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About Golconda Fort :
Golconda fort of Andhra pradesh, is a majestic monument, which lies on the western outskirts of Hyderabad city. It speaks of a great cultural heritage of 400 years and is regarded as a place worth visiting. Built by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah in 1525, it stands as the epitome of Nawabi culture and grandeur.

A Well Planned Architecture :
The magnificent architecture of the Golconda fort is manifest in its acoustic system, the structural grandeur of the palaces and ingenious water supply system. The fort was famous for its diamond trade and the ‘Kohinoor’ diamond is said to have come from here. One is perplexed to see the meticulous details of the architecture and the fading gardens, which were once upon a time replete with sprawling lawns and playing fountains.

Golconda is built on a granite hill 120m high, and is surrounded by crenulated ramparts constructed of large masonry blocks weighing several tonnes. The design of the ventilation reveals the brilliant planning of the architects; they are designed to let in a flow of fresh cool breeze, which is a respite from the heat of summer.

The massive gates are studded with large pointed iron spikes to prevent elephants from battering them down. The outer wall surrounding the entire township of Golconda, is about 11-km long, and is strongly fortified. In its heyday, the 10-km long road from Golconda to outer Hyderabad was a fabulous market selling jewellery, diamonds, pearls and other gems, which were famous all over the world.

History Of Golconda :
Before the city of Hyderabad was founded the Deccan was ruled from Golconda fort. Founded originally by the Kakatiya’s in the 13th century the existing structure was expanded by the Qutub Shahi kings into a massive fort with granite walls and ramparts extending some 5-km in circumference. The first three Qutub Shahi kings rebuilt Golconda, over a span of 62 years.

Shepherd’s Hill” or “Golla Konda”, as it was popularly known in Telugu, has an interesting story behind it. One fine day, on the rocky hill called ‘Mangalavaram’, a shepherd boy came across an idol. This was conveyed to the Kakatiya king, who was ruling at that time. The king got a mud fort constructed around the holy spot. Over a period of time this lowly construction was expanded by the Qutub Shahi kings into a massive fort of granite, which has been a silent witness to many historic events.

Attractions Within The Fort :
One of the most remarkable features of Golconda is its system of acoustics- a hand clap at a certain point below the dome at the entrance reverberates and can be heard clearly at the ‘Bala Hissar’, the highest point almost a kilometre away, palaces, factories, water supply system and the famous ‘Rahban’ cannon, that was used during the last seize of Golconda by Aurangazeb, to whom the fort ultimately fell.

There is also supposed to be secret underground tunnel leading from the ‘Durbar Hall’ to one of the palaces at the foot of the hill. The tombs of the Qutub Shahi kings, built with Islamic architecture lie about 1-km north of the outer wall of Golconda. These graceful structures are surrounded by landscaped gardens, and a number of them have beautifully carved stonework. Not be missed is the Sound and Light show conducted by Andhra Pradesh Tourism.

Outside the Golconda Fort are two separate pavilions built on a rocky eminence – the ‘Taramathi Gana Mandir’ and the ‘Premathi Nritya Mandir’ from where the legendary sisters ‘Taramathi’ and ‘Premamathi’ resided. They gave their performance on a circular dais atop a two-storied structure, the ‘Kala Mandir’, which was visible from the king’s durbar (king’s court) on top of the Golconda Fort.

A new attraction at the fort is a sound and light show that brings the legend of Golconda to life. With a spectacular interplay of audio and visual effects, the story of Golconda unfolds over centuries of splendour. The show livens up the glorious past and it is an experience worth watching. The show is presented in English, Hindi and Telugu.

In Hindi – Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday
In Telugu – Thursday
Closed on – Mondays
Advance Booking – Available at Yatra Nivas, Secunderabad. Coach leaves Yatranivas at 5:00pm and returns from Golconda Fort at 8:15pm.

How to get there ?
Air – Hyderabad can be reached by air, from all the major cities of the country.

