India
I was watching Raavan, the Mani Ratnam fame movie. I dont know how much I have enjoyed watching Bachan pariwar duo act but it was very very inspirational to see the places. I will suggest to see the movie atleast you will check out what breath taking places they are...I wonder how on earth do they find such places!! I am In total Love with these locations!!
- the forests of Karnataka (Tumkur),
- Kerala (Athirappilly Falls),
- Ooty, Jhansi,
- Kolkata,
- Mahabaleshwar and in the Malshej Ghats in Maharashtra.
Some More additions by State:
Where Could I first start...after contemplating for a long time...North to South..or east to west or south to north...There are so many options that I can have! Incredible India Indeed...
Well, Foremost I've decided to know my own state well, I know a lot about the twin cities...not much about the state in itself..
Here I pen down few important places I would Like to see in AP(Andhra Pradesh)
Hyderabad
Mrugavani National Park (Chilkur)
An urban refuge for small mammals such a Wild Boar, Jungle Cat and birds, containing the endemic flora of Hyderabad, the parks offers quietude and is just 25 km from Hyderabad.
Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park
Sheltering 350 Blackbucks, 400 Cheetal, Wild Boar, small mammals, reptiles and over 50 species of birds, this park is a good location to spend a day off being only 15 km from Hyderabad.
Osmansagar Lake
Popularly known as Gandipet, the most sought after picnic-spot, Osmansagar Lake is a drinking water reservoir for Hyderabad.
Created by a dam across the Isa, a tributary of the River Musi, the lake overlooks the heritage Sagar Mahal resort.
Shamirpet
Soothing environs, comfortable cottages, a serene lake abutting a deer park, Shamirpet is an ideal getaway because of its proximity to the city that’s just 24 km away.
Nehru Zoological Park
Home for around 3000 animals, birds and reptiles, the Nehru Zoological Park is spread across 300 acres of verdant greenery, with 250 species living in conditions resembling their natural habitat. The biggest zoo in India, also the first to create moats around enclosures, the park has a Lion Safari, Natural History Museum, a children's train, and APTDC maintained Haritha Restaurant.
Tirupati
Horsley Hills
Originally known as Eenugu Mallma Konda, it later became Horseley Hills named after an erstwhile Collector of Cuddaph, W.D.Horsley. This hill resort that is about 150 km from Tirupati, is located at a height of 1.265 meters above sea level. Environmental park, Lake Gangotri and the Horsley Hills museum are some of the well known tourist spots. The excellent cool weather makes it a favourite destination during the hot summers.
Sri Venkateswara Sanctuary
Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park which is spread over an area of 506 sq km is a wild life sanctuary and dedicated to research in Environmental Studies. A unique feature here is the vast natural and simulated enclosure concept, which helps the animals to move around freely.
Mehboobnagar
Pillalamarri
The most interesting place to see in Mahabubnagar is the famous banyan tree called Pillalamrri, which is about 4 km from the town. There is a tomb of a Muslim saint under the tree. At least 1000 people can easily take shelter under this 700 year old banyan tree and its branches extend over an area of 3 acres. In Telugu, "Pillalu" means children & "marri" means a banyan tree. There is also an aquarium, a small zoo and an archaeological museum here. There is a boating facility in the premises of Pillalamarri available only during the rainy season.
Nellore
Pulicat Lake
Pulicat Lake is the second largest brackish water lagoon in India, spread over the two states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, adjacent to the Bay of Bengal. It extends over 600 sq km in Andhra Pradesh and is a bird watchers paradise. Migratory water birds and other birds like Flamingos, Painted Storks, Egrets, Grey Pelican, Grey Herons, Pintails, Black winged Stilts, Shovelers, Terns etc., visit this lake during winter. This lake is connected to the National Highway, and is only 80 km from Chennai. It is near the Sriharikota Atomic Missile Range (S.H.A.R).
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
Nelapattu bird sanctuary is one of the largest Pelicanary in South East Asia with more than 1500 Pelicans and other birds visiting every year. The big fresh water tank of Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, the presence of good number of “Barringtonia Acutangula” trees which can tolerate inundation for long periods in the tank bed and fore shore areas make this sanctuary a haven for a broad spectrum of bird species for both breeding and roosting. It is a breeding ground for some of the rare and endangered species like Grey Pelicans, Open-billed Storks, Little Cormorants, Spoonbills, White Ibis, Night Herons, etc. A wide variety of birds, like Egrets, Tern, Ducks, Waders etc., also rest here.
There is an Environmental Education Centre in the Sanctuary with a Museum, Library and Auditorium with Audio Visual Equipment for screening of slides, films etc, on wild life. Watch towers are also available to watch the birds at the Sanctuary.
