1. Rama Krishnan (RK) Beach

These exquisite twin beaches overlooking the gigantic Bay of Bengal Sea are a beautiful place to relax and unwind. A number of activities are organized at this beach, for your pleasure. These include boating and water surfing, or just plain sunbathing can be enjoyed on the soft golden sands of the beach. Rama Krishnan beach is also in close proximity to a number of important landmark figures, which can be easily visited from the beach.

2. Palm Beach

If you’re looking for the perfect spot to spread your blanket and unpack the picnic basket, Palm Beach should be right choice for you. The place is located adjacent to the RK Beach, as is a much more private and cozy area. You can truly feel at one with nature here, with no one to disturb. What makes this beach super special is the presence of the VUDA Park, a beautifully ornate attraction that is famous for hosting families on their picnic expeditions.

3. Yarada Beach

A heavenly layout of the mountain-beach duality makes for the perfect scenario to enjoy magical holiday moments. The Yarada beach is a popular beach in Vishakhapatnam as it is surrounded by the mammoth hills as well as the huge Bay of Bengal, adding to the grandeur of its beauty. The beach is also embraced by lush greenery and beautiful palm trees that add to the play of colours on the entire landscape, making it an ideal beach for nature lovers.

4. Rushikonda Beach

This neat and tidy beach is well maintained for you to enjoy some lively moments with your family and loved ones. Rushikonda beach is a cozy place where recreational activities are available in abundance. You can enjoy exciting water sports like wind surfing and water skiing, however do avoid swimming in the huge tidal waves. Besides its natural beauty, the place also has an added attraction – the dolphin’s nose, a beautiful rock structure.

5. Bheemli Beach

An hour’s drive from Vishakhapatnam will take you to into the welcoming arms of this warm beach. The Bheemli Beach is a lovely spot for families to spend quiet moments of solitude and relaxation. The beach is not just a source of natural delights for the visitors but also offers some historical knowledge to them. Assumed to be named after the Pandava– Bheem, the place has ruins of forts and temple structures are also found alongside the beach’s line of palm trees and other green vegetation.

6. Kalingapatnam Beach

This remote beach, in the truest sense of the term, can really be just the place a solitude hungry traveler needs. The sparkling waters, with sun kissed sand is a source of immense happiness and joy for many of its visitors. The nearby villages, with their gleefully painted bungalows and exquisite temples will surely make Kalingapatnam beach, one of the best beaches for you to visit.

7. Mangamaripeta Beach

Another culturally and naturally endowed beach, this one in the vicinity of Vishakhapatnam is surely one of the most magnificent ones. The beach has a Buddhist complex located at a considerable height on the beach, which many visitors come specially to see. Besides, Mangamaripeta beach offers a lovely environ to lay back and catch a glimpse of the rhythmic waves as they seem to drown you in their enticing charm.

8. Gangavaram Beach

This beach is truly a nature lover’s abode. The Gangavaram beach, overlooking a Krishna Temple as well as the deep blue sea is a perfect spot to experience liveliness and bliss. Many people visit this beach’s mesmerizing sands to simply unwind and relax, whereas others come here to witness a huge hill structure emanating from the middle of the sea.

9. Lawson’s Bay Beach

A quaint beach that offers scenic views of the sea, Lawson’s beach is one of the most famous ones in Vishakhapatnam. The place is covered with cool and soft sands, which make better comforters that your slippers, so it’s best you walk barefoot. The calming waves of the sea make it the perfect spot to enjoy some light and refreshing swimming and shallow water surfing as well.

10. Kondakarla Ava Beach

This huge beach is always brimming with some activity or another, making it one of the liveliest beaches in town. Kondakarla Ava beach offers numerous activities such as kayaking and sailing, which can either be experienced firsthand, or even watching others try their hand at it is an enjoyable activity. The place becomes a bird watching field when migratory birds visit its waters during the summers. The place is surrounded by a full bloom of lush greenery and happiness.

The lovely town of Vishakhapatnam has so many lovely beaches to offer to its valuable visitors. Make the most of your trip by spending some magical moments in the ever-glowing beaches of Vishakhapatnam.

