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Guwahati

State

Guwahati, formerly known as Pragjyotishpur, is situated between the southern bank of the Brahmaputra river and the foothills of the Shillong plateau. It is popularly known as the "Gateway" to the North-east Region and is also an important hub for transportation in the region. It is also regarded as the third largest city in eastern India after Kolkata and Patna respectively.

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History

Guwahati is one of the ancient cities in Asia. Based on engraved inscriptions, capitals of many ancient kingdoms can be placed in Guwahati. According to the Mahabharata, it was the capital of the mythical kings Naraka and Bhagadatta.

The Ambari excavations trace habitation in the city to the 6th century AD. The city referred as Pragjyotishpura and Durjoya at different times, was the capital under the Varman and the Pala dynasties. The traveller Hiuen Tsang in his account of the city said that under king Bhaskaravarma in the 7th century AD, the city was probably the most important base for his powerful naval force. It remained the capital of the Pala dynasty till 1th century AD. Excavations in Ambari have unearthed the fact that it was an economic and strategic powerhouse till the 11th century AD.

The destruction of the Kamata kingdom between the 12th -15th century AD, led to the city losing its glory and becoming only a strategic enclave of the Koch Hajo and Ahom kingdoms of western and eastern Assam, respectively. When the Western part fell to the Mughals, the Eastern half became an Ahom autonomous state.

The city then became the seat of the Borphukan, the Ahom viceroy for the Western part of the Ahom kingdom. Guwahati was seized many times by the Mughals. The famous battle of Saraighat fought near Guwahati in 1671 in which the Mughals were overwhelmed speaks volumes of (encapsulates) the leadership of Lachit Borphukan and toughness of the Assamese army.

Accessibility

Air

Guwahati has the only airport in entire North East India named Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. Indian Airways, Jet Airways and Air Deccan are the main flight operators in Guwahati. From here you have to either travel by train or road to other cities of Assam. Guwahati Airport receives international flights as well.

Rail

Paltan Bazaar Station is the busiest station in Assam. It is the only station in Assam that is connected to other states by train. To travel to other parts of Assam, you have to get down at Guwahati and catch a connecting train. There are ample of trains to interiors of Assam.

Road

Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) provides buses for inter state travel starting from the main bus stand. The road network to all parts of Assam and to other states is really impressive. The cost of travel is quite cheap affordable. It operates different types of buses like Deluxe, Super Fast Deluxe and Night Super fast Deluxe.

Shopping

Guwahati offers wide and varied choices to shopper's. Shopping in Guwahati is a delightful experience and any trip to the city is incomplete without shopping. Guwahati has several markets where you can buy a variety of items. Famous traditional buys in Guwahati include silks, you may take them as souvenirs to your home. Opt from the varieties like Endi, Munga and Pat. You may also check a wide range of furniture, handicrafts and decorative items, made from bamboo and cane. Main shopping areas in the city are Fancy Bazar, Paltan Bazar and Pan Bazar. Here you can find items ranging from clothes, shoes and toys to the furniture and flowers of different varieties. Most of the emporium are located in Fancy Bazar and Pan Bazar area. You may also visit the roadside evening markets in these areas for traditional handicrafts.

Muga, pat and endi silks; bamboo and cane decorative items are things you could shop for. There are plenty of government emporiums that sell these at reasonable prices. The main shopping areas are Paltan Bazaar, GNB Road and Fancy Bazaar, and since you are out shopping, you could also visit the glitzy new shopping mall.

One of the must-haves on a shopping expedition to Guwahati is the exquisitely made bamboo and cane products. A number of items are made from bamboo and cane, right from household furniture to hairclips and other fashion accessories. Being rich in traditional handloom products, Guwahati offers a delightful range of exclusive silk sarees and mekhela chaddar (traditional attire), in the innumerous indigenous shops and emporiums. There is also a huge variety of other gift items, like wall hangings, caps and shawls. Other items include handmade toys from clay, pith, wood, and bamboo; Laichampi (a quilt like material); bell metal & brass utensils and tribal arts, like masks.