Vishakapatnam
Araku Valley:
Soothe your sun tan in this cool hill station. It's a pleasant hill station with scenic gardens, green valleys, waterfalls and streams. 112 km from Visakhapatnam, the journey to Araku valley on the Eastern Ghats with thick forest on either sides is an exploration in itself. 3200 ft above the sea level, the climate here will make your trip worth every effort.
Highlights: Tribal Museum. Chaaparai - a picnic spot 15 km from Araku. A peak into the lifestyle of the aboriginal tribes living here keeping their tradition and culture alive. About 19 tribes inhabit this area. Sway to the beats of the Dhimsa dance, an age-old folk dance.
Borra Caves:
These one million year old rock formations are the prima donna of the Araku secenario. You will be amazed to see the natural rock formations culminating into popular mythological figures. Every year on Mahashivaratri, these caves are thronged by tribals from the surrounding area. The entire cave resonates with songs of joy and devotion.
Tyda:
It is a small village nestling in the wooded hills of the Eastern Ghats, on the way to Araku and is 75 km from Vizag. Be at the Jungle Bells Nature Camp, an Eco-Tourism Resort to explore the nature's bounty. The camp provides great view of Eastern Ghats, trekking, hiking and bird watching in addition to accommodation in log huts amidst serene surroundings. Nature lovers got to come here.
Anantagiri:
Wake up and smell the coffee. It won't just be a phrase any more. The entire village is surrounded by coffee estates, while waterfalls adorn the hillocks around.
Kambala Konda:
With a deer park, bird park, cozy cottages, canteen, environmental education, nature trails with well trained local guides this is quite a family destination. Everyone is sure to have fun here. Do not miss a visit to the nearby zoo here.
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park:
This will delight the children and adults alike as you watch the wild Africa come alive. Situated in between NH-5 and Beach Road, the park spreads over an area of 625 acres. It has around 700 animals belonging to 89 species.
Highlights: Deer safari, Nocturnal animals, Toy train, Drive across the zoo, Shanty Sarovar and Bay of Bengal view points.
Telineelapuram, Bird Sanctuary:
It is a tiny quiet village near Tekkali that plays host to the Pelican and the painted stork of Siberian migratory birds. It's a place of great interest for nature lovers. A must visit during winter.
Kondakarla:
Kondakarla in Atchutapuram mandal, is about 50 km from Visakhapatnam. Famous for its lake which attracts birds from far and wide, it's truly a breathtaking spectacle. Also present is the oldest temple of Sri Venkateswera swamy of Upmaka village.
Chitrakote Tirathgarh Waterfalls:
Chitrakote falls is a natural wonder situated about 330 km from Visakhapatnam. It is often referred to as a miniature Niagara falls.According to geologists the water was more than a hundred feet higher about a thousand years ago.
Kurnool
Belum Caves
Situated 110 km from Kurnool, it is the longest cave system in the plains of India. These underground caves are located under a flat agricultural field and have three well like cavities with the central one being the main entrance. The exquisite stalactite and stalagmite formations and the imaginative colour illumination are the main attractions of the Belum Caves, which were adjudged as an "Unique Eco-Tourism Project" by the Government of India.
Oravakallu
Oravakallu is a miniature Grand Canyon, 60 km from Kurnool, filled with water bodies and sandwiched between exotic rock formations. Experience pure bliss, lazing around and gazing at nature's architecture, untouched by man. A true adventure site, Oravakallu has everything that makes for a perfect picnic spot.
Rollapadu Sanctuary
Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary is located in Kurnool district and extends over an area of 614 sq km. The sanctuary is covered by dry thorny forests scattered with dry cereal crops, cotton, groundnut and castor. Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary is home to Black Buck, Bonnet Macaque, Indian Bustard, Indian Roller, Sparrows and Mynas. Russell's Viper, Indian Cobra, Jackal, Wolf and Indian Fox also can be spotted in the sanctuary.
The Bird Sanctuary is about 60 km from Kurnool and is near Nandikotkur. Best time to visit is October to February. Tourists can stay at the forest rest house in Kurnool and the inspection bungalow at Nandikotkur. State transport buses operate from Kurnool and Nandikotkur at regular intervals to the sanctuary.
Nagarjunasagar - Srisailam Sanctuary
The largest of India's Tiger Reserves, the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Sanctuary (3568 sq km.), lies in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The terrain is rugged and winding gorges slice through the Nallamalai hills. Adjoining the reserve is the large reservoir of the Nagarjunasagar Dam on the River Krishna.
