The state of Andhra Pradesh (AP) is located in India’s southeastern coastal region alongside the Bay of Bengal. Amaravati is the de facto capital of Andhra Pradesh, while Hyderabad acts as its de jure capital. It is one of the most famous tourist sites in all of India, brimming with wonderful local traditions and culture. There are many places to visit in AP, which is why it is often regarded as a “complete” travel destination. This title really does justice in defining the brilliant tourism aspect of the state, with its numerous heritage sites, citadels, naturally-formed grand landscapes, a number of beaches, diverse wildlife, caves, divine temples, ancient ruins, delectable local cuisines, and much more. All of these combined make Andhra Pradesh a fantastic holiday getaway perfect for short and long breaks alike.
On top of that, a trip to Andhra Pradesh is quite favourable for those who are looking for a versatile travel experience within a budget. Hence, if you are planning a trip solo or with friends and have selected Andhra Pradesh as your next holiday point, make sure to check out some of the best Andhra Pradesh tour packages by Thomas Cook for a glorious journey. Besides a trip to make memories with friends and family, Andhra Pradesh is also a perfect honeymoon location with its massive range of different experiences. This marvellous holiday destination is easily accessible from all the major cities in India, and you can check out our handy guide on Andhra Pradesh tourism for a quick overview.
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Most Popular Andhra Pradesh Tour Packages
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Best time to visit Andhra Pradesh:
Even though you can pack your bags and take a trip to this majestic Indian state at any time, winter is considered the
best time to visit Andhra Pradesh. To start off, winter in Andhra Pradesh is the shoulder season in terms of overall tourism traffic. It offers a great window for individuals who are looking for a comparatively lower crowd but don’t want to go during the off-season. This period ranges from mid-late October to February and features overall pleasant weather. Temperature ranges from 16 to 25°C during winter in Andhra Pradesh, with an average of 20°C. You will not feel overly cold or hot during this season, and the outdoor weather tends to remain sharp and clear for the most part. In addition, major festivals like Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Ugadi, etc., are also celebrated during this time. Hence, many prefer winter as the ideal time to visit Andhra Pradesh. Even though the temperature doesn’t drop too low during this season, you should pack light jackets and warm clothes to protect yourself against the early morning and late night breezes. If you are travelling to Tirupati from Hyderabad, you may be interested in our AP tourism Hyderabad to
Tirupati package.
Besides this, tourism in Andhra Pradesh is also quite popular during the summer and monsoon. Summer in Andhra Pradesh is the peak season for tourism, mostly due to school summer vacations. This season expands from March to June, with hot weather reigning throughout. The temperature usually ranges between 25 to 45°C with an average of 40°C. This season's key highlights for tourists are the hill stations, waterparks and beaches. Pack sunscreens and light clothes to protect yourselves against the hot summertime in Andhra Pradesh. Also, book your travel, transportation and accommodation in advance to avoid being unavailable during the peak season.
Monsoon in Andhra Pradesh is considered the low (off-peak) season for tourism. Even though it sees comparatively lower tourist traffic, some people prefer planning their trips during this period, i.e., between July and September. Monsoon temperature in Andhra Pradesh ranges between 25 to 35°C, with an average of 28°C. After a scorching summer heat, it gives the region a sigh of relief with cooler nights and rainfall, all while the natural beauty of this place becomes more vibrant. If you are looking for a low rush season to visit Andhra Pradesh, monsoon can be a great choice but be aware that rainfall may hinder your travel plans. You can find more details about the Andhra Pradesh tour across different seasons on our page.
How to reach Andhra Pradesh?
