being the longest and the second largest caves in the Indian subcontinent bring Belum Caves among the must-visit Andhra tourist places. First discovered in 1884 and rediscovered in 1982, the caves with astonishing stalagmite and stalactite formation are historically important as the residences and meditation centres of Buddhist and Jain monks.
- Distances: Bangalore (299 km.), Chennai (425 km.), Hyderabad (322 km.), Goa (622 km.)
- How to Reach: Tirupati Airport (260 km.), Bangalore Airport (273 km.), Tadipatri Railway Station (34 km.)
- Highlights: Natural formations like Simhadwaram (Lion’s Gate), Shiva Lingams, Pillar Hall, Cobra Hoods, Banyan Tree; Meditation Hall, Musical Chamber (with stalactites producing music when hit with wooden sticks), Patalganga stream which disappears into the earth
- Best Time: October-February
Srisailam
The temple town of Srisailam is home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and one of the 18 Shakti Peethas and hence a popular pilgrimage attraction in Andhra Pradesh. While these main temples and their architectures are a visual treat with utmost peace, there are many other religious sites, including temples, cave and water bodies, as well as the attractions like tiger reserves and dams that attract tourists with different holiday moods to the place.
- Distances: Hyderabad (225 km.), Bangalore (533 km.), Chennai (472 km.)
- How to Reach: Hyderabad Airport (199 km.), Cumbum Railway Station (100 km.), Markapur Road Railway Station (85 km.)
- Highlights: Sri Mallikarjuna Temple (Jyotirlinga), Bhramaramba Temple (Shakti Peetha), Akkamahadevi Caves, Ishtakameshwari Temple, Srisailam Dam, Mallela Thhertham Waterfalls; climb Srisailam Sikharam for amazing views; explore tigers and other animals at Srisailam Tiger Reserve; take holy bath at Patala Ganga
- Best Time: October-February
Vijayawada
The Place of Victory, Vijayawada is located on the bank of River Krishna and is one of the top-ranked tourist places in Andhra Pradesh. The city boasts of arrays of forts, temples, caves, mosques and some peaceful natural sites that keep one fully involved during their visit. As per the Hindu Mythology, it is the place where Goddess Durga took some rest after slaying a demon.
- Distances: Hyderabad (276 km.), Chennai (454 km.), Bangalore (640 km.)
- How to Reach: Vijayawada Airport, Vijayawada Railways Station
- Highlights: Kanaka Durga Temple, Prakasam Barrage, Gandhi Hill, Bhavani island, Hazrat Bal Mosque (believed to preserve a relic of Prophet Mohammad), Kondapalli Fort, Mangalagiri Narasimha Temple, Undavalli Caves, Mogalarajapuram Caves, Akkana Madanna Caves; don’t miss buying the very popular Kondapalli toys and beautiful silver and pearl jewellery; enjoy South Indian cuisines like idli, rava dosa and street foods like mirchi bajji and pulihora; boorelu is a must-try sweet here.
- Best Time: October-March
Konaseema
Take a break from the crowded Andhra tourist places and escape to this heaven that boasts of enchanting beauty and rejuvenating ambience. Located in the delta region of Godavari near to the Bay of Bengal, this cluster of fairy-tale islands is blessed with lush green coconut and mango groves and paddy fields. In addition, there are beaches, lakes, mangrove forests and old temples adding to the place’s worth. No wonder it is slowly garnering the limelight equable to Kerala.
- Distances: Hyderabad (460 km.), Chennai (630 km.), Bhubaneswar (690 km.)
- How to Reach: Rajahmundry Airport and Rajahmundry Railway Station (about 90 km.)