Rail – Hyderabad is well connected by rail to all parts of the country.

Road – There is a regular bus service to Hyderabad from many cities in southern, central and southeastern parts of the country.

Location : Nagarjuna Sagar
Famous For : Tallest Masonry Dam In The World
Ideal Time To Visit : October To February

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is certainly the pride of India, since it is the tallest masonry dam in the world. This colossal dam supplies water for irrigation purposes to the districts like Nalgonda, Prakasam, Khammam and Guntur in Andhra Pradesh. Named after the Buddhist monk ‘Nagarjuna’, the dam actually separates the Guntur and Nalgonda districts. Owing to its confounding height of 124 meters, Nagarjunasagar Dam can store up to 11, 472 million cubic meters in its reservoir.

Apart from these achievements, the dam also has been known for being one of the earliest irrigation and hydro-electric projects in India. Built across the Krishna River, it boasts of one of the largest networks of canal systems in the world. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is located at a distance of 160 kms from Guntur and 150 km from Hyderabad. Considering the tourism prospects, a lake has been developed just behind the dam, which is acclaimed to be the third largest man-made lake in the world.

Introduction

Champawat is renowed for its natural beauty and well-known temples of high artistic value.It is located at 76 kms from pithoragarh. It was in Champawat that Lord Vishnu is said to have appeared as ‘Kurma avatar’(incarnation as tortoise). The story of Golla Devta is also associated with Gorilla Chaur of Champawat. The Baleshwar temple is the noted attraction of Champawat. The Nagnath temple at Champawat is also an excellent example of ancient architecture of Kumaon.

Best Time To Visit

The place can be visited any time during the year.The tourist may carry cotton clothes for summers and Heavy woollens are most suitable during winters

Introduction

Tirupati is located amidst the lush green Eastern Ghats in Chittoor district in the southeastern part of Andhra Pradesh . It is at a distance of 700 kms from Hyderabad. One of the most important pilgrimage centers in India. The place is renowed for the Venkateswara temple which is abode of Lord Balaji. Tirupati encompasses several temples and is famous for its red wooden toys, copper and brass idols.

Best Time To Visit

The place can be visited at any time of the year. It experiences moderate climate. In summers the maximum temperature is 22.30 C and in winter the temperature falls to 13 C.

Here are few interesting places in Tirupati which is must see for all.

Lord Venkateswara Temple

The deity Lord Venkateswara is sometimes referred to as Lord of the Seven Hills.The temple is located on Tirumala Hills in the Eastern Ghats. The temple finds a mention in Shastras and Puranas as it was patronized by kings of Southern India. The main temple has been carved out of fine indian architecture.The Vimana and the Dhwajasthambam are made out of gold.

Sila Thoranam

Sila Thoranam is a rare geographical arch and the only one of its kind in the whole of Asia. The length of this arch is 25 feet and the height 10 feet.The arch is located on Tirumala Hills. The arch can be dated back to1500 million years. This is also a rare geological feature called ‘eparchean unconformity’. This natural arch is believed to have formed due to intensified weathering and erosion of stream action and has withstood the torque of nature.

Lepakshi

Lepakshi is located 16 Kms away from the Hindupur railway station at Anantapur district. The village exhibits wide number o magnificient temples. The monolithic bull mount of Shiva (Nandhi) is the largest sculpture of its kind. The Vijayanagar styled temples have number of paintings on its wall and ceiling. The main attraction of the village is the hanging tower supported from top.

Akasa Ganga

The river is located 3 kms north of the main temple.It is a perennial stream.According to legend.the river is said to flow from the feet of the Lord Vishnu. The Akasa Ganga as the name implies is the sacred river and many tourist take the sactred bath in this river to wash away their sins. The water from here is used for the daily rituals in the temple.

