Not just the software wonderland of India

ETW Staff - Mumbai

Anam Ram Narayan Reddy Tourism minister, Andhra Pradesh

G Sudhir Principal secretary - tourism, Andhra Pradesh

Located in the south eastern region of India, Andhra Pradesh has Bay of Bengal surrounding it on one side while sharing boundaries with the states of Orrisa, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Hyderabad - the city of Nizams - is a blend of new age wonder with a software revolution brewing and old world glory of the Charminar. Right outside the city lies the citadel of the Golconda fort. Moving away from the capital, the state is sprinkled with variety of temple destinations. In the interiors are Amravati and Nagarujunasagar. Both regions have a strong historical background with flourishing Hindu and Buddhist dynasties ruling the area in 2nd and 3rd century BC. Amravati also has the Shiva temple, which is one of the Pancharamams while Srisailam is the abode to Sri Mallikarujuna is one of the Jyothirlingalu in India. South of the state lies Tirumala, a temple destination with the temple of Lord Venkateshwara, also known as Balaji. Yadagirigutta, Ramappa and Warangal are other places, which have temples of renown. Apart from Hindu temples the state has a sizeable chunk of Buddhist centres Bhattiprolu, Ghantasala, Nelakondapalli, Dhulikatta, Bavikonda, Thotlakonda, Shalihundam, Pavuralakonda, Sankaram, Phanigiri and Kolanpaka. Nagarjunasagar is also happens to be a hydro-power dam site on the river Krishna, a 20th century marvel. Vishakhapatnam, the beach town as well as India's ship building region, has one million year old limestone caves at Borra. While having beaches Andhra Pradesh also has hill stations at Horsley Hills, waterfalls at Ettipotala and Kuntala and rich bio-diversity at Talakona. Says Anam Ram Narayan Reddy, tourism minister, Andhra Pradesh, "We have a lot to offer both for the national and the international tourists. From pilgrim tourism that is the world famous Tirupati temple town to man made attractions such as Ramoji Film city, we have a whole gamut of tourism products to offer. We are also working closely with the private sector to develop newer attractions in the state."

Furthermore, the Andhra Pradesh Development Corporation (APTDC) has involved itself in a variety of functions from just providing information to tourists, to developing accommodation, catering, and services that ensure tourist infrastructure. They has involved themselves in developing a Tourism Plaza in Hyderabad, guest houses in Vishakhapatnam and Nellore; hotels and resorts at Suryalanka Puttaparthi and Kadapa, and wayside amenities at Suryapet, Lepakshi, Gandi, Alankanapally, Vellala, Pragnapur and Srikalahasti. APTDC are accentuating what the states offering to the tourists bringing out the true potential of the state in heritage, pilgrim, beach, and convention tourism. G Sudhir, principal secretary-tourism, Andhra Pradesh, said, that, today Andhra Pradesh is making its mark in the global arena and we proud to receive tourists from every part of the world.