Best time to visit : October to February
Located near the Eastern coastline of India along The Bay of Bengal, Nellore is a highly acclaimed tourist destination in the Southeast state of Andhra Pradesh. Nearness to some magnificent beaches attracts leisure travellers and beach holidaymakers, while the presence of many sacred Hindu temples keeps the city busy with pilgrimage travellers. Because of the city’s closeness to many big cities like Chennai and Vijayawada, weekend tourism is also a preferred option among the visitors. Cuisines, movie theatres and architecture of the place are also worth enjoying and so is the cultural and historical heritage.
Facts
The name ‘Nellore’ translates to ‘Paddy Town’ and it aptly relates to the quality production of rice in the region. The city is popularly known as ‘the Rice City’ and ‘the Agricultural Capital of India’ and has also gained attention for its aquaculture. Located in Nellore District (better known as Sri Potti Sri Ramulu Nellore District) on the banks of River Penneru, the city gets extremely hot during summers. Among the fastest developing cities of India, Nellore holds great significance in the history of Andhra state formation. Tourist places are not confined to the city area only, but across the diameter of few miles from the city centre. Find useful tourist information about them and other aspects of Nellore tourism from the following city guide.
Nellore impresses food lovers with mouth-watering non-vegetarian and fish preparations that are popular across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and the rest of the South India. Fish pulusu, prawn curries, prawn pakoras, gongura mutton, pot biryani and chicken pulusu are the well-known cuisines with irresistible flavours. Vegetarian tourists can find typical South Indian dishes like dosa and sambhar at various restaurants. Worth trying are the hot and spicy snacks like pulibongaralu, red chilli kaaram and mirchibajji. Popular restaurants include Mayuri, Riaz, Amani Gardens, Celebrations, Yellow Chillies and Hotel Murali Krishna. Don’t forget to enjoy the delicious Andhra sweets, especially malai kajaa.
Shopping is another enjoyable activity in Nellore which boasts of a variety of authentic gold jewellery designs. Outlets of prestigious clothing brands have mushroomed up in different parts of the city. Different varieties of rice and top grade lemon that are locally grown are the other items to purchase.
Nearby Places:
- Penchalakona (about 78 km.): An ancient pilgrimage site with a popular temple dedicated to Penusila Narasimha Swamy. Located at the foot of Veligondalu Hill, the place also has attractions like Penchalakona Waterfall and Kandleru River.
- Somasila Dam (about 82 km.): Located in the Eastern Ghats, the dam is simply admirable for its natural beauty, waterfalls and trekking adventure.
- Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary (about 87 km.): Popular for the significant population of pelicans and many other migratory birds and also for the freshwater flooded forest trees.
- Sullurpeta (about 96 km.): Famous for the temple of Goddess Chengalamma Parameswari who is known to fulfill wishes of the devotees.
- Udayagiri Fort (about 100 km.): A mesmerizing fort located on a hill is surrounded by lavish greenery and scenic beauty. The place is also popular for an array of temples with spellbinding architecture and waterfalls.
- Srikalahasti (about 100 km.): Located on the bank of River Swarnamukhi, it houses one of the most revered temples of Lord Shiva known for its towering gopurams and eye-pleasing architecture.
- Tirupati (about 137 km.): Acclaimed as the busiest pilgrimage centre in the world, the place is home to Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, along with many other temples and other attractions like forts, planetarium and zoological park.
Other popular attractions include Pulicat Lake (India’s second largest brackish water lagoon), A.S. Peta Dargah, Sri Siddeswaraswamy Temple Gudali and Sri Siddalaiahkona Sydapuram.