Incredible {ndia BOSS Ax = Andie Protesh ee Sa CayTay | Sea ac a ect) eee eee eaten a plans on the anvil to establish 14 airports - three of See eee ay Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Tirupati and 11 other Coe eae ee TO Rea) ea rectoanal airports will have direct lights to major international countries and cities. The road and rail connectivity is Be Care eee a ec ce atec Pre cien eu miert) various places within the state.Welcome to the fascinating state of south India ~ ‘Andhra Pradesh. A land of world-renowned temples that are steeped in rich cultural and traditional beauty. Some of these shrines hold fascinating histories that date back to thousands of years. Each temple has religious significance intertwined with historical facts. Andhra Pradesh holds the distinction of being tl sacred ground for the Pancharamam temples where the five fragments of the Shiva Lingam are ‘worshipped. Itis the privileged home for the deities, that are unique and rare like the Sun God (Suryanarayana Temple in Arasavall) and the Turtle ‘Avatar of Lord Vishnu (Sri Kurmam). This is also the land of Tirumala Balaji. A deity whose temple has more footfalls than even the Vatican and is the richesttemple in the world. The land of temples beckons you to experience the fervour of devotees, to witness this splendour of its holy shrines and to embark on a spiritual journey that will forever remaina profoundmemory.Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple Tirumala-Tirupati, Chittoor District There are often no words or indeed a need to describe Lord Venkateswara temple on Titumala Kills near Tirupati in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. Suffice to say, itis the richest and the single most visited temple in the world, You are overwhelmed, thrilled, breathless and awestruck a the look of the Moolaviraat. Bejewelled in diamonds, Lord Venkateswara is asight to behold. Standing an imposing ten feet in black stone, Lord Venkateswara will seem ‘to speak toyour senses personally even with the teeming devotees around you. They say you can only go to Tirumala ifthe Lord wishes it. Don'tforget to make a wish in your eagerness to keep looking at the deity. The Dasara Brahmotsavam is celebrated with huge aplomb as lakhs of devotees throng the streets of Tirumala every day. The Akasa Ganga, Sila Thoranam, Kanipakam, Kapila Theertham, Sreevari paadalu, Chandragiri fort, Alivelu Mangapuram are other majorattractionsnearby.Getting here: Direct flight from Hyderabad, Delhi, ear SOR Se Scene aa eee a eo Se EN Rea a Cie eesLegend goes that once upon a time, a spider wovea web on 2 Shiva lingam to protect it from rain and sun. A snake offered a gem in prayer and an elephant performed abhishekam on the Lingam, But when the three came ‘together itwasa blood bath, Moved by theirblind devotion, Lord Shiva granted them life and Sri the Spider, Kala the Snake and Hasti the elephant were immortalised in this ‘temple near Tirupati. Travel to this small town 35 km from Tirupati and a unique Srikalahastishwara greets you. Here you will find the Vayulinga, one of the five elemental Lingams of Shiva. The white Lingam is said to be self - manifested and has not been touched by human hand. ‘When you visit, look for the flickering lamps near the main shrine. Even with all doors closed a soft breeze seems to come from the Vayulingam that blows over the lamps. The ‘templeis famous forRahuKetuPujathathelpsin ridding you of any misfortunes. This is the only temple that is open during aneclipse.Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple Kanipakam, Chittoor District A temple where you cannot help but tell the truth. A temple where any clothes offered to the deity may not fit Him as He grows! A temple where God resides in a well and springs eternal. If you have never heard or visited this wonder, itis time you made a trip to Andhra. At Kanipakam, the Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy is believed to have self-manifested. The idol of the Vinayaka stillliesin the well where itwas first discovered buthas grown over the years. Today His abdomen and knees are seen. Many devotees swear that clothes made especially for the idol 50 years ago don't fit the idol anymore. Even more inexplicable are the truth revealing waters of the temple tank. People with disputes come here, take a dip and before long the one in the wrong seems to be accepting his mistake and making amends. Atrue upholder ofjustice, Vinakaya welcomes oneandalltohis abode,NLU CUE MOE UNA Karla Vontimettu, Kadapa Itisaname thatis aid to bring you peace at your worst possible moments. ‘Anametthatinspires strength and confidence to get overany peril. Itisone Of the most beloved Gods in Hindu mythology- Lord Rama, Such is the power of devotion that the Kondandarama Swamy temple at Kadapa is believed to have been built by two robbers who turned to stone and became eternal devotees after dedicating the temple to their god. Come toVontimettu to see Rama worshippedinall His glory. The statues of Rama with Sita and Lakshmana are said to be carved froma single stonewhereas Rama's most ardent devotee Hanuman has another temple in the premises, The birth of Rama or the Sriramanavami festival is celebrated with huge aplomb in this temple by the state government, Getting here: The Vontimettu temple is located 25 km from Kadapa town which provides good accommodation at the tourism department run Harita hotel. The Airport at, Kadapais currently operating flights to Benguluru.SE SU este EMAC Kadiri, Anantapuramu District Cee ce eC eM CD CL eae RUC a aed Seer et Ce Rey Cea Oke eee ena ‘one temple visit.The significance of the templelies in the place It is located, Kadri which is derived from the Sanskrit Khadri en ee Pe NC ee yee et nee See ee eau Getting here: At 92 km from Anantapur, it is off the beaten trackand alittle distance from a proper town but the temple complex has much to offer, so take timeoutand visit.‘Thereare very few who cannot bring to minda picture ofthe Nandiwhen we say Lepakshi. Such isthe power of association. And if there is a Nandi, it is guarding a Shiva Lingam. In this case the Veerabhadra manifestation of Lord Shiva, Located 200 metres from the temple, India's biggest monolithic granite bull faces the Shiva Lingam which is protected by a magnificently hooded stone serpent. The experience of Visiting Lepakshiisas mystifying as the legend surrounding its name. Some say itwas where Jatayufelltrying tosave Sita from Ravana, Ramaasking himto get up (Le Pakshi-Get up Bird) gave the placeits name. Another tales that ofthe royal treasurer who commissioned the construction of this massive structure, Accused of embezzlement, he blinded himself and threw his eyes at the under construction temple walls and soit is called the village of a blinded eye or Lepakshi-The temple exemplifies the effort rulers of yore, especialy of the Vijayanagara Empire, put into serving their Gods. Sculptures, paintings, intricate carvings fill up the walls,roof and pillars. Architectural wonders like hanging pillar that just skim the surface ofthe ground and huge 100pillared dance hallallseem tobe fringe benefitsforthe presiding deity. Ce eee cea Poirier maa rc ae) Peter at ete cece re) Peete TeLord Shiva's vehicle Nandi is worshipped in the Mahanandiswara Temple at Kurnool. There are nine Nandi shrines around the temple that give the Nandi its due place in the hearts ofthe people. A Sri Chakra outside the main shrines believed to be set up by Adi Shankara. Then there is the Pushkarini.The water here is crystal clear.Try dropping acoin and you can see itat the bottom of the pool. The water for these pools comefrom the Fe eee ees Ne a eee en Ce ee eee es eee Ce ee eco Getting here: The templeis92km from Kurnool town. The nearest airports Hyderabad, whichis 3 hours drive, Kurnool town offers good accommodation forstay and travel.Nee are eS UaN ed Mantralayam, Kurnool District A saint finds a place among Gods in this