Heritage Spots in Andhra Pradesh

Heritage Spots in Andhra Pradesh

The cultural aura of Andhra Pradesh is a wide-spreading lamp light that brightens every corner of the world, satiating the deep desire to enrich their cultural trendy life-style. Temples, historical monuments, music dance, religious practices, cuisine, art and painting etc. Display the Andhra traditions in peacock feather like style with colors of many hues, not knowing which one to choose from. Certainly, the choice will meet up to your cultural taste-buds and the overall living habits will undergo a rapid metamorphosis.

Lord Venkateshwara Temple in Tirupati, the lyrical Carnatic music, the reverbations of Veena, fascinating Kuchupudi, simply elate your mood to a level of intoxication, dreamy thoughts, exhilarated spirit, fine-tuning one's musical taste just makes one want to sip in every bit of delicious Andhra rich heritage.

Andhras are fortunate to walk down the century old heritage lane.

Kurnool

Kurnool

Kurnool District gets its name from the town of Kurnool. The town was the capital of the Nizams from October 1953 to November 1956. It is believed that during the 12th century, the Odders used to transport stones on carts for building the temple in Alampur, which was across the Tungabhadra River. These Odders used to halt their carts at the site of the current town of Kurnool to grease the wheels of their carts. They referred to the place as Kandanavolu, which over the centuries transformed to Kurnool.

The district also is home to Palaeolithic rock paintings, which can be seen at Ketavaram. This historical site is about 18 kilometres from the city of Kurnool.Other areas in the district that are renowned for their rock paintings include Yaganti, Katavani Kunta and Jerrur Valley.

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Prakasham

Prakasham

Prakasham District's past goes all the way back to 250 BC when the Maurya Dynasty ruled over this region. This dynasty paved way for the Satavahanas, during whose reign Buddhism flourished in the region. The era saw many Buddhist temples and stupas being built. Thereafter, region saw the Ikshvaku and Vijayanagar kings, the Qutub Shahi dynasty and the lastly the Mughals. Each ruler left behind a unique impression on the cultural landscape of Prakasham.

The district is renowned for its black granite and the town of Chimakurthy is known to produces some of best quality granite in India. Podili is home to a ancient temple, the Nirmamahesware Swami Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

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Rajahmundry

Rajahmundry

Rajahmundry is located on the banks of Godavari River and is surrounded by towering coconut trees and lush green paddy fields. It was ruled by Rajaraja Narendra, the Eastern Chalukya ruler, in 1022 AD. During this period, it was known as Raja Mahendri. Even today the remnants of the fort walls and palaces are visible.

The area is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and this is evident from the top of Papi Hills. It also is home to Kadiyam nurseries, which are spread over acres and acres of land and cultivate the most exotic and beautiful flowers. Nature lovers will revel in the beauty of Pattiseema, where Mother Nature has blessed the area with abundant greenery and natural beauty.

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Tirupati

Tirupati

Located at the southernmost corner of the Eastern Ghats, the town of Tirupati is about 525 kilometres from Hyderabad. The town is surrounded by seven scenic hills, which are home to perennial waterfalls, verdant forests and picture-postcard perfect valleys.
The temple township of Tirumala is located on top of the hills and the age-old temple dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara is based here. This temple is said to be the richest in the world, with the outer walls of the sanctum sanctorum are enveloped in a sheet of pure gold! Driving to Tirumala offers an opportunity to experience panoramic vista and fresh countryside air.

Not only is Tirupati an outstanding pilgrimage site, it also offers a unique getaway where visitors can enjoy modern amenities and enchanting natural beauty. 
About 150 kilometres from Tirupati is the pictorial hill station of Horseley Hills.

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Vijayawada

Vijayawada

Also known as Bezawada, Vijayawada is the third largest city in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is about 275 kilometres from Hyderabad and is a popular tourist, business and trading hub.

The name of the city translates to ‘place of victory’. It is believed that Arjuna performed penance in the surrounding Indrakiladri Hills to appease Lord Shiva, who, in turn, gifted him with Pasupathasthra, Arjuna’s prized weapon. It also is claimed that Goddess Durga rested in Vijayawada after slaying the Mahishasura, a wicked demon, after engaging him in a fierce battle. The Kanaka Durga Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and rests on top a hill and overlooks majestically at the Krishna River.

The city also is famous for its many varieties of mangoes, which flood the local markets during summer. Located close to Vijayawada is the serene and tranquil village of Kondapalli, which is renowned for its multi-hued, lightweight Kondapalli toys and picnic spot.

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Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam started out as a small fishing village, which was named after the Hindu God Vaishaka, and became a part of the Kalinga Empire. Today, the city is an industrial hub and popular seaport that connects the mineral-rich belt of Central India to the Eastern coast. It embraces is ancient past and modern present seamlessly.

The city's rich historical and cultural heritage is absorbing and enchanting. It used to be part of the Kalinga Empire and has been ruled by the likes of Ashoka and Krishnadeva Raya. In the 18th century, Visakhapatnam, also known as Vizag, used to be a Dutch colony.

A veritable paradise for nature lovers, Visakhapatnam is abound by scenic hills, golden beaches, natural valleys, ancient caves and lush green picnic spots with quiet creeks and coves.

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