The Deccan Saga

Located on the deccan Plateau, the state of Andhra Pradesh has a rich cultural heritage. It was once a part of the Emperor Ahoka’s empire and traces of its Buddhist past are still to be seen at places like Nagarjunakonda and Amravati. Muslim domination after the 14th century added a veneer to its intresting amalgam of cultures.

Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh is a city that is over 400 years old. It is noted for its artistic and cultural heritage, delicious cuisine and splendid shopping.

Places Of Interest

Charminar, Mecca Masjid, Salar Jung Museum, Archaelogical Museum, Zoological Gardens, Hussain Sagar Lake, Birla Mandir, Golconda Fort.

Access

Hyderabad is linked by rail, air and road to most major cities in the country.

WARANGAL

Warangal, can be the base for another exploration of Andhra’s historical heritage. Once the capital of the Kakatiya Kings, Warrangal has a number of fine temples in its neighborhood.

Places Of Interest

Fort; Hanamkonda with a magnificent 1000 pillared temple dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Surya; Palampet.

Access

Kazipet is the nearest railhead. Nearest airport is Hyderabad (157Kms), to which it is linked by rail and road.

TIRUPATI

The beautiful temple of Lord Venkateswara located in the cool of the Tirumalai Hills, close to the town of Tirupati, is an important place of pilgrimage. The temple - a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture has a gilded vimana over the sanctum. At Tiruchanur (10Kms) is the shrine to the goddess Alamelumanga, the consort of Lord Venkateswara.

Access

Linked by air to Chennai, Bangalore and Vijayawada, it is connected by rail to a number of destinations. Tirupati is also well connected by road and easily accessible from Bangalore and Chennai.

NAGARJUNASAGAR

Just 150Kms from Hyderabad, is the Nagarjunasagar Dam and Nagarjunakonda, the site of an ancient Buddhist university town (3AD). Before the waters of the Dam submerged the ancient site, most of the excavated relics were preserved in a fascinating open air museum on a man-made island in the lake.

Around Nagarjunasagar

Within easy reach of Nagarjunasagar are the picturesque Ethipothala Falls and the thick forests of the Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is part of Project Tiger and support a variety of glora and fauna.

Access

Connected by road to most parts of the state. Tourist coaches and buses link Nagarjunasagar to Hyderabad which has the nearest airport.