Andhra Pradesh - India

Andhra Pradesh, India's fifth largest state, situated south of the Vindhyas, shares a common boundary with its neighbours, Maharashtra, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

History has left behind a legacy of dynasties going back to 300 B.C, which is evident from the many edifices, monuments and architectural ruins. Traces of the diverse cultures of the Mauryas, Pallavas, Cholas, Satavahanas, Chalukyas and Vijayanagar offers imposing vistas and continue to fascinate the observer. Andhra Pradesh was created by combining the old princely state of Hyderabad with the Telugu-speaking portions of the former state of Madras. The Chalukyas dominated the area till the 10th Century when the Cholas seized power. From the 14th Century the Muslims held command over this southern state for centuries. Finally it was taken over by a General of the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb. The General's successors, called Nizams, ruled the state till Independence.

State Capital - Hyderabad

Population - 74 million
Area - 275000 sq. km
Languages -  Telugu and Urdu

Best Season  -  October to February

Andhra Pradesh comprises of fertile coastal plains, semi arid Deccan plateau and the hillscapes of the Eastern Ghats. The warm and friendly Andhras are an ancient people who can trace their roots and history to the Mauryan period and have a great interest in arts, crafts and dance.

Exquisite crafts, glorious reminders of the past, vibrant festivities, irresistible delicacies coupled with charming features of the people and the musical mother tongue Telugu leave behind everlasting impressions. Some of the incredible sights of Andhra Pradesh are the world's tallest Masonry dam, million year old caves, South Asia's first lion safari and the world's richest temple.

The major Tourist centres in the state are:

Alampur : Temples, Sculpture.

Amravati : Buddhist Monuments, Excavations at Sankaram.

Bhadrachalam Hindu pilgrimage centre.

Hyderabad : Palaces, Mosque Museum including Salar Jung Museum.

Golconda : Ruins of ancient Fort, Tombs : Osman Sagar : Dam site, picnic spot, lake.

Secunderabad :Twin city of Hyderabad.

Karimnagar : Handicrafts.

Kolleru : Water bird sanctuary.

Lepakshi : Temples, Frescoes excavations.

Machlipatnam : Kalamkari textiles, antiquities.

Medak : cathedral, fort, Pocharam sanctuary.

Nagarjunasagar : Dam-site holiday resort, lake, Buddhist university, Wildlife sanctuary, Tiger reserve.

Nagarjunakonda : Buddhist ruins and reconstructed monuments, island Museum.

Rajahmundry : Temples, Hindu pilgrimage centre.

Pakhal : Lake, Wildlife sanctuary.

Penukonda : Vijayanager ruins, mosque, fort, hill station.

Puttaparti : Pilgrimage centre.

Tirupati : Major Hindu pilgrimage centre, temples, nearby waterfalls, picnic spots, city of seven hills, one of the richest temples in the world.

Vijaywada : Temples, mosques, Mangalagiri.

Sri Venkateshwara Sanctuary : Wildlife sanctuary.

Udayagiri : Ruins of Forts.

Vishakhapatnam : Commercial and industrial heart of Andhra Pradesh, temple, beaches.

Warangal : Temples, forts, ancient capital, carpets.

Hanamkonda : Temples, Sculpture.