The Rice Bowl Of India - Andhra Pradesh

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                AndhraPradesh also known as Andhra Rashtram is a state in the south-eastern coastal region of India. Amaravati being the capital. It has the second longest coastline in India after Gujarat. The region saw the flourishing of Buddhist civilization under the great reign of Emperor Ashoka, before the birth of Christ, the early part of Andhra Pradesh witnessed the Hindu religion at its best. Andhra Pradesh is also known as the land of the world famous diamond Koh-i-noor, due to their presence in its Kollur Mine,in Guntur once. It is the major producer of rice in India. The Official Language being Telugu.

                   The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati is one of the world's most visited religious sites. The Telugu film industry, Tollywood is second-largest in India next to the Bollywood film industry. Andhra has 13 districts to visit, all are beautiful and has its own history. The thriving cities, nature's bounty in the form of 1000 km coastline, forest cover,verdant hills and valleys and flora & fauna have made Andhra Pradesh a Unique state.

              The Cuisine, the Hand looms, Sarees,Toys each has its own enchantment that is kept alive by people and its Government which make it a perfect travel destination for everyone.






1.             Srikakulam:


AIRPORT: The nearest airport to Srikakulam is Visakhapatnam International Airport. Distance from Visakhapatnam airport to Srikakulam is 118 Kms by road.

 

TRAINS: Srikalulam Railway station falls under Walt air division of South Coast railways. There are a lot of trains which go to Srikalulam from all major station across India.

 

ROAD: There are a lot of buses from APSRTC available locally and many buses from Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad airport. And locally you can take a government bus or Auto rickshaws

 

HOTELS: If you travel Srikalulam there are a lot of Hotel for relaxing and family friendly. One of the best hotel you should visit is THE BHEEMILI RESORT, but there are many other options which are pocket friendly and as per your choice and locations.



2.             Vizianagaram:


AIRPORT: The closest major airport to Vizianagaram is Visakhapatnam International Airport. Distance from Visakhapatnam airport to Vizianagaram is 60 Kms by road.

 

TRAINS: It is administered under South Coast Railway zone. It serves Vizianagaram city in Vizianagaram district .It is one of the important railway stations on Howrah - Chennai mainline, serving as the point where links from Raipur and Jharsuguda via Titlagarh connect to the main line. The nearest railway station is the Vizianagaram Junction railway station. There are many trains connecting Vizianagaram station to all major station in India.

 

ROAD: There are a lot of buses available locally by APSRTC and many buses from Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad airport. And also you can use local taxis. Distance from Visakhapatnam airport to Vizianagaram is 60 Kms by road.

 

HOTELS: If you travel Vizianagaram One of the best hotel you should visit is SUNRAY VILLAGE HOTEL, but there are many other options which are pocket friendly and as per your choice and locations.



3.             Visakhapatanam:


AIRPORT: The closest major airport to Visakhapatnam is Visakhapatnam International Airport and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad.

 

TRAINS: Visakhapatnam is a major railway station located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.  Visakhapatnam is the headquarters of South Coast Railway zone of Indian Railways. With many trains arriving at the same time platforms are not always available. In case any train is late, the other trains are stopped at Duvvada or Vizianagaram.

 

ROAD: There are a lot of AC & Non AC buses available locally by APSRTC and many buses from Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad airport. And also you can use local Taxi’s & Auto Rickshaw.

 

HOTELS: If you travel Visakhapatanam, One of the best hotel you should visit is THE PARK & NOVOTEL, but there are many other options which are pocket friendly and as per your choice and locations.

SEAWAYS: Visakhapatnam Port is the only major port of Andhra Pradesh. Cruise Shipping is operational between Visakhapatnam and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Australia & Malaysia and many more.



 

4.             East Godavari:


 

AIRPORT: The only airport in East Godavari district is Rajahmundry Airport which is located at Rajahmundry City. And   the nearest International airport is Vijayawada International Airport is 163 Kms.


TRAINS: Rajahmundry, Dwarapudi, Anaparti, Samalkot Junction, Pithapuram, Annavaram, Tuni, and Kakinada Town are the Major Railway stations in the district and are connected to all major stations in India.

