1. Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is one of the important southern states of Indian. In terms of area, it is the fourth largest state of India. It attracts large no. of domestic tourists as it contain around 600 tourist attraction places compare to the all states in India. The Official Languages: of this state are Telugu, Urdu, Hindi and English.

Hyderabad is the capital of this state and also of the most developed cities in India with modern hub of information technology, ITES, and biotechnology. This state is also known as "Rich bowl of India", as because in most places of this state were cropping rice.

Tourism Places in Andhra pradesh:


Tirupati:

     Tirupati has its own unique identification in the world as it has  the world’s famous temple of lard ‘SREE VEKKATEWSARA ‘ located in Tirumala which is nearby to this city. This city is located in the Chittoor district of A.P.
     The lord SREE VEKKATEWSARA’s temple is situated on top of seven hills(called SAPTHAGIRI) which are the superb location and as well a structured also. It is a dazzling instance of beautiful, very old sculptures and carvings. Thse seven hills mark as a sign of exemplifying the 7 hoods of Adisesha – the serpent lying majestically neither the Lord Vishnu lives in Vaikuntha. This temple is very popular when compared to other Hindu temples. Per day more than lakh people visiting Tirumala Tirupati. The temple is supposed to be the home of Lord Venkateswara and achieved blessedness in Hindu religion. There are many ancient truth stories attached to it and it is very much interesting to know about the olden days of fifth century.
     Pilgrims visiting the temple are filled with spiritual divinity and pray for a good fortune in their life. This temple town is an exciting and awe-inspiring tourism spot. Pilgrims visiting the place can make their dharshan to visit the Lord Vishnu, either by availing special SEVAS or free DHARMA DHARSHAN. The seva time starts from 3 in the morning and closes around 12 pm in the night. Generally, it takes around 4 to 5 hours of queue waiting to get the dharshan of Lord Vishnu! Either the Free dharshan or Paid dharshan, disciples must have to wait in a long queue. TTD method of approach by using the computerized issuing of tokens is being dispatched to the pilgrims. This method has greatly reduced the waiting time in a queue. Pilgrims can enjoy visiting the place and buy the prasadhams being sold there. As well-known, Tirupati is popularly known for Laddu(which is treated .

     Many companies are providing a tirupti darshan online booking service with bulk amount but very few of them were only providing a service at a valuable price. Many steps have been taken to facilitate such things as Token Sudarshan Darshan, Sarva Darshan E-Seva, E-Darshan, seva bookings and more. Recommended you must advance plan for E-Seava to get easy darshan.  Quick darshan is also available that is Seegrha Darshan and it may cost Rs.300, you can buy these tickets at Vaikuntam Queue Complex-I.

How to reach Tirupati:

By Flight:

Tirupati airport is located at Renigunta, which is about 15 km away from the city. No. of  flights are available from all main cities of India like from Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore to Tirupati. To reach city from airport, there are many no. of Taxi services are available which may cost around Rs. 300.Chennai is the nearest airport to this, which is connected to all main cities in India and many cities abroad also.


By Train:


There are more no. of train facilities are  available from all major railway stations of India. Railway Station of Tirupati is connected by trains from Delhi (Kerala Exp), Mumbai (Kanyakumari Exp), Bangalore (Sheshadari Exp), Chennai (Sapthagiri Exp), Visakhapatnam (Tirumala Exp) and Madurai (Rmm Okha Exp). A major railhead nearby is Renigunta, which is 15 km away. Renigunta is located in Trivandrum – Delhi route, which is connected to all cities in India by rail. From Hyderabad also multiple no. of trains are available to reach Tirupati.


By Road:


Tirupati central bus terminal  (Srihari bus station) is one of the largest in the state. Tirupati has direct bus services to nearby towns and major cities across South India. There are 4 bus stands in the city. There is a dedicated Bus Stand at Alipiri for buses (once in every 2 minutes) to Tirumala. The city has a well planned network of roads with synchronized traffic control system and being maintained by TTD itself, to cater the needs of the visiting pilgrims.


