NELLORE

Location: Southern Part Of Andhra Pradesh
Previously Known As: Vikramasimhapuri
Famous For: Paddy Production
Nearby Attractions: Ranganatha Temple, Nellapattu Sanctuary, and Penchalakona

Nellore City is picturesquely situated on the north bank of Pennar River. It lies in the southern part of the Andhra Pradesh State. It is at a distance of 173-km from Chennai and is the headquarters of the district. It is believed that it derived its name, as paddy is extensively cultivated in and around the other neighboring areas of Nellore, where 'Nellu' means paddy and 'Ur' means a town.
Nellore was also known as Vikramasimhapuri. Historically, the place is very important. Culturally, Nellore town stands unique among the other towns of Andhra Pradesh as it is supposed to be the place where the greatest of the Telugu poets, Tikkana Somayaji, who translated the Mahabharata into Telugu, lived.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

The most important religious and tourist interest in the city include the temples of Talpagiri Ranganathaswami also known as 'Ranganayakulu', 'Mulaathanesvaraswami', 'Venugopalswami' and 'Dharmaraja'.

Ranganatha Temple: It is the most famous temple and the most frequented by tourists. It stands just on the southern bank of the river Pennar. The first entrance to the temple has a Galigopuram which is 29m high having seven gold Kalasams. The most important and attractive aspect in the temple is the Addalamantapam (mirror parlour). It is walled with high-class mirrors arranged at proper angles with an elevated and decorated seat for the Lord in the center. When the deity is placed on the seat, hundreds of images are reflected and re-reflected presenting a panoramic view.

Nellapattu Sanctuary: Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is in Nelapattu village. It is located on the East Coast about 20-km north of the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary in the Nellore district. It is just 50-km from Chennai. The Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is one of the largest pelican habitats in Southeast Asia. The total area of the sanctuary is 404-kms.

Penchalakona: 8-km from Nellore there is the famous Penchalakona Temple, situated at the foot of a hill in the Panchalakona Valley. Penchalakona is a beautiful scenic spot and enjoys a pleasant summer climate.

Jonnawada: The Mallikarjuna Kamakshidevi Temple located 19-km away from Nellore, is an important pilgrim center. The annual 10-day festival is celebrated during April- May.

Sangam: A great scenic spot derives its name from the confluence of the Boggeru, Beeraperu and Penneru Rivers. It is a popular tourist center. Anicut supplying water to the Kanigiri Reservoir was constructed across the Penneru River. The Chola Temple here has a 150cm tall Nandi that is artistically carved.

Pulicat Lake: It is famous as the second largest brackish water lagoon in India along the coast of Bay Bengal. Backwaters of the sea attract large numbers of migratory water birds. It is also a well-known feeding and breeding ground for a variety of aquatic and terrestrial birds.

Udayagiri: The ruins of the mighty fortress built by the Vijayanagar kings in the 14th century are to be found on Udayagiri, a hill towering 938m, which is 98-km away from Nellore. One can find several ancient Pallava and Chola temples are in Udayagiri village. This peak is also called "Sanjiva Hill" because of the various medicinal herbs that grow on it.

Venkatagiri: This town is famed for the Venkatagiri saris produced by its handloom industry. The homes of the former zamindars are of considerable architectural interest.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: The nearest airport is at Chennai.

Rail: Nellore has a railway station on the Waltair-Chennai broad gauge line.

Road: Nellore is well connected by road with all the places in the state. Tourists can take buses from any major city to this place. For local transportation taxis, autos and rickshaws are available.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Climate: Tropical

Temperature Range

Summer: Max 42°C and Min 29°C
Winter: Max 30°C and Min 18°C
Rainfall: Seasonal, 981 mm
Clothing: Light Cottons

NEARBY CITIES: