Andhra Pradesh, the "Koh-i-Noor of India," is a state brimming with a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, ancient temples, breathtaking natural beauty, and vibrant traditions. From the serene coastline of the Bay of Bengal to the lush Eastern Ghats, each of its 26 districts, or "zillas," offers a unique array of tourist destinations waiting to be explored. Here is a curated list of 100 must-visit tourist spots across the diverse zillas of Andhra Pradesh.
Northern Andhra
Srikakulam Zilla
Arasavalli Sun Temple: A 7th-century temple dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, renowned for its unique architecture where the sun's rays directly fall on the idol's feet twice a year.
Srikurmam Temple: One of the few temples in the world where Lord Vishnu is worshipped in his Kurma (tortoise) avatar.
Kalingapatnam Beach: A serene and historic beach that once served as a significant seaport.
Telineelapuram Bird Sanctuary: A haven for birdwatchers, especially during the winter months when migratory birds like painted storks and pelicans arrive.
Vizianagaram Zilla
Vizianagaram Fort: A majestic 18th-century fort that stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Vizianagaram kingdom.
Ramatheertham: A sacred pilgrimage site with a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Rama, situated on a hillock.
Bobbili Fort: A historic fort known for its association with the famous Battle of Bobbili and its unique musical instrument, the Bobbili Veena.
Thatipudi Reservoir: A picturesque reservoir offering boating facilities and a tranquil environment.
Parvathipuram Manyam Zilla
Thotapalli Barrage: An impressive irrigation project on the Nagavali River, offering scenic views.
Jhanjavathi Rubber Dam: One of the first rubber dams in India, set amidst a picturesque landscape.
Salur Peddamma Thalli Temple: A revered local temple dedicated to the goddess Peddamma Thalli.
Alluri Sitharama Raju Zilla
Araku Valley: A famous hill station known for its stunning landscapes, coffee plantations, and tribal culture.
Borra Caves: Magnificent limestone caves with fascinating stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Lambasingi: Often referred to as the "Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh," this hamlet is known for its chilly temperatures and occasional snowfall.
Katiki Waterfalls: A beautiful cascading waterfall near the Borra Caves, perfect for a refreshing dip.
Visakhapatnam Zilla
Kailasagiri: A hilltop park offering panoramic views of Visakhapatnam city and the coastline.
Rushikonda Beach: A popular beach known for its golden sands and water sports activities.
INS Kursura Submarine Museum: A decommissioned submarine converted into a museum on the Ramakrishna Beach.
Simhachalam Temple: A prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Varaha Narasimha, an incarnation of Vishnu.
Dolphin's Nose: A large rock promontory that resembles a dolphin's nose, offering stunning views of the city and the sea.
Anakapalli Zilla
Bojjannakonda and Lingalakonda: Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves and monolithic stupas dating back to the 4th century.
Kondakarla Ava: A freshwater lake and bird sanctuary, ideal for boating and birdwatching.
Yelamanchili (Yellamanchili): A town with historical significance, known for its ancient temples.
Godavari Region
Kakinada Zilla
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary: A vast mangrove forest, home to a variety of flora and fauna, including numerous bird species.
Hope Island: A tadpole-shaped island that acts as a natural breakwater for Kakinada Bay, offering serene beaches.
Sri Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple, Sarpavaram: An ancient and revered temple dedicated to Lord Bhavanarayana.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema Zilla
Konaseema Backwaters: Often compared to the backwaters of Kerala, offering serene houseboat cruises through lush greenery.
Dindi Resorts: Picturesque resorts located on the banks of the Godavari River.
Antharvedi Beach and Temple: A sacred place where the Godavari River meets the Bay of Bengal, with a prominent Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple.
Ryali Jaganmohini Kesava Swamy Temple: A unique temple with a dual idol of Lord Vishnu in the front and Jaganmohini on the back.
East Godavari Zilla
Papikondalu (Papi Hills): A breathtakingly beautiful gorge on the Godavari River, best explored through a boat cruise.
Rajahmundry (Rajahmahendravaram): A historic city on the banks of the Godavari, known for its temples and the Godavari Arch Bridge.
Dowleswaram Barrage: An engineering marvel built by Sir Arthur Cotton across the Godavari River.
Maredumilli Eco-tourism: A forest area with waterfalls, coffee and pepper plantations, and opportunities for trekking.
West Godavari Zilla
Pattiseema: A picturesque village on an island in the Godavari River, known for the Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple.
Kolleru Lake Bird Sanctuary: One of the largest freshwater lakes in India, attracting a vast number of migratory birds.
Dwaraka Tirumala (Chinna Tirupati): A famous temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara.
Perupalem Beach: A serene and less-crowded beach, ideal for a peaceful getaway.
Eluru Zilla
Guntupalli Buddhist Caves: Ancient rock-cut caves and monastic complex, often referred to as the "Andhra Ajanta."
Eluru Buddha Park: A park featuring a large statue of the Buddha.
Kolleru Bird Sanctuary (partially in this district): A haven for avian enthusiasts.
Central Andhra
Krishna Zilla
Manginapudi Beach: A unique beach with black soil, known for the annual Krishna Utsav.
Kuchipudi: The birthplace of the famous Indian classical dance form, Kuchipudi.
Hamsaladeevi: The point where the Krishna River meets the Bay of Bengal, considered a sacred spot.
Ghantasala: A historic village known for its Buddhist stupa and the Ghantasala Jaladheeswara Swamy Temple.
NTR Zilla
Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada: A renowned temple dedicated to Goddess Kanaka Durga, located on the Indrakeeladri hill.
Prakasam Barrage: A modern engineering marvel on the Krishna River that has transformed the region's agriculture.
Undavalli Caves: 4th-5th century rock-cut caves, famous for the large monolithic statue of Lord Vishnu in a reclining posture.
Kondapalli Fort: A historic fort known for its picturesque location and the famous Kondapalli toys.
Bhavani Island: A serene river island in the Krishna River, ideal for picnics and water sports.
Guntur Zilla
Amaravati: An ancient Buddhist center with a grand stupa and a museum showcasing Buddhist artifacts.
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and Nagarjunakonda: A massive dam on the Krishna River and an island museum with relocated Buddhist relics.
Ethipothala Waterfalls: A beautiful cascade formed by the Chandravanka River.
Kotappakonda: A sacred hill with a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, famous for its grand Mahasivaratri festival.
Palnadu Zilla
Kotappakonda Trikutaparvatham: A prominent hill with three peaks, each having a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (partially in this district): The largest tiger reserve in India.
Macherla Chennakesava Swamy Temple: An ancient temple with intricate carvings.
Bapatla Zilla
Suryalanka Beach: A popular beach with golden sands and clear waters, ideal for a weekend getaway.
Vodarevu Beach: A serene beach near Chirala, offering a tranquil atmosphere.
Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple, Bapatla: An ancient and historically significant temple.
Prakasam Zilla
Markapur Chennakesava Swamy Temple: A fine example of Vijayanagara architecture with a magnificent gopuram.
Bhairavakona: A series of rock-cut cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, nestled in the Nallamala Hills.
Chirala Beach: A beautiful and relatively unexplored beach.
Gundlakamma Reservoir: A scenic reservoir offering a peaceful environment.
Nellore Zilla
Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary: The second-largest brackish water lagoon in India, a paradise for birdwatchers.
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary: A significant breeding ground for spot-billed pelicans.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Nellore: A prominent temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located on the banks of the Penna River.
Mypadu Beach: A serene and beautiful beach offering stunning sunrise views.
Rayalaseema
Kurnool Zilla
Belum Caves: The second-largest cave system in the Indian subcontinent, known for its long passages and spacious chambers.
Konda Reddy Fort: A historic landmark in the heart of Kurnool city.
Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary: A grassland ecosystem famous for the Great Indian Bustard.
Oravakallu Rock Garden: A unique garden with natural rock formations.
Nandyal Zilla
Ahobilam Nava Narasimha Kshetras: A sacred pilgrimage site with nine temples dedicated to Lord Narasimha, spread across the Nallamala Hills.
Mahanandi: A famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its freshwater pools that have a constant flow of water throughout the year.
Yaganti Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, famous for its growing Nandi (bull) statue.
Srisailam Dam (partially in this district): A major hydroelectric project on the Krishna River.
Anantapur Zilla
Lepakshi: Famous for the Veerabhadra temple with its exquisite sculptures, monolithic Nandi, and the "hanging pillar."
Gooty Fort: A massive and ancient hill fort with impressive architecture.
Penukonda Fort: A historic fort that served as the second capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Thimmamma Marrimanu: A giant banyan tree that holds the Guinness World Record for the largest tree canopy.
Sri Sathya Sai Zilla
Puttaparthi: The abode of the spiritual leader Sri Sathya Sai Baba, with the main ashram being Prasanthi Nilayam.
Chaitanya Jyoti Museum: A museum showcasing the life and teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, Lepakshi (close to this district): A major attraction accessible from this region.
Dharmavaram: Famous for its silk sarees and ancient temples.
YSR Kadapa Zilla
Gandikota: Known as the "Grand Canyon of India," a spectacular gorge formed by the Penna River.
Vontimitta Kodandarama Swamy Temple: A 16th-century temple dedicated to Lord Rama, mentioned in the travelogues of French traveler Tavernier.
Tallapaka: The birthplace of the famous saint-composer Annamacharya, who composed numerous kirtanas in praise of Lord Venkateswara.
Ameen Peer Dargah: A revered Sufi shrine that attracts devotees from all religions.
Sidhout Fort (Siddavatam): A historical fort on the banks of the Penna River.
Annamayya Zilla
Talakona Waterfalls: The highest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh, located in the Sri Venkateswara National Park.
Horsley Hills: A charming hill station with pleasant weather and scenic viewpoints.
Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary: An elephant reserve and a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Sri Chennakesava Swamy Temple, Sompally: An ancient temple with beautiful architecture.
Tirupati Zilla
Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Tirumala: One of the most famous and wealthiest pilgrimage centers in the world, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara.
Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Tiruchanur: The temple dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi, the consort of Lord Venkateswara.
Srikalahasti Temple: A renowned temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its Vayu linga, one of the Panchabhoota Sthalams.
Chandragiri Fort: A historic fort that was the last capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Sri Venkateswara National Park: A biosphere reserve with diverse flora and fauna.
Chittoor Zilla
Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple: A famous temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, where the idol is believed to be self-manifested and growing in size.
Kailasanatha Kona Waterfalls: A perennial waterfall with a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati.
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