10 Best weekend getaways in Andhra Pradesh

Even though there are many places to visit in Andhra Pradesh, due to lack of information and also due to negligence by the tourism department many places were remained as unexplored for so many people. So in this post i'm going to give information regarding the best weekend destination in AP, hoping that this will be useful for people who are interested in enjoying their weekend exploring new places in AP.

Here goes the list of top 10 weekend destination in AP

Vizag and Araku :-

       Visakhapatnam(Vizag) is the best weekend destination in Andhra Pradesh and also second important city in AP. Vizag, Located at a distance of 600km from Hyderabad is famous for the beautiful beaches which are very clean and also less crowded. A ride in the beach road from Ramakrishna beach to Bheemili beach is a must-go ride, and all the famous beaches are located in this stretch.

                       Places of interest in vizag are Ramakrishna Beach- one of the best tourist spot in Vizag; Rishikonda Beach- is ideal for swimmers, water skiers, and wind surfers, un spoilt beach, washed by the sun-warmed sea; Bheemunipatnam Beach- 25km from vizag; Kailasagiri is the number one picnic spot in Vizag, well maintained places available at this hill top, the vast view of Bay of Bengal from viewers' gallery is a pleasing experience; Erra matti Dibbalu (Red sand Hills) - This place is famous because of the importance it has got as a shooting place for movie makers; Yarada Beach - nearer to the Dolphin nose, is one of the finest and safest beach available in India, Sunrise view in this beach is unforgettable. 

                       Vizag trip will not be complete until you visit Araku Valley and Borra caves. Araku Valley is situated at distance of 120km from vizag which can be accessed via road or train. Train Journey to Araku is preferably best than taking road route as rail passes through tunnels, hill sides and streams. Every day at 7 AM there is a train to araku from vizag, and the best way to go to Araku will be through APTDC as they have a custom package to araku via train and they will show us entirely. If you are at Araku then you must see  Borra Caves. There are many resorts available on the way to araku, but a one day is sufficient for covering all the places in araku.

           

                                                                                     

Srisailam:-

                    Srisailam,which is located at a distance of 250 km from Hyderabad is famous temple of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy(shiva) which is one among the twelve Jyothirlingas in India and also for Goddess Bhramaramba Devi temple which is one among the eighteen Mahasakthis. Many people have an wrong impression that it is only a holy place and just need a couple of hours to complete the trip. As it was situated in the Nallamala forest region it offers many scenic views and also we can spot some animals, even a tiger as it is an tiger reserve forest.

                   The important Places to interest in srisailam are Shiva Temple, Ista Kameswari temple which is situated 20 km deep inside the forest only be accessed through commander jeeps, Srisailam dam, Rope way to patalaganga - we can enjoy the beautiful view of Krishna river and nallamala forest, Boat ride to Akkamahadevi Caves on the backwaters of Krishna - worthy boat ride, shikaram - highest point in srisailam. The best among these places are road trip to ista kameswari temple and boat ride to akkamahadevi caves.

Papikondalu to Bhadrachalam boat ride, Maredumilli , Rampachodavaram:- 

                              Papikondalu are a series of  hills on the banks of river godavari near to rajamundry which is located at a distance of 400km from Hyderabad. We can have an spectacular view of these mountain ranges while passing through the godavari river, which became famous after the 'Godavari Movie'.

                           

  

                         APTDC and also many private operators operates boat ride passing through papikondalu from rajamundry. We select from three available options for the boat ride, First option is one day trip to papikondalu, second option is two day trip to papikondalu- where we can stay at log huts on the banks of river godavari and also they will arrange trekking into the forest, the third option is a two day trip from rajamundry to bhadrachalam through papikondalu and also night stay at log huts, dropping at bhadrachalam. Personally i will recommend second option as we can spend weekend leisurely enjoying the beautiful mountain ranges and godavari river.

Links containing the boat ride booking information:-

http://www.maruthitourism.co.in/river_Papihills%20(Night%20Halt)%202days-1night.html , http://hyderabad.olx.in/aptdc-papi-kondalu-tour-papi-hills-weekend-tour-the-best-tour-in-andhra-pradesh-iid-22080354.

For more information on Maredumilli and Rampchodavaram visit my post: http://www.mytraveltales.in/2012/12/maredumilli-rampachodavaram.html

Places near to Kurnool:-

(Yaganti , Ahobilam, Belum Caves, Nandhyal, Gandikota)

                   Belum Caves is the second largest cave in Indian subcontinent and the longest caves in plains of Indian Subcontinent, known for its stalactite and stalagmite formations. It is located at distance of 110km from kurnool. Belum Caves have long passages, spacious chambers, fresh water galleries and siphons. The caves reach its deepest point (120 feet from entrance level) at the point known as Patalaganga. Belum Caves has a length of 3229 meters, making it the second largest natural caves in Indian Subcontinent.

