Andhra Pradesh Tourism

Andhra Pradesh is one of the 29 states of India. Situated in the south-east of the country, it is the eighth-largest state in India, covering an area of 162,970 km2 (62,920 sq mi). As per the 2011 census, it is the tenth most populous state, with 49,386,799 inhabitants. The largest city in Andhra Pradesh is Visakhapatnam. Telugu, one of the Classical Languages of India, is the majority and official language of Andhra Pradesh.
On 2 June 2014, the north-western portion of Andhra Pradesh was separated to form the new state of Telangana; the longtime capital of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, was transferred to Telangana as part of the division. However, in accordance with the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, Hyderabad was to remain as the de jure capital of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states for a period of time not exceeding ten years. The new riverfront de facto capital, Amaravati, is under the jurisdiction of the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA).
Andhra Pradesh has a coastline of 974 km (605 mi) – the second longest coastline among the states of India, after Gujarat – with jurisdiction over almost 15,000 km2 of territorial waters. The state is bordered by Telangana in the north-west, Chhattisgarh and Odisha in the north-east, Karnataka in the west, Tamil Nadu in the south, and to the east lies the Bay of Bengal. The small enclave of Yanam, a district of Puducherry, lies to the south of Kakinada in the Godavari delta on the eastern side of the state.
The state is made up of the two major regions of Rayalaseema, in the inland southwestern part of the state, and Coastal Andhra to the east and northeast, bordering the Bay of Bengal. The state comprises thirteen districts in total, nine of which are located in Coastal Andhra and four in Rayalaseema. The largest city and commercial hub of the state is Visakhapatnam, located on the Bay of Bengal, with a GDP of US$43.5 billion; the second largest city in the state is Vijayawada, located on the banks of the Krishna River, which has a GDP of US$3 billion (as of 2010).

Andhra Pradesh hosted 121.8 million visitors in 2015, a 30% growth in tourist arrivals over the previous year, making it the third most-visited state in India. The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati is one of the world's most visited religious sites, with 18.25 million visitors per year. Other pilgrimage centres in the state include the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga at Srisailam, the Srikalahasteeswara Temple at Srikalahasti, the Ameen Peer Dargah in Kadapa, the Mahachaitya at Amaravathi, the Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada, and Prasanthi Nilayam in Puttaparthi. The state's natural attractions include the beaches of Visakhapatnam, hill stations such as the Araku Valley and Horsley Hills, and the island of Konaseema in the Godavari River delta.

History
Andhra Pradesh is said to have been the home of the Pre- Dravidian inhabitants. Andhra region witnessed the rule of Chandragupta Maurya during which it established itself as an independent kingdom.
After Ashoka, the Mauryan empire declined giving opportunity to establish smaller kingdoms. In about the third century BC the Satavahanas ruled for about five centuries. The Satavahanas established a strong rule with their territories extending upto Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The Satavahanas were overpowered by the Ikshvakus by the third century AD. During this period Brahmanism is said to have been revived. This reduced the influence of the Buddhist which was fostered by the Satavahanas.

By the end of the third century AD the Pallavas of Kanchi put an end to the rule of the Ikshavakus. Art and Architecture advanced during their rule. By 4th century AD the Anandas established their rule which lasted till 6th century. During the 7th century the Eastern Chalukyas exercised their power for about four centuries. Literature was advanced during this period with promotion of the Telegu script. The Kakatiyas who were the feudatories of the Eastern Chalukyas became independent in about the 12th century. During the rule of Delhi Sultanate, Muslims repeatedly attempted intrution into Andhra. In 1332 AD Ulugh Khan established themselves. The Reddi Kingdom of Kondavidu; the Velama kingdom, the Vijayanagar Kingdom also ruled independently . The rule of Muhammad Tughlag witnessed the rise of the independent Muslim Power at Bijapur. This was under the Bahamani Sultanate. In 1518 the Sultan Qili Qutub Shah declared himself independent and founded the Qutub Shah dynasty which existed till 1687. During this period literature, art and architect are advanced. The city of Hyderabad was laid in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah. The Mughals put an end to the Qutub Shahi rule in 1687. After this the Asafjahis called Nizams emerged. They influenced Andhra Pradesh till the 18th century till Andhra Pradesh was ceded to the East India Company. Gradually the whole of Andhra Pradesh except Hyderabad was under the British till 1947. In 1956 Andhra Pradesh was declared as a state.

Fairs & Festivals
The fairs and festivals in Andhra Pradesh are attended by a large number of people and they are a part of the heritage of the state. Significant among the different fairs of Andhra Pradesh are the unique temple fairs that are organized such as the Brahmotsavam at Tirupati and the Sri Rama Navami Festival at Bhadrachalam. It is in the premises of these fairs and festivals of Andhra Pradesh that one comes across a unique union of different arts, crafts and cuisines of the state. Most of the festivals in Andhra Pradesh are religious ones and connected to some legend or story. For detailed information about the different fairs and festivals in Andhra Pradesh, please browse through the links below.

Best Time to Visit
Andhra Pradesh at any time of the year as it is attractive and alluring in all seasons. Though, trips, and vacations are planned as per holidays or time schedules visitors must be aware about the best time to visit this awe-inspiring state. When talking about traveling to this beautiful state, climate and weather of this destination must be known, so that trip is more enjoyable. Usual climate of this destination is hot and sultry because of its geographical location.

How to Reach :-

BY AIR - Andhra is well connected to other parts of the world though the international airport at Hyderabad- the capital city. Besides, Tirupati, Vishakhapatnam, Rajahmundry and Vijaywada are the other airport in Andhra that connects the state to other parts of the country.

BY RAIL - Railways are a major means of transport in Andhra Pradesh, which connects all major cities and towns.

BY ROAD - The state of Andhra Pradesh is well connected to other parts of the country through the road network. About 4, 104 km of the National Highways network pass through the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Tourist Attractions
Andhra Pradesh has a rich historical past. It dates back to the epic age. It was an integral part of Emperor Ashoka's vast kingdom and not surprisingly an important Buddhist centre as well. It was then ruled by several dynasties and prominent among these were the Pallavas, the Chalukyas, the Kakatiyas and the Mughals. Interested in a tour to Andhra Pradesh,