If you have chosen a trip to Andhra Pradesh for your next holiday, you can rest assured about easy transport availability. The state and international connectivity are well-linked to different parts of the country. Here are the available ways to
reach Andhra Pradesh:
Reaching Andhra Pradesh by air:
The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad is considered to be one of the best ways to reach the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh by air. Hyderabad will be the AP’s joint capital until 2024 and works as a well-connected transportation hub for tourism. You can take a look at our AP tourism packages from Hyderabad for exciting details. Other than that, there are 6 major airports in Andhra Pradesh, three of which are international, while the rest are domestic. The three international airports in AP include Vishakthapatanam, Tirupati and Vijayawada, while the three domestic airports in AP are Rajahmundry, Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy airport (Kurnool) and Kadapa. This makes reaching Andhra Pradesh by air very accessible from major cities in India, with daily domestic flights, alongside direct international flights.
Reaching Andhra Pradesh by train:
Besides air, rail is the second best travel option that you can opt for to reach Andhra Pradesh. Both Vijayawada junction and Visakhapatnam junction offer great railway connectivity with the major cities in India, including direct trains from and to Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru. Some people also prefer travelling to Hyderabad’s Nampally station and then taking a connecting train or bus to reach the desired destination in Andhra Pradesh.
Reaching Andhra Pradesh by road :
If you wish to reach Andhra Pradesh by road, you will be glad to hear that it also features great road connectivity. You may choose to drive in your private car or take an inter-state bus scheduled for any of the major stops in Andhra Pradesh. The roads connecting Andhra Pradesh to the rest of the country are quite well-maintained, making up for a comfortable road trip. If you are travelling from Odisha, you may take NH 16, NH 326 or NH 326A routes. Similarly, if you are starting your road journey from Chhattisgarh, you may take NH 26 or NH 30. Browse through our carefully sorted AP tourism packages for exciting and affordable deals.
Travelling within Andhra Pradesh:
In terms of transport within the state, Andhra Pradesh offers tons of options that you can choose from. This includes driving in your private or rental car, taking intra city radio taxis or cabs, regular or luxury air-conditioned buses, etc. You can go with the old and reliable auto rickshaws for local or nearby travel within Andhra Pradesh.
Best honeymoon destinations in Andhra Pradesh
If you are planning an ideal location for a honeymoon within the country, look no further than Andhra Pradesh. Due to its wide variety of experiences, fun activities, local delights and more, couples across the nation plan their honeymoon amidst the gorgeous natural beauty of this place. Apart from the well-known Vizag and Vijayawada, here are some examples of AP tourism places that can also serve as romantic honeymoon destinations:
- Nellore : Besides being one of the best places to visit in Andhra Pradesh, Nellore makes up for a fantastic honeymoon destination. It features an array of different experiences all in one location, including many romantic things to do. For example, you can visit the beautiful and well-maintained gardens, explore the natural beauty of the Penchalakona waterfalls, local lakes and forests, or take a romantic stroll through the wet sand of the Mypadu beach along with your loved one. Nellore also has great availability of accommodations and transportation within budget.
- Chittoor : Chittoor is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations and sightseeing places in Andhra Pradesh. It is famous for its vivid flora and fauna, grand temples with beautiful architecture, sites of historical significance and lots more. In terms of romantic things to do in Chittoor, you can explore and soak in the magnificent natural beauty of the Horsley Hills with your better half. For a more adventurous experience, you can visit the Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Rajahmundry : Rajahmundry offers many romantic things and spots to visit. This includes spending quality time chatting with your loved one while taking a boat ride in the Godavari river. There are many other famous tourist points of interest around Rajahmundry that couples can check out, including Pushkar ghat and the natural beauty of Maredumilli. In terms of accommodations, you can find great rental properties and five-star hotel rooms in this location. Check out our Rajahmundry Andhra tour packages for a detailed idea.
- Manginapudi beach : Andhra Pradesh houses numerous beaches you can check out for your honeymoon. The Manginapudi beach is a famous place of Andhra Pradesh, just 11 km from Machilipatanam. It offers an astonishing beach experience and great visuals, making it a popular point of interest for couples. If you are in search of some great honeymoon tour packages in India or any part of the world, make sure to check out our professionally picked honeymoon packages.