                     Sri Yagantiswamy Temple in Banaganapalle mandal of Kurnool district, is a popular Lord Shiva Temple, which is located 17 km away from Banagapalle. An amazing feature at this temple is its Pushkarini. No one knows how the water flows out from the bottom of hill to the Pushkarini in all the seasons. According to Potuluri Veera Brahmam, the Basavanna of Yaganti will come out and shout when Kaliyuga ends. People believe that the stone Nandiswara (Basavanna) is increasing in its size. This place is also famous for the thre caves Agasya caves, Venkateswara caves, Veera Brahmam Caves.

                            There are two other temples Ahobilam and Mahanandi which are few km from Nandhyal(70km from kurnool) which are also worth visiting. On the way from Nandhyal to kurnool, we can vist Rock Garden @ Orvakal, spread over approximately 1000 acres. Gandikota is also known as "Indian Grand Canyon" is a must visit place in Andhra Pradesh

For information on Belum caves visit: http://www.mytraveltales.in/2013/09/trip-to-belum-caves.html
For information on Gandikota visit: http://www.mytraveltales.in/2013/09/trip-to-gandikota.html

Tirupathi, Talakona falls and Horsley Hills:-

                             Talakona waterfalls, amidst the the Sheshachalam range of Venkateshwara reserve forest is just 50 kms from Tirupati, and is almost equi-distant from Chennai (220 kms) and Bangalore (300 kms). If you want to stay away from city busy life and want to spent weekend relaxing in the forest, this place is an ideal one. Talakona falls is the highest waterfalls in andhrapradesh and the best time to visit is from oct- feb.

                             We can stay at log huts at talakona organized by the local people, which is very affordable. And also one can get the chance of eating the local food which will be very tasty and spicy. There is an option for going into the forest using the AP forest department vehicles.

                   Horsley Hills, situated at an altitude of 1200mts is one of the best hill station in AP. It is located at a distance of 180km from Bangalore, 150km from tirupathi and the nearest town is madanapalli. Horsley hills is gaining popularity as the best destination for the corporate outings, and also APTDC is organizing many adventure sports for the people visiting horsley hills. A 150-year-old Eucalyptus tree Kalyani is a major tourist highlight of the Horsley Hills and the famous Rishi Valley School run by the Jiddu Krishnamurthy Foundation is also close to the Horsley Hills. APTDC has many accomodation facilites on the hill, which can be booked through AP tourism offices available at all major cities.

                       Even though i never went to this place personally, I'm writing this post as narrated by my friend. For more details visit http://www.enidhi.net/2008/12/talakona-waterfalls-near-tirupati-ap.html , http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travelogues/84672-my-jeep-trip-horsley-hills-jungles-talakona.html

http://www.tourisminap.com/weekend_getaways/wg_horsleyhills.php

http://www.aptourism.in/tourists-site/themes_weekendget_sl.html

Nagarjuna sagar dam and Ettipotala waterfalls:-

                               Located at a distance of 150 km from Hyderabad, Nagarjunasagar is an important irrigation dam on river Krishna. This is the tallest and biggest masonry dam in the world, creating the third largest man-made lake in the world. Apart from this, some remains of the Buddhist civilization dating back to the 3rd century A.D, are seen on an island called Nagarjunakonda located in a man-made lake on the other side of the river Krishna.

                              Ethipothala is a mountain stream cascading down the hills from a height of 21.3 meters into a lagoon. This waterfall is a combination of three streams namely Chandravanka Vagu, Nakkala Vagu & Tummala Vagu. The dazzling lagoon formed by the falls has a crocodile-breeding centre. After flowing for 3 km, this stream joins with the river Krishna. Ranganadha and Dattatreya temples are found near the waterfalls. People believe that the caves near the waterfalls go to Srisailam. It is just few distance from dam site and if you want to watch it closely, we have to do some unofficial trek down the hill. AP tourism organizing hotels as well as restaurants for the tourists visiting nagarjuna sagar.

                        

                  Main attraction will be the dam and the waterfalls. AP tourism organises boat ride on the krishna river which will take us to the nagarjuna konda. Nagarjunakonda is an interesting island museum located in the midst of the Nagarjuna Sagar Lake. The museum houses significant relics of Buddhist culture and art that make it an important place to visit during a tour to Nagarjuna Sagar. There is another boat ride from nagarjuna sagar which will take us to srisailam on the river Krishna, which is also a worth visiting.

