Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad is the state's capital that is an atmospheric city dating from the late 16th century. It now thrives as a major hi-tech hub, and its endless bazaars eclectic Salar Jung museum and the mighty Golconda Fort nearby make it an enticing place to spend a few days. Then is the city of Warangal, 150km northeast of Hyderabad, which has both Muslim and Hindu remains from the 12th and 13th centuries. Places like Amaravati, the ancient Satavahana capital and Nagarjunakonda have preserved the region's Buddhist legacy - particularly its superb sculpture in museums.

In the east, Vijayawada makes a convenient access point for Amaravati. However, the famous Sri Venkateswara temple town of Tirupati in the far southeast is one of India's great Hindu phenomena, a fascinating and impossibly crowded pilgrimage site that is said to attract more pilgrims than Mecca or the Vatican. Tirupati is, therefore, the trump card for the state's tourism industry drawing people from all over the country and worldwide. Donations from Tirupati alone, have led to the establishment of a university, several hospitals & schools.
Thus, this state is a symbol of the true spirit of Indian secularism where people of all religions (Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu) form a symphony of religions.

Friendly and warm, the Andhras are an ancient people, who can trace their roots and history to the Mauryan period, an interest in arts, crafts and dance. Andhra Pradesh is also a rich mosaic of cultures. History has forged, and left behind vital links with the state, as is evident from the many edifices, monuments and architectural ruins, the legacy of dynasties as old as 300 B.C. Traces of the diverse and variegated facets of the culture of the Mauryas, Pallavas, Cholas, Satavahanas, Chalukyas and Vijayanagar, offer imposing vistas, that continue to fascinate the observer.

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