Govindaraja Swami Temple

The temple is located in the heart of Tirupati is Sri Govindaraja Swami Temple.The foundation of this temple was laid down by the Nayakas, the successors to the Vijayanagar empire. The temple has an impressive outer gopuram. The inner most gopuram is the earliest dating from the 14th-15th centuries. The main shrines are dedicated to Vishnu and Krishna.

Here are few of the interesting places to see in Kurnool.

Mantralayam

The temple is located on the banks of the river Tungabhadra.Its foundation was laid 300 years ago.Mantralayam displays ‘Samadhi’ of the well-known saint, Sri Raghavendra Teertha. Raghavendra Swamy Brindavan is located nearby.It is the tomb in which he entered alive. Other temples include Anjaneya Swamy Temple; Panchamukhi Anjaneya Swamy and Venkateswara Swamy Temple.

Srisailam

Srisailam is located in the northeastern portion of the Nandikotkur Taluk of Kurnool District amidst the thick and inaccessible forests of the Nallamalai hills.The tourist can proceed to Atmakur from Nandyal.The Brahmarambha Mallikarjuna Swamy temple at Srisailam encompasses India’s twelve Jyotirlingas.The foundation of the temple was laid in 14th century.The walls are ornamented with depictions of elephants and displays hunting scenes and Lord Shiva in different manifestations.According to myth, Pandava Pratistitha Lingas is the place where Pandavas worshipped Lord Mallikarjuna.The place is believed to exhibit Thriphaleswara Tree which is believed to bless childless couples . Arana Veereswara Temple. Bayalu Veerabhadra Swamy Temple .Nava Brahmalayams which depict various manifestations of Lord Shiva. Mallika Gundam, a well that devotees believe has medicinal properties. Sita Pratistitha Linga, an attractive linga which is said to have been founded by Goddess Sita . Sri Ankalamma Temple.Sikhareswaram, site of the Sikhareswara Swamy temple on the highest peak in the Nallamalai Hills.

Yaganti

The place encompasses the temple of Uma Maheshwar.The foundation of the temple was laid in the 15th century. It has a magnificent Gopura at the entrance and a pond .The wall of the temple displays mythological scenes. Other places of interest include a huge Nandiswara; Agasthya Pushkarini; and scenic natural caves.It is located 90 Kms from Kurnool.

Belum Caves

Belum caves are located at 125 kms from Kurnool.The cave was discovered by a team of European speleologists led by Mr Gebaner in 1982. It is the second largest natural caves in India after Meghalaya Caves.There are three well like cavities among which the middle one forms the main entrance.The cave is horizontal & has a length of 3229 meters.The Belum Caves have long passages, fresh water galleries and siphons.

Mahanandi

Mahanandi is located 80 kms away from Kurnool.It encompasses Mahanandishwara temple that dates back to the 7 th century AD.The place is a noted pilgrimage center and is surrounded by dense forest. The remarkable feature here is the crystal clear water which flows throughout the year from perennial springs. Other places of interest are Pushkarini, a pond with water so clear and pure that even a pin at the bottom can be seen, Kodanda Ramalayam, and the Kameswari Devi Temple.

Kurnool was earlier known as Kandenavolu which stands for Town of grease as it supplied oil for greasing carts.It is located on the Deccan Plateau near River Tungabhadra. The temple of Ahobilam, the Jyotirlinga at Srisailam, the large caves of Belum, all stand testimony to the rich heritage of this district.Kurnool was the capital of Andhra Pradesh from 1953 until 1956 when Hyderabad became the capital.Vijayanagar kingdom built a fort on the site, which was taken over by Muslims. Although the fort was later destroyed, the ruins of a palace, an ancient wall, and bastions still stand on the bluff. Household industry, especially artistic handicrafts, is important to Kurnool’s economy.The nearest airport is in Hyderabad.

Best Time To visit

Kurnool experiences moderate climate.the place can be visited any time during the year.The winters last for three months from November to February.A woolen pullover is suggested for winters and cottons are most preferable during other months of year.