Hyderabad:
Hyderabad city has its rich and uniqueness in the history.  In the ancient days this city is also called as “Golconda”. This city has many forts, monuments and beautiful palaces were built during the rule of Qutub Shahi. “Hyderabad” was named Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah of Shahi Dynasty. Mohammed Quli Qutub shah fell in love with a lady named Baghmati and named the city as Bhagyanagar. She changed her name as Haider Mahal after marriage and hence he named the “city of Haider” as Hyderabad. Thereafter Hyderabad became an important trading zone for all the traders coming from Asia and Europe. 
In olden days it was the only global center of large diamonds and natural pearls trade so that this city also called as The City of Pearls”.
Present,  Hyderabad is also one of the most developed cities in the country.  Now this city has an emerging information technology (or IT) and biotechnology hub of India.

Tourism places in Hyderabad:

1.Charninar: 



The Charminar is as much the signature of Hyderabad as the Taj Mahal is of Agra or the Eiffel Tower is of Paris. Charminar was in 1591 AD by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah at the centre of the original city layout.  It is said to be built as a charm to ward off a deadly epidemic raging at that time. Four graceful minarets soar to a height of 48.7 m above the ground. Charminar has the signature style of Islamic architecture.
The structure is made of granite, limestone, mortar and pulverised marble. Initially the monument with its four arches was so proportionately planned that when the fort was opened one could catch a glimpse of the bustling Hyderabad city as these Charminar arches were facing the most active royal ancestral streets.

In  the surroundings of  Charminar aournd 15,00 markets are located. Today the famous markets known as Laad Baazar and Pather Gatti, near the Charminar, are a favour, of tourists and locals alike for jewellery, especially known for exquisite bangles and pearls respectively.

The Traditional Food, like Biryani, Haleem, Mirchi ka salan, Double Ka Meetha etc. is available around Charminar. The area is also famous for its variety of shops. During the season of Sankranthi, the area is completely crowded with vendors selling kites.

A two hundred yards southwest of the Charminar, Mecca Masjid is located . This  Symbolic Mosque, Mecca Masjid was built 400 years back during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Qutub Shah, the 6th Qutub Shahi Sultan of Hyderabad.

Golconda Fort:
Golconda is one of the famous forts of India. The name originates from the Telugu words “Golla Konda” meaning “Shepherd’s Hill”. It was the ruined city of Southern India and capital of ancient Kingdom of Golkonda (c.1518–1687), is situated 11 km west of Hyderabad.The origins of the fort can be traced back to the Yadava dynasty of Deogiri and the Kakatiyas of Warangal.


The main entrance to the fort is Bala Hissar Gate which is located on the eastern side of the fort. About 2 km from the Golkonda fort, Toli Masjid was situated at Karwan. It was built in 1671 by Mir Musa Khan Mahaldar, royal architect of Abdullah Qutb Shah.

This fort was complex and its surrounding are spreads across 11 km of total area, each of its places are discovering its every nook is an arduous task. A visit to the fort reveals the architectural beauty in many of the pavilions, gates, entrances and domes. It has graceful gardens for which they were known 400 years ago.
The main entrance to the fort is Bala Hissar Gate which is located on the eastern side of the fort. About 2 km from the Golconda fort, Toli Masjid was situated at Karwan. It was built in 1671 by Mir Musa Khan Mahaldar, royal architect of Abdullah Qutb Shah.


The fort of Golconda is known for its magical acoustic system. The highest point of the fort is the "Bala Hissar", which is located a kilometer away. The palaces, factories, water supply system and the famous "Rahban" cannon, within the fort are some of the major attractions. The two individual pavilions on the outer side of Golconda are also major attractions of the fort. It is built on a point which is quite rocky. 


The "Kala Mandir" is also located in the fort. It can be seen from the king's durbar (king's court) which was on top of the Golconda Fort. The wonderful acoustic system of Golconda fort speaks volumes about the architecture of the fort. The various edifices are so placed as to transmit sound to different far away points. If one stands at the center of the entrance portal and claps the sound is deflected by the opposite building, which is constructed at an angle to the entrance. Similarly if clapping sound is made from the opposite building, it will be carried to the hilltop, although at the other close points it may not be heard. It is believed that this was deliberately contrived to convey a message to the guards posted on the roof of darbar hall regarding the visiting dignitaries.


