15 Best Tourist Places in Andhra Pradesh You Must Visit This Season

Andhra Pradesh offers the perfect combination of spirituality, history, nature, and adventure. From the holy shrines of Tirupati to the medieval forts of Gandikota, there are tourist places in Andhra Pradesh that will leave you in awe and mesmerized. The beauty of the state is that it offers something for every traveller, whether they are seeking peace or adventure. In this blog, we will explore the best tourist places in Andhra Pradesh that are a must visit during this season. Continue reading to know more!

Top 15 Tourist Places in Andhra Pradesh

1. Tirupati

Tirupati is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India, and it is particularly famous for the Sri Venkateswara Temple. It is in the Chittoor district that millions of pilgrims visit annually. This Lord Venkateswara temple, which is also known as Balaji, stands atop the beautiful Tirumala Hills. Besides the spiritual beauty, Tirupati also has scenic charm and old-world heritage places.

●    Things to do: Temple tour, hike to Tirumala Hills, and local souvenir shopping
●    Best time to visit: September to February
●    Popular tourist attractions: Tirumala Temple, Akash Ganga Teertham, Silathoranam

2. Vijayawada

Vijayawada is Andhra Pradesh's commercial capital and lies on the banks of the Krishna River. It is home to the Kanaka Durga Temple, the goddess of power. Besides the temple, Vijayawada is also famous for the Prakasam Barrage's elegance. The city unites spirituality and urbanity and hence continues to be one of the top tourist places in Andhra Pradesh.

●    What to do: Go on a river cruise, pray in temples, and visit local food stalls
●    Best time to visit: October to March
●    Popular tourist attractions: Kanaka Durga Temple, Bhavani Island, and Prakasam Barrage

3. Araku Valley

Araku Valley is a scenic hill station with plenty of coffee estates, waterfalls, and forests all around it. Araku is situated in the Eastern Ghats and is a nature lover's paradise. Araku's picturesque climate and tribal culture make it an offbeat tourist place in Andhra Pradesh.

●    What to do: Visit coffee plantations, go trekking, or visit the tribal museum
●    Best time to visit: October to March
●    Popular tourist attractions: Borra Caves, Katiki Waterfalls, and Tribal Museum

4. Vizag (Visakhapatnam)

Visakhapatnam, also referred to as Vizag, is a very popular tourist place in Andhra Pradesh for its clean beaches with blue waters, lovely hills, and heritage. It has one of the busiest ports in India and is popularly referred to as the "Goa of the East Coast."

●    What to do: Go for a walk on the beach, go scuba diving, and visit the local museum
●    Best time to visit: November to February
●    Popular tourist attractions: RK Beach, Kailasagiri, and INS Kursura Submarine Museum

5. Lepakshi

Lepakshi is an art and architecture treasure house and is famous for the ancient temples of the Vijayanagara era. The Veerabhadra Temple here is renowned for its hanging pillar and carvings. Lepakshi is also famous among tourists, history enthusiasts, and architecture enthusiasts.

●    What to do: Visit temples, observe ancient carvings, and explore historical brilliance
●    Best time to visit: October to March
●    Popular tourist attractions: Veerabhadra Temple, Nandi Bull statue, and architectural sites

6. Gandikota

Popularly referred to as the "Grand Canyon of India," Gandikota is renowned for its breathtaking gorge created by the Penna River. The fort that sits here provides mind-blowing views of the canyon and old buildings. It is one of the best tourist places in Andhra Pradesh for people who enjoy history and adventure.

●    What to do: Go rock climbing, camping, or fort exploration
●    Best time to visit: September to February
●    Popular tourist attractions: Gandikota Fort, Penna River Gorge, Raghunatha Swamy Temple

7. Srisailam

Srisailam is a sacred religious site in the Nallamala Hills. It has one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Besides religious value, scenic beauty, and a huge wildlife sanctuary, it is one of the most peaceful tourist places in Andhra Pradesh.

●    What to do: Go for temple tours, wildlife tours, or boat rides
●    Best time to visit: October to February
●    Popular tourist attractions: Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam Dam, Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve

8. Kurnool

Kurnool is also referred to as the "Gateway to Rayalaseema" because it serves as a key entry point to the southern region of the state. The city is full of history and culture, with ancient temples, caves, and historical places around it. Oravakallu Rock Garden is one of the most famous attractions in the city.

