A Jaunt to Kerala

Hi, I had a jaunt to kerala for last christmas. Kerala State is entirelyof tourist destinations ranging from traditional Indian cultural rituals to exotic natural beauty. Majot attractions in kerala are Back waters and lagoons, romantic beaches and hill stations (for couples esp..), and variety wild life and Historic Monuments..! Here we are amazed by the method of taming wild animals like elephants by humans.
Back waters in kerala can be seen in the following cities
Alumkadavu
Calicut
Kumarakom
Alleppey (Alappuzha) - Kuttanaad
Cochin
Quilon (Kollam)
Veli Tourist Village
Tourist Village at Akkulam
The Backwaters Treatment
A 600 km coastal belt of kerala include many major beaches...of which i mentioned some below
Kovalam Beach
Chowara Beach
Shanghumugham Beach
Varkala Papanasam Beach
Alleppey Beach
Quilon Beach
Cherayi Beach
Major Hill stations include
Wayanad
Nelliyampathy
Munnar
Idukki
Devikulam
Peerimade
Lakkadi
Mangalam Dam
Malampuzha
Wagamon
Major water falls include
Wagamon
Palaruvi
Athirapally
Perumthenaruvi
Monuments in kerala include
Alwaye Palace
Bolghatty Palace
Hill Palace Museum
Kanakakkunnu Palace
Koyikkal Palace
Krishnapuram Palace, Alappuzha
Kuthiramalika
Shakthan Thampuran Palace
Mattancherry Palace
Padmanabhapuram Palace
Bekal Fort
Cheruthuruthy (Kerala Kalamandalam)
Edakkal Cave, Wayanad
Jewish Synagogue,Mattancherry
Karumadikuttan
Kaviyoor Stone Temple
Kuthiramalika
Napier Museum
Tipu's Fort, Palghat
Pallippuram Fort
Pazhassirajah Museum & Art Gallery
Shri Chitra Art Gallery
St. Francis Church, Kochi
Thalassery fort
Thrissur Art Museum
Town Hall and Archaeological Museum

Major Sancturies include
Eravikulam National Park
Silent Valley National Park
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Peechi - Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary
Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary

A Jaunt to Nagarjunsagar and Amaravathi

Nagarjunasagar -(Also known as Nagarjuna Konda where Buddhism Nurtured to it's greatest extent) the tallest and biggest masonry dam in the world accross the river Krishna, is about 150 kms, away from the metropolitan city of Hyderabad. It creates the third largest man-made lake in the world. Nearby Nagarjunakonda is known for its extensive ruins of Buddhist Stupas, Viharas and a university that flourished under Acharya Nagarjuna, the great Buddhist savant, scholar and philosopher who migrated to Nagarjunakonda from Amaravati to spread the message of the Buddha.

Interestingly excavations conducted here have also revealed Brahmanical temples, which reveal the friendship that existed here centuries ago between the two faiths. Now though the actual site of the excavations have been flooded with the waters of the migty river, the relies of the ruins have been reconstructed and kept in an Island Museum, the largest of its kind in the world and are in an excellent state of preservation-thanks to the efforts of the Archaeological Survey of India. Today Nagarjunakonda along with Nagarjunasagar attracts many tourists from South East Asian Countries and also from all over India.

Altitude: 244 meters, Area:39 sq. kms., Climate: (deg C) Summer- Max 39.4, Min 20, Winter- Max 22, Min 13.8., Rainfall: 89 cms., Best Season: July to March.

Places Of Interest: Nagarjunasagar: Left Canal (Lal Bahadur Canal), Model Dam, Pylon, Right Bank Tunnel (Jawahar Tunnel), View Point. Nargarjunakonda: Archaeological Museum, Mahastupa, Bodhisri Chaitya, Simhala Vihara, Mahisaka Vihara, Brahusutiya, Vihara, Ashwamedha and Royal Bath.

Excursions: Ethipothala Waterfalls. A Very good picnic spot with deep valleys and cave temples.

Reach - By Air: Nearest airport- Hyderabad. By Rail: Macherla- 27 kms. By Road: Hyderabad- 149 kms, Amravati- 179 kms, Bangalore- 619 kms, Bombay- 888 kms, Calcutta- 1422 kms, Delhi- 1602 kms, Guntur- 145 kms, Kurnool- 261 kms, Macherla- 27 kms, Madras- 546 kms, Tirupati- 493 kms, Vijayawada- 177 kms, Vishakhapatnam- 543 kms.

Jaunt to Srisailam - One of Jyotirlinga's

The temple at Srisailam is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered as one of his twelve Jyotirlingas. Srisailam, also known as Sriparvata is situated in the Rishabgiri Hills on the Southern banks of the river Krishna in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. Mention of Srisailam as Sriparvata has been made in the immortal epic of the Hindus - the "Mahabharata".

