AndhraPradesh Tourism

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48 hours in the new capital city- Amaravati

Amaravati, located on the banks of river Krishna, derives its name from the village that was once the capital of the Satavahana Kingdom from 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE. It was also the epicentre for the birth and spread of Buddhism. Once a powerhouse of this southern dynasty, it is back in the limelight as the state’s new capital city, with a glorious past intact. Unpolluted, peaceful with historical, spiritual and mythological significance, Amaravati offers you enough to do in 48 hours. Here’s what you need to prioritize in your itinerary.

A SPIRITUAL ABODE AT AMARALINGESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE

On the southern banks of Krishna river, stands the Amaralingeswara Swam Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple also holds pride as one of the five pancharama of Andhra Pradesh, a term used to denote ancient temples of the deity.  Built in Dravidian style of architecture with inscriptions on its walls, the showstopper here is a towering Sivalinga. The temple is closed between 1PM to 4 PM everyday and the main festivals celebrated here are Mahashivaratri and Navratri.

A BIRDING AFTERNOON AT UPPALAPADU BIRD SANCTUARY

Named after a village of the same name in Guntur district this bird sanctuary attracts Painted-Storks, Spot-Billed Pelicans that migrate from Siberia and Australia that come here for nesting. Spend an afternoon at Uppalapadu to bird-watch about 7,000 magnificent feathered species. On a lucky day you may also spot Pintail ducks, common teal, and black-headed ibises.

A SLICE OF HISTORY AT AMARAVATI ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

If you revere heritage then this museum is where you can spend a few hours effortlessly. The Archaeological Museum in Amaravati, is about 35 kilometers from Guntur, and has fine examples of Amaravati school of art which occupies a prominent position among historians and art buffs. What you will see among its galleries are select relics and motifs of art tradition like Lotus and Purnakhumba. This and a life size standing image of Buddha, few sculptures of 2nd century BC including an Yakshi of Bharhut tradition, a stele with labelled panels, a fragmentary pillar edict of Asoka and much more. This museum will take you through the centuries when Buddhism flourished and various dynasties rose and fell.

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A confluence of heritage through the years

Andhra Pradesh’s history records back from the Vedic period reflected in its numerous heritage structures built by rulers from dynasties that followed. Forts, temples, cave paintings, stupas and more stand tall across the terrain of the state reflecting a rich and dynamic heritage. Take a tour of its architectural marvels for a trip down history.

LEPAKSHI TEMPLE

Located 112 kilometers from Anantpur the Lepakshi Temple was built in the 16^th Century with architectural features of Vijayanagara style. Carvings and paintings adorn the exposed surfaces of the temple depicting stories from Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas. From the middle of the hall emerges a dome, reminiscent of a giant lotus reaching out to heaven. The dance hall or the Natya Mandapa is supported by 100 pillars, with sculpted figurines of dancing gods. This temple’s also famous for Nandi Bull carved from a single block of stone, known to be one of the largest of its kind in the world.

CHANDRAGIRI FORT

Further down South, 12 Kilometers from temple town of Tirupati, stands the Chandragiri Fort atop a rock amidst a village by the same name. Chandragiri was the last capital of the Vijayanagar Empire. Surrounding the fort are eight ruined temples of Saivite and Vaishnavite pantheons, Raja Mahal, Rani Mahal and other ruined structures. The Raja Mahal Palace remains open to public however the rest of the fort is closed.

VIZIANAGARAM FORT

Head up north and 40 kilometers from Visakhapatnam, where lies the 33-foot high Vizianagaram Fort built from stone, across a sprawling campus with a cluster of stone buildings. These buildings have now been converted to educational institutions. The fort was built by Vijaya Rama Raju, the Maharaja of Vizianagaram in 1713, and has two gates built in Rajasthani style of architecture- east and west. The Moti Mahal or the royal court, Oudh Khana or the opulent royal palace of the Rajas of Vizianagaram, the Alaknanda Palace or its royal guest house and the Korukonda Palace used as playground, form the other structures within the fort.

GANDIKOTA FORT

Along the banks of River Pennar stands the Gandikota fort overlooking the Grand Canyon of India or the gorge of the same name. Built on a hill, this stone fort has a 20-foot-high entrance and 101 bastions. Within and around the fort you can seek serenity at Ranganatha and Madhava Swamy temples, the Jama Masjid, a 'Pigeon Tower' and other attractions.

AMARAVATI MAHA STUPA

35 kilometers from Guntur, Amaravati was once considered a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage center. The Amaravati Stupa, a massive structure adorned with marble sculptures stands 38 meters tall and is carved with scenes from the life of Lord Buddha.

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నేటి నుంచి విశాఖలో టూర్‌ ఆపరేటర్ల సదస్సు
06-09-2018 03:35:18

 

విశాఖపట్నం: విశాఖలో గురువారం నుంచి 9వ తేదీ వరకు ఇండియన్‌ టూర్‌ ఆపరేటర్ల సదస్సు జరగనుందని, దీనికి దేశంలో వివిధ రాష్ట్రాల నుంచి టూర్‌ ఆపరేటర్లు హాజరవుతున్నారని రాష్ట్ర పర్యాటక అభివృద్ధి కార్పొరేషన్‌ సీఈఓ హిమాంశు శుక్లా వెల్లడించారు.

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