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The South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh is a veritable treasure trove of ancient temples and pilgrimage sites. Pilgrims visiting Andhra Pradesh can pay their respects to one of Shiva’s 12 Jyotirlingas at the revered ‘Mallikarjuna Temple’ in Srisailam and marvel at the architectural grandeur of the ‘Lepakshi Temple’ in Anantpur, featuring a gorgeous mural-adorned tower. In the ‘Kanaka Durga Temple’ in Vijayawada, where Goddess Durga is worshipped in her Mahishasurmardini avatar, they can immerse themselves in the mysterious aura of the temple. Andhra Pradesh has several well-known pilgrimage sites, including the following:
Counted among the richest temples in the world, Tirupati is a revered pilgrimage destination. It is the abode of Lord Venkateshwara, the much-worshipped form of Lord Vishnu. The Tirumala temple was established by the Tamil ruler Thondaimaan. There are several other temples in the vicinity, making it a sacred site for Hindu devotees. Also, you can book flights to Tirupati from here!
Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, lives in Ahobilam. Narasimha is venerated in nine different forms here and in nine different temples. Ahobilam is one of Andhra Pradesh’s most visited Hindu temples and is a must-visit. There are a lot of hiking trails in the area as well.
Andhra Pradesh’s Vijayawada, a renowned tourist destination, is also a popular pilgrimage destination. According to folklore, Goddess Durga rested in Vijayawada following her victory over the demons.
The Kanaka Durga Temple dedicated to Goddess Kanaka Durga sits atop the beautiful Indrakeeladri hill with stunning views of the Krishna River. Krishna Pushkara is the most popular festival here. In close vicinity is the Mangalagiri Narasimha Swamy Temple. This is one of the most sacred places of Lord Vishnu, where He is worshipped in his half lion-half man form.
The town of Lepakshi was established during the reign of the Vijayanagara king Aliya Rama Raya. The history of the place dates back to the Ramayana. The Lepakshi temple is a fine example of the Vijayanagar style of architecture. Here, the presiding deity is Lord Veerabhadra – an aggressive form of Lord Shiva.
The Srikalahasti Temple, located 36 kilometres from Tirupati, is one of the most popular temples in the state. Lord Shiva is the primary deity at the temple, and followers regard this temple with great reverence. This temple, which Krishnadevraya commissioned to be built in 1516, features a stunning entryway and ornate carvings depicting numerous mythological scenes.
This temple at Nellore is situated on the banks of the Penna river. It is regarded as one of the most sacred in Andhra Pradesh. This temple is considered the oldest and draws followers from around the world. The temple architecture features seven gold Kalashams (pots, in literal translation) atop the ornately carved gopurams depicting the myriad forms of Lord Vishnu.
Mangalagiri literally means, The Auspicious Hill. The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple here is one of India’s holiest sites and one of the eight major Mahakshetrams. Mangalgiri is said to be the site where Lord Vishnu showed himself and where Goddess Lakshmi endured penance on the mountain’s summit. It is situated in the Guntur district.
This temple, dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi is in Tiruchanur, about 5 km from Tirupati. Goddess Padmavathi is the divine consort of Lord Venkateshwara. Locals here believe that Raja Akasha of Thondamandalam was doing a yajna when he discovered a baby girl hidden inside the lotus flower, while ploughing the land. Lord Venkateshwara married the girl later. Devotees travel from far and wide to pray at this temple.
Kanipakam is a well-known pilgrimage location situated in the Chitoor district of Andhra Pradesh. This village is popular for Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple which is also known as Kanipakam temple. The temple was built in the 11th century by Koluthunga Chola ( Chola Emperor). In 1336, it was further expanded by Vijayanagara King. The temple worships the idol of Lord Ganesha. It is believed that the idol of Lord Ganesha is still growing in size.
Andhra Pradesh has a wide range of religious excursions offered due to the state’s high concentration of religious sites. Both the Andhra Pradesh Tourist Department Corporation and private tour operators regularly offer various tours. Itineraries vary, with some trips occurring every day and others occurring every two weeks or once a week. The state of Andhra Pradesh has several religious trips to choose from.
Also, check out our article on the best places to visit in Andhra Pradesh here!
On a daily basis, the APTDC organises this tour, which lasts from 9:15 am to 5:30 pm. It includes Srikalahasti, Kanipakam, Tiruchanur, Mangapuram, Kapila Theertham, Sreenivasa, and Govindaraja Swamy Temple in the state of Tamil Nadu, as well as other holy places. If you’re coming from Tirumala, you need to pay INR 340 for adults and INR 280 for children.
Kanipakam Temple Tour – Sripuram Golden Temple Tour
The APTDC is in charge of arranging this excursion. From Tirumala, the tour departs at 8:00 am and finishes in Kanipakam. An adult ticket costs INR 410, while a child’s ticket is priced at INR 330. A non-Air-Conditioned coach is used for the tour, which can be taken from Tirumala or Tirupati. Aside from these, APTDC regularly organises numerous visits to Tirupati from various places around the country.
The nearest airport is in Hyderabad for most of the Pilgrimage destinations, and from here, you may catch a bus operated by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC). Alternatively, you can take a private taxi from Hyderabad to the Pilgrimage Destination.
The South Central Railway’s Guntur-Hubli line can be used to get to most of the Pilgrimage locations. You can ride APSRTC buses or hire your car to get to the exact spot.
It is easy to get to the major pilgrimage destinations from the state’s major cities, and there are a large number of APSRTC buses that service the area. Even the State Road Transport Corporation buses from Karnataka and Tamilnadu are available for travel here.
Andhra Pradesh is littered with a variety of hotels, villas, resorts, government quarters, and lodges, all built on various geographical terrains, such as hills, banks, beaches, and suburbs. Hotel staff are noted for their hospitality and warmth, which is evident in how they serve their customers. The state is home to some of India’s best hotels, popular with local and international visitors. These hotels add to the area’s appeal by providing a wide range of options for both leisure and business travellers. Hotel Winsar Park, Sunray Village Resort, WelcomHotel Grand Bay, and Palm Beach Hotel and Resort are just a few of the top choices.
One of South India’s most beautiful states, Andhra Pradesh, has a distinct history and culture. The captivating pilgrimage sites dot the state, adding to the natural splendour. Cleartrip guides you to some of India’s most beautiful temples and shrines, drawing worshippers from all around the country. To know more about these destinations as well as important travel tips, just visit our website.
Tirupati, located in the Chittoor region of Andhra Pradesh, is one of India’s most renowned pilgrimage destinations. Tirupati, one of India’s oldest cities and the location of numerous ancient temples and monuments, is a treasure trove of historical landmarks.
Andhra Pradesh has a popular culture around Narasiha, the Supreme Deity of Andhra Pradesh. Andhra Pradesh’s most popular Vaiava god, Narasiha, has a number of temples all over the state.
Lepakshi is a small village in Anantapur District, around 13 kilometers from Hindupur. The village’s three shrines, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Veerabhadra, are well-known in the region. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra and was built by Viranna and Virupanna, two brothers.
The most popular dish in Andhra Pradesh is Pulihora, or tamarind rice with green chilies.Koora, a vegetarian food, includes several ways to cook different vegetables, such as with sauce, frying, and lentils.