Right from domestic to international brands, the shopping areas in Guwahati offer you a wide selection in goods. If it is traditional silk products that you are looking for, then the local bazaars are the best place to shop. The market areas in Pan Bazaar and Fancy Bazaar are excellent for purchasing bamboo and cane products at very reasonable price. The major malls in the city are the Hub, Bhangagarh, Dona Planet, G.S. Road, Vishal Megamart, the Cube Mall and Sohum Shoppe, Kolkata Bazaar and Salasar. Recent additions to this list of shopping centers are Pantaloons, Big Bazaar and other malls in the FFORT Mall at Kachari Basti, G.S. Road.

Accommodation

Guwahati has good accommodation facilities, the best in northeast India. There are at least ten standard hotels and numerous small hotels in Paltan Bazaar area to choose from. The Brahmaputra Ashok Hotel and the Dynasty Hotel are popular options in the upper category.

Accommodation in not at all a problem in Guwahati, as the city has a number of hotels ranging from deluxe to budget hotels. Some of the famous hotels of the town are Hotel Brahmputra Ashok, Hotel Belle Vue, Hotel Landmark, Hotel Dynasty, Hotel Raj Mahal, Hotel Nandan, Hotel Vishwaratna etc.

Attractions

Brahmaputra Beach Festival : Every year in the middle of January, the Brahmaputra Beach Festival is organized for five days, by the Assam Boat Racing and Rowing Association, in association with the Department if Tourism, Government of Assam. The beach festival is held on the sandy beach of the mighty Brahmaputra river and various colourful cultural activities are organized during the festival. The Indian Airforce organises adventure sports of para-trouping and paragliding during the festival. Besides, elephant rides, cultural programmes, a traditional north east fashion show and traditional Bihu food festival are major attractions of the festival.

Things to do

River Cruises : River Cruises across the Brahmaputra is the most dominating feature of Guwahati. At present two type of cruising options are available that include the shot duration pleasure tour and longer excursions. Catch the ferry travelling between Sukheswar Ghat and North Guwahati or cruise a little more stylishly in one of the state tourism-rin vessels. Apart from these, take an hour's drive to Sualkuchi to explore the dazzling world of Assam.

Location
On the banks of the river Brahmaputra
STD Code
0361
Best time to visit
October to April

Dispur

State

Dispur is the capital city, situated on the outskirts of Guwahati, took its place as the capital of Assam in 1973. The mighty Brahmaputra river which flows through the city and known for its pristine beauty, fast current and thrilling rapids. Tea is another highlight of Dispur and the place is popular as the auction Market of Classic Tea.

The city of Dispur encompasses its own unique form of dancing forms called Husari and Bihunas.

History

Dispur traditionally existed as the locality on the outskirts of Guwahati and took its place as the capital of the north eastern state of Assam in 1973, after Shillong, the erstwhile capital became the capital of the state of Meghalaya that was carved out of Assam.

Through the first 1000+ years the city of Dispur was just a normal, small village in the scheme of things for Assam.

The British began to take control of Assam’s 27 districts and began to run the then Capital, Shillong. With Britain controlling the Assam, industrial changes began to take place, such as the breakthrough uses of the natural resources of oil, tea and iron.

The British started educating the people of Dispur City and they developed the first central government that Assam ever had. By the 1900’s, Dispur City and Assam as a whole, began to pull away from the British control and took full responsibility for the running and the economy of the country.

Accessibility

Air

Guwahati international airport is the main airport which is 18 km east of the city centre. Flights of Indian Airlines, Air Deccan and Jet Airways are available to and from Guwahati to major cities of India like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai. Taxis and buses are available from the airport to the city. You may also take ASTC's Rhino City Bus Service that runs from the airport to city centre.

Rail

Guwahati railway station is the major railhead, which is also the headquarters of the North-East Frontier Railway. A number of mails, express and superfast trains are available to Guwahati from rest of the country. Auto-rickshaws and taxis ply from the railway station to various parts of the city.

Road

National Highways 31, 37, 40 and 52 connect Dispur with the other cities of India. State Transport buses of Assam government and private buses ply from Dispur to other cities of North-eastern India. Distances of some of important places from Dispur are : Shillong (110 km), Tura (185 km) and Tezpur (191 km).

