Ten years after Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated to create Telangana, Hyderabad is no longer the capital of Andhra Pradesh. As stipulated by the 2014 Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, Hyderabad will cease to be Andhra Pradesh’s capital after June 2, 2024. Back in 2015, the Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP government named Amaravati as the new capital, but it was not without any political controversy. This decision was later reversed by the succeeding YSRCP government under YS Jagan Mohan Reddy who proposed a novel solution to address regional demands by designating three capitals: Amaravati as the legislative capital, Kurnool as the judicial capital, and Visakhapatnam as the executive capital.
Currently, the Andhra Pradesh government is utilising three buildings in Hyderabad: the Lake View guesthouse, the police building in Lakdi Ka Pul, and the Hermitage Building in Adarshnagar. A Revanth Reddy, Chief Minister of Telangana, recently instructed officials to reclaim buildings allotted to Andhra Pradesh. Andhra Pradesh has requested to rent or lease these buildings from Telangana, but no decision has been made due to the current election code that is in place.
While we await the full and final decision, let’s take a look at what Andhra Pradesh has in store for travellers.
While we await the full and final decision, let’s take a look at what Andhra Pradesh has in store for travellers.
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Visakhapatnam: CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had proposed Visakhapatnam as the executive capital. Visakhapatnam, often called Vizag, offers a variety of attractions for tourists. The city boasts beautiful beaches such as Ramakrishna Beach, a popular spot for relaxation and water activities, Rishikonda Beach known for its scenic beauty and water sports, and the serene Bheemunipatnam Beach with historical significance. For those seeking hill stations, Araku Valley presents a picturesque setting with coffee plantations, waterfalls, and tribal culture, while Ananthagiri Hills is famous for trekking and lush greenery. Historical and cultural sites include Kailasagiri, a hilltop park with panoramic views, the ancient Simhachalam Temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha, and the ancient Buddhist sites of Thotlakonda and Bavikonda with stupas and relics.
In addition to natural beauty and historical sites, Visakhapatnam is home to several museums and parks. The INS Kurusura Submarine Museum, housed inside a decommissioned submarine, and the Visakha Museum, showcasing the city’s history and maritime heritage, are unique attractions.
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Amaravati: Amaravati was proposed as the legislative capital of Andhra Pradesh. Key sites include the ancient Amaravati Stupa with its intricate carvings, the Amaravati Archaeological Museum showcasing Buddhist-era artefacts, and the rock-cut Undavalli Caves with their impressive architecture. Religious landmarks such as the Amareshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the massive 125-foot Dhyana Buddha Statue draw pilgrims and visitors alike. Natural attractions include the scenic Krishna River, offering boat rides and picnicking spots, and the nearby Kolleru Lake, a haven for birdwatchers.
Kurnool: Kurnool was proposed to be the judicial capital of Andhra Pradesh. Kurnool offers a rich mix of historical, natural, and religious attractions for tourists. Key historical sites include the Konda Reddy Fort, known for its impressive architecture and underground tunnels, and Belum Caves, the second longest cave system in India with stunning formations. Religious landmarks such as the Yaganti Temple, famous for its unique idol and growing Nandi statue, Mantralayam, a pilgrimage site dedicated to Saint Raghavendra Swami, and Ahobilam, with nine temples dedicated to Lord Narasimha, draw numerous visitors.
