Choosing the right monsoon destinations in Andhra Pradesh can provide you with the perfect break you need from your routine. Over the years, Andhra Pradesh has remained one of the most visited states in India. While the state government has not aggressively promoted tourism in Andhra Pradesh the state offers captivating tourist spots. During the monsoon season, Andhra Pradesh offers some of the best monsoon destinations in the Eastern Ghats.
Andhra Pradesh is mainly known for its temples that draw plenty of tourists from around the globe. The renowned Tirupati temple attracts 30 to 40 million visitors annually. However, apart from majestic temples, Andhra Pradesh also has a diverse landscape which translates into scenic destinations. With the arrival of the rainy season, these tourist places in Andhra Pradesh transform into a holiday wonderland.
If you are planning to relax you can find yourself a spot on the southern east coast of India. With various places to visit in Andhra Pradesh in the monsoon season, you can spend your time lazily at your own pace.
Lepakshi
Located around 120 km (76 miles) north of Bengaluru, Lepakshi is one of the most visited places in Andhra Pradesh. One of the major draws here is the Shree Veerbhadra Swamy Temple. The temple was built in 1530 A.D. and is known for its unique architecture. The temple complex has a hanging pillar that astounds many visitors who visit the temple. There is a small visible gap between the base of the pillar and the ground and therefore it seems like it is suspended in the air.
The temple tour can take approximately three to four hours. However, apart from the temple, Lepakshi is also known for its scenic beauty during the monsoon season in India. Subsequently, you can explore quaint villages and local markets near Lepakshi to complete your holiday tour.
Araku Valley
However, if you are more interested in panoramic breathtaking landscapes visiting Araku Valley makes perfect sense. Nestled in the Eastern Ghats, Araku Valley remains among the top 10 tourist places in Andhra Pradesh. This hill station located 115 km (72 miles) west of Visakhapatnam is known for its pleasant weather and aromatic coffee. Hence, Araku Valley can offer you a potent combination of cold rainy weather and a hot aromatic cup of coffee.
This is also one of the weekend holiday destinations in Andhra Pradesh. While you are here you can enjoy the lush green hills, cascading waterfalls, and misty views that make you feel like you are in Ooty. Araku Valley is also home to Galikonda Hill which is one of the highest peaks in Andhra Pradesh. You can reach Araku Valley by train, bus or private vehicle whatever suits you the best. Personally, I would say travelling by train in India is a better idea, especially during the monsoon season.
Horsley Hills
One of the must visit places in Andhra Pradesh during monsoons is Horsley Hills. Locally known as Yenugulla Mallamma Konda, this place is a series of hills that offer you a cooler climate perfect for holidaying in Andhra Pradesh. During the monsoon season, this place transforms into a magical land brimming with local flora and fauna. If you are into bird watching, Horsley Hills offers a perfect experience where you can spot the Yellow-throated Bulbul, White-rumped Shama and Black Eagle. With more than 133 species of birds found here, you can have a great time spotting as many as you can.
While you are here you can visit a few viewpoints that allow you to enjoy panoramic views of the hills. If you are taking the train you can get down at Madanapalle train station. This railway station is 27 km from Horsley Hills. You can also hop on various buses from Hyderabad and Bengaluru that take you to Horsley Hills. With the right planning this can be one of the best monsoon destinations in Andhra Pradesh for you.
Lambasingi
Known as ‘The Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh’, Lambasingi is one of the hidden tourist places in Andhra Pradesh you should visit. It is the only place in South India that experiences sub-zero temperatures and snowfall during the winter months. While the monsoon months may not give you the snowy experiences it certainly can offer you the perfect green landscape you prefer. With rolling hills, towering green trees and dense forests, Lambasingi is nothing short of paradise during the rainy season.
This hidden gem is among the best places to visit in Andhra Pradesh in the monsoon season offering you chilly winds, misty surroundings and a magical scenic landscape. If you like to get out and soak yourself in the rain you can try mountain biking and hiking in the gorgeous valleys. While you are here don’t miss exploring the Kothapalli Waterfalls which come alive during the monsoon season.
However, take note that Lambasingi has fewer accommodation options. Hence, it is advisable that you book them in advance. If you are unable to get your bookings you can always book accommodations in Visakhapatnam. Being one of the main cities just 102 km (64 miles) east of Lambasingi, Visakhapatnam is a perfect base for those who want to explore Lambasingi for a day trip.
Visakhapatnam
Popularly known as ‘Vizag’, Visakhapatnam is nicely tucked between the Eastern Ghats and the coast of the Bay of Bengal. If you are looking for a coastal city packed with top facilities, amenities and an abundance of options Vizag should be your choice. It is the second-largest city on the east coast of India after Chennai in Tamil Nadu. However, with its pristine beaches and picturesque landscape, Visakhapatnam is one of the best monsoon destinations in the Eastern Ghats.
Did you know the state of Andhra Pradesh has the third-longest coastline in India? The coastline of Andhra Pradesh is 9 times the coastline of Goa, a state known for its beaches. While you are in Visakhapatnam you can explore local attractions like Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Kailasagiri Park, Rushikonda Beach, Rama Krishna Beach, Yarada Beach and Borra Caves.