Shopping

Dispur has a number of good shops where you can buy a variety of items. For more choices visit the shopping markets of Guwahati. In the markets of Guwahati you will find the famous silks in three different varieties such as Endi, Munga and Pat. Other must buy of Guwahati include clothes, furnitures, handicrafts and decorative items made from bamboo and cane. Main shopping areas of Guwahati are Fancy Bazar, Paltan Bazar and Pan Bazar.

Accommodation

Plenty of accommodation options are available in Dispur, ranging from deluxe to budget hotels. Most popular hotels include Hotel Brahmputra Ashok, Hotel Belle Vue, Hotel Landmark, Hotel Dynasty, Hotel Raj Mahal, Hotel Nandan and Hotel Vishwaratna.

Location
10 kms from Guwahati on Guwahati-Shillong Route, Assam
Topic
Best time to visit
October to May
Famous For
Auction Market Of Tea

Tawang

Tawang is a small highland town situated in northwestern part of Arunachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 3048 m. The area is historically Tibetan territory and is claimed by both People's Republic of China and Republic of China as a part of South Tibet.

Tawang has the largest Buddhist monastery in India and is also the birthplace of 6th Dalai Lama. It is a major centre of Buddhist learning as it is highly influenced by Buddhism.

History

Tawang got its name from the Tawang Monastery. The monastery was founded in the 17th century by Merag lama Lodre Gyatso . Aninteresting legend surrounds the monastery which literally means ''chosen by horse''. It is believed that Marag Lama was looking for a place to build and establish a monastery. One day he was praying in a cave seeking guidance and when he came out he discovered his horse was missing. on searching for it he found his horse standing on a hill top. Taking this as a sign he built the monastery in the very same spot.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Tawang is at Tezpur, Assam.

Rail: The nearest railhead to Tawang is at Rangapara, Assam.

Road: The nearest bus station is at Bomdila. It is well connected with other towns by buses.

Road distances to some important places are: Tawang to Dirang-143, Bomdila-185, Bhalukpung-285, Tezpur-349, Naharlagun-520, Itanagar-530, Guwahati-530

Shopping

Handicrafts are what Tawang and indeed the whole of Arunachal is known for. From exquisitely designed wollen carpets to shawls that are handwoven on looms by the women of Tawang and Tibetan thankgas and wall hangings, Tawang has it all, so go on a shopping spree at the local handicrafts store.

Accommodation

Accommodation in the middle to low budget range is aplenty. Tariffs start at Rs 200 to Rs 500. There is a modest Government Tourist Lodge and a Circuit House where you can stay, provided you have permits.

Attractions

Tibetan Buddhist festival
The Tibetan Buddhist festival of Losar is celebrated in the month of February-March every year with great fanfare in the Tawang monastery.

Things to do

Trekking
Tawang is ideal for the outdoor enthusiast who loves trekking and hiking. The second highest pass in the world Se La pass lies on the way to Tawang at 14,000ft and winds its way through a high altitude lake of the clearest blue water. A profuison of Rhododendrons line both sides of the lake making a very pretty picture.

District
Tawang
STD Code
03782
Termperature
Summer 8 to 20°C, Winter -10 to 10°C
Best time to visit
March to October

Itanagar

Itanagar, 'the land of the dawn lit mountains', is nestled on the foothills of Himalayas and known for its rich and varied flora and fauna. "Itanagar" derives its name from this historic fort "Ita" of the fourteenth century, meaning fort of bricks. The mighty eastern Himalayas that border Itanagar from one side and the plains of Brahmaputra River lie on the southern end makes it incredible and incomparable in natural beauty.

History

History says that there is a note of Arunachal Pradesh in epics like Mahabharata, Ramayana and Kalika Purana. Itanagar is named after the Ita fort which was built by King Ramachandra around 14th-15th centuries. Itanagar was the capital state even during the 11th century in the name Mayapur at the time of Jiti Dynasty. Itanagar is situated in one of the largest state in the North Eastern region of India. Itanagar is predominantly occupied by the tribes Nishings.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Itanagar is located at Lilabari in Assam, which is nearly 67 km away from Itanagar. This airport is well connected by flights from Guwahati. Pawan Hans provides helicopter facility between Itanagar and Guwahati, thrice a week.

Rail: Harmuti in Assam is the nearest railhead, which is nearly 33 km away from Itanagar. Taxi services from the railway station to Itanagar charges around Rs 500 - Rs 600. Harmuti is well connected with North East railway stations.

