Archive for the ‘Andhra Pradesh’ Category
January 13th, 2012 | 
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How to get there :
Air - The nearest airport is at Hyderabad , 157-km away.
Rail - Warangal has a railway station and is well connected by rail to important cities of India.
Road – APSTRC and Private buses connect Warangal with Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Karimnagar, Khammam and some other districts.
Description :
This is a large granite temple built in 1430 A.D. The main entrance of the thousand pillar temple, which faces the east, opens onto a wonderful 15 meter tall monolithic pillar called Mahastamba in front of the doorway.
The 2.5 meter tall bronze idol of Lord Chandranatha Swami in the sanctum hall is considered to be very sacred. The pillars of this basadi are decorated with carvings typical of Vijayanagara style.
The temple boasts of a valuable collection of jewel-encrusted metallic images of Jain tirthankaras, and superb monolithic columns in the Jain tradition, each with a different carving.
The Jain Mutt near the main temple entrance has a library protecting some beautiful 12th and 13th century palm leaf manuscripts.
The temple is in shape of a star and has three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The temple is built on a 1m high platform on the slopes of the Hanumakonda hill, and has a majestic monolithic Nandi. The black basalt Nandi, a monolith, has a lovely polished finish.
There are many small lingam shrines surrounding the gardens. The temple is famous for its richly carved pillars, screens and detailed sculpture. The atmosphere is calm and serene with the sonorous ringing of the puja bells, gentle chirping of the birds and the soothing cool breeze.
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Tirupati is 67-km away from Chittoor in Chittoor district, the southern portion of Andhra Pradesh. Tirupati is one of the most visited pilgrimage in India. Sri Venkateshwara temple is one of the most important place of interest here. Sri Venkateshwara is also known as the Lord of Seven Hills, who is famous all over the country.
The shrine is situated on a hill at Tirumala, a cluster of seven hills known as Seshachalam or Venkatachalam with a height of 853m (2,800ft.) above the sea level. This temple is considered as the richest temple in the world, with a vibrant cultural and philanthropic institution and a grand history spanning several centuries. It attracts pilgrims from all over the country who wait for hours together to get a glimpse of the presiding deity.
The Lord of Tirumala is considered as the all-pervading Lord of the Universe. Almost daily 30,000 devotees on an average, visit the sacred shrine of Lord Venkateswara to pay their homage to him.
About The Place
The ancient Tirupathi Balaji is a fine example of Dravidian temple architecture. The dynasties like the Pallavas of Kanchipuram, the Cholas of Tanjore, the Pandyas of Madurai and the Kings and chiefs of Vijayanagara have contributed a lot to the development of this temple. They endowed the shrine, offering worship to the presiding deity. The Tirupati temple also has beautiful ‘gopuram’ or tower. The ‘Vimana’ or Cupola over the sanctum sanctorum is covered entirely with gold plate and is known as “the Ananda Nilayam”.
The Shrine consists of three ‘Prakarams’ or enclosures. The outermost enclosure contains the ‘Dhvajastambha’ or the banner post and, among others, the statues of Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya and his consorts, and of Todarmal, the minister of Akbar. The idol of the deity, the full figure of Lord Venkateswara or ‘Venkataramana’ or ‘Srinivasa’ or ‘Balaji’ (as is called in various parts of the country) has the attributes of both Vishnu and Shiva, preserving and destroying aspects of the Hindu trinity.
About 5km from the city centre on the east coast, largest part of the seafront occupied by Rama Krishna Beach alias RK beach is located. A great spot to spend time leisurely. the Municipal Corporation of Visakhapatnam (MCV) and the VUDA jointly developed The R.K. Beach. The added attractions of the RK beach are the submarine museum, visakha museum, sri ramakrishna mission ashram, an aquarium, the Kali Temple, statues of prominent personalities, road side restaurants and parks. ‘Victory at Sea’ the war memorial at the shore of the beach which was constructed as a homage to soldiers of the 1971 war is worth visiting.
Attractive Beaches All Over The Places
Lawson’s Bay Beach
Ahead of the RK beach on the way to Kailasagiri Hill with golden sands and lush green vegetation, Lawson’s Bay beach is located. The beach is ideal for sea bathing and surfing due to the shallow crystal clear water. Sometimes known as Pedawaltair beach is a picturesque and beautiful scenic beauty for miles together.