1. Hill Resort Araku

Araku being one of the remotest and most picturesque locations of Vizag, Hill Resort Araku is the ideal getaway from the bustling city areas in Vizag. Along with various facilities that you’d want in a resort, Hill Resort also brings in the tribal dhimsa dance sometimes to entertain its guests. With thick green wood bordering its area, Hill Resort Araku is truly the best way to kick back and relax.

2. The Park Vishakhapatnam

You ask for a lavish hotel or resort and Vizag’s only most luxurious hotel is The Park. It has everything an opulence lover looks for, including sea view from nearly every suite, a landscape of 6 acres, relishing food from multi-cuisine restaurants, 24-hour room service, modern amenities, swimming pool, banquet halls and conference rooms, along with a cherry on top of the fantastic cake that is the rooftop restaurant, you’ve got everything and more at The Park Vishakhapatnam.

3. Rajadhani Hotel

Situated in Araku Valley, Rajadhani Hotel is nestled between lush thickets and a carpet of green that could give your camera something to do. The view of coffee plantations alongside the twisting and turning Ghat road in Vizag is a photographer’s paradise. Add to that the cosy and comfy rooms, picnic spaces, indoor and outdoor games, and a quaint background, there’s nothing more you need on your trip to Vizag with family. You can have the ideal weekend at Rajadhani Hotel and take home some great pictures.

4. Vihar Holiday Inn Resorts

One of the latest resorts in Vizag is the Vihar Holiday Inn Resort, which is a fully deluxe air conditioned resort hotel in the city. With an attractive ambience and rooms full of unique décor, Vihar Holiday Inn is slowly gaining popularity amongst frequenters to Vizag. There’s a multi-cuisine restaurant, an enviable view, good hospitality and 24-hour room service to attract you to this new Holiday Inn Resort in Vizag.

5. Jungle Bells Nature Camp

What awaits you at Jungle Bells Nature Camp are the most beautiful and cosy cottages you’ll ever see in Vizag. The speciality of Jungle Bells Nature Camp is the variety of cottages that includes wooden cottages, igloo cottages, New Bridge cottages, and Aerocon fabricated cottages. Within these trusty, delicate accommodations, you’d probably not step out in the city because there’s too much comfort and coolness inside. But combine this with great hospitality and food to die for, you’ve got yourself the ideal retreat.

6. Jaabily Beach Inn

On the popular and most accessible beach road of Vizag is situated another beach resort known as Jaabily Beach Inn. A great view coupled with modern facilities to suit the requirements of guests of all kinds, standard rooms and low cost rooms that are easily available on request etc. plus a restaurant that offers authentic south Indian food, Jaabily Beach Inn is a low-budget yet equally pleasing a resort in Vizag that has no chance of disappointing its guests.

7. SVL Sea View Resorts

Beach view, indoor and outdoor games, standard rooms and luxury suites, children’s playground, swimming pool and the stunning backdrop of Vizag’s natural beauty, SVL Sea View Resorts is one of the many popular resorts in Vizag. The hospitality is generous and pleasing, the food is delectable and unavoidable, so you really can’t ask for anything more when you’re at the ideal resort in Vizag. Plus, you also get a great view to accompany your trip.

8. Krishnatara Comforts

A cosy atmosphere is probably everyone’s thing, and Hotel Krishnatara Comforts lets you have as much cosiness as you’d need during a vacation. Have a lazy trip to Vizag and rest in the comfy rooms of Krishnatara Comforts, take a walk through the gorgeous gardens, visit the popular tourist spots located pretty close by, and dine at the multi-cuisine restaurant within the resort, along with the view of the sea taking your breath away. Krishnatara Comforts is the perfect place to find a quiet, uninterrupted sojourn in Vizag away from the city.

9. Sterling Holiday Resorts

A perfect holiday is at Sterling Holiday Resorts, the chain of resorts that has taken many tourist destinations in India by storm. It does not disappoint in Vizag either. With as much a picturesque surrounding as it can possibly muster, Sterling offers a view like no other. Luxurious rooms and standard apartments that are there to suit everyone’s requirements, Sterling Holiday Resorts will leave no stone unturned in making your holiday the perfect one.