Best places to visit in Andhra Pradesh:
Each location in Andhra Pradesh can offer you a unique perspective on the whole tourism aspect of the region. Here is a list of the most famous tourist places in Andhra Pradesh that you should add to your list:
- Tirupati : Tirupati city is one of the most popular sites of tourist attractions in Andhra Pradesh. It is widely regarded as the state’s spiritual capital and is home to various historic temples of the Hindu religion, including the Tirumala Venkateswara temple. Some other popular attractions in and near Tirupati are Kapila Theertham, Talakona Waterfall, ISKCON Tirupati, Chandragiri Palace and Fort, etc. Take a look at our Tirupati Andhra tour packages for a great deal.
- Amaravati : The de facto capital, Amaravati, is one of the best places to visit in Andhra Pradesh. It is an iconic place for individuals who are interested in Buddhism and ancient archaeological wonders. Some of the key attractions in and near Andhra Pradesh’s Amaravati include the Amaravati Stupa, Amaravati Museum, Amareswara Temple, Dhyana Buddha Statue, etc.
- Vijayawada : Vijayawada is a major hub for heritage sites, hills, ancient caves, local sightseeing locations, historic architecture and much more. Some of the most popular sites to check in and near Vijayawada includes the Undavalli caves, Bhavani island, Kondapalli fort, Besant road, Bapu Museum, Riverside Rajiv Gandhi Park, Kanaka Durga Temple, Mogalarajapuram Caves, etc. It ranks highly on the list of AP's best tourist places.
- Kurnool : The city of Kurnool is one of the best tourist places in Andhra Pradesh. It is a landmark for individuals interested in history and the state’s local culture. The best way to reach Kurnool is by road and train. Some iconic tourist attractions in and near Kurnool include Yaganti, Oravakallu Rock Garden, Mahanandi Temple, Belum Caves, Kurnool Fort, Ahobilam Temple, Mantralayam, and Buddha Statue.
- Visakhapatnam : Visakhapatnam is one of the most popular tourist places in Andhra Pradesh and is widely known as Vizag. It is a significant state destination that features many things to do and places to check out, making it a great spot for solo and group visits. Some of the most famous places in and near Andhra Pradesh’s Vizag are Rama Krishna Beach, Katiki Waterfalls, Borra Caves, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Rushikonda Beach, Kailasagiri, Yarada Beach, Submarine Museum, Dolphin’s Nose Lighthouse, VUDA Park, Visakha Museum, Ross Hill Church, Thotlakonda, etc.
- Guntur : Guntur ranks among the top famous places in Andhra Pradesh. It has a lot to show in terms of tourist attractions, and some examples in and near Guntur include Ethipothala Falls, Kondaveedu, Uppalapadu Nature Conservation, Kotappakonda Trikuta Parvat Gam, Mangalagiri, Downtown, Krishna Barrage and Suryalanka Beach.
Best hill stations and beaches in Andhra Pradesh
One of the best parts about taking a trip to Andhra Pradesh is that you will be able to see both mesmerising hill stations and spellbinding beaches. You can find more details about the best beaches and hill stations in Andhra Pradesh in the section below:
Best beaches in Andhra Pradesh :
Andhra Pradesh’s massive coastline is home to several popular beaches and attracts both domestic and international tourists. Many of the charming beaches in the state lie amidst the Visakhapatnam district. Here are some examples of the best beaches in Andhra Pradesh:
- Visakhapatnam beaches : The list of famous beaches in and near Vizag includes Rishikonda beach, Yarada beach, Bheemili beach, Gangavaram beach, Lawson’s Bay beach, Ramakrishna beach, etc. RK beach is one of the most popular tourist spots with a cool atmosphere and peaceful waters and features the INS Kurusura Submarine Museum. Check our Majestic Vizag Andhra Pradesh tour packages for a great deal.
- Other popular beaches : Some must-visit beaches and AP best tourist places include Manginapudi beach in Machilipatnam, Mypadu beach in Nellore, Uppada beach near Kakinada, etc.