Road: Overnight super express buses connect Itanagar with Guwahati, which takes about 12 hours. Arunachal State Transport buses connect Itanagar with other North East cities in India.

Shopping

This place is known for its handicrafts and articrafts exhibiting the states tradition and culture. The Monpa wood is very famous and which comes to the market as cups, dishes and fruit bowls. Baskets and masks made of bamboo and cane are also popular items for shopping in Itanagar. Beautiful ornaments and bangles made of beads may also feature in your shopping cart in Itanagar.

Itanagar is a shopper's paradise and an ideal place for those who are looking for traditional handicraft items. Some of the famous handicrafts of Itanagar include bamboo crafts, cane and wood crafts. While you shop in Itanagar pick up the shawls, coasts, carpets, bags and sashes, these items are made from wool and cotton. Don't forget to check out the Tibetan Buddhist paintings or the thankas. Besides, the Monpas are highly skilled in weaving and making some of the fabulous carpets, you can pick these up in the Bomdila and Tawang craft centres.

The local tribes weave an exquisite array of fabrics. It is recommended that a variety of woolen coats, shawls, carpets and bags can be purchased at an affordable price. These articles are woven from cotton, wool and bark fiber. The traditional handicrafts items of Arunachal Pradesh are also in demand and stuff such as bamboo, cane and wood creations can be bargained for. The Tibetan Buddhist paintings (Thankas) are a rare and exquisite art form and are easily available at Itanagar.

Accommodation

The most propitious location for comfortable accommodation is Itanagar. It houses numerous hotels ranging from luxurious ones to budget hotels. Economically reasonable, some of the good hotels of the city are Field Hostel, circuit House, Hotel Itafort, Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok, Blue Pine Hotel, Hotel Simang.

HIGH RANGE HOTELS

1.Hotel Donyi Polo Ashoka
Near All India Radio, Itanagar
0360 212626/212630/ 212631

2.Hotel Arun subansiri
'0' Point Tinali, Itanagar
0360 212806/212677
BUDGET HOTELS

1.Hotel Bomdila
Gohpur Road,Itanagar
0360 203604

2.Hotel Kameng
Bank Tinali, Itanagar
0360 203604

3.Hotel Itafort
Bank Tinali, Itanagar
0360 213253/212590

4.Hotel Kosing
Near Petrol pump, C-Sector, Itanagar
0360 213074/211034

5.Hotel Blue Pine
Ganga Market, Itanagar
0360 21118/212812

7.Hotel Siang Continental
Near Petrol pump, Itanagar
0360 216015/216016

8.Hotel Alpine
Ganga Market, Itanagar
0360 213253/214298

9.Hotel Ane
Bank Tinali, Itanagar
0360 211289

10.Hotel Jimsi
Ganga Market, Itanagar
0360 216855/213253

Attractions

Losar Festival
This is a 15 day festival which is the New Year according to Monpa calendar of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. The main feature of this festival includes the dances like Aji Lhamu Dance, Lion and peacock dance and the yak dance. It falls in the month of January. During this festival religious flags are also hoisted in houses

Things to do

Adventure Sports: There lives a clandestine adventurer in every tourist searching for some excitement after the saturation of tourist interest. Bomdila, a small place near Itanagar invites all such adventurers to cosset in many such activities. The amazing topology of Arunachal Pradesh is unmatched as far as trekking is considered. Generally the period from September to February is considered ideal for trekking. Rafting and angling activities are also supported here and are extremely popular. It is also possible to find a good friend and expert in these fields to guide you if required.

STD Code
0360
Termperature
Summer 25-40º C, Winter 15-21º C
Best time to visit
Throughout the year

Bhadrachalam

Bhadrachalam, located on the banks of river Godavari, is a small town famous for "Sri Seetaramachandra Swamy temple" which is the unique temple dedicated to lord Rama. Presently it is the biggest kshetra of Sri Rama after Ayodhya. The place attracts hundreds and thousands of devotees from all over the world.