Climate: (deg C)-Summer- 38 Deg.C. 30 Deg.C. Winter- 26 Deg.C. 20 Deg.C., Rainfall: seasonal, Best Season: September to February. Places Of Interest: Damsite, Hatekeswaram, Pathalaganga, Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Sakshi Ganapathi Sikharam.

Excursions: Alampur- 27 kms, Dindi Reservoir- 64 kms, Kurnool- 180 kms, Nagarjunasagar- 180 kms, Papanasam- 2 kms, Sangameswar- 18 kms.

Reach - By Air: Nearest airport is at Hyderabad- 232 kms linked with Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, Madras, Nagpur, Vishakapatnam. By Rail: Nearest railhead is Markapur Road. Other railheads are Nandyal, Kurnool and Hyderabad- 232 kms. By Road: Atmakur- 113 kms, Anantapur- 325 kms, Bangalore- 538 kms, Bombay- 971 kms, Calcutta- 1491 kms, Delhi- 1685 kms, Dornal- 49 kms, Hyderabad- 232 kms, Kurnool- 180 kms, Madras- 568 kms, Nagarjunasagar- 180 kms, Nandyal- 158 kms, Tirupati- 436 kms, Vijayawada- 248 kms, Visakhapatnam- 614 kms.

A Jaunt to Vizag - Romantic beaches for lovers

Lapped by the Bay of Bengal, on the eastern part of Andhra Pradesh lies the beach city, Vishakapatnam. Ages ago there stood a temple on the shores dedicated to Vaisaka, the God of Valour in the Hindu pantheon. The mighty sea has since swept away the shrine, but the name survived for identifying the now sprawling City of Visakhapatnam.

Altitude: 4.5 mts., Climate: (deg C) Summer- Max.39, Min.28. Winter- Max.29, min.19., Rainfall: 89 cms., Best Season: All round the year.

Places Of Interest: Andhra University Building- 4 kms, Dolphin's Nose, Sri Venkateswara, Konda, Hindusthan Shipyard, Simachalam Temple, The Three Hillocks, Indira Gandhi Zoological Gardens, Port, Visakha refinery.

Excursions: Anantagiri- 88 kms, Araku Valley- 120 kms, Arasavalli- 110 kms, Bheemunipatnam- 29 kms, Borra Caves- 90 kms, Chintapalli- 165 kms, Coringa- 177 kms, Draksharama- 176 kms, Kakinada 165 kms, Kalingapatnam- 143 kms, Kondakarla Ava- 48 kms, Sankaram- 45 kms, Vizianagaram- 60 kms, Yanam- 213 kms.

Reach - By Air: Linked with Calcutta, Hyderabad and Madras, Bombay and Calcutta. By Rail: Well connected with all the important cities of India. By Road: Araku Valley- 120 kms, Arasavalli- 110 kms, Bhubaneshwar- 426 kms, Calcutta- 879 kms, Cuttack- 444 kms, Delhi- 1861 kms, Hyderabad- 637 kms, Kakinad- 165 kms, Koraput- 198 kms, Madras- 799 kms, Rajamundhry- 199 kms, Tirupati- 746 kms, Vijayawada- 366 kms, Vizianagaram- 60 kms, Warangal- 619 kms.

A Jaunt to Warangal

Warangal was the ancient capital of the Kakatiya rulers. It was here that the fort was constructed by king Ganapathi in 1199 A.D and completed by Rudramadevi in the year 1261. The thousand pillard temple with its star shaped shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Surya, the famous Ramappa temple & lake, the Pakhal lake are worth visiting. It is known for Thousand Pillar Temple. A fine specimen of Kakatiya architecture and sculpture, the Thousand Pillar temple as the name implies has many pillars, all efficient carved. The temple is built in Chalukyan Style. The Nandi here has beautiful finishing.

Area: 54.98 sq.kms, Altitude: 1,700 feet, Climate: (deg C) Summer- Max 39.6, Min 23.2. Winter- Max 30, Min 13.5., Rainfall: 82.5 cms ( June to September ), Best Season: September to February.

Places of Interest: Thousand Pillar Temple, Fort-Warangal, Bhadrakali Temple, Planetarium.

Excursions: Laknavaram Lake, Pakhal Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary- 60 kms, Ramappa Lake- 65 kms, Yadagirigutta- 64 kms, Yadagirigutta- 72 kms.

Reach - By Air: Nearest Airport is Hyderabad- 141 kms and other major cities. By Rail: Connected with all important cities. By Road: Amaravati- 319 kms, Bangalore- 707 kms, Bombay- 880 kms, Hyderabad- 141 kms, Madras- 686 kms, Nagpur- 478 kms, Nizamabad- 199 kms, Tirupati- 633 kms, Vijayawada- 253 kms.

