Know as the rice granary of India, Andhra Pradesh is the fifth largest state in India by area and fifth largest by population. Andhra Pradesh is recognized variously-for its legendary dynasties; for its most revered temple, Tirupati; for its beautiful language, Telugu; for its lacquer toys and beautiful weaves; rich literature and the vibrant Kuchipudi. It has a coastline of 1000kms with eight of its districts having direct access to the sea. It uniquely combines history, beaches, and mountains into a great travel destination.

HERITAGE

Andhra Pradesh has a very rich cultural background. The imposing structures of the bygone era tell the stroy of a rich and colourful past. It was home for some of the most prominent dynasties that have shaken the country. These dynasties have contributed significantly to the State's rich cultural tapestry and have left behind a heritage studded with spectacular monuments, temples, mosques, and palaces all vibrant with arts, crafts, dance and literature. The Golconda Fort and the Charminar are the leftovers of the past that Andhra Pradesh takes pride in. The Telugu culture, over the years has imbibed the graces of Persian and Turkish cultures brought in by Muslim rulers. It was also one of the places in India that have seen the immense growth of Buddhism.

WILDLIFE

 Like other south Indian states, Andra Pradesh also has a strong lineup of national parks and wild life sancturies. Alisagar Deer Park located at Nizamabad district was constructed in 1931 by the Nizam. Flanked by natural hillocks and lovely flower gardens, the lake and its surroundings are rich in scenic beauty. Coringa Wild Life Sanctuary is a part of river Godavari and has a rich growth of Mangrove plantation. A unique feature of this sanctuary is that it's located on the backwaters of the sea. Otter, a protected species is found here. Among other animals which include Fishing Cat, Jackal, Sea Turtle and Estuarine Crocodile which are found in the creeks. The common birds found are Snipes, Ducks, ,Sea Gulls and Flamingos. Eturnagaram Sanctuary is one of the oldest sanctuaries of Andhra Pradesh, located near Warangal district. This sanctuary has several endangered animals like Tiger, Sloth Bear, Four Horned Antelope, Chinkara, Black Buck etc.  Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Visakhapatnam is famous for its exotic fauna like Mandrills, Olive Baboons and Sacred Baboons, Hippopotamus and Indian Crocodiles.

HIGHLIGHTS

Andhra has a lot interesting places that worth a visit. Sri Venkateswara temple at Tirupati, Charminar, Salar Jung Museum, Golconda Fort in Hyderabad and Buddhist viharas at Nagarjunasagar are few of them. Andhra Pradesh had been an important seat of rich Buddhist heritage. Andhra Pradesh also has the largest IT park and largest Film City in Asia. Besides It has several museums, including the Salar Jung Museum, which features a varied collection of sculptures, paintings, and religious artifacts, and the Archaeological Museum, which features Buddhist and Hindu sculptures and other antiques; both museums are located in Hyderabad.

MAJOR FESTIVALS

The festival of Makar Sankranti is one of the major festivals celebrated extensively in the state of Andhra Pradesh. This harvest festival is celebrated for 3 days in Mid January. The first day called Bhogi, is spent with gaiety, followed by Sakranti, the second day. Many families arrange a doll show and invite their friends and give alms to the poor. The third day is Kanuma when they acknowledge their gratitude to the part taking of the animals. They decorate and worship their cattle. The New Year falling in the month of April is called the Ugadi and celebrated with new clothes and sweets. The birthday of Lord Ganesh, Vinayak Chaturthi, falling in September is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Huge idols are installed and worshipped and on the last day they are immersed in the water.

Best Time to Visit
All year except from mid-April to end June (state depending).

Visa Requirements
All non-residents require visas for India, which must be obtained prior to departure. Tourist visas for British passport holders are usually valid for 6 months from the date of issue and currently cost £30.00 per person. Passports must have at least 2 blank pages and be valid for 6 months after your return from India.

Flying Times from the UK
Chennai: 9 hours 40min direct non-stop
Bangalore: 9 hours 35mins direct non-stop
Goa: Approx. 10 hours not direct 
Cochin: Approx. 10 hours not direct

Local Time
India is 5 1/2 hours ahead of GMT