History

A sacred place that attracts lakhs of devotees from all over the world, it is the abode of Lord Rama (The seventh incarnation of SriMahavishnu). This hill place which is encircled by holy river Godavari flowing towards southern direction is the famous shrine Bhadrachalam-The name derived from Bhadragiri (Mountain of Bhadra-a boon child of Meru and Menaka). According to an Ithihasas, the significance of this shrine dates back to the Ramayana Era. This coherent hill place existed in "Dandakaranya" Of Ramayana period where Rama with his consort Sita and brother Laxmana had spent their vanavasa- and Parnashaala(the place connected to the famous Golden Deer and the place from where Sita was abducted by Ravana.) is also in the vicinity of this temple site. It is at this Mandir site that, long after Ramavatara, Bhagawan Mahavishnu manifested Himself as Rama again to fulfil a promise He made to His Bhakta Bhadra, who continued his Tapas through Yugas, praying for the grace of the Bhagawan Sri Ramachandra murthy.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport to Bhadrachalam is Rajamundri domestic Airport. Nearest International airports are Hyderabad and Chennai airports which are about 325 km away from Bhadrachalam. It costs about Rs 4000 by Taxi from Hyderabad or Chennai to the city Bhadrachalam. Hyderabad and Chennai airports are well connected to all major cities in India and abroad

Rail: Nearest Railway station is at Bhadrachalam Road station, also known as Kothagudem. It is 40 km from the Bhadrachalam city and taxi will cost about Rs 500 from railhead to the city.

Road: State owned transport bus facilities are available from the city to other major cities in the state. District head quarters Khammam, 120 km away, and State capital Hyderabad, 325 km away, are connected to Bhadrachalam by public transport buses.

Accommodation

• Devastanam (temple administration) accommodation offers good value: Sita Nilayam (also called ‘vanda gadulu’)is one such located near the main temple, - several new and big rooms costing between 200rs to 350rs with A/C. No room service. If all the rooms are booked enquire about other so called 'cottages'
• Hotel Kalki, Godavari, Gitanjali are other smaller hotels.
• State run Punnami Bhadrachalam has dormitories for 150rs.

Attractions

Annual Kalyanotsavam
Annual Kalyanotsavam on the eve of Sri Rama navami, during Sri Rama Navami(march-April) there is a huge influx of pilgrims not only from Andhra districts, but also from other distant places to attend the wedding of Lord Rama with Sita.

District
Khammam District
Location
Situated on the banks of Godavari River, Bhadrachalam is 161 kilometres from Rajahmundry and 201-km from Vijayawada.
STD Code
08743
Termperature
Summer 23-37°C, Winter 17-23°C
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
The town is famous for "Sri Seetaramachandra Swamy temple" which is the unique temple in India dedicated to lord Rama.

Guntur

Guntur, acknowledged as a major transportation and textile hub, is a commercial town in the heart of Andhra Pradesh. The region has got one of the most fertile lands in the country owing to the propinquity of Krishna Delta. It also houses heritage monuments, ancient temples, historical sites, striking forts, chirpy rivers, lush vegetation and remarkable handicrafts which makes the region a perfect destination to explore.

History

Guntur is one of the largest cities of India and a home to Amaravati and Ancient Sitanagaram rich in history and cultural heritage.

The history of the city of Guntur goes back to the period of Ammaraja I, one of the Vengi Chalukyan Kings. Among the earliest known kingdoms of the region, Pratipalapura of 500 BCE is one of the most well known reigns. Guntur is also a very important place where Buddhism flourished at a large scale. The modern history of Guntur goes back to the colonial period when the city was under the Nizam's rule. Over the last century the city of Guntur has expanded and the northern region, which is newly formed, is called New Guntur.

Accessibility

Air: Hyderabad airport is the major airport that is connected with all the prominent cities of the country. The airport also has quite a few international connections. Guntur is about 300 kms from Hyderabad airport. Chennai Airport is the major international airport serving numerous airlines. It takes 8 hours to reach Guntur from Chennai by rail. Gannavaram is the local airport, having daily flights to Hyderabad and Chennai.

Rail: New Guntur Station is the major station, which is connected with almost all the state capitals along with the four metropolitan cities of India. Apart from this, railway stations at Macherla, Vijayawada, Machilipatnam, Hubli, Tenali and Repalk, serve the needs of travelling to and from Guntur.

Road: Guntur has a commendable network of roads. It is linked with all the major cities across the country by various national and state highways. Different state and private bus services connect the city to and from all the major places within and outside the district.