land of divinity. Raghavendra Swamy, the famous Vaishnavite saint, entered his Jeeva Samadhi in Mantralayam in Kurnool. On the banks of Tungabhadra, you can see the Raghavendra Swamy Mutt that Immortalises him in a life size sculpture. Before you visit the Mutt ‘though, you need to go through the village and pay respects to the presiding deity Manchalamma, sie eeece os TTY, 2e0ee?. “gett Getting here: At 100 km from Kurnool and 250 km from Hyderabad, it's a pleasantdriveby road. quitLion headed and roaring, He burst out ofa pillar to vanquish the demon Hiranyakashyapa and save Prahalada. The gods screamed Ahobala (great strength). The action packed Aavatar of Lord Vishnu gets a befitting abode in Ahobilam. Nestled deep within the dense forests of Nallamalla in Kurnool, the Lower and Upper Ahobilam are home to Lord Narasimha Swamy in his nine incarnations. We know Him in his fiercest form of Ugra Narasimha but this was only in the beginning of the Avatar, The nine shrineslocatedin the far reaches of the forestedhillstell you the whole story where Narasimha Swamy is teaching yoga to Prahalada, affably consorting with Chenchulakshmi, even meditating under Karanja tree. Long treks across the lower and upper Ahobilam give youa sense of purpose. They are time away from reality and at the same timea spiritual quest. Don’t miss the Ugra Sthambham or the Ukku Sthambab where Lord Narasimha appeared at the behest of Prahalada. The world renowned Ahobilam Mathisalso headquarteredhere. Getting here: Located 136 km from Kurnool town, its nearest, railway station is Nandyala. Can also drive down from Hyderabad airport about 250 km (3 hours drive) away. ‘Accommodations are available in the location but you can stayin Kurnoolandtravelhere.‘There is a lot of truth to the saying that God tests your devotion. A devout Chitteppa was praying to Lord Shiva, when a tiger appeared in front of him. While most would run for cover, Chitteppa looked the tiger in the eye and shouted "Neganti Shivunni" or | Saw Shiva, It is from this phrase that this region got its name and even today there is a cave outside the Shiva temple where Chitteppa Is believed to have meditated. The temple was built subsequently. But the magic of the place isin its Pushkarini. Water flows into the temple pond from the hillside through the mouth of a Nandi which many believe is growing in size. Get the blessings of this miracle Nandi and your pilgrimageis complete,A temple where you can touch your God. The beauty of this temple lies not in the picturesque location in the middle of the Nallamalla forests, but in the largesse of the Lord Mallikarjuna who gives you a personal audience. If youso chooselets you touch thelingam with yourheadas well tis the only temple of itskind to allow such access. But then Lord Mallikarjuna always loved his devotees. The Chenchu tribe fondly call him Mallanna, Every Hindu king in his time patronised the temple- from Krishnadevaraya of Vijayagaram to the Kakatiyas of Warangal to even the Maratha King Chatrapati Shivaji. As one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, itis one of the most significant holy places in the country. Its also a Mahashaktipeetham as Bramaramba Devi resides here. Mahashivaratr is the most important. dayhere when lakhs of people congregate to offer prayersand stay up thenightin Jagaram. $2 Getting heres Diving down from Hyderabad is the best vee course to reach Sisalar. Inclade a vist to Ptalaganga | which I er Kishnaat Hs deepest and the modern oo Srisailam dam. AP Tourism runs a resort and even provides ~ ‘ > budget accommodation but there are many other private Pic hotels and cottages as well. The AP Tourism also operates a ropewayhere.DT CC Cn RT ea en oR eee ee Se Uae ecu? temple itself is located on the banks of river krishna. With the almighty Amareswara residing Geese ce te OS ae eee sy fact that the Lord's consort here is Bala er ee eu} ROSE ec cnVisiting temples may be cleansing to the soul, but many Gods make you ‘work hard to reach their earthly abodes. inthis case the Shiva Lingarn is. located at a height of 1587 feet at Kotapakonda. Until recently, pilgrims would walk a steep pathway but now a ghat road has come up. The three peaks that make thishillare so distinctive that despite several ills surrounding them, al three are cleatly visible from any direction. These peaks are named after the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. It is this trio of peaks that gave the deity its name of Trikooteswara. Mahashivratr is the biggest festival celebrated here where the entire village comes to lfe anda fest is held at the foot of the hills. The tourism and endowments department also developed 2 dinosaurpparkforkids here. Getting here: It is 57 km from Guntur. Tourism department accommodation is available at the templeincluding VIP suits.IF itis your ardent wish that God consumes your offering, come to Mangalagir. On this Holy Hill, Lord Narasimha Swamy will actually drink Pee ea eae can Ec ee ‘town which has three Narasimha Swamy temples. But itis the Panakam Ci ee ee ene es ang Panakam Chembu or jaggary water glass at the temple and go directly to the main temple where the priest wll pour the water into the open mouth Ce NR eM mae a he ipa Cee Ce ee Re ad ferocious Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu. And such is His charm that you will not find a single ant or fly hovering around to gobble up any spilled Gee esas adey Coane a EN Ccon am Karta Kanaka ppietige Temp! IG AVN emer rane Cn en ee nee ere ms ee ene es Ce teat es ereItisa Lord Venkateswara Temple just lke Tirumala. The idol s also self- manifested just ike in Tirumala, ‘The abode isa serene vegetation just lke Tirupati. Little wonder the Dwaraka Tirumala temple is called China or mini Tirupati. Named after saint Dwaraka who found the Lord's idol after along penance, itis as popular in the AP state as Tirumala Is all over the world. The peace and tranquillity of the temple ‘campusbeliethe factthat the temples quite close tocivilization, Getting here: At 42 km from Eluru, Rene na SunesSri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple Annavaram, East Godavari District ‘No wedding or Gruhapravesham is complete without the Satyanarayana ‘Swamy Vratam. When you invoke Satyanarayana Swamy, your heart's wish is fulfilled. This boon granting Satyanarayana Swamy resides in the ‘Annavaram temple. In facta visit hereisa package deal - you gettosee the Holy Trinity. This manifestation of Lord Vishnuin the form of Satyanarayana a Isaccompanied bya ShivaLingamnexttoitand below thetemplethereisa z . __ Yantram that is said to be Brahma. The drive up to the temple on top of ! Ratnagir hill along the banks of river Pampa san added bonus. Bea partof the Satyanarayana Vratam performed here, and you cannotaskfor more. Getting here: The Temple is 70 km from Rajamahendravaram which has a well connectedairportand many good hotels.Sri Bhimeswara Swamy Temple Draksharamam, East Godavari District eel Sn ee ea ete ace Cau Mn ee SO because the left cheek of Sati was flung here - you cannot, CCDC aa Pee ec e eraca) here as Bhimeswara Swamy and his Lingam is said to be a Pee ee eee kn ODS uu eS belying the powerful divine presence you are bound to feel, roe Getting here: itis 20 km from Kakinada and 40 km from Rajamahendravaram which are connected byairA temple that soothes the anger of Lord Narasimha Swamy can be found in Simhachalam near Visakhapatnam. TheLion God here's exquisite to say the least. The temple lies nestled amidst the Eastern Ghats. Like most templesin the state, this toois on ahillbut the climbis short and pleasant. Itfeels like you have stepped back in time when you enter the all-stone interior of the temple. Long and wide stone pillars pave way to the inner sanctum where Narasimha Swamy awaits in his golden glory. The idol of the Varaha Narasimha Swamy is always covered in a thick paste of sandalwood ostentatiously to ool this angry Avatar of Lord Vishnu. The