10. The Gateway Hotel and Resorts

Situated perfectly on Beach Road, where it can be spotted effortlessly, the Gateway Hotel and Resorts is a tourist’s paradise. It comes with luxurious suites and rooms with a beach-view and various other modern amenities to keep you rooted. Multi-cuisine restaurants, banquet halls, conference rooms, swimming pool, 24-hour room service and a view of the sea that will do everything in its power to entrance you, there is nothing more you could ask for at Gateway.

You can fulfil all your beach fantasies by staying at the aforesaid wonderful resorts of Vizag that will be nothing but rejuvenating and comforting during your stay. Since most of the tourist spots in Vizag are close to these resorts, there’s really nothing to repel you from making your next booking.

1. Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple

Srisailam is most famous for Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple which is present at on the Nallamala Hills. It is dedicated to the God of destruction, Lord Shiva. As per the Hindu religion, there are 12 Jyotrilinga temples present, and Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is one of them. There is a lingam in the temple which is surrounded by three large cobras. During the festival of Mahashivratri, it sees a large number of devotees making their way towards the temple. It exhibits the Dravidian style of architecture and is sprawled across a large area.

2. Srisailam Dam

One of the largest dams present in South India, Srisailam Dam is built over Krishna River. It lies in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh as well as Mahabubnagar district of Telangana. Among all the hydroelectric stations that exist in the country, Srisailam Dam is the second largest in terms of capacity. Tourists are allowed to visit the dam and they can even sit in the boats and row across Krishna river. The dam is maintained well by the authority, and they care about the safety of the tourists. It is a must-visit place for all those who want to know more about the technological advancement of our nation.

3. Nagarjunsagar—Srisailam Tiger Reserve

Famous for being India’s largest tiger reserve, Nagarjunsagar—Srisailam Tiger reserve is sprawled across 5 districts, and two states (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana). This tiger reserve is nestled amidst the Nallamala Hills with valleys and gorgeous making up for a beautiful view. It has a balance mixture of flora and fauna with the presence of silkplants, teak and axlewood trees and animals like Bengal tiger, elephants, leopards, sloth bears, chinkaras and cobras. Jungle safari is available for the tourists, and you will enjoy your time in the reserve.

4. Patala Ganga

The backwaters of Krishna River create Patala Ganga, a spiritual river where devotees come to wash away their sins and gain the blessings of the God. It is also believed that Patala Ganga is full of healing properties and helps to cure skin-related issues. It is located near the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple. Lush green hills surround Patala Ganga and form a serene atmosphere. Patala Ganga is engulfed by spirituality and people spend time praying here. Ropeway car ride is available here, and you can travel in it to get a view of the beautiful river and wide stretches of hills and greenery.

5. Akkamahadevi Caves

You can reach to Akkamahadevi caves by boating through the Krishna River. During the boat ride, you will encounter many beautiful views of the forests and hills around. Caves have always presented a sense of mystery, and Akkamahadevi caves are no different. These caves are dingy and unilluminated but make up for a perfect adventure, as you can encounter some bats here as well. Akkamahadevi caves have a shivlingam installed, so it also attracts a large number of devotees. You have to be fit to complete the trek in the caves, and it can turn out to be a very memorable part of your trip to Srisailam.

Srisailam is a beautiful town with its own history. The religious significance of this town is well-known. But it has also got a lot to offer in terms of adventure and exploration. Exploring the south of India can be an enlightening experience, as they have preserved the Indian history and heritage in a commendable way. Srisailam is a beautiful town and it ought to be explored in all its traditional glory.

1. Mypadu Beach

The uniqueness of Mypadu beach lies in the golden sands and a vast coastline adorned by coconut trees. A typical day at this beach will rejuvenate and uplift your spirits. Watch the sun going down into the blue sea and appreciate the beauty called nature.

2. Ramakrishna Beach

There is a reason why Ramakrishna beach is the favourite spot of tourists. The picturesque location and the crystal clear waters lure the travelers as well as the localities. The proximity to Vishakhapatnam city makes it even more accessible through public transport. The beach has got its name from the ashram by the same name across the road.

3. Uppada Beach

If you have been a keyboard stroking robot throughout the weekend, this beach will heal your soul and give you immense calmness. Go sunbathing or swimming to recover your lost charm. Uppada beach is a perfect location for families looking for a much needed break. Other attractions which are nearby include- Kolleru lake and a wild life century.