Jaunt to Vijayawada (Bejawada)

Vijayawada or the "City of Victory" so called because it is believed that Arjuna, the Pandava Prince was rewarded for his penance, which he did on Indrakiladri Hill. Today, with excellent communications, perhaps the best in the South where railways are concerned. Vijayawada on the banks of the holy river Krishna attracts many piligrims as well for its temple dedicated to Durra. The city is also a base for visiting the Buddhist excavations at Amaravati, which is less than 70 kms, away. Also accessible from Vijayawada are the towns of Kuchipudi, Mangalagiri and Kondapalli which are famous for dance, temple and handicrafts respectively. So altogether Vijayawada presents a colourful and varied picture and can be termed as a business cum pilgrim cum tourist center.

Altitude: 125 meters, Climate: (deg C) Summer- Max 45, Min 28. Winter- Max 32, Min 18., Best Season: September to February.

Places Of Interest: Akkana & Madanna Caves, Gandhi Hill, Haxrathbal Mosque, Kanakadurga temple, Mary's Temple, Milk Powder Factory, Mogalrajapuram Caves, Prakasam Barrage, Victoria Jubilee Regional Museum.

Excursions: Agripalli- 40 kms, Amaravati- 66 kms, Chilkalapudi- 71 kms, Gudivada- 45 kms, Hamsala Devi- 85 kms, Kandapalli- 16 kms, Kuchipudi- 60 kms, Mangalagir- 12 kms, Manginapuri- 83 kms.

Reach - By Air: Connected to Hyderabad & Rajamundary. By Rail: Connected with the major cities. By Road: Amaravati- 66 kms, Bhubaneswar- 792 kms, Bombay- 1010 kms, Calcutta- 1245 kms, Delhi- 1724 kms, Hyderabad- 271 kms, Madras- 433 kms, Rajahmundhry- 167 kms, Tirupati- 380 kms, Vishakapatnam- 366 kms, Warangal- 253 kms.

Tirumala,Tirupati- Lord Venkateswara's Place

Tirupati is one of the important pilgrim centre in India. It is famous for the shrine of the seven hills, dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, of Tirumala- 13 kms. The principal deity of this temple is Lord Venkateswara also known as Balaji. The temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture with its gopuram facing east. The vimana is completely covered with gold plate and this is known as Ananda Nilayam. The statues of Krishnadevaraya and his consort can be seen in the temple. The Brahmostavam or annual festival is celebrated in September. Akasaganga Waterfalls,Papanasam Waterfalls, Varahaswamy Temple, Perumallapalli.

Altitude: 150 meters. 860 meters., Climate: (deg C) Summer- Max. 43 Deg.C. Min 22.3 Deg.C. Max. 40 Deg.C. Min. 22 Deg.C. Winter- Max. 32 Deg.C. Min 14.9 Deg.C. Max. 30 Deg.C. Min. 13 Deg.C., Best Season: Throughout the year.

Places of Interest: Lord Venkateswaram Temple, Govindarajaswamy Temple, Kapilathiraham, Kodandaraswamy Temple, Padmavati Temple.

Excursions: Chandragiri- 11 kms, Kalahasthi- 37 kms, Kalyani Dam- 18 kms, Narayana Vanam- 36 kms, Kailesanathakona- 43 kms, Nagalapuram- 65 kms, Horsley Hills- 145 kms, Kanchipuram- 112 kms, Perumallapalli- 8 kms.

Reach - By Air: Tirupati is connected by Vayudoot Services with Hyderabad. By Rail: Connected by rail with Hyderabad, Madras, Madurai, Puri. By Rail: Ahobolam- 272 kms, Bangalore- 248 kms, Horsley Hill-145 kms, Hyderabad- 617 kms, Kalahasti- 36 kms, Lepakshi- 379 kms, Madras- 151 kms, Srisailam- 436 kms, Vijayawada- 380 kms.

