Andhra Pradesh, a state in South India is bordered by Maharashtra Chhattisgarh and Orissa in the north, the Bay of Bengal in the East, Tamil Nadu to the south and Karnataka to the west. It is situated on the Deccan plateau and the Godavari and Krishna Rivers cut their way through the plateau forming large deltas before entering into Bay of Bengal.

Hyderabad and Secunderabad the twin city capital of Andhra Pradesh carry rich cultural legacy while Warangal and Vijayawada illustrate the presence of early Hindu and Buddhist societies and ancient architecture.

Famous Temples in Andhra Pradesh :
Lepakshi Temple In Anantapur :
The Lepakshi temple in Anantapur district known for its Veerabhadra temple built in Vijayanagar style, is situated 480 km from Hyderabad. It is said that when Lord Rama went in search of Sita he came across the fallen bird Jatayu here and he commanded the bird to rise Le Pakshi which over time evolved to Lepakshi.

Thousand Pillar Temple In Warangal :
4 km from Hanumakonda crossroad in Warangal district is the Thousand Pillar Temple, a fine specimen of 'Kakatiya' architecture and sculpture. It is the main attraction of Hanamkonda. The temple was built by 'Rudra Devi' in 1163 AD.

The temple is in shape of a star and has three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The temple is built on a 1m high platform on the slopes of the Hanumakonda hill and has a majestic monolithic Nandi. The black basalt Nandi a monolith has a lovely polished finish.

Tirupati Temple In Tirupati :
The town of Tirupati Balaji is one of the most sacred places in India. It is famous for Lord Venkateshwara Deity. The name Tirupati Balaji means the lord of Lakshmi. The shrine is located on a hill at Tirumala a cluster of seven hills known as Venkatachalam with an elevation of 853m above the sea level. It is said to be the richest temple in the world. This temple is a vibrant cultural and philanthropic institution with a grand history.

Kurnool Srisailam Temple :
Situated in the thick deep forests of Nallamalai hills in the Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh, Sree Sailam Temple is one of the most ancient and sacred places in South India. Standing on the shores of River Krishna known as Pataalganga here on the Rishabhagiri hill it is also known by the names of Sri Giri, Sriparvata, Rudra Parvata and Seshachalam. Its reference can be found in several texts and Puranas.

Birla Mandir In Hyderabad :
An enchanting temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, the Birla Mandir of Hyderabad, India stands in its entire splendor on the hilltop of Kala Pahad. Made of pure white marble from Rajasthan, the Birla Mandir overlooks the serene and placid waters of the Hussain Sagar Lake. The famous Birla industrialist who had built a large number of temples all over India built the Birla temple of Hyderabad.

Chennakesava Temple In Anantapur :
Sri Lakshmi Chennakesava Temple a highly revered shrine located at Dharmavaram in Anantapur District. The shrine is noted for its architectural excellence comprising beautiful sculptures intricately carved stone pillars extensive closures and an entrance in Vijayanagar style. Uniqueness is that the pillars seen here produce seven notes when struck. A remarkable perennial water spout can also be spotted here.

Gunupudi Someswara Temple In Godawari :
Gunupudi Someswara Temple is a famous shrine located at Bhimavaram in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. Bhimavaram is about 107 km south east of Vijayawada. This beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shivling found here is believed to be a Swayambhu. It is about 5 ft in height. One of the pillars of the mandapams has some letters inscribed in Pali language.

Chote Hazrat Ki Dargah In Hyderabad :
Located inside Devan Devadi in Hyderabad you can reach Chote Hazrat ki Dargah by climbing 400 and more stairs that takes you to a place of worship built during the period of the Asif Jahis. The row of arches on the hill leading to the top is a wonderful sight. The Dargah or mortuary was built in the memory of Hazrat Ali the son-in-law of prophet Muhammad.

Deval Masjid In Nizamabad :
The Deval Masjid was as its name signifies originally a Hindu temple and was converted into a mosque by Muhammad-bin-Tughluq at the time of conquest of the Deccan. It is located in Bodhan Taluk of Nizamabad district. The plan of the building is star-shaped it has undergone no alternation at the hands of the conquerors excepting the removal of the shrine chamber and the setting up of a pulpit.

Jama Masjid Of Hyderabad :
The white towers of the Jama Masjid the oldest mosque in Hyderabad, rise a few meters from the Charminar. It was built by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah in the year 1597 after the completion of the Charminar.

Mecca Masjid In Hyderabad :
Mecca Masjid is adjacent to charminar One of the largest mosque in the world (accommodating up to 10,000 worshippers) Construction began in 1614 during the reign of Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah but wasn't finished until 1687 by which Mughal emperor Aurangzeb had annexed the Golconda kingdom and completed this Masjid in 1693.

Gundala Church In Vijayawada :
Gundala Church is situated on a hillock on the eastern side of the town. According to popular legend in 1925. Arlati, the then Rector of St. Josephs Orphanage Gundala installed a statue of Our Lady. Later a church was built and consecrated in 1971. This church is today known to us as the St Mary's Church and popularly known as the Gundala Matha Shrine. Every year in the month of February the annual event of Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes takes place here. It is attended by devotees from the city as well as from far away places.

Raja Rajeswara Temple In Karimnagar :
Sri Rajarajeswara Swamy Temple also known as Vemulawada Temple is a 1000-year-old shrine situated at Vemulawada about 150 km from Hyderabad. Popularly known as Dakshina Kashi (Benaras of South India), this ancient shrine built by the Chalukya ruler Narasimha I attract thousands of devotees from all over the country.