If you prefer luxurious holiday experiences you can stay at various opulent 5-star and 4-star hotels in this port city. This allows you to enjoy your monsoon holidays in India with ease and convenience. You can also make Visakhapatnam your base destination to cover places like Lambasingi and Araku Valley.
Kakinada
Just 3 hours southwest of Visakhapatnam is Kakinada, a port city with plenty of history and culture. Known for its sweet pastry Kakinada Kaja, this city on the coast of the Bay of Bengal can be a good choice for those who want to enjoy coastal views and beaches during the monsoon season in India. Historically, the city is also known for its temples, movie theatres and town planning.
However, Kakinada is not as big and developed as Visakhapatnam. If you prefer small-town vibes for your monsoon holidays, Kakinada would be the right place to stay. You can find plenty of hotels and Airbnb options here that would allow you to experience the monsoon just the way you like. You can use these tips to help you find the right Airbnb rentals in India.
While you are in Kakinada you can explore Hope Island which is just off the coast of Kakinada. You can spend a few hours here exploring the local landscape. Nature lovers can explore the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary which is just a 40-minute drive from the city. This is India’s second largest preserved mangrove forest after Sunderbans. If you are an avid bird watcher you can visit this place while you are in Kakinada.
Maredumilli
One of the must visit places in Andhra Pradesh during monsoons is Maredumilli located just east of the Godavari River. This hill station can provide you with spectacular views that you need to unwind and relax. As you drive through the twisted hilly roads of Maredumilli you can enjoy freshwater rivulets and monsoon clouds hovering right above the hills. As you drive by you can also spot various coffee plantations in the area.
Nestled in the Eastern Ghats, this place is perfect for a digital detox as you would often experience poor signal reception. In terms of accommodation, Maredumilli has various hotels and resorts that suit your preferences and budget. While you are here you can enjoy the countryside experiences enjoying local cuisine and exploring local markets. You can hike the area, explore multiple waterfalls and capture some great panoramic shots of the landscape.
You may also want to visit APFDC (Andhra Pradesh Forest Development Corporation) pepper and coffee plantations. If you are travelling via train you can get down at the Rajahmundry railway station and take the cab or bus from there. You can also connect to other monsoon destinations in Andhra Pradesh like Visakhapatnam and Lambasingi from Maredumilli which are 4-5 hours drive away.
Gandikota
Located on the right bank of the Penna River, Gandikota can provide you with mesmerizing views of the wild forests and deep valleys that exist here. Various locals call Gandikota, The Grand Canyon of India. The literal translation of the word ‘Gandikota’ is ‘Gorge Fort’. When you explore the area you will a fort here which has quite a history.
Gandikota is well connected via train and bus and therefore you can choose either of the options. Not too far from here are Belum Caves, which is the second-largest cave in the Indian sub-continent. If you love cave hiking you are in for some amazing outdoor adventure. This place also has some of the old Vijayanagara-era temples which you can explore during your trip to Gandikota. While you are here you can expect basic camping resorts and hotels for accommodations that serve local cuisine.
Dindi
One of the best places to visit in Andhra Pradesh during the monsoon season is Dindi. Located on one of the banks of the Godavari River, Dindi is perfect for nature lovers. With plenty of greenery around you can find yourself miles away from the urban chaos. Known as the Coconut Country of Konaseema, Dindi offers an escape into the charming rural landscape of South India.
You can wake up here to the chirping of grassland birds and find yourself surrounded by coconut farms. The best thing you can do in Dindi is just spend your day lazily admiring the rural backdrop it has to offer. You can walk through the fields and enjoy the delicious local cuisine.
If you are looking for unique experiences you can head to various weaving villages that use traditional weaving methods to this day. Apart from weaving villages, you can also head to Narsapur village known for its hand-made crochet lace work industry. You may also enjoy a boat ride in the Godavari River and head to a point where the river meets the sea.
With plenty of good resorts and Airbnb options, you can find decent stays in Dindi during the monsoon season. While you are here you can also explore Kakinada which is 92 km (57 miles) east of Dindi.
Conclusion
To conclude, I would say that monsoon can be an inconvenience. However, if you plan your rainy trip right these monsoon destinations in Andhra Pradesh can offer you a lot more. They can offer you the best activities for a rainy day in Andhra Pradesh and ensure that you can have a great time.
Andhra Pradesh is well-connected with the rest of the country. Hence, you can find the right trains and flight options that can help you move in and out of the state quickly. Being one of the most visited states in India, you can find ample accommodations of your preference and budget. If you are looking for monsoon holidays in Eastern Ghats these destinations offer you a variety of landscapes, delicious cuisine and plenty of activities to do. With the right monsoon destinations in Andhra Pradesh, you can have a great time to unwind and relax in South India.
5 comments
Really wonderful information can be found on blog . “I can think of nothing less pleasurable than a life devoted to pleasure.” by John D. Rockefeller.
Super Shots . I recently visited Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra and a few of the pictures reminded me of that hill station
Even Mahabaleshwar has its own magic, especially during the monsoon season.
These all look like beautiful destinations.
They certainly are, Dan. Thank you for commenting.