On the occasion of #AndhraPradeshFormationDay sharing some facts on my home state, related to it's history, culture and travel.

World's richest temple at Tirumala, dedicated to Shri Venkateswara, also happens to be my birth place. #AndhraPradesh

3 of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas are here at
Srisailam- Brahmaramba.
Draksharama-Manikyamba
Pithapuram- Puruhitika Devi
Srisailam in fact is both a Jyotirlinga Kshetram and a Maha Shakti Peetham.

One of the few temples dedicated to Vishnu in form of Kurmavataram at Sri Kurmam, Srikakulam District
And Mastya Avataram at Sri Veda Narayana Swamy Temple in Nagulapuram,Chittor District. #AndhraPradesh

The Veda Narayana Swamy temple at Nagulapuram was built by the great emperor Shri Krishna Deva Raya in honor of his mother Nagulamba, and the surrounding village is named after her. #AndhraPradesh

Yaganti Umamaheswara Temple in Kurnool district, has a Nandi that keeps growing in size every year. A very unique temple, that is a must visit. #AndhraPradesh

India's very own Grand Canyon at Gandikota, Kadapa dt.
Also famous for it's ancient fort. #AndhraPradesh

Belum caves in Kurnool dt with its long passage ways.
Borra Caves near Vizag, one of the deepest in India.
Two natural wonders that should be in your bucket list.

#AndhraPradesh

Ponduru in Srikakulam district is famous for its very fine Khadi, Mahatma Gandhi used to order his dhotis from here. Uses a special weaving technique with fishbone.
#andhrapradesh

One of the few Jewish communities in India, is in Andhra Pradesh, called Bene Ephraim, living at a small village near Chebrolu in Guntur district. #AndhraPradesh https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/050717/guntur-jews-pin-hope-on-modis-israel-visit.html

Sri Kalahasti one of the 5 Panchabhoota Lingams, where Shiva is worshipped as Vayu( Air). Also famous for the story of Kannappa or Timma, the tribal devotee of Shiva,who offered his eyes to him. #AndhraPradesh

Sri Kalahasti is also famous for it's Kalamkari work, along with that of Machilipatnam. The difference between these 2 is that while the latter uses block style printing, the Srikalahasti style uses pen to create those intricate designs.

While Bobilli is famous for it's fort and the battle fought against the French, the town is also famous for the Bobilli Veenas, which is carved from a single piece of jackwood.
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While famous for it's beaches, Vizag is also the HQ of the Eastern Naval Command, making it strategically important. The Pakistani submarine Ghazi, was sunk off the coast here during the 1971 War. #AndhraPradesh

Vizag keeps it's memories with the Navy alive, in the form of the War Memorial, Submarine Museum, Aircraft Museum, all of which are worth a visit. #AndhraPradesh

The ancient Buddhist stupa of Bhattiprolu in Guntur district, contains an urn with a scroll, having a script, from which the Telugu language script is believed to have evolved. #AndhraPradesh

#AndhraPradesh is famous for it's Narasimha Kshetras. Simhachalam is where Vishnu is worshipped as Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha in the form of both Varaha and Narasimha together, making it very unique.

Ahobilam is famous for it's Nava Narasimhas, considered one of the powerful Narasimha Kshetras, and also the Ugra Stambham here, a pillar like formation, from where it's believed Vishnu emerged as Narasimha. #AndhraPradesh

Ryali in East Godavari dt, has a very unique temple where Vishnu is worshipped as Jaganmohini Kesava Swamy, while the front of the murthi is Vishnu, the rear side is that of his female form Mohini. #AndhraPradesh

The Pancharama Kshetras, 5 temples dedicated to Shiva. It's believed that when Karthikeya was battling the Asura Tarakasura, the latter was protected by the Shiva Lingam he wore around his neck,which made him invincible. #AndhraPradesh

It was then that Vishnu advised Karthikeya, to break that Lingam, but ensure that it should be stopped from growing. Karthikeya did so with his spear, and the 5 pieces of that Lingam that fell on earth are the Pancharamas. #AndhraPradesh

The Pancharamas are located at
Draksharama(E.Godavari)
Amararama, Amaravati(Guntur)
Ksheerarama, Palakollu( W.Godavari)
Somarama, Bhimavaram( W.Godavari)
Kumararama, Samarlakota( E.Godavari). #AndhraPradesh

Srikurmam is the only temple in India,where Vishnu is worshipped as Kurmavatara. Located in Srikakulam district, it is worth a visit.
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#AndhraPradesh is also famous for it's hill forts, which actually could be made into a tour circuit. Apart from Gandikota, there are
Kondavidu- Famous for it's Katulla Baavi( Well of Knives)
Kondapalli- Also famous for it's toys
Gooty
Penugonda- Second capital of Vijayanagara.

The magnificient Lepakshi temple, an excellent specimen of Vijayanagara era architecture. The massive Nandi here, is one of the state's symbols. And also the Hanging Pillar here, which remains a mystery to date. #AndhraPradesh

Kadiri in Anantapur district, famous for it's Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, as also the largest banyan tree ever at Timmamma Marrimanu. #AndhraPradesh

If you were travelling between Chennai and Howrah, for sure you would have passed on this famous bridge on the Godavari River at Rajahmundry ,an experience by itself. #AndhraPradesh

The classical dance form of Kuchipudi, gets it's name from this village in Krishna dt, where it's believed to have originated. Even now, all aspiring dancers, take their training here, amidst very picturesque surroundings.

Satish Dhawan Space center at Sriharikota from where ISRO does it's satellite launch. Nearby is the Chengallama Temple at Sullurpet, where scientists and staff of ISRO visit before every launch to seek the blessings of the deity. #AndhraPradesh

Undavalli Caves near Vijayawada, carved out of sandstone, known for their excellent sculpture. Another must visit place.
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Antarvedi where Godavari River meets the sea, famous for it's Lakshmi Narasimha Temple.
Hamsaladeevi where the Krishna River meets the sea, famous for it's Venugopalaswamy Temple.
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Chandragiri, near Tirupathi,last capital of Vijayanagara Empire. The ruler of this place Damerla Venkatadri Nayaka, gave a grant to the British to set up a settlement, that would become famous as Chennai. #AndhraPradesh

Konaseema with it's paddy fields, coconut groves, canals, a slice of Kerala in Andhra Pradesh. #AndhraPradesh

Mantralayam, famous for it's Raghavendra Swamy temple, and the Panchamukha Anjaneya temple,who is also the Kshetrapalaka here. #AndhraPradesh

The rail route to Araku, through tunnels, hills, valleys, one of those trips you should have in your lifetime.
#AndhraPradesh

I have tried to cover as much as I could on my home state. Thanks for going through this very long thread of mine. If I have missed anything, please do add in the comments section. #AndhraPradesh