golden idol becomes incandescent when litonly by cil lamp and gives you a darshan that is unforgettable, The sandal paste is removed only once a year when devotees flood the temple with no room to spare. ee Ce A Pen ene Te UC Mate L Se iE aman SaOULU QUU OnE COT ELEE™ Nee Can nee ecu) Pear ou cere Sn eeu eee De eee een See Rau nec Seo SO eC ae eee) eee ee ee in Surya Namaskaras to be offered to the deity and the priests willperform ee a Re cy Se Cen eae Oey Sec ane De OE cn tag the most sought after darshan among devotees.He took the form of a tortoise to balance Mount Mandara on his back during the churning of the milky ocean for nectar. Lord Vishnu’s Kurmavatar is seldom seen except as part of the Dashavatar idols sold in wooden crafts shops. n fact there exists only one temple for the Kurmanadha in Andhra Pradesh. The temple has more jous significance, It is believed that in Kruta Yug, Sveta Maharaj’s penance paid off and Lord Vishnu manifested his Kurmavatar in this temple. So impressed were the Gods that Brahma himself officiated the rituals and consecrated the shrine with Sudershana and Gopala Yantras. The Sudershana Chakra of Vishnu ‘created the cleansing pond of Sveta Pushkarini here. Today, devotees come here for cure. A dip in the pond. here seemsto rejuvenate devotees sifall theiriinessishealed, ee ceDeere Uc RUS eo SC eee Nc aC ace The temples are almost geometric in shape and the complex isa perfect square which has four temples on four Cae EM Secon eC ase eco cre ee ecu Look for the arches and architecture where especially on the doorway you will find the carvings of Ganga and Se eu eee Cac acu er caer ced ‘the main shrine. While a visit to the Shiva lingam may be accomplished shortly, spend some time exploring the craftsmanship of the period. Dated as far back as 941 AD the temple's sculptures and carvings have withstood the peter cme Getting here: Stay at any one of the budget hotels in Srikakulam and drive upthe28km to Mukhalingam.AP Tourism Hotels Visakhapatnam (Yatrinivas) Ph:-491-891-2788824, +91 9848813582 Rushikonda Beach Resort Phi-+91-891-278826, +91 9648813581 Berm Park, Vijayawada Ph:-+91-866-2418057, +91 9951968100 Bhavani sland, Vijayawada Phi-+91 9848779685 Dwaraka Tirumala Ph: +91-8828-271909, +91 9948391760 ind Coconut Country Resort Ph:-+91-8862-227992, +91 9912877055 Srisallam Phi-+91 9948661754 Dornala Ph:191 9948661754 Kurnoot Ph:-+91 9010177055 Kadapa Haritha Hotel Phs-491-8562-240533, 240192 Sti Kalahasti Phi-+91-8578-231100 Vontimitta Hartha Hotel Ph:-+91 9666806806 Mahanandi Ph:91 9705392100 Ahobilam Ph:-+91 9912325820, Other Star Hotels Tirupati + Fortune Select Grand Rdge, Ph: 191-877-2221818, 191-9701343010 + Fortune Kences, Ph: 91-877-2255855 Hotel Grand World, Ph: +91-93465 77754 + Lemon Tree Hotels, Ph: +91-141-3309468 + Hotel Blis, Ph: +91-877-2237773, +91-9642337773 Pal Viceroy, Ph:+91-7026611618, 9945278118 Vijayawada + The Gateway Hotel Ph: +91-6143049116, +97-866-660a448 + Fortune Murali Park, Ph: 191-866-398 8008 + Quality Hotel DV Manor, Ph:+91-866-6634455, +91-8666634455 “The Kay Hotel, Ph; +91-866-6635555 Visakhapatnam + Hote! Novotel, Ph +91 9849113747 +The Park Hotel, Ph: 191-891-3045678 ‘The Taj Gateway, Ph:+91-891-6623670 ‘+ FourPoints by Sheraton, Ph: +91-881-3051111 + Palm Beach, Ph:+91-891-2754026 Hotel Windsor Park, Ph +91 7093904788 Dolphin Hotel, Ph: +91 9866319719 ‘+ Fortune inn Sree Kanya, Ph: +91-891-600101 + Daspalla, Ph: +91-891-562043Department of Tourism eee eee eee Secretariat Road, Hyderabad - 500063 SO em ever crc) wwwaptourism.gov.in | wwmaptde.gov. faa Wtsts AZ Ulead) etry er Ne Leger oa Pearyatokb Bhovn Reece epee en ee eee ae ce eee Deum ae Rec GO eae ae ce ie Ge aerate on roe eects Deed Dee Se eee ogrned Coes eer con Pees cong Cee Eee aE} cen Ce a roy Creer Raga Ce eee eee eee cae) a eed Penne eee ord pee ona tet] Do Sau et Sos) Cee ge a eee tea) ea eee ere eee ee nd Peeters rt Cee en ee ore eo eee ae eit rad ee 8 voit dhe Pradesh enrtlngs posal Deer nea