The World is Beautiful - Andhra Pradesh is an unexplored, endless journey. The more you see, the more you want to see. One can never say they have had enough. Andhra Pradesh was, in fact, created by combining the old princely state of Hyderabad with the Telegu-speaking portions of the former state of Madras. The Chalukyas held sway till the 10th c. when the Cholas seized power. In the 14th century, Muslim power reached this southern state and for centuries ruled over this princely state. It was finally was taken over by a General of the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb. The General's successors, called Nizams, ruled the state till Independence.

The Andhras are an ancient people, who can trace their roots and history to the Mauryan period, an interest in arts, crafts and dance. Andhra Pradesh is also a rich mosaic of cultures. Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus live in relative peace and harmony. The Tirupati is, however, the trump card for the state's tourism industry drawing people from all over the country and worldwide. Donations from Tirupati alone, have led to the establishment of a university, several hospitals & schools.

Andhra Pradesh is known for the famous Sri Venkateswara temple at Tirupati, Charminar, Salar Jung Museum, Golconda Fort in Hyderabad and Buddhist viharas at Nagarjunasagar. Also visit the wildlife and bird sanctuaries of Kolleru, Manjira, Kawal and Papikonda. Andhra has a nearly 1000 km-coastline with eight of its 23 districts having direct access to the sea. Famous beaches are Visakhapatnam Bheemunipatnam, Kakinada, Chirala, Kalingapatnam and Mypad.

Once a medieval city, Hyderabad is a modern metropolis. A revolution in etiquette is under way, recasting values. The yuppie ethos has invaded the city and western haute couture is slowly being preferred over the sherwani and burqa. Fortunately, gourmets have not let the Deccani cuisine, the Hyderabadi biryani in particular, pass into legend.

Andhra Pradesh lives in its fertile coastal plains, semi arid Deccan plateau and the lofty hillscapes of the Eastern Ghats. Exquisite crafts, glorious remnants of the past, vibrant festivities, irresistible delicacies coupled with the charming features of the people, and the sonorant mother tongue Telugu leave behind indelible impressions. Some of the incredible sights of Andhra Pradesh are the world's tallest masonry dam, million year old caves, South Asia's first lion safari and the world's richest temple.

Getting There:
The best place to begin a tour of Andhra Pradesh is Hyderabad, the capital. Hyderabad is very well - connected by air, rail and road to all major cities of India. The other major cities of the state are Secunderabad, Visakhapatnam, Waltair and Vijayawada. An efficient road and rail network connects every district to the state capital. Only Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada and Tirupati are airlinked.

Places to See -
Amaravati, Basar, Chandavaram, Guntupalli, Hyderabad, Nagarjunakonda, Salihundam, Sankaram, Vijayawada, Triupati, Vishakhapattnam, Warangal