4. Suryalanka Beach

Drive down 9 kilometres from Guntur district to discover this sojourn site for your weekend getaway. The beautiful sun rising from the Bay of Bengal will stay in your memory stash for a long time. If you are visiting in November, a major attraction is the sight of dolphins at Suryalanka beach.

5. Rishikonda Beach

Another gem in the lap of the ‘port city’ Vishakhapatnam, Rishikonda beach offers you adventure as well as serenity. Explore the world of water sports with Jet skiing and water surfing. If you are a nature lover, head to the beach early in the morning where cool breeze will welcome you and blue sea will pamper you.

6. Bheemunipatnam Beach

The Gosthani river opens up to Bheemunipatnam beach which is a serene spot for every traveler. This beach, unlike others, is least commercialized and therefore has less touristy crowd, which means you can enjoy your own personal space here. The beach is considered to be very safe for swimming.  For history lovers, there are many architectural spots and temples located in the vicinity.

7. Perupalem Beach

If you are driving down to the Perupalem beach, you will encounter rich flora and fauna, vast stretch of paddy fields and waving palm trees. So even before reaching the beach you will have an exhilarating feeling. The excitement reaches to another level after you see the azure sky meeting with the turquoise waters of the Bay of Bengal. Furthermore, this beach has a peculiar auspicious touch wherein people come to take a holy dip on religious occasions.

8. Maginapudi Beach

Apart from being a port location, Maginapudi beach, located at a distance of 11 Km from Machelipatnam, is also famous for its black soil. The sight of an old lighthouse on the nearby cliff and the blue-gray sky is dazzling. The beach is unspoiled by population and you can spend quality time in appreciating God’s beautiful creation.

9. Motupalle Beach

The main attraction of this beach is its solitary location- a pleasant atmosphere with no touch of urban life. Walk along the shore for a memorable evening. A lot of Buddhist monuments are located around Motupalle beach.

10. Kalingapatnam Beach

Even the state government recognizes Kalingapatnam beach as an important tourist site. You can lie down and enjoy bathing in the sun-kissed sand. Because of its huge popularity, there are a lot of sea food stalls which offer mouth-watering delicacies. For photography lovers there is a beautiful light house and a Buddhist Stupa to ‘capture-nature’ for your travel diary.

Andhra Pradesh is a surprisingly exotic location full of amazing places. The beaches are scattered and will surprise you as each one has a different alluring sky. A perfect place of a seasonal backpacker, Andhra is just waiting to be discovered!

1. Jalatarangini Waterfalls

The area in and around Maredumilli has many rippling streams and waterfalls that gush out and flows over rocks into the dense woods. The traveler’s heart leaps up on seeing the natural splendors and it is obvious that he goes into raptures experiencing the bounteous gifts of Nature.

Near the numerous little waterfalls at the waterfall region of Maredumilli are the Jalatarangini waterfalls which are only ten kilometers away frequented by people. This is closer to the main road where people hiking on bikes can take a break here.

2. Swarnadhara and Rampa waterfalls

Nearby are the Swarnadhara waterfalls which are at a distance of twenty kilometers from Jalatarangini. The place is surrounded by huge mango trees with trunks as big and round as those of banyan trees. The place can be trekked although the way is bit too steeper around the dense, deep woods. Peacocks can be heard nearby. The Rampa waterfalls are there nearby at a distance of thirty six kilometers from Maredumilli. A jeep ride to the Rampa falls from Rampachodavaram is a great way to reach the falls. A ten kilometers walk should take you to the Rampa Falls. The water at the falls tastes sweet. Nearby the old Shiva Temple can be visited. Medicinal Plants and bamboo trees and shrubs are the major plants in this region.

3. Karthikavanam and the Vali Sugriva Medicinal Plants Conservation Area

The Karthikavanam area is a region rampant with natural vegetation and filled with Amla or Gooseberry trees and Maredu or Bael. The plants conservation area is an open laboratory for the scholars researching on medicinal plants. The 203 species of medicinal plants and rare ones too can be found here.