●    What to do: Cave exploration, darshans at temples, and rock climbing
●    Best time to visit: October to March
●    Popular tourist attractions: Belum Caves, Konda Reddy Fort, and Oravakallu Rock Garden

9. Amaravati

Amaravati is famous for its Buddhist history and stunning ancient sculptures and stupas. It was a school and a hub of Buddhism in South India. It is now famous as the planned state capital city of Andhra Pradesh.
●    What to do: Visit the museum and heritage site, or take spiritual walks
●    Best time to visit: November to February
●    Popular tourist attractions: Amaravati Stupa, Dhyana Buddha Statue, Archaeological Museum

10. Nellore

Nellore offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and spiritual significance. It also boasts clean beaches, temples, and farms, making it ideal for different travellers. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene escapes at Mypadu Beach and Kothakoduru Beach, both known for their pristine sands and tranquil waters.
●    What to do: Taste local food or go for temple darshan and beach trips
●    Best time to visit: October to March
●    Popular tourist attractions: Ranganatha Temple, Mypadu Beach, Pulicat Lake

11. Rajahmundry

Rajahmundry, lying on the banks of the Godavari River, is the "Cultural Capital" of Andhra Pradesh. It is an artistic, a festival, and a city of literature that guarantees a peaceful and uniquely artistic experience. The Godavari Pushkaralu festival is renowned around the globe, and visitors from all over the world come here.

●    What to do: Take a river cruise or buy a local handicraft
●    Best time to visit: October-March
●    Popular tourist attractions: Godavari Bridge, ISKCON Temple, Papikondalu Hills

12. Horsley Hills

If you are a nature lover who prefers the tranquility and quietness that hills offer, then Horsley Hills is something you would love. It is one of the most serene hill stations of Andhra Pradesh and is surrounded by lovely forests and pleasant climatic conditions. It is a place that you cannot afford to miss if you want to get away from the noisy and busy life of cities during your visit and witness the serenity of nature.

●    What to do: Trekking, adventure sports, nature walks
●    Best time to visit: March to May and September to December
●    Popular tourist attractions: Viewpoints, Kalyani tree, Horsley Hills Zoo

13. Anantapur

Anantapur is a rich cultural tourist destination in Andhra Pradesh, which is known for its old temples and monuments. It is historically significant as it is linked with the Vijayanagara Empire. The Lepakshi temple and Penukonda Fort are the prime attractions of the destination.

●    What to do: Visit temples, visit the forts, or take heritage walks
●    Best time to visit: October to February
●    Popular tourist attractions: Penukonda Fort, ISKCON Temple, Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple

14. Ongole

Ongole is renowned for its peaceful and beautiful beaches and temples, but it is mostly famous for its cattle breed. It is a peaceful seaside town with a blend of natural scenery and cultural tourism.

●    What to do: Beach visits, temple explorations, cultural tourism
●    Best time to visit: November to February
●    Popular tourist attractions: Kothapatnam Beach, Chennakesava Swamy Temple, Tangutur

15. Machilipatnam

Machilipatnam is a port city with a long history of trade with the British and Dutch empires. The city was first named Bandarapalli and later, during the reign of Akbar, it was renamed Machilipatnam. It boasts a rich cultural heritage, especially when it comes to handicrafts.

●    What to do: Go for Kalamkari shopping, fort sightseeing, and beach excursions
●    Best time to visit: October to March
●    Popular tourist attractions: Manginapudi Beach, Machilipatnam Fort, and the temples

To Conclude

From Tirupati’s spiritual aura to Araku Valley’s natural marvels, Andhra Pradesh is a treasure trove for every traveler. Its rich cultural tapestry and unmatched natural beauty make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. You can make the trip to Andhra Pradesh unforgettable by carefully planning everything from the itinerary to the budget.

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FAQs

Is Gandikota a good destination for a one-day trip, or do I have to spend the night?
If you live within 2-3 hours of the journey from the location, you can visit Gandikota in just a day. You can also stay overnight if you want to experience camping under the stars. A longer journey may necessitate you spending another day.

Is there a train from Vizag to Araku Valley?
Yes, you can reach Araku from Vizag via train. Here are a few popular trains that you can board:
●    Visakhapatnam - Kirandul Express (18515)
●    Visakhapatnam - Kirandul Passenger (58501)

What is the right time to visit Andhra Pradesh?
Andhra Pradesh is best visited during October and March when the weather is cool and pleasant.

What is the most popular pilgrimage place in Andhra Pradesh?
The most popular pilgrimage place in Andhra Pradesh is Tirupati, which is known as the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. It draws millions of followers every year and is regarded as one of the most sacred temples in India.

What are the natural attractions that should be visited in Andhra Pradesh?
The top nature destinations include natural beauty places such as Araku Valley, coffee plantations and tribal culture, Borra Caves with beautiful limestone formations, and Horsley Hills, a serene hill station.