Top places to visit

Top places to visit

Nellore, a coastal city in Andhra Pradesh, offers a mix of historical, cultural, and natural attractions. From ancient temples and scenic beaches to bird sanctuaries and ports, the city is a perfect blend of heritage and modern development.

Here are the top places to visit in Nellore:

1. Pulicat Lake & Bird Sanctuary

• India’s second-largest brackish water lagoon, famous for migratory birds.
• A paradise for bird watchers, home to flamingos, pelicans, storks, and herons.
• Boat rides available for closer birdwatching experiences.

Location: 75 km from Nellore
Entry Fee: ₹50 per person
 Best Time to Visit: October - March

2. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

• A 1,000-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Famous for Dravidian architecture and intricate sculptures.
• Celebrates Rathotsavam (Car Festival) annually, attracting thousands of devotees.

 Location: Nellore City
 Entry Fee: Free
 Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening

3. Mypadu Beach

• One of the cleanest and most scenic beaches in Andhra Pradesh.
• Perfect for relaxing, beachside dining, and watching the sunset.
• Water sports like jet skiing & speed boating are available.

 Location: 25 km from Nellore
 Entry Fee: Free
 Best Time to Visit: Evening for sunset views

4. Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary

• A protected sanctuary home to painted storks, pelicans, and ibis.
• Features nature trails & watchtowers for birdwatching.
• Hosts the annual Flamingo Festival.

 Location: 50 km from Nellore
 Entry Fee: ₹50 per person
 Best Time to Visit: November - February

5. Penchalakona Narasimha Swamy Temple

• A sacred temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha Swamy, surrounded by lush greenery.
• Located near hills and waterfalls, ideal for a spiritual retreat.
• Pilgrims believe the temple has healing powers.

 Location: 70 km from Nellore
 Entry Fee: Free
 Best Time to Visit: Early morning

6. Jonnawada Kamakshi Temple

• A famous pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi.
• Known for its powerful spiritual atmosphere and temple rituals.
• Devotees believe in the blessing of prosperity by visiting this temple.

 Location: 12 km from Nellore
 Entry Fee: Free

7. Krishnapatnam Port

• One of India’s largest private ports, handling coal, iron ore, and cargo.
• Offers insights into maritime trade and logistics.
• Business and industrial tourists can visit the logistics hub and port operations.

 Location: 25 km from Nellore
 Entry Fee: Requires permission for industrial visits

8. Udayagiri Fort

• A historic fort built in the 14th century by the Vijayanagara rulers.
• Offers panoramic views of the Nellore countryside.
• Great for trekking and photography enthusiasts.

 Location: 100 km from Nellore
 Entry Fee: ₹20 per person
 Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening

9. Ranganatha Lake

• A beautiful lake with scenic walking trails and birdwatching spots.
• Great for picnics, boating, and photography.
• Lush greenery surrounds the lake, making it a perfect relaxation spot.

 Location: Nellore City
 Entry Fee: Free

10. Kandaleru Dam

• One of Asia’s largest reservoirs, supplying water to Chennai.
• Offers boating, trekking, and a serene environment.
• Surrounded by hills and forests, making it a great nature escape.

 Location: 65 km from Nellore
 Entry Fee: Free
 Best Time to Visit: Winter months

11. Bara Shaheed Dargah & Rottela Panduga

• A historical Sufi shrine, visited by people of all religions.
• Hosts Rottela Panduga, a famous festival where devotees exchange ritualistic rotis for blessings.

 Location: Nellore City
 Entry Fee: Free
 Best Time to Visit: During Rottela Panduga (August-September)

12. Tikkana Park

• A beautiful park named after the famous Telugu poet Tikkana.
• Features walking trails, a children’s play area, and relaxing seating spots.

 Location: Nellore City
 Entry Fee: ₹20 per person

13. Venkatagiri Fort

• A heritage site showcasing Andhra Pradesh’s royal history.
• Built by the Venkatagiri Kings, famous for stone carvings and defense structures.
• Nearby Venkatagiri town is also known for handloom sarees.

 Location: 80 km from Nellore
 Entry Fee: Free
 Best Time to Visit: October - February

Bonus Attractions

✅ Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple – A historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
✅ Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple – Known for its beautiful Dravidian architecture.
✅ Krishna Mandir, Nellore – A serene place for spiritual seekers.

14. Unique Cultural Experiences in Nellore

 Flamingo Festival at Pulicat Lake

• Held every January, showcasing thousands of migratory birds.

 Rottela Panduga (Bread Festival)

• A unique festival celebrated at Bara Shaheed Dargah, where people exchange bread (rottis) as a ritual.

 Ugadi & Sankranti Celebrations

• Traditional Andhra New Year & Harvest Festival, featuring colorful rangoli, bull races, and community feasts.

Nellore offers a perfect mix of nature, history, adventure, and spirituality. Whether you love beaches, temples, wildlife, or industrial tourism, Nellore has something for everyone.

✅ Plan your trip to Nellore and explore its breathtaking attractions!