Places In and around Hyderabad:-

(Visit this:  http://www.mytraveltales.in/2012/01/places-of-visit-in-and-around-hyderabad.html)

                             I think Hyderabad doesn't needs any special introduction as i does for each of the places in this post. Hyderabad, capital city of Andhra Pradesh is well known for Biryani, IT, Pearls, Haleem, shopping and lot more. Apart from this there are many important place of interest in Hyderabad, most of the places reflect the Mughal architecture.

                              The Best Places to visit in hyderabad are Charminar - the major landmark in Hyderabad with four graceful minarets, Golconda Fort - located on the outskirts of the city, Golconda Fort is one of the most magnificent fortress complexes in India, Chowmahalla Palace, Birla Mandir - a Hindu temple made of white marble located on top of a hill overlooking the city, Salar Jung Museum, Hussain Sagar, Ramoji Film City (RFC) is the world’s largest integrated film studio complex, at nearly 2,000 acres (8 km). It is also one of Asia’s most popular tourism and recreation centres. Opened in 1996, it is located about 25 km from Hyderabad on Vijayawada National Highway (NH-9).

                         Apart from the site seeing, one can enjoy the food especially Hyderabadi Biryani @ Paradise which is a most important task to do in Hyderabad. And also one can enjoy shopping in charminar(laad bazaar), Koti and also at various renowned malls in Hyderabad.

Places In and around Vijayawada:-

                           Vijayawada is one among the important places in AP and termed as the business and political capital of Andhra Pradesh. It is situated at a distance of 300 km from Hyderabad on the banks of river krishna. Almost all the places in AP are equidistant from Vijayawada.

    

                      The places of interest in Vijayawada are Kanaka Durga Temple - located on a Indrakeeladri hill overlooking the city as well as the River Krishna, Manginapudi beach - Located about 70 km from vijayawada, Bhavani Island, Amaravathi - situated at a distance of 100 km from vijayawada is famous for Siva temple as well as know as the most important Buddhist sites in the country, Mangalgiri - Famous for  Lord Narasimha temple on a hillock, Undavalli caves - 10 km from vijayawada, Kondapalli fort.

                      Suryalanka beach located at 9km from Bapatla in Guntur district, is a place of beach resorts in Andhra Pradesh, 323km from Hyderabad. Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) has constructed Punnami beach resorts, which is attracting many people in Andhra Pradesh. You have to reserve your tickets in advance from APTDC online or offline service as the rooms will not be available during weekends. Suryalanka beach is relatively flat with a steady slope and broad shore and the resorts are big, safe, neat and clean. It is the only nearest beach from Hyderabad. One can enjoy the crystal blue colors of Bay of Bengal.  

Places In and around Warangal:-

         Warangal is the important city after Hyderabad in telangana region of AP. The city is a cluster of three towns Warangal, Kazipet and Hanamkonda and is situated at a distance of 150 km from Hyderabad. Present Warangal attracts many tourists thanks to Warangal's important history, exquisite monuments, grand temples, superb gardens, beautiful lakes, and sanctuaries with rich fauna & flora. The Main draw of tourists in the city include Warangal Fort, the 13th century star shaped Shiva temple, Bhadrakali temple and the thousand pillared temple. Wildlife Sanctuaries at Pakhal and Eturnagaram and Pakhal Lake are other tourist spots which are worth visiting.

For more information about these places please visit the link http://www.aptourism.in/tourists-site/tourists_city_wplaces.html .

Puttaparthi:-

                   Located in the south-western part of Andhra Pradesh, Puttaparthi is surrounded by the arid and rocky hills bordering Karnataka. Famous for Sathya Sai Baba Mandir, Puttaparthi  is one of the famous religious tourist destinations of the world. A number of domestic as well as foreign tourists visit this place every year just to have a glimpse of the legendary Sathya Sai Baba and also to see his most talked about ashram. The income of the ashram has been used for the establishment of a number of public utility services.

                   Although there is not much to see in Puttaparthi, the ashram itself keeps the attention of the visitor with its varied attractions. Even though you don't believe in sai baba, u can visit  museum and Prashanthi nilayam in puttaparthi. The nearby areas like Lepakshi (43km from puttaparthi), Nandi hills(110 km from puttaparthi) in karnataka are also worth visiting. Puttaparthi is situated at 150km from Anantapur, 30km from Dharmavaram and 250km from Bangalore. Regular State buses are available at the Main Bus Stand in Bangalore and also from anantapur. 

Some useful Tourism Links:-

http://www.aptourism.in/

http://aptdc.in/home/intro.phphttp://aptdc.in/home/intro.php

http://www.travels7.com/

http://www.incredibleap.com/