4. Madanikunj-Vihara Sthal

Madanikunj-Vihara Sthal is a wonderful place for picnicking and taking a retreat into the lap of nature. The place has a good number of pine plans and clumps of the Golden Bamboo. The animals are tiger, bison, panther, jungle fowl, peacocks mainly with wide varieties of butterflies.

5. Jungle Star

The Jungle Star has an exotic name to attract people. It is located near to the Valamuru River. The Streams overflow on the three sides and it is also a camping site that provides a great opportunity to stay over for the night in the woods near the Eastern Ghats. Bali and Sugriva of The Ramayana are said to have battled in this region. The hillocks along with the forests and other grasslands bring up the legendary stories in our minds. There is opportunity for trekking run by the Dept. of Forests of the Andhra Pradesh government. There is opportunity for both adventure trekking and cross country trekking.

In Maredumilli, there is the quiet and serene of Nature in the tourist spots where they can stay under the canopies of tree covers to spend most of their time. The interiors of the resorts have all amenities for the tourists. They can listen to the traditional songs and dances and also listen to the call of the wild to keep off boredom. Thus the Maredumilli forest reservation project and the Eco Tourism project is a great experience for any tourist. The area has many flowing streams and big rocks undulating that add to the scenic grandeur of the place. Besides the serenity of the place gives a welcome call to the travelers who enjoy a few day’s peace in the bosom of Nature in great comfort and care of the tourist resorts run by the government of Andhra Pradesh.

1. View Point

The View point is quite a scenic point at a distance of around 200 meters from the bus stand at Horsley. This is one of the most favorite tourist spots in the Horsley Hills and it is located at the highest point so that it offers a great view of the dense forests, hillocks, valleys and so on. The endless expanse of lands around is dotted by forests and hills. The sunset from the point is a feast for the eyes. The dipping sun looks magical and incredible from the place that gets a lot many tourist visits every time.

2. Gali Bandalu

The Gali Bandalu tourist spot also wins the name of Windy Rock. It is a rocky slope that receives a lot of gusty winds that blow over this place every day. This is perhaps one of the best places to visit once you are at Horsley Hills. We have the leisure to walk the entire hilly rock and also watch the views of the valleys around. There are always the heavy winds that blow past. The eastern and the western viewpoints are absolutely wonderful places for sunsets and sunrises. There are natural lakes and small parks for children to run about. It is an exotic place for retreat during the weekends.

3. Mallamma Temple

The Mallamma temple is actually one of the most ancient of all temples that is located on the top of the place called Horsley Hills. The temple is in the name of Goddess Mallamma, dedicated to her and it is one of the most important tourist spots. The temple has a legend associated with it. The old name of this place was Mallamma Konda. A legend that runs about the place is that a small girl whose name was Mallamma whom the elephants took care of. The small girl used to heal the tribal people, so the people had built a temple for her. Devotees flock to the Mallamma Goddess shrine every year.

4. Horsley Hills Zoo

The Horsley Hills Zoo is one of the must visit places in the Horsley Hills area. A very popular activity to perform while we are at the Horsley hills is visiting the zoo. It is less than a kilometer from the Bus Station and is located near the Forest Bungalow. This is a great thing to take the kids over for a day out and enjoy. The small zoo park has few animals and it has a lot of wild life, covered with thick vegetation. Although there is a not much activity in the zoo, there is a small collection of Nature and Wild Life around.

5.   Kaigal Falls / Dumukurallu Waterfalls, Near Kanipakam

The fall is located on the Palamaner Kuppam Highway, 68 kilometers from Chittoor and a matter of seventy eight kilometers from Kanipakam. It is a perennial waterfall that comes out of a rock from a stupendous height of about forty feet. The name of the fall, Dumukirallu comes from the sound it makes on the stones below as it falls from a great height. The beauty and the force of the gushing water is at its best during the Monsoon. There is a dense forest also nearby with shrubs and trees and fauna. The Shivalinga inside the temple also attracts the pilgrims during the festival of Shivaratri. There is a Palamaner Kuppam bus to the Kaigal falls. However there is no accommodation to stay over near the falls. September to December is perhaps the best time to visit the place.

