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Andhra Pradesh travel guide

Andhra Pradesh runs along India's south-eastern coast, from the beaches of Visakhapatnam to the dry Rayalaseema plateau and the forested Eastern Ghats. It is home to Tirumala, one of the most visited pilgrim centres in the country, as well as limestone caves, a dramatic canyon at Gandikota, coffee-growing hills at Araku and busy temple towns such as Vijayawada. There is something here for pilgrims, nature lovers and history buffs.

Tirumala Venkateswara temple entrance
Best time
October to February
Winter temperature
About 16°C to 25°C
Capital region
Amaravati
Language
Telugu

Regions and highlights

The state is a mix of coastline and hill country. Visakhapatnam offers long beaches and a lively seafront. Araku Valley, in the Eastern Ghats, is known for coffee plantations and cool air. Tirupati and Tirumala form the spiritual centre of the south, while Chittoor district adds waterfalls and temples. Vijayawada, on the Krishna river, combines city life with old shrines, and Nellore and Anantapur have their own historic sites.

Popular places to visit

These are the places most travellers build a trip around.

Best time to visit

October to February is the best season, with daytime temperatures of roughly 16°C to 25°C in many areas, making it comfortable for temple visits, caves and sightseeing. Winter is also when birds arrive at Kolleru Lake and when Araku and Lambasingi are at their misty best.

March to June is very hot across most of the state and is best avoided for outdoor travel. The monsoon months turn the countryside green and bring fewer crowds and lower prices, which suits budget travellers who don't mind some rain.

Planning a trip

Distances are large, so group places by region: Tirupati with Srikalahasti and Kanipakam; Vizag with Araku, Borra Caves and Lambasingi; Vijayawada with Undavalli Caves and Amaravati; or Belum Caves with Gandikota. From Virudhachalam and the rest of Tamil Nadu, Tirupati is the easiest starting point. We can arrange temple tours and longer circuits across the state.

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