District
Guntur district
STD Code
0863
Termperature
Summer 22-40°C, Winter 17-25°C
Best time to visit
November to February
Famous For
Ancient City Founded by French

Puttaparthi

Puttaparthi, surrounded by the arid and rocky hills bordering Karnataka, is famous for its Sathya Sai Baba Mandir which is one of the famous religious tourist destinations of the world. It is believed that the present Sai Baba is the reincarnation of the former Sai Baba of Maharashtra popularly known as Sai Baba of Shirdi. The tourists can have a glimpse of the celestial soul and get mesmerized by the serene beauty of the region.

History

The history of Puttaparthi, as far as the world is concerned, began on November 23, 1926. Until then it was an obscure speck in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh State. Set in a narrow farming valley, the village was apparently called Gollapalli, the home of cowherds, before it became Puttaparthi.

Satyanarayana Raju was born in Puttaparthi on 23 November 1926. Since his childhood, he is said to have shown prodigious talents, unusual purity and compassion. Having been pronounced to be possessed by the divine, at the age of fourteen he calmly announced that he was the new incarnation of Sai Baba, who died eight years before Sathya was born.

With the passing of time, the fame of Sathya Sai Baba spread all over the world. Eventually a large group of followers grew. In 1950, the ashram was inaugurated. Now, through his miraculous powers, including the ability to materialize vibhuti or the sacred ash, with curative properties, Sai Baba has millions of devotees worldwide.

Accessibility

Air: Puttaparthi has a local domestic airport known as Sri Satya Sai Airport, which is at a distance of 4 km from the Satya Sai Ashram. The airport is connected to Mumbai and Chennai by bi-weekly flights. Major nearest International airport is Bangalore which is at a distance of nearly 250 km. Pre-paid Taxi services are available from Bangalore to Puttaparthi, and it costs about Rs 4500.

Rail: Sri Satya Sai Prasanthi Nilayam railway station, which is nearly 8 km away from Ashram, links the Puttapathi with the major cities of India, including Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Bubhaneshwar and New Delhi. Dharmavaram is the nearest major railhead, which is about 45 km away. Taxi fare from Dharmavaram to Puttaparthi is about Rs 900.

Road: APSRTC buses connect Puttaparthi with other cities in Andhra Pradesh. Super deluxe buses regularly have trips from Bangalore (250 km), Hyderabad (400 km) and Chennai (450 km) to Puttaparthi. The bus fare is about Rs 3 - Rs 4 per km.

Shopping

Puttaparthi is known for its handicrafts and silk fabrics. Some of the shopping outlets in the town are Ancient Arts and Crafts, Winsome Silk Emporium and Sai Maruti Textiles. Shops that sell memorabilia in the form of books, CDs and music cassettes etc abound in this little town.

Attractions

Birthday of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
The birthday of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is celebrated on 23 Nov every year in grand style at the Ashram. The celebrations last a week and a whole lot of special events are held to mark the occasion.

District
Anantapur District
Location
400km from the city of Hyderabad by road and about 156 km from Bangalore.
STD Code
08555
Termperature
Summer 23-41°C, Winter 15-30°C
Best time to visit
October to March

Srikalahasti

Srikalahasti, located on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi (tributary to Pennar), is one of the ancient and most important Kshetras (spiritual abodes) of Lord Shiva. It got its name from the three words 'Sri' meaning a spider, 'Kala' meaning a serpent, and Hasti meaning an elephant, as these three creatures are believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva at this place and attained salvation. The place is also known for its Kalamkari art, an art form which is used for painting on cotton textiles such as saris.

History

Legend has it that Lord Shiva, while disguised as Vayu ("Air") observed that a Spider ("Sri"), a Cobra ("Kala") and an Elephant ("Hasti") each worshipped Him very devotedly at this location. Lord Shiva rewarded them for their penance and relieved them from a curse they had suffered and helped them attain salvation. As a result of this legend, the place came to be known as Srikalahasti.

The historical reference to Srikalahasti occurs in the works of Nakkeerar, a Tamil poet in 3rd Century BC during the Tamil Sangam Dynasty. Nakkeerar referred to Srikalahasti Temple as the Southern Kailash and is said to have composed hundreds of stanzas in praise of "Srikalahasteeswara". Another Poet, a Telugu named Dhoorjati, who was born in Srikalahasti and was part of Emperor Krishna Deva Raya's (Hampi) court also composed hundred stanzas in praise of the deity at the Srikalahasti temple.

