Nestled in the Godavari delta of Andhra, Konaseema is the perfect getaway for camping along the river bed with friends and family. The lush paddy fields and palm trees only add to the rustic appeal of this beautiful nature getaway. The local cuisine of Konaseema features country-style seafood preparations besides a unique delicacy made with plantain flowers. Distance 360 km from Hyderabad.

It's called the Switzerland of the south and for good reason-the Araku Valley is a green oasis with pictureperfect locales all around. Take a train up to Araku, with the thick forests on either side offering stunning views. The train passes through 46 tunnels winding through the ghats and also touches Asia's highest railhead at Shimliguda on the way. Mingling with the nature here is the culture of 19 aboriginal tribes that Araku is home to

If you are more of a beach person than a hill-lover, head to Suryalanka Beach for a weekend of unwinding under the sun. Stay at a beach front cottage and enjoy an early morning walk on the golden sands as you see the sunrise in relative quiet. Lunch at the beach is a treat of dried and fresh fish or crab delicacies. Distance 8 km from Bapatla.

Known for its large population of Pelicans, the Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is a birder's paradise with a host of migratory birds coming in from as far as Antarctica. Besides Grey Pelicans, the sanctuary is home to bird species such as the Night Heron, Openbill Stork, Little Cormorant and Pintail, apart from several others.

Ananthagiri Hills is a photographer's delight, with refreshing greenery that instantly makes you slip into relaxation mode after a long week. The hills offer easy to moderate trekking options, and the jungle trail here is perfect for an early evening walk amidst nature while there's still some sun. Not too far from the Ananthagiri temple is the Nagasamduram lake where you could go kayaking with friends. The pleasant drive from Hyderabad is definitely a plus. Distance 90 km from Hyderabad.

A tiny hamlet falling along the way to Araku Valley near Vishakhapatnam, Tyda is where you can have the most besotting views of the Eastern Ghats. Stay at a log hut at the Jungle Bells Nature Camp located amidst the wilderness for a weekend of adventure that includes rock climbing and target shooting. The locals will also help you identify bird calls of a whole variety of flighty friends that frequent the area. Distance 72 km from Vishakhapatnam.

With rich foliage and numerous streams and waterfalls around, the forest area of Meredumilli is a green haven for nature-lovers. It gradually gets darker as you drive into the jungle for the canopy is so dense at places that it doesn't allow sunlight to penetrate through. The quiet is broken only by insect sounds and you might just spot a panther or even a tiger here, some say. The Jungle Star Nature Camp in the neighbourhood is perfect for camping out, while the Jaltarangini waterfalls is where you can take a refreshing break after a trek. Distance 60 km from Rajahmundry.

If you would like to take your interest in star gazing a tad further than simply looking through a telescope to actually photographing the milkyway galactic centre, head to Pakhal Lake where the clear skies offer many a spectacular scene. At the photo walk conducted by the Hyderabad Adventure and Trekkers club, you will learn long exposure techniques and night photography hacks for capturing the stars. Come morning and you might see deer or a monitor lizard at the Pakhal wildlife sanctuary. The photo walk is also conducted at Koil Sagar Dam at Mahbubnagar. Distance 250 km from Hyderabad

Among one of the most unique temples in India, the Rudreshwar Swamy Temple, also known as the Thousand Pillar Temple for its ornate thousand pillars is an architectural wonder on the Warangal highway. The temple itself is built in the shape of a star and the pillars are placed in such a way that your view of the shrine is never blocked. Look closely and you will see intricate carvings depicting the finesse of the Kakatiya architecture from eight centuries ago. Distance 150 km from Hyderabad.

Dating back to the 14th century, the magnificent Kondapalli Fort is said to have been built out of a single rock. Step in and the aura of a glorious past is visible everywhere, especially the Tanisha Mahal which is a palace nestled on a crest between two hills. Besides the fort, the other big draw to this little town is its famous tradition of wooden toy making. Crafted out from a special lightweight wood, Kondapalli toys are brightly painted figurines of gods and goddesses, village life and mythology. Several generations of artisans have been involved in this craft over the last four centuries. Old-timers say that the naqash or woodcarvers from Rajasthan travelled to Kondapalli during the reign of emperor Krishnadeva Raya and taught the craft to the villagers. Distance 300 km from Hyderabad.

Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple at Srisailam is called the 'Kailash of the south', what with the shrine of Shiva situated on a flat top of the Nallamalai Hills. While the temple is the most visited destination of Srisailam, do take time off to visit the Srisailam Tiger Reserve and the ancient Akkamahadevi caves-just a boat-ride away on the Krishna river. Distance 220 km from Hyderabad.

An exquisite example of monolithic rock architecture, the Undavalli Caves are said to have been discovered in the fifth century. The largest is more than 40 feet high and boasts of a huge statue of lord Vishnu in the famous reclining posture. The caves are also replete with Jain and Buddhist artworks. Not too far from here is the Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary that is home to more than 40 species of migratory birds from Siberia, including Pelicans and White Ibis. Distance 6 km from Vijaywada

A splendid example of nature at its rugged best, the Oravakallu Rock Garden features silica and quartz formations that are said to be millions of years old. The views from the top of the rock garden are every bit worth the hike through the peaks and dips to reach it. This Indian version of the Grand Canyon will be even more special for fans of Baahubali, since some of those spectacular scenes from the film were shot here. Distance 25 km from Kurnool.

Located in Vijayawada, Kanaka Durga Temple is one of the most famous temples in andhra pradesh. Kanaka Durga at temple on the Indrakeeladri hill is said to be self-manifested. Often considered as the presiding deity of Vijayawada, Kanaka Durga is found to be mentioned in the sacred texts as the Goddess of Power. Kanaka Durga Temple is believed to be built by Arjuna for Goddess Durga. Holding significant spiritual significance, this temple has been mentioned in Shiva-leelas and Shakti-mahimas as well. This undoubtedly tops the list of the best temples in andhra pradesh.

Lepakshi temple in Andhra Pradesh is known for being embellished with rich architecture and intricate arts. Located in Anantapur district, this temple takes pride in being home to one of the largest nandi statues in the country. The nandi statue here is made of granite and is monolithic. Constructed in the 16th century, this temple adorns itself with Vijayanagara style of architecture. The carvings and paintings will leave you speechless at the Lepakshi temple in Andhra Pradesh. According to Skanda Purana, this temple is believed to be one of the divya kshetram.

Known for being the richest Hindu temple in the world, Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is a Vaishnavite temple located in Chittoor district. Tirupati balaji temple in andhra pradesh is dedicated to Venkateswara who is said to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Often recognized as Temple of Seven Hills, this temple adorns itself with Dravidian architecture. You will find the Vaikhanasa Agama tradition of worship to be followed here. Tirupati balaji temple in andhra pradesh is also known for being one of the eight Vishnu Swayambhu Kshetras. This temple is listed as the last earthly Divya Desam as well.

Being one of the top 10 temples in andhra pradesh, Yaganti Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. Located in Kurnool district, this temple this temple was constructed according to Vaishnavite traditions. Constructed by King Harihara Bukka Raya in the 15th century, this temple has a Pushkarini, Agastya Cave, Venkateswara Cave, and Veera Brahmam Cave. Sage Agasthya is said to have bathed in Pushkarini before worshipping the Lord Shiva. Many believe that bathing at the Pushkarini to be beneficial.

Located in the Eastern Ghats of the Kurnool district, Ahobilam Temple is one of the most visited temples in andhra pradesh. Being one of the 108 Divya Desams, this temple is believed to be the place where Hiranyakasipu was killed by the Lord. This place is also known as the Nava Narasimha Kshetra because of Lord Narasimha being worshipped at different temples located in the close proximity of the main temple. You will be able to find nine different forms of Lord Narasimha in Ahobilam. Some of the temples here will require you to trek through rocky paths.

Known for being one of the most visited temples in andhra pradesh, Simhachalam Temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha. Located on the Simhachalam hill in Andhra Pradesh, this temple in Visakhapatnam adorns itself with a fusion of architectural styles from Odisha, Chalukyas, and Cholas. You will find two temple tanks here i.e. Gangadhara and Swami Pushkarini. Being home to a number of sub-shrines as well as mandapams, this temple is one of the top 10 temples in andhra pradesh.