GENERAL INFORMATION

Andhra Pradesh can be broadly divided into three regions, namely Kosta(Coastal Andhra), Telangana and Rayalaseema. Telangana lies west of the Ghats on the Deccan plateau. The Godavari River and Krishna river rise in the Western Ghats of Karnataka and Maharashtra and flow east across Telangana to empty into the Bay of Bengal in a combined river deltaKosta occupies the coastal plain between Eastern Ghats ranges, which run the length of the state, and the Bay of Bengal.Rayalaseema lies in the southeast of the state on the Deccan plateau, in the basin of the Penner river. It is separated from Telangana by the low Erramala hills, and from Coastal Andhra by the Eastern Ghats.
The state rich in natural resources, cultural heritage, charming countryside, watered by 34 rivers Andhra Pradesh commands a 1000 km. coastline and enjoys a strategic location too. Most of it stands on the high arid Deccan Plateau, sloping down to the low-lying coastal region to the east where the Godavari and Krishna meet the Bay of Bengal and is known as the 'Rice Granary of India'.

TOURISM IN ANDHRA

Rocks, forests, green fields, lakes and golden beaches washed by the sea make Andhra Pradesh a fascinating state for tourism and one that is ideally suited for wildlife. There are about 20 notified sanctuaries in the state and each of them is home to a variety of rare animal species such as the Great Indian Bustard, Nilgai, etc. The golden beaches at Visakhapatnam, the one-million-year old limestone caves at Borra,  Araku valley, hill resorts of Horsley Hills, Godavari racing through a narrow gorge at Papi Kondalu, waterfalls and rich bio-diversity at Talakona, the beaches of Vizag are some of the natural attractions of the state.

BEACHES IN ANDHRA PRADESH

Andhra Pradesh has approximately 1000 km. of coastline with eight of its 23 districts having direct access to the sea with water caressing golden sands. The coastline begins from Bheemunipatnam near Vishakhapatnam down to Mypad in Nellore district. As matter of fact the coastline of Andhra Pradesh offers unrestricted enjoyment to the sun worshippers and sea bathers. Moreover It is a thrill of a different kind for the fun-loving picnickers. Apart from Vishakhapatnam and Bheemunipatnam beaches, there are other famous beaches such as Manginapudi, Kakinada, Chirala, Kalingapatnam and Mypad.

Rishikonda Beach    Rishikonda is just 8 km from Vishakhapatnam or as some people would call it - Vizag. Golden, unspoiled beach, washed by the sun-warmed sea, it is ideal for swimmers, water skiers, and wind surfers. Tourists can enjoy a holiday in picturesque settings.

Bheemunipatnam Beach   At a distance of 24 kilometers from Vishakhapatnam (Vizag), this beach is located at the mouth of the river Gosthani. Once a Dutch settlement, the ruins of a fort and cemetery are still intact. A little way inland from here is Hollanders Green, the Dutch cemetery. The beach is very safe for swimmers. The journey between vishakhapatnam and Bheemunipatnam is exhilarating.

Manginapudi Beach  Located at a distance of 11 km. from Machilipatnam in Krishna District, there is a lovely beach known as Manginapudi which deserves mention here not only for its picturesque locale but also for its historical importance. The beach has tremendous potential with a natural bay and comparatively shallow and safe waters. Machilipatnam was a flourishing trading center in days of yore and served as a gateway to India. A beautifully laid park with a fountain and well lit surroundings further enhance its reputation as a place for relaxation.

Vodarevu Beach   Vodarevu beach is 6 km from Chirala in Prakasam district. The place has a beautiful beach. This beach is quite famous with tourists regularly, this too is a nice getaway from the bustle and hustle of city life. There is a constant inflow of tourists spending their weekends in these serene settings as the place is very nice to visit and for relaxation.

Mypad 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. 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.

WILDLIFE IN ANDHRA

Andhra Pradesh has a variety of birds Sanctuaries animal sanctuaries with large variety of animals which attract the tourist to visit this adventures and amazing place. The Eastern Ghat ranges are found moist to semi-evergreen forests which give way to the dry thorn scrubs of the Ananthapur plateau. Its varied topography from high ranges of the Eastern Ghats and the Nallamalai to the shores of Bay of Bengal, has given rise to a variety of flora and fauna. This variation in turn has given rise to varied fauna including Deer, Sambhar, Nilgai, Monkeys, Langurs, Jackals, Wild Boars, Python, Sloth Bear, Panthers and Tiger etc.

HERITAGE

The sky-scrapers of the state symbolise the architectural genius styles, replete with astonishing sculpture and splendid edifices left behind by several dynasties. Hyderabad the state capital, is a historic city, and is famous as the former seat of the wealthy Nizams Charminar, Salar Jung Museum Falaknuma Palace  and the mighty Golconda Fort are some of the famous heritage spots in the city. Apart from that Andhra Pradesh is also known as a famous religious pilgrim centre. Tripuati, Ramappa temple, Vijaywada house which is also known as Kanakdurga, Vemulavada, Srisailam, Bhadrachalam , Srikalahasti, Mangalgiri, Annavaram, Simhachalam and many more famous tempels are the wonderful examples of architectural style art and ultimate temple carving.

CULTURE

Different fields of art comprise the Culture of Andhra Pradesh such as Music, Classical dance, Art, Craft, Literature and many more ,and each and every component of the Andhra,s Culture pay a vital role for the promotion of Indian cultural Heritage. The best known classical dance form of Andhra Pradesh is Kuchipudi; generally classical dance in Andhra is performed by both men and women. This dance form had originated in 300 BC and since then it has been a great contribution to Indian classical dance. When there is the question of Literature Andhra has the great cultural heritage of authors such as Nannayya, Tikkana, Yarrapragada, and Bammera Potana. The Art and the Craft of the Andhra such as wood and stone carving weaving of Gadwal and Venkatagiri represents the telent and the quality of Indian Craftsmen in front of the whole world.

CUISINE

In Andhra Pradesh itself there are many variations to the cuisine depending on caste, restrictions, food availability but the cuisine of coastal Andhra is the spiciest of all Indian cuisine. In Andhra Pradesh one can get so many varietes of Pickles.Rice is the common food in Andhra and used in a wide varity of ways.Telangana region is the origin point of Hyderabadi cuisine.In the past Hyderabadi cuisine is influenced by the Muslim population, which arrived in Telangana region many years ago.Biryani is the most popular dish of Hyderabadi cusine.

CLIMATE

Rainfall in Andhra the time period is second week of June and lasts till September while the second occurs in October-November because of the south-west and the north east monsoon. In Winters somewhat chill but still the temperature moves around 15 o Celsius. In Summer season in the months of April and May and June 1st week the temperature goes up to 42 degrees and can be somewhat more.

State Capital -    The Capital of Andhra Pradesh is Hyderabad.

Area Covered -   (thousand sq. km):     275

Principal Languages - Telugu and Urdu

Best Time to Visit - October  to  April