Srikalahasi is also one of the "panchabhoota sthalam" which represent the five basic elements of life. The town is said to represent "Air" or "Vayu Sthalam" based on the earlier legend related to Lord Shiva. The remain Pancha Bootha Sthalams are at Tiruvannamalai (Thejo sthalam - Fire), Kanchipuram (Prithvi sthalam - Earth), Tiruvanaikaval (Appu sthalam - Water), and Chidambaram (Akasa sthalam - Space).

Accessibility

Air

Nearest airport is located at Tirupathi at a distance of 60 km from Srikalahasti. Tirupathi is connected to Madurai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore. Taxi services are available from Tirupathi to Kalahasti and the fare is about Rs. 750. Chennai International airport is the major closest airport to Srikalahasti.

Rail

Srikalahasti is on Tirupati-Vijayawada broad gauge rail route and all express trains have stop at Srikalahast. It is well connected to all major cities in South India directly.

Road

State owned buses ply from all nearby towns like Vijayawada, Tirupati, Bangalore, Chennai, Nayudupet and Nellore. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation is operating number of buses from different routes to reach Kalahasti.

Shopping

Famed for the ritualistic painting style by name Srikalamkari, Kalahasti offers you one of the most venerated styles of artistic expressions. What makes this painting so special is the fact that it is done with natural dyes, which are not only harmless but also exquisitely beautiful. You will get these paintings from the shops at BP Agraharams and Sriram Nagar Colony.

Since the temple of lord Shiva is the major attraction here, all artifacts that we get from here show a religious inclination. Although the Holy Scriptures inspires these objects, they would be a valuable treasure and hence it is advisable to have some of them as your shopping itineraries.

District
Chittoor district
Location
Sri Kalahasti is a temple town. Its about 38 km from Tirupati
STD Code
08578
Best time to visit
September to March
Famous For
Sri Kalahasthi is famous for Kalamkari paintings.

Srisailam

Srisailam, situated in Nallamala Hills, is a renowned hill town located on a majestic natural setting on the southern banks of the River Krishna. It is an ancient pilgrimage town, bordered on its southern side by the sacred hill of Srigiri, blessed with a beautiful landscapes of forest, ghats, cliffs, and plateaus. The hills are very rich in scenic attractions, breathtaking wild life and offers panoramic views of the surroundings.

History

Srisailam played a dominant role in our religious, cultural and social history from ancient times. The epigraphical evidence reveals that the history of Srisailam begins with the Sathavahanas who were the first empire builders in South India. The earliest known historical mention of the Hill - Srisailam, can be traced in Pulumavi’s Nasik inscription of 1st Century A.D. The Sathavahanas, the Ikshavakus, the Pallavas, the Vishnukundis, the Chalukyas, the Kakatiyas, the Reedy Kings, the Vijayanagara Emperors and Chatrapathi Shivaji are among the famous emperors who worshipped God Mallikarjuna Swamy. Prataparudra of Kakatiya Dynasty strived a lot for the improvements of this Kshetram and granted Paraganas for its maintenance. Ganapathideva has spent 12000 Golden Nanyas for the maintenance of the temple.

The period of Reddi Kings is the ‘Golden Age’ of Srisailam that almost all rulers of the dynasty did celebrated service for this temple. In 14th Century Prolaya Vema Reddi of Reddy Dynasty constructed stepped path-way to Srisailam and Pathalaganga (Here the river Krishna is called as Pathalaganga) and Anavema Reddi constructed Veera Siromandapam in which the Veerasaiva devotees cut off their hands, tongue, limbs with devotion to attain the realisation of the God. This practice is known as Veeracharam.

The Second Harihararaya of Vijayanagara Empire constructed the Mukhamantapam of Swamy shrine and also a Gopuram on Southern Side of the temple.In the 15th Century Sri Krishnadevaraya Constructed the Rajagopuram on Eastern side and Salumantapas on both sides of the temple.

