Andhra Pradesh, is a state lies in Southern part of India, and is also considered as a part of central oreastern India. The fifth largest state of India, Andhra Pradesh spreads over an area of 275,068 Sq. Kms and has 23 districts. The historic city of Hyderabad is its capital while Vishakhapatnam, Vijaywada and Warangal are major cities. The main languages which are spoken in the state are Telugu,English, Urdu and Hindi. Known as the “Rice Granary of India” the state is favourite tourist destination, as it has a coast line of 1000 Kms,and eight of its 23 districts have direct access to the sea. The state is bounded by Maharashtra in the North and North-West, Chhattisgarh in the North-East, Karnataka in the West, Tamil Nadu in the south, and by the Bayof Bengal in the East. Andhra Pradesh can be divided into three regions Coastal Andhra, Telangana and Rayalaseema. The state has two major river namely Godavari and Krishna. These rivers irrigate thousand acres of land,and made the largest cultivable area in the country. Andhra Pradesh leads in rice production and is called India’s Rice Bowl.
People :
The people of Andhra Pradesh lead a simple life and the favorite dress of males are Lungi and Kurta, while females wear saree. Andhra people celebrate many festivals throughout the year. Some of the important festivals of the state are Sankranthi(in January), Ugadi (the Telugu New Year in March-April), Vinayaka Chavithi (in August), Dasara (in October), Deepawali(in November) and Bonalu etc.
Food :
The cuisine of Andhra Pradesh is considered, as one of the most spicy of all Indian cuisines. The cuisines include both the original spicy And hracooking and special Muslim Hyderabadi cuisine. Pickles and chutneys called Patchadi are famous, while a mango pickle known as 'Asvakaya' is most popular among Andhra pickles. Rice is the principle diet and is used in awide variety of ways, such as boiled and eaten with curry. Rice is also used to prepare dishes like Attu (Dosas) and Idlis. The Biryani of Hyderabad is most distinctive and popular all over the country.
Attractions :
» Andhra Pradesh, Architecture -
The Architecture in Andhra Pradesh comprises of prehistoric cairns, Buddhist Setups, Important Hindu and Jain temples, Churches and Secular monuments etc. The capital Hyderabad houses some of the most beautiful mosques and Islamic tombs of the country. The state presents amazing examples of European architecture as well as domestic vernacular architecture.
» Andhra Pradesh, Art and Crafts - The state has contributed a lot to the country, as well as the world in the areas of arts,handicrafts and handlooms. The world famous Kuchipudi classical dance wasborn in Kuchelapuri or Kuchelapuram village of Andhra Pradesh.The handicrafts of the state possess a timeless charm. Wooden toy industry of Nirmal is famous, the nice glazed toys and paintings are known by the name of the town. The town is also world famous for Nirmal paintings which have rich colour and variety. The handlooms, that is hand-woven fabrics of the state are very famous. Cotton and Silk Sarees of unique and generic designs are found in the state. The sarees of Pochampalli, Venkatagiri, Gadwal,Narayanpet and Dharmavaram are famous and known by the name of their town.The silk sarees of the state are considered among the most beautiful sarees in the world.
» Andhra Pradesh, Monuments - Andhra Pradesh is dotted with several ancient monuments.
» Bhongir Fort, Bhongir - The fort is located upona single hill at an altitude of 500 feet. Built is the 12th century the fort spreads over an area of 40 acres.
» Chandragiri Fort, Chandragiri - Chandragiri was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. The fort built in 1,000 A.D byImmadi Narasimha Yadava, encloses many forts and palaces.
» Asman Garh Palace, Hyderabad - The palace was designed and built by Sir Osman Jah of Paigah family, who was once the Prime Minister of Hyderabad State. The granite turrets and arched windows of AsmanGarh fort are the major attraction.
» Charminar, Hyderabad - Charminar is a most important landmark of the city. It was built by Mohammed Quli Qutab Shah in honour of his Hindu wife, Bhagmati, in 1591 AD. The 53 metre square edificeof granite, built upon four grand arches forms the centre of the old city and is surrounded by crowded markets.
» Golconda Fort, Hyderabad - 
The fort is among the popular forts of India. The fort stands on the out skirts of the city, is known for excellent architectural design. Originally the fort was built by the Kakatiyas of Warangal, but the Qutb Shahi rulers of Hyderabad occupied the fort and converted the mud structure into stone.
» Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad - The palace is situated in Falaknuma, around 4 Kms South of Charminar. The palace standing on a hill over looks the ancient city of Hyderabad. The palace served as the royal guest house for the rulers of Hyderabad. The palace built in Italian marble presents the master piece of Italian architecture.
» Andhra Pradesh, Museum - The state has many museum like A.P. State Museum (Hyderabad), Amaravati Museum (Amaravati), The Salar Jung Museum (Hyderabad), The Nizam's Museum (Hyderabad), BhagavanMahavir Government Museum (Cuddapah) and District Archeological Museum(Nizamabad) etc.
» Andhra Pradesh, Caves - Andhra Pradesh has several caves, the most popular caves are Belum Caves (Beslum), Borra Caves(Kirinrandal), Guthikonda Caves (Guthikonda), Mogalarajapuram Caves (Vijayawada), Undavalli Caves (Undavalli) and Yaganti Caves(Yaganti) etc.
» Andhra Pradesh, Pilgrim Centres - Andhra Pradesh is the home of many religious pilgrim centres. The imprtant pilgim centres of the state are The Govindarajaswami Temple (Tirupati), Sri AgastheswaraTemple (Tirupati), Swami Pushkarini (Tirupati), Birla Mandir (Hyderabad),Mecca Masjid (Hyderabad), Mukteshwara Swamy Temple (Kaleshwaram), Dichpalli Temple (Nizamabad), Neelakanteshwara Temple (Nizamabad) and Pradanthinilayam(Puttaparti) etc. A part from Hindu and Muslim pilgrim centre the state has many Buddhist Centres like Adurru (Dubaraju Gudi, Adurru), Chandavaram Buddhist site (Chandavaram), Dhulikutta, Nagarjuna Konda (Nagarjunasagar) and Sankaram etc.
Accessibility:
It is better to start a tour of Andhra Pradesh from the capital, Hyderabad.Hyderabad is well connected by Air, Rail and Road to all major cities of India. The distance of major town from Hyderabad are Golconda(11 Kms),Gulbarga (241 Kms), Amravati (314 Kms), Bidar (150 Kms), Kurnool (211 Kms),Bijapur (404 Kms), Vijaywada (267 Kms), Warangal (140 Kms), Sholapur (305Kms) and Nagarjunkonda (182 Kms).
» Air - The airport of Hyderabad is connected to national and international cities with both national and international flights. Apart from Hyderabad other cities like Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry,Vijayawada and Tirupati have airports.
» Rail - Hyderabad, is the head quarter of South Central Railway and is linked to all major cities of India. In addition to Hyderabad, Kachiguda and Secunderabad are other railway station..
» Road - Hyderabad is well connected with highway to all major cities in Andhra Pradesh and near by states of Karnataka, TamilNadu, Maharastra and Orissa.
Accommodation:
The accommodation facility is available in Hotels of Hyderabad and other major cities of the State. The hotels ranges from 5 Star to business class offers comfortable stay to guests.
Best Time To Visit :
The climate of Andhra Pradesh is generally hot and humid. The temperature in summer vary from 20oC to 40oC, while in winter it vary between 13oC and32oC. The South-West monsoons and The North-East monsoons are responsible for the rain falls in Andhra Pradesh. However the best time to visit AndhraPradesh is October to March.
