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.