Best hill stations in Andhra Pradesh
Besides beaches, Andhra Pradesh also covers some of the most famous hill stations in India. Here are some examples of the best hill stations in Andhra Pradesh:
- Araku valley- Andhra Pradesh’s Araku Valley is one of India's most mesmerising hill stations. It is located about 120 km from Vizag and is home to lush green forests, grand landscapes, and beautiful waterfalls. Some important must-see things in Araku valley include Katiki Falls, Tribal Museum, Borra caves, etc.
- Horsley hills- Chittoor district’s Horsley Hills ranks on the list of major tourist places in Andhra Pradesh. With an elevation of 1290 metres, this hill station features fascinating visuals and exuberant flora and fauna.
- Other popular hill stations- Some must-visit hill stations in Andhra Pradesh include Nagari hills, Maredumilli, Tirumala, Lambasingi, Nallamala hills, etc.
What to eat in Andhra Pradesh
Other than visiting the popular tourist sites in Andhra Pradesh, make sure to check out the wide variety of local cuisines the region has to offer. Here are some examples of must-try
Andhra Pradesh delicacies:
- Pulihora : This can be described as a more spicy variant of tamarind rice and is a quite popular dish during festive seasons and family gatherings. Curry leaves, mustard seeds, tomatoes, and tamarind are the major ingredients of this Andhra delicacy, making up for a brilliant flavourful blend.
- Andhra Chicken Biryani : Biryani is a pretty self-explanatory dish. However, Andhra Pradesh’s chicken biryani brings forth a new meaning to this widely popular Indian cuisine. This delicacy is made using a well-forged mix of spices, aromatic herbs, an accent of vegetables, and juicy chicken.
- Gongura pickle Ambadi : The Gongura pickle Ambadi is an excellent must-try local Andhra Pradesh delicacy. It is made with Ambadi leaves and gives a unique spicy taste, which goes along with chapatis and rice.
- Pesarattu : This dish is one of the most famous breakfast items in Andhra Pradesh. It is a spicy version of dosa that tastes amazing, along with some coconut chutney.
- Chepa Pulusu : If you love fish, you will crave Andhra’s cuisine called Chepa Pulusu. It is a regional dish prepared with fish, tamarind, spicy herbs, curry leaves, and other ingredients. It has an extraordinary taste and is widely served across various restaurants in the state.
What to shop in Andhra Pradesh?
Local arts and handicrafts in Andhra Pradesh feature beautiful articles you can buy as gifts or souvenirs. Here are some examples:
- Budithi art : Andhra Pradesh’s Budithi artwork is famous around the globe. Local artisans use alloys to create both modern and traditional art pieces. Some examples include flower pots, cooking utensils, planters, etc. You can purchase Budithi artworks at Budithi village within the district of Srikakulam.
- Durgi stones : Durgi stones are exceptional works of art found in Guntur’s Durgi village. This style of carving is believed to have started around the 15th century AD, and artisans used soft limestone and granite to create these pieces. Some examples include carved idols, paperweights, lampshades, etc.
- Sarees : Andhra Pradesh’s local handworks include a variety of beautifully made sarees. Some examples are the cotton-made sarees of Mangalagiri town, silk-made Dharmavaram sarees of Anantapur district, and silk and cotton-made sarees of Pochampalli.
- Wooden crafts : Besides stone and metal carved art pieces, Andhra Pradesh also features exquisite wood-carved artworks. You can shop for it in Etikoppaka in Vizag district and Kondapalli.
If you are in search of popular markets for
shopping in Andhra Pradesh, you can check out Kurupam market, TSR complex, and other local shops and malls in Visakhapatnam. You can also check out the malls and markets on Eluru Road, MG Road, and Besant Road if you are looking to shop around in Vijayawada. You can refer to our page for more details on shopping in Andhra Pradesh.