 

ROAD: There are a lot of buses available locally by APSRTC and many buses from Rajahmundry & Visakhapatnam airport. And also you can use local taxis to reach your destinations. Now-a-days if you hold a license and valid identity you can rent a vehicle for self-drive basis as well.

 

HOTELS: If you travel East Godavari, One of the best hotel you should visit is DINDI RESORTS, you will definitely love the stay. But there are many other options which are pocket friendly and as per your choice and locations.


5.             West Godavari


AIRPORT: The nearest airport in West Godavari district is Rajahmundry Airport is 38 Kms. And the nearest International airport is Vijayawada International Airport is 80 Kms and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad is 350 Kms.


TRAINS: Some of the rail way stations in district are Eluru, Tadepalligudem, Nidadavolu Junction, Bhimavaram Town, Akividu, Kovvur, Bhimavaram Junction, Tanuku are the Major Railway stations in the district and are connected to all major stations in India.

 

ROAD: There are a lot of buses available locally by APSRTC and many buses from major cities to towns and Villages in this District. And also you can use local taxis to reach your destinations. Now-a-days if you hold a license and valid identity you can rent a vehicle for self-drive basis as well.

 

HOTELS: If you travel West Godavari, One of the best hotel you should visit is STERLING PALAVELLI you will definitely love the stay, but there are many other options which are pocket friendly and as per your choice and locations.


6.             Krishna


AIRPORT: The nearest airport in Krishna district is Vijayawada Airport which is 32.8 Kms from Krishna district. Other nearby airports include Rajahmundry Airport which is 136 km from Krishna District.

 

TRAINS: Vijayawada, the major city in Krishna district has an important railway junction which is connected to Delhi, Calcutta, Madras, Hubli, Gudivada and Machlipatnam.

 

ROAD: The roads connect Vijayawada with all the places within the state and also with the major cities in India. There are a lot of buses available locally by APSRTC and many buses from major cities to towns and Villages in this District. You can easily find buses and taxis to travel within the city. Car and bike rental services are available in the city.

 

HOTELS: If you travel to Chittoor district you should visit NOVOTEL VIJAYAWADA VARUN there are many options which are pocket friendly and as per your choice and locations.


PLACES TO VISIT IN KRISHNA

UNDAVALLI CAVES

BHAVANI ISLAND

VEDADRI NARISHMA SWAMY TEMPLE

HAMSALA DEVI BEACH

KANAKA DURGA TEMPLE

KRISHNA SANCTUARY 

MANGINAPUDI BEACH

ETTIPOTHALA WATERFALLS


7.             Amaravati


AIRPORT: The nearest airport to Amaravati is Vijayawada Airport, which is located at a distance of around 80 km from here. This airport is connected to all the important cities of India.

 

TRAINS: Vijayawada junction serves as the nearest junction to Amaravati which lays just 32 km away. You can easily avail a bus or taxi from here till the required destination.

 

ROAD: There are a lot of buses available locally by APSRTC and many buses from major cities to towns and Villages in this District. And also you can use local taxis and auto rickshaws to reach shorter destinations. Now-a-days if you hold a license and valid identity you can rent a vehicle for self-drive basis as well.

 

HOTELS: If you travel Amaravati, One of the best hotel you should visit is NOVOTEL VIJAYAWADA VARUN, but there are many other options which are pocket friendly and as per your choice and locations.




8.             Prakasam:


AIRPORT: The nearest airport to Prakasam is Vijayawada Airport, which is located at a distance of around 231 km from Prakasam. The other nearest airport is Tirupati International Airport, which is located at a distance of around 275 km from Prakasam. This airport is connected to all the important cities of India.


TRAINS: The entire rail network is under South Central Railway zone. Ongole is one of the main stations of this district and most of the stations are under Vijayawada railway division.

 

ROAD: There are a lot of buses available locally by APSRTC and many buses from major cities to towns and Villages in this District. And also you can use local taxis and auto rickshaws to reach shorter destinations. Now-a-days if you hold a license and valid identity you can rent a vehicle for self-drive basis as well.