Rishikonda Beach
Thickly covered hill and an ideal tourist destination, Rishikonda beach located 13kms from Visakhapatnam is a beautiful scenic, great leisure spot to spend time. The 14th century Sri Sapta Rusheswara Temple surrounded by seven hills is located in Rishikonda. With golden sands and vast stretch of water the lovely rishikonda beach is the best beach in Vizag. For water skiing, sunbathing, wind surfing and swimming and water sports enthusiast it is an ideal destination. For accomudation individual rental cottages, a restaurant and other amenities the tourist complex here is well equipped with a tourist lodge.
Yarada Beach
Fabulous landscape with its exotic blend of golden sands and the lush green stretch of hills is offered to one by Yarada beach, located 15kms away from Vizag city. This beach could be an ideal spot for a day out which is nestled between the hills on all the three sides and the Bay of Bengal on one side. The calm and shallow waters are perfect for kids too. The Yarada beach offers a relaxed and private setting.
Places To Visit
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is located in Vishakhapatnam amidst the scenic eastern ghats of India.It is situated in the scenic eastern ghats with its natural settings. The zoo is flanked by hills on either side and attracts many visitors from all over the country. Zoo is 4 Km before Rishikonda beach, it is close on Monday, If you are not taking your vehicle inside then prepare for a walk for 2 KM in one side. Inside drinking water and canteen facilities are available. There is a toy train also. The main gate of the zoo is at NH 5 and other end is at beach road side. Zoo time is from 9 AM to 5 PM. Adults Rs 15, Child Rs 5, Camera Rs 15 and Video Camera Rs 100. A vehicle with five persons can be taken inside for a fee of Rs 200. It has different sections for primates, carnivores, lesser carnivores, small mammals, reptiles, ungulates and birds.
Vuda Park
VUDA Park, also called Taraka Rama Park was named after former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Sri N T Rama Rao. The Park is developed by Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) near the Rama Krishna Beach in Visakhapatnam. VUDA Park is one of the most attractive spots in Visakhapatnam. Musical Fountain, Boating, Skating Ring, Horse and Camel Riding. This park is a heavy crowd puller and has a dancing musical fountain. It is the ideal place for all to spend evenings and leisure times on seashore with eye catching and eco-rich surroundings. With a green playfield, artificial caves, beautiful long lawns, flower gardens, and a children’s park, boating and swimming facilities makes this park a good place to spend time.The Entrance Plaza extends makes the visitors to have memorable moments of joy. Every day thousands of people visit the VUDA Park. It is another landmark in the tourism chapters of Visakhapatnam. The first of its kind in the whole south Asia.
Details About The Place
Location : In the south Indian state of Karnataka.
Tourist Attractions : Kailasagiri, Rishikonda Beach, Ramakrishna Beach, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
Best Hangout : Kailasagiri, Rishikonda Beach, Ramakrishna Beach
Best Activity : Stroll along the beach side.
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Hyderabad, Warrangal, Tirupati, Vijaywada.
When to Visit : October to March
History
Visakhapatnam, formerly known as Vizag, along the eastern coast of Andhra Pradesh was a quiet fishing town with little or no infrastructure till the early 1920s. Visakhapatnam was established by the British and was opened to sea-going vessels in 1933. Since then it has been a medium – sized port town, catering to the needs of the Deccan Plateau and the eastern regions of the country. Known as Waltair under British rule, Vishakhapatnam was also seen to be of strategic importance by the military who set up base here.
Visakhapatnam is the right place where one can find the charm of Andhra. From lakes to cool beaches, from beautiful hill ranges to caves and valleys enclosures, Visakhapatnam has all of them. A visit to Visakhapatnam will certainly be exciting, enriching and enthralling experience with all its amazing beaches, exquisite caves and spectacular temples.
Places To Visit
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is located in Vishakhapatnam amidst the scenic eastern ghats of India.It is situated in the scenic eastern ghats with its natural settings. The zoo is flanked by hills on either side and attracts many visitors from all over the country. Zoo is 4 Km before Rishikonda beach, it is close on Monday, If you are not taking your vehicle inside then prepare for a walk for 2 KM in one side. Inside drinking water and canteen facilities are available. There is a toy train also. The main gate of the zoo is at NH 5 and other end is at beach road side. Zoo time is from 9 AM to 5 PM. Adults Rs 15, Child Rs 5, Camera Rs 15 and Video Camera Rs 100. A vehicle with five persons can be taken inside for a fee of Rs 200. It has different sections for primates, carnivores, lesser carnivores, small mammals, reptiles, ungulates and birds.
