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Andhra Pradesh Travel Guide
Perched near the spot where the holy Godavari and Krishna Rivers merge with the Bay of Bengal, the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh is characterized by its rich historical legacy. Having once been a part of numerous mighty empires that had conquered it over the years, its landscape is now a hodgepodge of monuments and architectural ruins, some of which are believed to date way back to 300 BC. Andhra Pradesh is not all relics, though, as its fertile lands have earned for it the reputation of being the "Rice Granary of India."
Probably the highlight of any visit to the state is the famed hill town of Tirumala, which brandishes the legendary Tirupati Venkateshwara Temple. Said to be the richest and most visited place of worship in the world, the temple brings hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and tourists to its doors. It is believed that a glimpse of the image of the temple's ruling deity, Lord Venkateshwara, has the power to make one's wishes come true. A bizarre tradition is for devotees to offer tufts of their hair to the god, which when accumulated can reach up to a ton in weight daily. The hair doesn't go to waste, though, as the temple auctions it off to makers of hair extensions and cosmetics, bringing in revenue.
Another worthy attraction is Andhra Pradesh's capital itself, Hyderabad, which features a mix of Hindu and Muslim culture. Tourists there can visit its collection of shrines and historical sites, such as the Salar Jung Museum, Mecca Masjid, and Char Minar. It is also known for its excellent Diamond Markets that sell the world's most prized gemstone. What makes Hyderabad distinctive, though, is its notoriously spicy cuisine, especially the hyderabadhi biryani (spiced rice) that will leave one gulping down glass after glass of water.
Andhra Pradesh doesn't lack in natural beauty, either. Visitors can't go wrong trekking to the Borra Caves that are celebrated for their stalactite and stalagmite formations that are millions of years old. An interesting note is that the caves are named as such because of some rock formations there that eerily resemble human brain. There is also the Belum Caves that stand as the second-largest cave system in India, stretching out for more than 3,200 meters.
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Destinations
See All- Hyderabad and Secunderabad
- Nagarjunakonda
- Puttaparthi
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