Caves in andhra pradesh

Caves In Andhra Pradesh
Belum Caves, Belum
Originally discovered in 1854 by H.B.Foote, these subturanean passages were explored by the Department of archealogy and Museums, followed by team of European spalelogist led by Mr Gebaner.
How to Reach This PlaceRoad : Belum is located 106 kms from Kurnool. Rail : Belum is 106 kms from Kurnool Railwaystation.Air : Hyderabad Airport.
Borra Caves, Kirinrandal
Borra Caves are located at distance of 90 km from Visakhapatnam. They are spread over the Eastern Ghats and occupy an area of 2 square kilometers. The one-million-year-old Borra Caves are the second largest natural caves in Indian Sub-continent.
How to Reach This PlaceRoad : 90 km from vishakapatnam and on the way to Araku Valley.Rail : 90 km from vishakapatnam
Guthikonda Caves, Guthikonda
close to Karampudi, 38 Kms from Narasaraopet Guthikonda caves are located amidst dense forest. The environment here is serene. The subterra mean passage (Bilam/Cave) at Guthikonda yielded an antinnae.
Road : Guthikonda is located 38 kms from Narasaraopet. It is well connected by Road.Rail : Guthikonda is 38 kms from Narasaraopet Railwaystation.Air : Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam and Airports.
Mogolrajapuram Caves, Vijayawada
These caves are datable to 5th Century AD. The idols of Lord Nataraja, Vinayaka and Arthanareeswara are carved here.
By Road and Rail: Visit In Vijayawada.
Undavalli Caves, Undavalli
The Undavalli caves, in the village of Undavalli, are at a distance of and nearly The high hill overlooking the Krishna river hosts fine specimens of rock cut architectural of the Buddhists.
Road and Rail: Undavalli is 8-km from Vijayawada. Buses and taxis are available from Vijayawada
Yaganti Caves, Yaganti
The natural caves at Yaganti such as Rokalla cave, Venkateswara cave, Sanka cave, and Veera Brahmam caves add beauty and serenity to this holy place. Potuluri Veera Brahmam has written his monumental work Kalagnanam in this cave only.
Road : Yaganti is situated at a distance of 13 kms. from Banaganapalle and 100 kms. from Kurnool.
Rail: Reach Kurnool Railway station.

Hyderabad

There are many sites in andhra to enjoy for a student .some of them are
Imax-Hyderabad : It is a Multi Theme Amusement centre ,lot of youth groom around here,different language movies are played in the theaters in Imax, nice to enjoy with friends.For more info web site:www.prasadz.com
Snow World -Hyderabad
It is a water Theme Amusement Park ,nice to enjoy with friends.Lot of resorts are there in the way to snow world.
Entry Fee: Rs:150/- per head (may vary from schemes)
Mount Opera -Hyderabad
It is a water Theme Park ,nice to enjoy with friends .
Entry Fee: Rs:150/- per head (may vary from schemes)
RunWay-go karting-Hyderabad
Entry Fee: Rs:75/- per head (may vary from schemes)
Ocean Park-Hyderabad
Entry Fee: Rs:125/- per head (may vary from schemes)website:www.oceanparkindia.com


Ramoji Film City-Hyderabad
It is film city with beautiful arts,lot of films are shooted here from tollywood to hollywood. Entry fee 200 Rs. ($5) for adults and 150 Rs. ($3.75) for children under 12 on weekends and holidays and 150 Rs. for adults and 100 Rs. ($2.50) for children under 12 on weekdays.Open on all days from 9am to 6pm,for more visit website: www.ramojifilmcity.com

Monuments in Andhra pradesh

Golconda Fort
A land of a rich past and glorious architectural monuments, Andhra Pradesh cherishes its legacy from the successive dynasties of Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagaram Kings, Qutub Shahis, Mughals and the Asaf Jahis that ruled it and contributed significantly to its cultural heritage. Hyderabad, its capital, has a unique blend of Hindu and Muslim culture and has a larger share of the monuments and forts than the other cities of the state. The highlights of Hyderabad include Charminar, Salarjung Museum, Mecca Masjid, Qutub Shahi Tombs and Falaknuma Palace. Golconda Fort is legendary while Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, 1 km away from it, is the tallest masonry dam in the world. The 124 m high dam is built across River Krishna and has one of the largest networks of canal systems. Other unique feature of Golconda is that it houses the largest number of tombs at one place in the whole world. Nawab Vikar-ul-Ulmara of Hyderabad built the magnificent Falaknuma (meaning Star of Heaven) Palace as a gift for Mehboob Ali Khan, the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad. It is a rare blend of Italian and Tudor architecture.

Golconda Fort
On the outskirts of Hyderabad, the grandiose Golconda fort stands as the quintessence of Nawabi culture and majesty. Built in 1525 by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, it speaks of a great cultural heritage of 400 years. The acoustic system of the Golconda Fort, the structural grandeur of its palaces and the ingenious water supply system are legendary examples of the architectural skills that have been put in its construction. It was once famous as a rich diamond mine in the medieval times and it is believed to be the place where the famed 'Kohinoor' diamond is said to have come from. The meticulous details of its architecture, sprawling lawns and gardens complete with fountains catches the attention of the onlookers.
Charminar
It is referred to as 'Arc de triomphe of the East', Charminar of Hyderabad is an architectural gem that was built by Quli Qutub Shah in 1591. It is so named because of the four elegant and intricately carved minarets soaring to height of 48.7 m each. Situated in the Lad Bazaar in the old city, this colossal monument has daunted over the city for more than four centuries now. Quli Qutub Shah had planned and established the new city of Hyderabad with square-shaped Charminar at its centre. The four arches of the monument face all the four directions and are 11 m wide and 20 m high from the base.