VUDA Park
VUDA Park, also called Taraka Rama Park was named after former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Sri N T Rama Rao. The Park is developed by Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) near the Rama Krishna Beach in Visakhapatnam. VUDA Park is one of the most attractive spots in Visakhapatnam. Musical Fountain, Boating, Skating Ring, Horse and Camel Riding. This park is a heavy crowd puller and has a dancing musical fountain. It is the ideal place for all to spend evenings and leisure times on seashore with eye catching and eco-rich surroundings. With a green playfield, artificial caves, beautiful long lawns, flower gardens, and a children’s park, boating and swimming facilities makes this park a good place to spend time.The Entrance Plaza extends makes the visitors to have memorable moments of joy. Every day thousands of people visit the VUDA Park. It is another landmark in the tourism chapters of Visakhapatnam. The first of its kind in the whole south Asia.
Erra matti Dibbalu (Red sand Hills)
This place is famous because of the importance it has got as a shooting place for movie makers. The hills are with red soils and nearer to the Bay of Bengal. A further journey from Rishikonda beach towards Bheemunipatnam takes you to this scenic place. It has got thick forest inside but take care of yourself as nobody dares to enter inside this place. Visakhapatnam is well connected with major Indian cities and state capital Hyderbad by Air, Railway and road. Indian Airlines operates daily flights to Vizag from Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai.
INS Kurusura Submarine
The Submarine Museum – Kurusura being set up at the Rama Krishna Beach in Visakhapatnam has a specialty which is the first one of its kind in this subcontinent. INS Kusura is a Russian built submarine. It was built on Dec 18th 1969 and began its journey on Feb 20, 1970 via the Baltic Sea and reached Visakhapatnam on the 11th of May, 1970. Since then INS Kusura was being used by the Indian Defence. The Navy developed it as a War-Memorial with a project cost of Rs.5.5 Crores. The length of Submarine is 91.3 Mtrs. while the breadth is 8.00 mtrs. This is the first of its kind in Asia and second in the world. The Museum opens for public from 9 am to 9 pm. Chief Minister Sri N Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the Museum.
Area 10.33 sq. miles
Language Telegu and English
Best time to visit September to February
STD Code Code08574
About The Place
The town of Tirupati is one of the most ancient and sacred pilgrimage spots in India. The name ‘Tirupati’ means the “Lord of Lakshmi,” and should have been applied to the village on the Venkat hill, the dwelling of Lord Venkateswara. However, Tirupati is the town and transport hub at the bottom of the hill. The hill near the temple is called ‘Tirumala’ or the “sacred hill.” The temple here is said to be the busiest in the world, eclipsing even Rome, Jerusalem and Mecca in the number of pilgrims visiting it.
History
All the great dynasties of rulers of the southern peninsula have paid homage to Lord Sri Venkateswara in this ancient shrine. The Pallavas of Kancheepuram (9th century AD), the Cholas of Thanjavur (a century later), the Pandyas of Madurai, and the kings and chieftains of Vijaynagar (14th-15th century AD) were devotees of this shrine.
It was during the rule of the Vijaynagar dynasty that the contributions to the temple increased. Krishnadevaraya had statues of himself and his consorts installed at the portals of the temple, and these statues can be seen to this day. There is also a statue of Venkatapati Raya in the main temple. The Maratha general, Raghoji Bhonsle visited the temple and set up a permanent endowment for the conduct of worship in the temple. He also presented valuable jewels to the Lord, including a large emerald that is still preserved in a box named after the general. Among the later rulers who have endowed large amounts are the rulers of Mysore and Gadwal.
Places To Visit
1. Vaikuntha Tirtham Tourist Place
2. Swami Pushkarani Tourist Place
3. Travel to Temple Architecture
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR – It is possible to visit Tirupati for a daylong trip from Chennai. There are direct flights from Hyderabad and Chennai.
BY RAIL – Direct railway services are available from Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bangalore.
BY ROAD – We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.
Kollam town, the headquarters of Kollam district and Kollam taluk, has a hoary past. It was an international emporium of trade and even now it is a prosperous commercial centre. It is situated about 71 Kms. north of Thiruvavanathapuram and is linked by rail, road and backwater transport.