The last Hindu King who strove hard for the improvement of the temple is Chatrapathi Shivaji who constructed a Gopuram on northern side in the year 1667 A.D.
Be sure to buy some tribal honey, which is packaged by the state govt and sold at the Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal Museum.

Accessibility

Air: The closest airport to Srisailam is located at Hyderabad at distance of about 232 kms from Srisailam. Hyderabad is air connected to Vishakapatnam, Bangalore, Chennai, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi. Taxi cars and call taxis are available at the airport. The taxi fare from Hyderabad to Srisailam is about Rs. 2500.

Rail: Nearest railhead to Srisailam is the Markapur Road, in the Guntur-Hubli metre gauge rail route. The major broad-gauge railway station nearby is at Hyderabad at a distance of 232 kms. Taxi cars and call taxis are available at the railway station. The taxi fare from Hyderabad to Srisailam is about Rs. 2500.

Road: Srisailam is well connected by Devasthanam buses and State owned APSRTC buses. APSRTC buses charge about Rs. 80 from Srisailam to Hyderabad. The buses connect Srisailam with Mahaboobnagar, Hyderabad, Devorkonda, Mahanandi, Anantapur, Chitradurg, Guntur, Mantralayam, Tirupati and Vijayawada.

Shopping

Be sure to buy some tribal honey, which is packaged by the state govt and sold at the Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal Museum.

Accommodation

Basic low budget accommodation is the norm at Srisailam, though you can also stay at private guesthouses and motels. The Srisailam Devasthanam offers low cost cottages and choultries. AP Tourism has rest houses and cottages - room tariffs range from Rs25 to Rs 500. Contact Project Tiger Headquarters at Sunnipanta for advance booking.

District
Kurnool district
Location
Srisailam is located on southern banks of the Krishna River in Kurnool District.
STD Code
08524
Termperature
Summer 22-41°C, Winter 15-30°C
Best time to visit
November to March

Tirupati

Tirupati, one of the most ancient and sacred pilgrimage spots in India, is known as the abode of the 'Kaliyuga' deity Lord Venkateswara popularly known as Balaji and is famous for the Venkateswara temple in the sacred Tirumala hills. It comprises seven peaks, representing the seven hoods of Adisesha, thus earning the name Seshachalam. The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrishabhadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri.

History

Legend has it that the rulers of Kancheepuram the Pallavas patronnized this shrine way back in the 9th Century AD the temple shot into fame with contributions started pouring in only during the time of Vijayanagara dynasty in 15th Century AD. From the year 1843 till about 1933, the administrative activities of the Tirumala temple were overseen by Mahants of the Hatiramji Mutt. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam was formed in 1933 and this autonomous body looks after the functioning of the temple complex even today.

Accessibility

By Air: Tirupati airport is 15km from the city.

By Rail: Tirupati railway station is in the centre of the town. Good rail links with Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad etc.

By Bus: APSRTC (Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) buses run from all the important places in the south and between Tirupati and Tirumala.

Shopping

Within the temple complex you can buy various figures of the deities and CDs that recite the various shlokas. You could also take some ''prasadam'' or ‘laddu’ for your family and friends back home.

Accommodation

At Tirupati a number of hotels, guest houses and tourist lodges are available at cheap rate near the railway station and bus stand. You may also stay in the Dharamshalas, located near the temple complex. Some of the famous hotels and lodges of the town are New Bhimas House, Bhimas Paradise, The Bhimas Hotel, Indira Rest House, Vasantha Vihar Lodge, Gopi Krishna Deluxe Hotel, Hotel Vishnu Priya, Hotel Mayura, Oorvasi International Hotel, Raghunadha etc.

Attractions

Brahmotsavam festival
The Brahmotsavam festival celebrated in the month of October is performed over nine days and is one of the most important and auspicious events in Tirupati. Legend has it that this celebration was started by Brahma, the creator God, who first conducted this festival to Sri Balaji at Tirupati as a thanksgiving for the Lord’s protection of mankind.

District
Chittoor district
Location
Located at the foothills of the Eastern Ghats at a distance of 550 kilometres (340 mi) south of Hyderabad, the capital of the state and 150 kilometres (93 mi) north of Chennai.
STD Code
08574
Termperature
Summer 23-43°C, Winter 10-15°C
Best time to visit
September to February
Famous For
Famous for the Venkateswara Swamy temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara