STATE: Andhra Pradesh
Capital: Hyderabad
Major Airports: Hyderabad, Visakapatnam, Vijayawada
Major Places:
Hyderabad:
How to get there: Through Train or Flight
List of sightseeing places with brief explanations:
Old City: The Charminar is one of the most popular places to see in Hyderabad and the hype is not unearned. As a student, a long bus ride to the old city was one of our favorite pastimes, especially in the month of Ramazan. Even at night, the area is teeming with people and this is the time to visit the popular Pista House for their haleem. Right besides it is the Mecca Masjid or the Moti Masjid – so called for its pearlescent glow. Keep in mind that visitors are discouraged from entering the mosque during prayer time. The Charminar is the centre of a huge square and one of the roads leads down to the Choodi Bazaar. You can find the cheapest lac and glass bangles here. Haggling is a must and one can buy bangles for as cheap as Rs. 10 a dozen. The avenues here are lined with buildings from the time the Nizams ruled the city. Though not really a tourist attraction since they are falling to pieces, they look beautiful in the dusk light
Lakes: The Hussain Sagar or Tank Bund is located in the heart of the city and is one of the more popular sight-seeing options. A boat ride to the Buddha statue located at its centre provides relief from the bustle of the city. The Necklace Road running alongside the shore has a good food court and one can just sit and relax in one of the open-air restaurants there. Hyderabad is dotted with numerous lakes like the Osman Sagar, Gandipet, Himayat Sagar etc. The Durgam Cheveru in Hi-tech City is one of the more popular spots for boating.
Palace sand Forts: It is warned that a visit to the tourist attraction Golconda fort would require some hefty climbing on your part. Though it is not in a very good condition (especially when compared to the Agra and Delhi forts), a trip to Golconda is made worthy by the Qutb Shahi tombs next door. These are not to be missed and are one of Hyderabad’s attractions. The tombs are beautiful and they invite a lazy, contemplative stroll.
The Falaknuma Palace was the residence of the Nizam’s favorite wife. However, since it has been taken over by a luxury group of hotels it is no longer available for sight-seeing to the general public, which is a pity. You can compensate by visiting the Chowmahalla Palace. It was the official seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and now serves as a popular venue for cultural events in the city. Now one of Hyderabad’s tourist attractions, it is actually a huge compound of smaller palaces which was used by the Nizam to entertain guests and receive foreign guests.
Suleiman Bazaar is one of those old world places to visit which invite browsing and haggling. At one time it was the commercial center of the city though it is still worth sight-seeing for its architecturally interesting outer façade
Opinion on Salar Jung museum is divided. Mostly it is a display for the extensive personal collection of the Nizam and is housed in one of the former palaces. If you are a history buff who enjoys a visit to Indian-style museums and are willing to brave the tourist crowds then it is the place for you. Keep in mind, however, that the museum is quite huge and a short visit will not do justice to the collection of artefacts here. Ask around if the Nizam’s jewel collection is being displayed in the city. It is housed in a building adjacent to the Salar Jung Museum. It is very well curated and features pictures and garments from the era. The size of the jewels will take your breath away and is one of those ‘must-see’ places in Hyderabad. The Birla Mandir is one of the city’s landmarks and a popular sight-seeing attraction for both locals and tourists. Located on top of a hill it provides 360-degree views of the city.
Lumbini Park, NTR Gardens, Botanical Gardens and the Nehru Zoological Park are for the nature lovers and walkers and have become one of Hyderabad’s attractions in a city bereft of a green cover.
Vijayawada:
How to get there: Bus (or) train from Hyderabad
List of sightseeing places with brief explanations:
Kanaka Durga Temple: Perhaps Kanaka Durga Temple is the most popular temple of the city. Perched on Indrakiladri Hill, the temple provides a panoramic view of Vijayawada. The presiding deity in the temple is Kanaka Durga, who is considered as the Goddess of power, riches and benevolence. There are several inscriptions inside the temple, representing different dynasties. Though all festivals are observed here with full enthusiasm, Dusshera deserves special mention. People from all parts of the region come to visit this divine temple.
Prakasam Barrage: Prakasam Barrage presents a wonderful sight with its colossal size across Krishna River. Finished in 1957, Prakasam Barrage comprises both railway track and road. A Venetian look has been granted to the city by a huge lake and three canals along the barrage.
Victoria Jubilee Regional Museum: Situated on Bandar Road, Victoria Jubilee Regional Museum has been set up by the State Archaeological Department. It comprises beautiful sculptures, attractive paintings, idols, weapons, cutlery and inscriptions that date back to the 1st and 2nd centuries
Bhavani Island: Perhaps Bhavani Island is the largest island in Krishna River. Located near Prakasam Barrage, the island has been groomed up by Andhra Pradesh tourism. It has some cottages that offer really cozy accommodation. A boat ride to this island in itself would be an electrifying activity
Gundala Church: Also known as St. Mary's Church, Gundala Church was earlier an orphanage. It is to be found on the eastern side of the town on a hillock. 'Our Lady of Lourdes' is an annual event observed at the church that is attended by hundreds of people.
The Gandhi Stupa: The 15.8 ft Gandhi Stupa stands on Gandhi Hill or Orr Hill. Dedicated to Gandhiji, it has the teachings of Gandhi inscribed on stone slabs, Gandhi memorial Library, sound and light show and planetarium. It also offers panoramic views of the town below.
Hazrathbal Mosque: Hazrathbal Mosque is an important holy place in Vijayawada. Special attraction of the mosque is that it houses a sacred relic of Prophet Mohammad that is exhibited once in a year. People from far and wide come to pay their homage at the mosque
Akkanaand Madanna Caves: En route for Kanaka Durga Temple, Akkana and Madanna Caves are the rock-cut caves built in the 17th century. Akkana and Madanna were actually ministers in the court of Abdul Hasan Tanashah. These caves are accompanied by one more cave that dates back to the 2nd century and houses trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara.
Rajiv Gandhi Park: Rajiv Gandhi Park is an educative park, erected by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation. Being at the entrance of the city, the park welcomes the tourists with its impressive horticultural work. In the company of mini zoo, playing area for children and a musical water fountain, Rajiv Gandhi National Park is a favorite picnic spot amongst the people.
Malleswaraswami Temple: In the proximity of Kanaka Durga Temple, the shrine of Malleswaraswami is sited on Indrakiladri hill. Lord Mallikarjuna is known by the name of Malleswara in the Puranas. The idol inside the shrine is believed to have been installed by Yudhishthira (the eldest brother of the Pandavas) to commemorate their victory in the South.
Vijayeswara Swami Temple: In the vein of other temples, Vijayeswara temple is positioned on Indrakiladri Hill in Vijayawada. The installation of deity is regarded to have been done by Arjuna to mark his victory with Lord Shiva as 'Kirata' (hunter).
Besant Road: Besant Road is the most busy and crowded roads of Vijaywada. In and around this place, you can find about 50 cinema halls since theatres are the major source of entertainment for people.
Subramanya Swamy Temple: One amongst the popular temples in Vijayawada, Subramanya Swamy Temple is also sited Indrakiladri Hill. One can take a flight of steps to reach the shrine. At the time of Skanda Shashti Festival, the temple receives thousands of devotees from all nearby areas.
Sri Nagarala Sri
w:st="on">MahaLakshmi Ammavaru Temple: Located in Chiitinagar, Sri Nagarala Sri Maha Lakshmi Ammavaru Temple is a significant shrine in Vijayawada. Dussehra, being the major festival celebrated at the temple, attracts devotees from far and wide.
Vizag:
How to get there: Bus (or) Train from Hyderabad
List of sightseeing places with brief explanations:
Beaches in Visakhapatnam: The Yarada Beach is a locally kept secret. Though not easily accessible, a trip to this beautiful beach will prove worthy for the adventurous soul. The Ramakrishna Beach, also known as the R.K. Beach, is a popular tourist spot in Visakhapatnam. In the evening you can find the local people dressed in their best and taking a stroll on the promenade. Swimming is not advised here as it is a very dangerous beach.
Located some 11km from the city, the Rushikonda Beach is a favourite. Located on a gentler shore, you can enter the waters here (though swimming here is also strictly advised against). Bhimili, 25 km from Visakhapatnam, is known for its secluded beaches and a Portuguese church and cemetery.
Natural Parks in Visakhapatnam: Consider a hike through the forests of Kambalakonda. Situated just half an hour from Vizag, even the locals seem unaware of this unspoilt and beautiful nature park. A train makes its slow way up the Coramandel Coast and you are deposited in Araku Valley, a virgin forest situated on the Andhra – Orissa border
The Borra Caves are some of the few primitive caverns in the country. You had to crawl to get within this complex earlier but now the AP tourist council has provided for an easier access.
Museums in Visakhapatnam: The Submarine Museum is located within an actual submarine. You can learn about the operation of a submarine by retired sea-hands and the museum is one of its kind in Asia.The Naval Museum features a thoughtfully curated exhibition on India’s naval history. ach will prove worthy for the adventurous soul. The Ramakrishna Beach, also known as the R.K. Beach, is a popular tourist spot in Visakhapatnam. In the evening you can find the local people dressed in their best and taking a stroll on the promenade. Swimming is not advised here as it is a very dangerous beach.
Located some 11km from the city, the Rushikonda Beach is a favourite. Located on a gentler shore, you can enter the waters here (though swimming here is also strictly advised against). Bhimili, 25 km from Visakhapatnam, is known for its secluded beaches and a Portuguese church and cemetery.
The Naval Museum features a thoughtfully curated exhibition on India’s naval history.