The town edges with the famous Ashtamudi lake. Many a foreign traveler has visited Kollam in early medieval period. It was one of the early centres of Christian activity in Kerala. It is said that the present town of Kollam was built by the Syrian Merchant; Sapir Iso, in the 9th Century A.D. The popularity of Kollam has been established by the time honoured proverb once you see Kollam, you will not need home any more. Kollam is an important commercial, industrial and trading centre. It is also the headquarters of Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation. The 144 ft. Thangassery Light House, built in 1902, is a centre of attraction. The Ananda Valleswaram Temple here, attracts people on almost all days. There are several Churches and Mosques in and around Kollam. The Pullichira Church was established in 1700 A.D. One of the oldest and most important Mosques in the Chinnakkada Palli. The Thangal Kunju Musliar College of Engineering, the first of its kind in the private sector in the state, is at Kilikolloor, about 7 Kms. east of Kollam town.
The Government Guest House here is 200 years old. It stands along Ashtamudi lake and is a major attraction for its elegance rates. The adventure park, located in the shores of the Ashtamudi backwaters, is a novel experiment in the country. Different types of boats, including luxury cruise boats, power boats and motor boats, are available on hire from the boat jetty near to the Adventure Park. A budget hotel for tourists, Yatri Nivas, run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, is also located in this village. The village is just 2 kms. away from the town.
Achencoil
Situated about 80 kms from Punalur is an important pilgrim center. The Sastha temple here, situated amidst dense forest. The idol of Sastha is supposed to have been installed several centuries before the Christian Era. The two important festivals of this temple are Mandala Pooja (December-January) and the festival held at ‘Revathi’(January-February). The two notable features of the festival are the Therotam (chariot festival) and Pushpabhishekam (offering of flowers). In no other temple of the South India are flowers offered to the deity so lavishly as at Achencoil.
Sasthamkotta Lake
Sasthamkotta Lake, situated 19 km from Kollam in the beautiful village of Sasthamkotta, is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala and serves the drinking water needs of about half a million people of the Kollam district. Surrounded by hills on all sides, Kollam is home to the popular Sasthamkotta Dharmasastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, which serves as an important pilgrim centre drawing many devotees on a daily basis.
Mayyanad Village
Mayyanad is a beautiful village, situated 10 km south of Kollam District along the banks of Paravur Lake and along the coastal line of Arabian Sea. The village is an important fishing as well as pilgrim centre with several temples and shrines like Umayanallor, dedicated to Lord Subramanian, Valiyavila Temple, three churches, and a mosque. The shrine is said to have been consecrated by the great Hindu philosopher Sree Shankaracharya of Kaladi.
Location: 67-km From Chittoor, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh
Famous For Having: World’s Richest Temple
Famous As: A Pilgrimage Centre
Tirupati Balaji is a sacred town and is famous for the shrine of Lord Venkateshwara, which is visited by a large number of pilgrimages from far corners of India. The breathtakingly beautiful setting of this holy town makes it another lure for the tourists who want to experience a spiritual tinge on their tour of Tirupati-Balaji. There are many tourist attractions in Tirupati-Balaji among which the notable ones are:
Konai Waterfalls:
On Chennai-Uthukottai- Tirupati Rd, if one goes 90 km to the S-West of Chennai, immediately after Nagalpuram one reaches Narayanawanam. Getting down then moving about 2 ken, he will find this waterfall at a deserted place. It can be seen while on the move. Between October to February flow increases in view of rain, whereas during winter visitor increases. According to local legend, Lord Venkateswar a married Padmavati here only. A temple was built to commemorate the event.
Pushpagiri :
Pushpagiri, i.e, mountain offlowers. There are 8 well decorated temples on the hill and about a dozen down the hill. Episodes of Gita, Ramayana & Mahabharata are depicted in these temples. Carving is unique. II km to the south of Tirupati is Renigunta & 131 km to the east of Renigunta is Kudappa, 16 km to N-East of Kudappa is Pushpagiri.
Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple:
It is located three kms to the north, at the foot of the Tirumala Hill and is devoted to Lord Shiva. This is one of the most remarkable among the tourist attractions in Tirupati-Balaji and has a gorgeous setting. There is also a sacred waterfall called Kapila Teertham located beside the temple that adds to its beauty quotient.
