Thursday, 9 April 2015

Andhra Pradesh is more than just the “Rice bowl” of our country- reasons why


Undoubtedly Andhra Pradesh is one of the largest states in the South of India with the second largest coastline in the country. While it has been divided into Telengana and Seemandhra now, there is a lot the state offers as one, especially with respect to agriculture and tourism.

We may all be well aware that a substantial amount of our country s supply of rice or paddy comes from the fertile region of coastal Andhra. This is primarily due to extremely favorable conditions (Humid and wet) as well as major rivers of Godavari and Krishna and their tributaries that drain the region. Particularly the Konaseema region is rich with lush green paddy fields and coconut/mango groves thus attracting a lot of tourism into this region. You may also bear in mind that this region is home to luxury resorts, because of its strategic location in proximity to religious monuments, scenic backwater boat rides etc. A look into places listed by Konaseema tourism will enlighten you further if at all you plan a trip to Konaseema.

Further, apart from rice red chilies, cotton, ground nuts, tobacco, sugarcane are also grown in the state. Fish/Shrimp/prawn farming as part of aquaculture is also slowly gaining momentum in parts of Andhra Pradesh.

You should visit Andhra Pradesh – it is simply diverse.

Every nook of this state is rich in terms of what it offers as part of nature, ecology, culture as well as religion. AP travel and tourism offers varied attractions to tourists be it lovely beaches in Vizag, lush greenery in coastal Andhra Konaseema region, or architectural marvels that are old time temples forts and palaces spread all over the state. There is a lot to choose and each trip will be an experience by itself. Here is all that you should bear in mind in a nutshell-
  • While tourist traffic is generally directed towards places of pilgrimages like shrines and temples, for instance Tirupathi which is major source of revenue for the state government. There are also lesser known places such as Gurramkonda fort, TTD gardens and Silathoranam that are known to be scenic, located a short distance from Tirumala.
  • The state also showcases rural arts, toys, sculptures, crafts, textiles, handloom and silks. Smaller towns such as Uppada, Chennapatna can be explored too. The famous Kalamkari art on handloom originated in this state.
  • While we simply think Vizagapatam and Hyderabad as major tourist cities in the state; Warangal has also begun to attract a large number of tourists; it is home to natural attractions like beautiful lakes, grand temples forts and beautifully landscaped gardens. The Warangal fort which belongs to the 13th century is also home to a Shiva temple which is built in a star shape.
  • It is best to choose a particular place of stay, say a resort suggested by AP travel and tourism and drive around to nearby places of attraction.
A holiday to a particular state must be backed by a lot of research and willingness to explore little known places. What you different on a holiday makes it all the more memorable. Explore Andhra Pradesh during a good season, you will certainly agree with the fact that there is a lot more to it than just paddy fields.


Wednesday, 1 April 2015

8 activities you could do on a quick trip to Konaseema


What most of us usually do when we decide to take a break is, simply decide on time a destination and figure out a travel plan.  Unless it is a faraway destination where you holiday longer, you most likely a clueless about what to do after day two of a holiday. In the case of longer holidays of course there is a tour planner who works out most of your plans.

So how you make best use of a quick getaway? In fact it is these shorter impromptu holidays that rejuvenate our minds a lot more effectively. From Hyderabad, there are innumerable options that are suggested by AP travel and tourism for you explore in a few hours of a drive.

One such popular and growing in demand destination is Konaseema, located in the coastal Andhra region more specifically the east Godavari district. The entire belt is lush green and simply picturesque thanks to paddy fields and coconut groves adding to the charm is the presence of backwaters of the river Godavari. Such is its growing popularity that there is increase in growth of resorts in Konaseema as well.

Here is what you can to make your getaway, a real get-away and add an element of excitement too!
  1. Once you choose a resort to stay through the visit, toy with the idea of exploring the property. Put up your bags begin with a walk inside the resort and also attempt to venture outside.
  2. You do not get to see such endless stretches of fertile land with paddy fields, tall coconut trees and possibly fruit trees too. Soak in the nature around you.
  3. Have you seen how coconut harvesters go about their job or how rice is sowed and transplanted after a growth phase? To simply watch harvesting and winnowing is a lot of fun too. Talk to locals and try to witness it too.
  4. Go full on and indulge in the lovely coastal Andhra cuisine, sea food is abundant in this region.
  5. It is a rarity to see horse drawn carriages and bullock carts; life in a quaint village is far cry from the maddening city. Drag the kids and spouse, go on a cart ride and unleash the child in your as well!
  6. Lotuses blooming in a pond with clear cool water, sit on a rock soak your feet and gaze into wilderness. There can be nothing more calming than that.
  7. Get into the village, try and make friends and learn about the livelihood and about how content they are. A lot of life s lessons can be learnt by travelling.
  8. Tired of the outside world, sit back in your resort and ask for some adventure activities for your group. Holidays are meant to bring out the fun side of you, bring it all on.
Konaseema tourism also lists a lot of places that are just a short drive away, temples and other places of religious interest. You may also hop on to your car and make a tour of them. Understand and remember that your holiday is what you make of it. Just after you plan your travel and stay, it is important to have a picture of what you intend to do during the visit.