Things to do in Andhra Pradesh:
Individuals looking for exciting and fun
things to do in Andhra Pradesh will find it a perfect place. Here are some interesting things you can do in Andhra Pradesh:
- Soak in the beauty of the beaches : As you can see, Andhra Pradesh is filled with numerous serene beaches that are generally massive tourist attractions. If you are looking for a calming experience with a backdrop of the soothing sound of the waves, consider spending some time on the beaches of Andhra Pradesh. You can also take a romantic walk over the wet beach sand with a loved one as the sun sets for the day.
- Go on a city tour : The state is home to several popular and iconic cities in India, all of which can offer a completely different perspective on your journey. You can explore the cities and everything they have to offer at a pace you like. Some examples include going on a city tour of Majestic Vizag, Kurnool, Vijayawada, Guntur, etc.
- Visit religious places : There are hundreds of religious temples all across the state of Andhra Pradesh. Spending time visiting these temples can help widen your spiritual outlook and give some insights into the beautiful architectural works of ancient times. Some examples include the Mahanandi temple, Tirupati temple, Mallikarjuna Swamy temple, etc.
- Explore the historical sites : If you are a history buff, you can go on a quest to explore the various important historical places of Andhra Pradesh. Some examples include Amaravati, Lepakshi, Kurnool, Konda Reddy Buruju, Gooty Fort, Penukonda Fort, etc.
Adventurous things to do in Andhra Pradesh:
Apart from being one of the
best tourist locations in India, Andhra Pradesh is also a major location for adventure tourism. Here are some examples:
- Camping : Andhra Pradesh also features many options in terms of camping. Some of the key camping locations include Gandikota, Araku Valley, Jadderu, Paderu, etc.
- Trekking : Many tourists throughout the year visit Andhra Pradesh for its unique trekking experience. From famous hill stations to natural scenic routes amidst forests, there are many locations in Andhra Pradesh where you can trek solo or with a group. Some key trekking locations include Ahobilam, Talakona Waterfalls, Kadalivanam Caves, Nagalapuram, etc.
- Water sports : Boat tours and adrenaline-pumping water sports are the major adventure activities in Andhra Pradesh. This includes jet skiing, waterskiing, parasailing, canyoning, rappelling, surfing, and much more. Gandikota and Suryalanka beach are the major sites for water adventures.
- Cave exploration : Cave exploration is yet another massively popular adventure activity in Andhra Pradesh. During these explorations, you can enjoy their natural beauty and satisfy your adventurer’s curiosity. Some examples of caverns and caves include Borra caves, Belum caves, Undavalli caves, Akka Mahadevi caves, and Mogalarajapuram caves.
- Wildlife adventure safari and tour : If you want to witness regional wildlife, which includes tigers, hyenas, black bucks, leopards, elephants, and so on, make sure to check out AP’s exciting adventure safari and tour. Some popular sites include Coringa wildlife sanctuary, Rollapandu wildlife sanctuary, Koundinya wildlife sanctuary, and Rayala Elephant Reserve.
Interesting facts about Andhra Pradesh
If you are interested in making Andhra Pradesh your next trip location, do extensive research before your visit to ensure that you don’t miss out on anything. Here are some interesting and lesser-known facts about Andhra Pradesh:
- Andhra Pradesh is the home to the world’s only pillar that remains suspended in the air. It is popularly referred to as “the hanging pillar” and is an integral part of the Lepakshi temple in a small village within the district of Anantapur. It is surrounded by mysteries and theories and is a popular tourist attraction.
- The de facto capital of Andhra Pradesh, Amaravati, is a small town situated within the district of Guntur. It is believed to have a heritage that is over 2000 years old, making it one of India’s oldest places.
- Lambasingi, a small village amidst the Eastern Ghats of Chintapalli Mandal, is the only place in all of south India that experiences snowfall. It is a famous hill station in the state and is often called the “Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh”. Some famous nearby Lambasingi tourist places include Kothapally Waterfalls, Susan Garden, and Thajangi Reservoir.
- The banyan tree called Thimmamma Marrimanu in Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district holds the Guinness world record for being the largest banyan tree, which was set back in 1989. Its canopy covers an area of around 19,107 square metres.