Sri Govindrajaswamy Temple:
This temple dedicated to Sri Venkateshwara remains the most visited one and is characterized by its imposing spire that captures the interest of everyone with its massive size. You should not miss out this captivating temple whose presiding deities are Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu).
TRANSPORT FACILITIES :
Air:
Indian Airlines IC aircraft on 46day leaves Tirupati at 9-20 and arrives Hyderabad at 10-15. It arrives Tirupati at 17-45 from Hyderabad. Jet Aitways 9W aircraft leaves Tirupati at 14-Flemingo dance at Plllikllt Lake a Ph-Tourism Dept. 45 and arrives Hyderabad at 16-05. It arrives at Tirupati from Hyderabad at 12-55.
Train:
Tirupati is directly connected by bus and train from hyderabad and Secundarabad. Tirupati is connected by railway with rest of lndia via Renigunta on Bangalore-Chennai railway line. 7406 Krishna Exp leaves Hyderabad at5- 30 and arrives Tirupati (532 km) at 21-30 via Secundrabad (6-05), Vijayawada (13-15), Gudur(19-10); 7429 Royla seema Exp leaves Hyderabad at 17-25 and reaches Tirupati at 9-00 Next day via Raichur(23-17), Guntakol (2-25 nextday), Raniglinta (8-37). 7424 Narayanadri Exp leaves Secundrabad at 18-00 & arrives at Tirupati at 7-30 (next day) via Guntur (23-25), Gudur (5-00, next day), Renigunta (7-05); 7497 Vennkatadri Exp leaves Kacheguda at 20-00 and reaches Tirupati at 8-30 (next day) via Kurnool-Guntakol. 2764 Padmavati Exp leaves Secunderabad (2 4 5 6 7 day) at 19-00 and reaches Tirupati at7-40 (next day). Krishna at 5-30, Padmavati Exp. (13 5 67) at 17-05; Venkatadri at 17-40; Narayanadri Exp at 19-15. Royalseema Exp (18-50) return from. In 6351 Nagerkoel Exp leaves Tirupati at 13-00 (37 days) and reaches Nagerkoel at 6-00 (next day) via Trichi, Madurai- Tirunelveli on 47 day; it returns to Tirupati from Nagerkoel at 4-50. 1081 Mumbai-Kannyakumari Exp leaves Tirupati 16-30 and reches at 12-40. 6354 Mumbai Exp leaves Tirupati at 21-40 (15 day). From Mumbai Tirupati Exp returns to Tirupati at 12-1O (26day).
Buses:
From Gowliguda bus terminus Hyderabad Govt. buses and from railway station private buses travel to Tirupati in 9 hr’s. However it is convenient to board the APSRTC buses from TIC bus stand in Chennai for Tirupati. First starts at 4-30 and last service at 20-00. Bus leaves at an interval of 1 hr. The distance by road from Chennai to Tirupati is 170 km via Renigunta. Fare Rs 70 to 175 depending on the quality of service. From Chennai, one can return on the sameday after visiting Tirupati. The distance by road from Tirupati. Gudur (94 km), Bangalore (260), Hyderabad (617), Vijayawada (385 km).
The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam is the biggest zoo that is surrounded by natural reserve. The region covers an area of 625 acres and is placed between two hills and the Bay of Bengal on the east. The beauty of the natural surroundings and the presence of various kinds of animals and birds attract many tourists to the zoo.
The zoo started on 19th May in the year 1977. The zoo has a collection of over 80 species animals who are placed in different sections of carnivores, lesser carnivores, primates, small mammals, reptiles, ungulates and aves. The section for carnivores contain ferocious animals like the lions, tigers, panthers, pumas, bears, and jaguars. Among the lesser mammals 
rest the wolves, jackals, hyenas, wild dogs and the hippopotamus. The zoo has a separate section for the crocodiles and reptiles. The zoological park preserves all three kinds of crocodiles in its premises. The visitors may glance through the pythons and water lizards in the reptile section. The primates section houses different species of monkeys. The zoo also has a rare collection of birds that are unknown to the region. The animals are placed under the strict supervision of the authorities and trainers who are particular about the rules and regulations which the visitors must abide. The zoo also offers an opportunity to the visitors to ride the elephant’s back.
The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam remains open for public viewing on all days of the week excepting Mondays between 9.00 A.M in the morning to 5 P.M in the evening. While in Visakhapatnam a visit to the zoo is a must for all tourists.