Horsley Hills tour is incomplete without a visit to the Gangotri Lake which is on Madanpalle Road. The lake is brimming with water during the monsoon and the Eucalyptus trees around offers a peace and serenity like never before.  So this is a must visit place. The nearest airport is Bangalore International Airport, one hundred and forty-four kilometers from Horsley Hills.

1. Ahobilam

Nestled in the dense cover of Nallamala forest, Ahobilam is located in the Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh. Situated 407 kilometers from Bangalore and 350 kilometers from Hyderabad, this site is also one of the most famous pilgrimage destinations in the state. It is said to be the dwelling place of Lord Narasimha, who was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is believed to have killed the evil king Hiranyakashyapu here to save Prahlada, his son who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. The Chalukya dynasty constructed the initial temples here in the 8th century followed by Vijaynagara kings who erected the later structures in the 15th century. Ideal for trekking, this enchanting location can easily consume your time. With rocky paths, sparkling waterfalls and caves, Ahobilam is the perfect place for an adventure and a brief look at history at the same time.

2. Sri Venkateswara National Park

Sprawling over 353 square kilometers of lush green land in the districts of Kadapa and Chitoor, Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. A great place for trekking, this land is home to animals like tiger, jackals, civets, panthers, ibex, deer, bears, Bonnet monkeys, bison etc. Also host to more than a hundred species of exotic birds, which include White Bellied Woodpecker, Kingfisher, Indian Roller, Crowned Finch Lark, Crested Serpent Eagle etc., this wildlife sanctuary offers an exhilarating trekking experience. Located 15 kilometers from Tirumala, the trekking trails here require a time of anything from half a day to three days. Several waterfalls like Gunjan and Gundalakona and many streams provide with the necessary drinking water.

3. Nagalapuram

288 kilometers from Bangalore and just 87 kilometers from Chennai, the temple town of Nagalapuram, in Tirupati, hosts the lovely Nagalapuram falls. The Nagalapuram falls trekking is a famous and fun activity here. Also known as Saddhi Koodu Madugu, this trekking adventure provides a wonderful experience with a dazzling view of the waterfalls. The town is also home to Sri Vedanarayana temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is believed to have been built by Krishna Devraya of Vijaynagara dynasty in the memory of his mother Nagala Devi, after whom the town is named.

4. Kadalivanam Caves

The historical caves of Kadalivanam are located close to Srisailam. A wonderful and exhaustive trek of about 12 kilometers through mountain ranges will find you near these caves. The forests of Kadalivanam are the largest Tiger reserve in India. A trek through these rocky paths will bring you a sight of a variety of animals like turtles, panthers, bears, crocodiles etc. Located on the banks of river Krishna, Kadalivanam trekking begins with a calm ride on a boat. The trek concludes at the caves which hold idols of Akkamahadevi and Narasimha Saraswati. All in all, Kadalivanam promises a fascinating trekking experience.

5. Gandikota Fort and Valley

Deriving its name from ‘gandi‘ or gorge in Telegu, this fort is the result of a gorge formed by the Erramala hills and the river Penneru. Set in the breathtaking beauty of the lush forest, sloping hill ranges, spellbinding valleys and full of brimming life, Gandikota is situated 350 kilometers from the city of Hyderabad. The trekking experienced here has earned Gandikota the accolade of the ‘Grand Canyon of India‘.

1. Annavaram

The Annavaram village stands of the bank of the Pampa river, at a distance of 48 kilometers from Kakinada. The shrine of Venkata Sathyanarayana Swamy atop a hill is one of the most important features of the village that is reputed for pilgrimage. This temple gains much popularity and importance apart from the Tirupati temple. Festivals are held at the temple ground all through the year and celebrated with great gusto. The serene atmosphere of the temple and the surroundings will attract the tourists in no time.

2. Antarvedi

Antarvedi is referred to as South Kashi. This place is famous for it has the tributary of the river Godavari that it meets at the Sagar Sangam.  The Meeting point is where the temple of Lakshmi Narsimha is also located on the banks of river Godavari. Here the Varshitha Sevashramam and the temple of Lord Shiva are the major attractions. There is also this beautiful island nearby which is also located on the banks of the river Godavari. Tourists can take a journey till the end of the meeting point of the river and of the sea and get ecstatic about the exquisite journey.