How to reach:

To reach Golconda fort there are many options available. If you want a comfortable drive, its better you hire some private vehicles. The hotel where you are staying will help you with the taxi agents. They are a bit expensive but worth paying for comfort and ease. If you are looking for a cheaper transport, then public transport like the APSRTC buses are most convenient. You will have to change two buses to reach the fort. 
From any part of the city, reach Mehedipatnam in the following bus routes:

Secunderabad Railway Station: Bus Routes 5, 5C, 5GP, 5K, 5L, 5M, 5SK & 5MD.
Nampally Railway Station: 65, 65K, 65M, 118, 118I, 118T, and 119. 
Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station: 65, 65K and 118I.
Once you are at Mehedipatnam, take the bus with route number 119 and 66G.

Timings:


Timings: 09.00 am - 5.00 pm (Closed on Monday)

Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for Indian Nationals, Rs. 100 for Foreign Nationals

Video: Rs. 25

Contact: +91 40 23512401


Falaknuma Palace:
One of the finest palaces in Hyderabad is Falaknuma Palace. It belonged to Paigah Hyderabad State, and it was later owned by the Nizams. It is located in Falaknuma, which was 5 km away from Charminar. It is situated on a 32-acre (13 ha) area. It was built by Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra, the then-prime minister of Hyderabad and the uncle and brother-in-law of H.H. The Nizam VI, Nawab Mir Mahboob Ali Khan Bahadur. Falak-numa means "Like the Sky" or "Mirror of the Sky" in Urdu.


This palace was designed by an English architect. The construction was laid by H.E. Sir Vicar Ul Umra Bahadur on March 3, 1884. He was the great grandson of Khuddus, a famous scientist who was a best friend of Sir Charles Darwin. To complete the construction and furnish the palace, it took nine years. Sir Vicar moved into the Gol Bangla and Zanana Mahel of the Falaknuma Palace in December 1889 and closely monitored the finishing work at the Mardana portion. It is made completely with Italian marble and covers an area of 93,971 square meters.


The palace was built in the shape of a scorpion with two stings spread out as wings in the north. The middle part is occupied by the main building and the kitchen, Gol Bangla, Zenana Mehal, and harem quarters stretch to the south. The Nawab was an avid traveler, and his influences show in the architecture.The Falaknuma palace is a rare blend of Italian and Tudor architecture. Its stained glass windows throw a spectrum of color into the rooms.

State reception room is the one of the highlights of this palace. The ballroom contains a two-ton manually operated organ said to be the only one of its kind in the world. The jade collection of the palace is considered to be unique in the world.

The palace has as many as 220 lavishly decorated rooms and 22 spacious halls. It has some of the finest treasures collections of the Nizam. Falaknuma houses a large collection of rare treasures including paintings, statues, furniture, manuscripts and books.

This palace has dining table of 100 seats capacity for the guests. The chairs were made of carved rosewood with green leather upholstery. The tableware was made of gold and crystal to which fluted music was added. The length of the table is 108 feet, and breadth is 5.7 feet and height is 2.7 feet.

The palace has a library with a walnut carved roof: a replica of the one at Windsor Castle. The library had one of the finest collections of the Quran in India.
The Falaknuma Palace has other unique things to its credit. It includes the largest collection of  Venetian chandeliers. It is said that it took six months to clean a 138-arm Osler chandelier and the palace has 40 such chandeliers adorning the halls.The telephone and electrical system was introduced in 1883 by Osler and the palace has one of the largest electrical switchboards in India.


Since the palace was the private property of the Nizam family until recently, visitors weren't allowed. Occasionally, however, the venue is opened for public.


How to reach:

You can reach Falaknuma either by bus, MMTS (local trains) or by auto or private cabs from any part of the city. Falaknuma is about 5 kms from Charminar. Local transportation is easily available to reach Falaknuma. There are no. of buses to Charminar from major bus depots like Koti, Afzal jung, Kachiguda and Secunderabad.  
You can take buses from the following areas to reach Charminar, which is rather an economical way to reach.
Reach Falaknuma Palace From:
Secunderabad Railway Station: 1C, 2, 2C, 2V, 2Z, 8A, 8C, 8M, 8U and 57S.
From Nampally Railway Station: 8M, 8R, 8U, 9, 9D, 9F, 9K, 9L, 9M, 9N, 9Q, 9R, 9X, 9Y/F, 41M, 65M and 65S.
From Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station: 1C, 2, 2C, 2G, 2V and 2Z.

Once you are at Charminar, you can take an auto, which charges nominal amount.

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