- Highlights: Coringa Mangroves and Wildlife Sanctuary, Antervedi Beach, Adurru Excavation Sites, Sri Veereswara Swamy Temple, Antharvedi Narasimha Swami Temple, Ainavilli Sidhi Vinayaka Temple; enjoy boating and river cruising, charming sunset and full moon night views at the beaches
- Best Time: December-February
Srikalahasti
The divine temple of Srikalahasti is one of the five temples (Pancha Bhoota Sthalams) where Lord Shiva embodies himself as five elements of life. At Srikalahasti, Shiva’s Lingam represents the element air as this was the place where God Vayu (air) performed tough penance to please Lord Shiva. Popular as the Kailasha of the South, the temple represents the marvellous Dravidian architecture with towering gopurams.
- Distances: Hyderabad (552 km.), Chennai (118 km.), Bangalore (283 km.)
- How to Reach: Tirupati Airport (27 km.), Srikalahasti Railway Station
- Highlights: Srikalahasti Temple, Bharadwaja Teertham, Kannappa Temple, Swarnamukhi River; visit the beautiful waterfalls, including Talakona, Ubbalamadugu and Veyiliangala Kona
- Best Time: October-March
Horsley Hills
Named after a British collector who built a house on these hills in 1870s, Horsley Hills is among the scenic tourist places in Andhra Pradesh with the perfect mix of nature, adventure and solitude. Apart from the eye-pleasing natural beauty, the place boasts of waterfalls, temples, adventure trails as well as wildlife. Head to this amazing place if you long for complete relaxation!
- Distances: Bangalore (157 km.), Hyderabad (528 km.), Chennai (275 km.)
- How to Reach: Tirupati Airport (146 km.), Bangalore Airport (133 km.), Madanapalle Railway Station (27 km.)
- Highlights: Gali Bandalu (Windy Rock), View Point, Horsley Hills Zoo, Mallamma Temple, Environment Park; explore Kalyan Eucalyptus Tree (150 years old, planted by Horsley himself); enjoy breathtaking sunset and sunrise views; adventures like hiking, trekking, rock climbing, ATV rides and more
- Best Time: Round the year
Eluru
Located almost half the way between the deltas formed by River Krishna and River Godavari, Eluru showcases the best of Hindu and Buddhist heritage. On the bank of River Tammileru, the city also attracts bird-watchers to one of India’s largest freshwater lakes located in the close vicinity. It is also popular for numerous hand-woven and handmade items you would love to buy.
- Distances: Hyderabad (330 km.), Bangalore (695 km.), Chennai (510 km.)
- How to Reach: Vijayawada Airport (44 km.), Eluru Railway Station
- Highlights: Buddha Park which has a huge Buddha statue in the middle of a pond; Kolleru Lake and Bird Sanctuary which attracts birds like terns, storks, herons, cormorants, ibises, coots and many other birds; Eluru Ashram, Gangeshwaralayam Temple(believed to have been built by Bhishma from Mahabharata), Dwaraka Tirumala, Guntupalli Buddhist Monuments; buy locally made wool-pile carpets and incense sticks
- Best Time: November-March
Maredumilli
Get ready to surrender to the nature’s charisma at Maredumilli. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, this forest area boasts of green-carpeted hills, flora ranging from palms, pines, mangoes and medicinal plants to golden bamboos and assorted orchids, animals like tigers, spotted deer, bison and panthers and birds like kingfishers and hornbills. The cheerful streams and gushing cascades unfold at every footstep and you feel blessed being at one of the best tourist places in Andhra Pradesh.
- Distances: Hyderabad (430 km.), Chennai (690 km.), Bhubaneswar (650 km.)
- How to Reach: Rajahmundry Airport and Railway Station (about 70 km.)
- Highlights: Waterfalls like Jalatarangini, Rampa and Swarnadhara; Medicinal Plants Conservation Area; Jungle Star adventure site, Madanikunj-Vihara Sthal; Coffee and Pepper Plantations; eco-tourism activities; don’t miss the activities like picnicking, camping, trekking, cross country trekking; enjoy bamboo chicken
- Best Time: October-March
Most probably, you haven’t read or heard about many of these tourist places in Andhra Pradesh. Consider your upcoming holiday as the right opportunity for these wonderful explorations.