3. Draksharama Bheemeshwara Swamy Temple

Draksharama Bheemeshwara Swamy temple is located in Draksharamam village and it is one of those Pancharamas temple located at a distance of 28 kilometers from Kakinada. The most unique feature of this temple is the crystal lingam. This is a very ancient temple and thousands of pilgrims come to the temple all throughout the year. This is also a protected monument under the department of archeology and is a must visit place in Kakinada.

4. Coringa Sanctuary

Coringa sanctuary is located around 20 kilometers from Kakinada. The place is an instance of dynamic ecosystem and is exceedingly rich and eloquent in flora and fauna. There is lush vegetation all around and even dense mangroves that make this into an evergreen forest. The place is ideal for bird watching and also for fishing. We get to see sea gulls, pelicans and other birds and also crocodiles and other wild animals. This is a place avidly liked and visited by tourists.

5. Sri Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple

Sri Bhavanarayana Swamy temple is located only at a short distance of three kilometers from Kakinada and the temple architecture is noted for a blend of the Chalukya and the Chola styles. Pitahpuram is one of the major pilgrim centers that consist of a plethora of such temples and these are located on the eastern coast of India. The port came into being due to the geographical phenomenon of the Sand Split at Godavari and these are the major tourist attractions in Kakinada.

The city of Kakinada has a lot of historical significance, natural scenic beauty, rich tradition, pilgrimage centers, stunning landscapes and so on. There are a great number of temples that catch the tourists’ attraction. Besides the wild life sanctuaries, the Hope Island and the delta islands at Godavari have a great part to play in beckoning the tourists to the prominent places. The Buddhist site of Adurru is also a very interesting site to be reached by the tourists. The stunning landscapes, the hillocks, the exquisite beaches, the pilgrimage spots all add to the city of Kakinada’s becoming one of the most favorable and prominent tourist spots in India. Kakinada is easily reachable by air, road or by train, the airport at Vizag being close and trains connecting the place all so easily. The best time to visit Kakinada is between October and March.

1. Araku Tribal Museum

Araku Tribal Museum is a great place that represents all explored tribal cultures in all the places in and around Eastern Ghats. This is at a distance of 2 kilometers from the Bus Station at Araku. This is one of the best and the most popular tourist stops in Araku. The museum is a place for creating awareness about the lifestyle and culture of the people here. This is not a historical place but it offers ample information about the tribals living in the place, their culture, tradition and ways of living.

2. Chaaparai Waterfalls

The waterfall is located at a distance of only fifty kilometers from Araku. The Chaaparai waterfalls are on the way to a place called Paderu is located in a  beautifully picturesque and scenic place that is surrounded by the forests. It is located among other tourist places in Araku Valley. It is also known as the Dumriguda falls. Endless little streams crisscross the great Araku Valley causing such magnificent cascades. These areas around the waterfalls are wonderful regions for a lazy day out and for a casual picnicking.

3. Anantagiri

Anantagiri is at a distance of twenty six kilometers from Araku and it is a beautiful little hill station between Vizag and Araku. Vizag is eighty five kilometers from Anantagiri. That is also one of the most important hill stations in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The place is worth visiting for a weekend getaway from Vishakhapatnam. The place Anantagiri stands at a height of 1168 meters. The extensive plantations of coffee and a large number of waterfalls make it a wonderful retreat from the hubbubs of city life. The deep valleys and scenic places of grandeur make it a place worth visiting for travellers.

4. Paadmapuram Botanical Gardens

Paadmapuram Botanical Garden is a garden that hails from historic times on the Araku Road. The garden supplied vegetables to the soldiers during the Second World War. It is now known as the Botanical Garden. It is also a horticultural nursery containing all rare varieties of trees and flowers. A toy train runs round the garden providing an enjoyable joy ride to the visitors. The tree top huts on the trees can be booked for short stays by visitors. There is also an exotic rose garden from which various types of plants can be purchased.

5. Talimada Waterfalls

The Talimada Waterfalls are located at a distance of thirty kilometers from Araku. These are also known as the Anantagiri falls due to the village Anantagiri being in the vicinity. The water falls  from a height of about 100 feet. The best view is during the monsoon. Tourists would reach the waterfall location all the way trekking or walking from Anantagiri. They are located quite close to the main road between Araku and Anantagiri. Although the road is rough and bumpy, SUVs should manage to drive well on such roads.

