Andhra Pradesh, India's fifth largest state, is sprawled over an area of
275,068 sq. km. History has forged, and left behind vital links with the state,
as is evident from the many edifices, monuments and architectural ruins, the
legacy of dynasties as old as 300 B.C. Traces of the diverse and variegated
facets of the culture of the Mauryas, Pallavas, Cholas, Satavahanas, Chalukyas
and Vijayanagar, offer imposing vistas, that continue to fascinate the observer.
Andhra Pradesh lives in its fertile coastal plains, semi arid Deccan plateau
and the lofty hillscapes of the Eastern Ghats. Exquisite crafts, glorious remnants
of the past, vibrant festivities, irresistible delicacies coupled with the charming
features of the people, and the sonorant mother tongue Telugu leave behind indelible
impressions.
Some of the incredible sights of Andhra Pradesh are the world's tallest masonry
dam, million year old caves, South Asia's first lion safari and the world's
richest temple.
Architecture in Andhra Pradesh ranges from prehistoric cairns to Buddhist Setups;
Hindu and Jain temples of great importance to imposing churches, secular monuments
such as the Charming of Hyderabad to some of the most beautiful mosques and
Islamic tombs of India.