This dry deciduous forests with scrub and bamboo thickets provide shelter to a range of animals from the tiger and leopard at the top of the food chain, to deer, sloth bear, hyena, jungle cat, palm civet, bonnet macaque and Pangolin. In this unspoiled jungle, the tiger is truly nocturnal and is rarely seen during the daytime.
Rajahmundry
Gowthami Ghat
If you are looking for some simple fun where you can unwind and enjoy an outing with your family, then this is the place to be. Take a walk along the Ghat, and enjoy nature's beauty. Also a place for children to have great fun.
Papi Hills
Away from the hustle-bustle and amidst the tranquility, you can set yourself free in the beauty of the green hills here. These hills are located in a village named Perantala Palli, which is also famous for its spectacular waterfall at Munnivaatam. If you're looking to spend some time in nature's bliss, then this is it.
East Godavari
Maredumilli
Jungle Star Nature Camp is a nature lover's paradise. The camp provides an excellent opportunity to explore the eastern ghats. Located adjacent to the river Valamuru, the camp has a stream flowing on 3 sides overlooking the Vali-Sugriva of the Ramayana era. The remarkable variation of the battle ground with the presence of grass lands, encircled by forests on the other hillocks draws the attention of visitors to this epic story.
Coringa Forest and Hope Island
Situated 20 km from Kakinada and 70 km from Rajahmundry, this sanctuary is a part of river Godavari and has a rich growth of Mangrove plantation. A unique feature of this sanctuary is that it's located on the back waters of the sea. Otter, a protected species is found here among other animals which include Fishing Cat, Jackal, Sea Turtle and Estuarine Crocodile. The common birds found are Snipes, Ducks, Sea Gulls and Flamingos. Accommodation is available at the forest rest house, at Coringa and Rajahmundry. Best season to visit is between October and May.
Rampachodavaram (Eco-Tourism)
One can drive down to Marademalli, which is just 20 km away, it's a little known hill station. The drive through the dense jungle is quite enjoyable and one can expect to encounter wildlife. At Maredumilli, coffee, pepper and rubber are cultivated by the tribals. Forest Department accommodation is available at Maredumilli. Or one can also stay at Rampachodavaram in the APTDC guest house.
Vijayawada
Kolleru Lake
If you are a nature lover, then this is where you must head. The largest fresh water lake, Kolleru lake is a virtual paradise for nature lovers. Rich in flora and fauna, it attracts migratory birds from Australia, Siberia, Egypt and Philippines between the months of October and March. During this season, the lake is visited by an estimated 2,00,000 birds, which include Open Bill Storks, Painted Storks, Glossy Ibises, White Ibises, Teals, Pintails, Shovellers, Red-Crested Pochards, Blackwinged Stilts, Avocets, Common Redshanks, Wigeons, Gadwalls and Cormorants, among others.
Krishna Wild Life Sanctuary, Avanigadda
This is one of the few mangrove habitats in Andhra Pradesh. These dense mangrove forests are nestled on the estuary of River Krishna and provide habitat to Hyena, Jungle and Fishing Cat, Fox, Bear, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Black Buck, Cobra, Russels Viper, Water Snake, Rat Snake and Tree Snake, Garden Lizard, Wall Lizards, Land tortoise, and also a good variety of birds including Crested Serpant Eagle, Indian Roller, Wagtails, Pipits. This makes the Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect place for bird-watching
Undavalli Caves
The historic caves are located at the top of the high hills overlooking the Krishna River. Built during the 4th-5th century, their structure suggests that they were hewn out of solid rock on the hillside. Dedicated to Anantapadmanabha Swamy and Narasimha Swamy, Undavalli Cave Temples are associated with the Vishnukundina kings.It is also believed that Buddhist monks used these caves as rest houses. A remarkable 5 metre long figure of Vishnu reclining on the serpent couch - Anantasayi is the focal point of the second storey of the Caves Temple. The sculptures are testimony to the dexterity and skill of the artisans of the ancient times. The caves are located about 8 kms from the RTC Bus stand, in Vijayawada.
Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary
Uppalapadu village is situated in Guntur District, 2 kms away on the Madras Highway and 33 kms from Vijayawada. Look forward to seeing different species of birds, both locally found and migratory ones as well.
Guthikonda Caves
Located near to Karampudi, about 38 kilometers from Narasaraopet, the Guthikonda Caves are set in the midst of thick forest. These caves are one of the most magnificent natural beauties of the region.
Khammam
Kinnerasani Sanctuary
Located 35 km from Bhadrachalam & 24 km from Kothagudem, Kinnerasani sanctuary forms a part of the Dandakaranya forests in Khammam. Lying on the banks of river Godavari, it derives its name from the Kinnerasani river. The sanctuary supports a variety of flora and fauna like the Tiger, Gaur, Python, etc.