The immensely beautiful Araku valley comes alive with the forests, gardens, waterfalls along with the tribal people around. There are some stunning viewpoints on the hills perched high up. Besides the hills and the magnificent cascades are the coffee plantations on the Eastern Ghat routes and the region is covered with mango groves too with the waterfalls falling into the deep ravines. There are some extensive mulberry gardens and silk farms in the vicinity. The valley is a great place of retreat due to its serenity and peace. It is also a perfect valley for trekking and offers several wonderful trails for trekking. These trails are through the dense forests and quite adventurous to undertake if you are looking to explore the region thoroughly.

1. Amaravathi

Amaravathi is a religious destination and one of the major attractions in Guntur city. The place contains the Mahachaitya Stupa built during the 2^nd century and the name Amaravathi is said to have been derived from the temple of the Amareswara Swamy. Amaravathy is a very important historical town. It was the capital of the Satvahana kingdom of historic times. It is also a very important Buddhist historic place. The Mahachaitya Stupa draws a good many visitors every day. The Heritage site has been taken up for maintenance and construction by the Indian Government under the HRIDAY scheme.

2. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and Ethipothala Fall

The Ethipothala Fall and the Nagarjuna Sagar dam are both situated on the river Krishna in Andhra Pradesh. This is one of the greatest and the most famous dams in India that provides water for irrigation to the Prakasam district, Nalgonda district and the Guntur district.

3. Amareswara Temple

Guntur is a place of religious interest and there are many Hindu shrines of which Amareswara is a distinct one. Amareswara, otherwise Lord Shiva, is worshipped by people all over India. The temple walls are filled with inscriptions that narrate the region’s past and they are replete with richness and glory of India. The lingam (statue) of Shiva which is fifteen feet high is a major attraction for the tourists here. The towering gopuram is typically Dravidian style architecture and there are numerous heresies, myths and legends that run about the temple. The temple is a place of peace for many. The Amareswara temple is one of the major religious landmarks that throws a lot of light on the past art and architecture of India. You can also look into the history immemorial of Vijaywada and the adjoining regions.

4. Mangalgiri

Mangalgiri is located somewhere between Guntur and Vijaywada and it is mostly visited for the old Vaishnavite temples. They are perhaps the oldest ones. The Gali Gopuram structure of the temple is the 11 storey high building and the major shrine in there is called Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. This temple dates back to the 1807-09. The name Mangalgiri means a very spiritually significant and very auspicious hill. Lord Vishnu was manifest in the place and there are other temples as well known as the Narsimha Swamy temple, the Panakala, the Gandala Narasinha Swamy Temple. Located at a distance of nineteen kilometers from Guntur and twelve kilometers from Vijayawada, handloom is also a major industry of the place and a major occupation of the people who live here. The famous Mangalgiri sarees earn a name from the name of the place itself. The tourist attractions in and around the place are Bhavani Island, Jain Temple, Vundavalli caves, Uppalpadu sanctuary of the birds and Amaravati.

5. Kondaveedu

The Kondaveedu fort stands on top of a hill. The temples, residential structures, gateways and pillared halls are present inside the fort. Archeological excavations have taken place inside the fort, where an idol of Raja Rajeswari has been unearthed. Inscriptions have been paved on the walls of the fort. The fort is located in the village of Kondaveedu, which is at a distance of 25 km from the city of Guntur. The nearest airport is Vijaywada, 30 km away.

6. Buddhist Stupa

The great Buddhist Stupa is at Amaravathi. A king had planned to build a new capital in the year 1796 at a place called Amareswaram. While the place was being excavated, the workers saw some bricks and saw some stone pieces with the carvings. These were some of the remnants of the old stupa. Later on the surface was developed by engraved marble slabs, limestone slabs. The gateways and the fences also had many inscriptions on them.

Guntur city offers diverse places of interest when tourists are looking to visit historic and religious places. An itinerary of the places to be visited helps in planning the trip to Guntur. There are many places to explore in Guntur. A day in the beautiful city of Guntur will help tourists get enthralled in its present charms and the relics of the past.