 

HOTELS: If you travel to Prakasam District you should visit AAVAS HOTEL RESORT, ONGOLE. There are many other options which are pocket friendly and as per your choice and locations.





9.             Kurnool

            

AIRPORT: Closest airport to Kurnool is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYDERABAD). Distance from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport to Kurnool is 162 Kms. Kadapa Airport is 166 Kms from Kurnool. And Tirupati Airport is 294 Kms from Kurnool.


TRAINS: Kurnool City station, is a railway station in Kurnool district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Kurnool City railway station lies on the Bengaluru – Hyderabad railway line.

 

ROAD: There are a lot of buses available locally by APSRTC and many buses from major cities to towns and Villages in this District. Taxis and auto rickshaws are the most popular choices for tourists who wish to travel around the city. There are several taxi services available in the city as well. Car and bike rental services are available in the city.

 

HOTELS: If you travel to Kurnool District, visit to MBL REGENCY HOTEL.

there are many options which are pocket friendly and as per your choice and locations.



10.               Anantapur


AIRPORT: Closest airport to Anantapur is Kadapa Airport is 127 Kms. and the other closet airport is Tirupati Airport is 239 Kms from Anantapur. 


TRAINS: The Anantapur Railway Station is closest to Anantapuram, Andhra Pradesh. Kurnool City railway station lies on the Bengaluru – Hyderabad railway line.

 

ROAD: There are a lot of buses available locally by APSRTC and many buses from major cities to towns and Villages in this District. You can easily find buses and taxis to travel within the city. Another convenient way of commuting is by auto rickshaws which are available in every part of the Anantapur. Car and bike rental services are available in the city.

 

HOTELS: If you travel to Anantapur District you should visit HOTEL MASINENI GRAND, there are many options which are pocket friendly and as per your choice and locations.


11.                    Nellore



AIRPORT: Closest airport to Nellore is Tirupati Airport is 123 Kms.


TRAINS: Nellore railway station is a railway station of the city of Nellore. It is situated on Vijayawada-Gudur section and is administered under Vijayawada railway division of South Coast Railway zone 

 

ROAD: There are a lot of buses available locally by APSRTC and many buses from major cities to towns and Villages in this District. You can easily find buses to travel within the city. Another convenient way of commuting is by auto rickshaws which are available in every part of the Nellore district.

 

HOTELS: If you travel to Nellore District you should visit ROYAL PARK BOUTIQUE HOTEL, there are many options which are pocket friendly and as per your choice and locations.

 

12.                  YSR Cuddapah (Kadapa):

 

AIRPORT: Closest airports to Cuddapah is Kadapa Airport is located approximately 6.5 Kms. And the next closest airport is Tirupati which is 123 Kms from Cuddapah.

 

TRAINS: Kadapa Junction railway station is the primary railway station serving the town of Cuddapah in YSR Kadapa district. The station comes under the jurisdiction of Guntakal railway division of South Coast Railways. It has regular trains to many major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Mangalore, Coimbatore and Hyderabad.

 

ROAD: There are a lot of buses available locally by APSRTC and many buses from major cities to towns and Villages in this District. You can easily find buses and taxis to travel within the city. Another convenient way of commuting is by auto rickshaws which are available in every part of the Kadapa. Car and bike rental services are available in the city.

 

HOTELS: If you travel to Kadapa district you should visit ROYAL COUNTY RESORTS, there are many options which are pocket friendly and as per your choice and locations.


13.                    Chittoor


AIRPORT: Closest airport to Chittoor is Tirupati Airport. Distance from Tirupati Airport to Chittoor is 67 Kms.


TRAINS: Chittoor railway station is a Major railway station in Chittoor city. You can easily get regular trains to Chittoor from other major cities of the country.

 

ROAD: The city is well connected to major cities through national and state highways. There are a lot of buses available locally by APSRTC and many buses from major cities to towns and Villages in this District. You can easily find buses and taxis to travel within the city. Another convenient way of commuting is by auto rickshaws which are available in every part of the Kadapa. Car and bike rental services are available in the city.

 

HOTELS: If you travel to Chittoor district you should visit MARASA SAROVAR PREMIERE, there are many options which are pocket friendly and as per your choice and locations.


POPULAR FESTIVALS OF Andhra Pradesh: 

Andhra is a diverse state with all cultures together and all religions celebrate all festivals together in harmony below are a few  festivals celebrated together: 

SANKRANTI: 

    A Three days festival celebrated every year on 14th January. The first day people lit Bonfire and warm them self around the “Bhogimantalu” (born fire). The next day is the harvest festival and is followed by a celebration ending with cattle decoration and taken in processions. At many places there are cock fight arranged which is very fascinating to watch.                                              


 UGADI: 

          It is the Telugu New year falling between March and April according to the Telugu calendar. The day starts with a early morning Bathing and a sauce preparation of raw mango pieces, jaggery, tamarind, neem flowers, salt, little bit of chili powder.(Symbolizing five taste of SOUR, SWEET, BITTER, SALT AND CHILI)

     

           

DASARA: 

              A major festival for all Hindus that is  observed for 10 Days. Vijaya Dasami or Dasara symbolizes victory of Virtue over vice. Navaratri is followed for nine days as Vijaya Dasami and tenth day is the day when goddess Durga destroys the demon Mahishaura.

 

DEEPAVALI: 

          The “Festival of Lights” usually occurs in October or November every year. It is a festival that revolves around Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. In Andhra Pradesh, the festival starts early in the morning. People of Andhra Pradesh celebrate the Diwali festival by visiting temples and offering puja’s. Night skies are filled with fire glitter and homes are decorated with lamps and joy filled the faces of people as they enjoy fireworks


CHRISTMAS:

         Christmas is a main festival celebrated by the Christian community. It is observed to celebrate the   birth of Jesus Christ on Earth. The Christmas Eve  starts on 24th December midnight and goes on throughout next day Night with church choirs. Many fairs are also organized during this time in the state.

 


ID-UL-FITR: 

           The holiest month for the Muslims observe as thanksgiving to god for general well being. Most of Muslims observe fast from dawn till dusk for the entire month.The fast is broken every evening after prayers.Often dates or fruits are consumed to break fast. The final day is celebrated with prayers at Idgahs and exchange of greetings.








DELICACIES OF Andhra Pradesh:

     Andhrans are gourmet in art of cooking and serving.Andhra food is all abut spices and chilies and the aroma of the food will make you mouth watery, And for sure you can end with a sweet which is made different in every festival. Below are some mouth Water dishes & Sweets:

ANDHRA MEAL:

        The complete course starts with Steaming Hot Rice, Ghee, Pickle (Avakaya), Pappu (Dal), Koora (Veg curry), Rasam, with Perugu (Curd) and ending with Madatha Khaja (sweet) Or Kheer., buttermilk (majjiga), and papadum (appadam) well served on a banana leaf.

PULIHORA 
(Puli means tangy in Telugu): 

        Pulihora is a popular rice dish from Andhra cuisine. The "PULIHORA" is prepared with tamarind cooked in oil and mixed with cooked rice along with peanuts, spices and curry leaves. It remains fresh till two days. So, many South Indian travelers carry the prepared tamarind rice at the time of long journeys.

AVAKAAYA (Cut Mango Pickle): 

    South Indians are known to have a deep attachment to these spicy pickles. Aavakaaya pickles are usually made in the summer, this being the time for peak availability of green mangoes. The process of preparation, storage and serving is considered almost a ritual. It is prepared with Green mango pieces, chili powder, mustard powder, fenugreek seeds, salt and sesame oil. It is best served with Ghee and Dal (Pappu).

 CHEPALA PULUSU (Fish Curry) :

       Sea food is highly preferred in Andhra Pradesh as it is situated on the coast. There are two main rivers namely, Krishna and Godavari that flow through the state. The coast of the state extends along the Bay of Bengal. A traditional south Indian Andhra style fish curry made using fish pieces and tamarind extract. It is a very popular fish curry commonly called as fish pulusu in Andhra. ‘Pulusu’ is basically a tamarind based gravy. You should try Pulasa Fish – The  fresh water fish of Andhra Pradesh. Scientific name spelled Elish, is a popular fish to eat among the people of Andhra Pradesh.

 GONGURA MASAM:

        Gongura means Sorrel Leaves in English & Pitwaa / Ambadi Bhaji in Hindi and MASAM means meat. These leaves helps to aid digestion and temper the effects of rich foods, to treat liver problems and for throat and mouth ulcers. It is traditionally used to treat scurvy and chronic skin conditions, and to lower fevers. Preparations of this curry is done by meat cooked with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, chilies, cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic and onions to make curry and add Gongura to it so it gives us meat cooked with sour leafy vegetable. Healthy and Delicious.(THIS IS SEASONAL FOOD)


BIRYANI:

        The most famous food of Andhra Pradesh. Aromatic rice cooked with large pieces of Mutton or Chicken coupled with spices for long time in a tightly shut vessel. Also if you get to Aruku valley or Paipikondalu you can find biryani cooked in Bamboo shoots.

 


KAKINADA KAAJA: 

 Kakinada Khaja is a sweet delicacy originated from the city of Kakinada. It resembles a closed Tube. It is a major famous sweet in entire south India. Refined wheat flour, sugar, and edible oils are the chief ingredients of Khaja. A village named Tapeswaram is near the city of Kakinada which is also famous for another Khaja recipe known as Madatha Khaja. 



SPECIALTIES OF Andhra Pradesh

KALLU (PALM WINE):


        Palm wine, known also as toddy, is an alcoholic beverage created from the sap of various species of palm tree such as the Palmyra. Palm wine production by small holders and individual farmers may promote conservation as palm trees become a source of regular household income that may economically be worth more than the value of timber sold. There are two main types of kallu in states of Andhra Pradesh, namely Thadi Kallu and Eetha Kallu. Eetha Kallu is very sweet and less intoxicating, whereas Thati Kallu is stronger and is highly intoxicating. The leaves are used for thatching, mats, baskets, fans, hats, umbrellas, and as writing material.


HANDLOOM SAREES:


        Andhra Pradesh is renowned for its exotic handlooms & sarees since ancient times. The handloom sarees of Andhra Pradesh are well known for their rich 'pallous'. The borders of the sarees are adorned with thread work and mostly these threads are made of either gold or silver. Mostly these handloom works are named after the place where these are made. Pochampally, Dharmavaram, Narayanapeta, Uppada or Jamdani, Venkatagiri, Bandarulanka, Bandar, Mangalagiri, Gadwal, Chirala, Madhavaram are a few places known for their master weaves.

  

KALAMKARI BED SHEETS, WALL HANGING:


        The rare art of printing on fabric is exclusive to Srikalhasti of chittoor district & Machlipatnam, which was influenced by Persian art. Kamalkari hangings, bed sheets and other prints have become popular all over the world. The art is made by the pen and use of vegetable dyes.

 

 


KUCHIPUDI DANCE :


        This dance is a form of classical dance which combines music, verse, dance and drama and is based on religious theme.Telugu lyrics interspersed with Sanskrit verse gives it a distinguishing flavor and makes it easy to understand and thus quite popular.

 

 


KONDAPALLI TOYS:


     A village in Vijayawada city is known for Kondapalli toys. They may be of either Gods or Goddesses, birds, vegetables, fruits and ordinary person. A local vehicle can be arranged to and from Kondapalli from Vijayawada. These dolls are made with soft wood which are found in nearby Kondapalli Hills and then makku- a paste of tamarind seed powder & sawdust is used to join pieces together the craftsman make it in a colorful manner. Their beauty lies in being delicately and skillfully carved by wood.

 


        The Buddhist sites, The Paddy Fields, The Stay at Godavari, The Enchanting Hills, Mouth watering spicy food and Elegant simplicity of local people undoubtedly make the trip to Andhra Pradesh memorable. 



TO PLAN AIR & TRAIN TICKETS, HOTELS STAY OR PACKAGES TO ANDHRA PRADESH YOU CAN USE THE BELOW LINKS :


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