Pelican Festival at Kolleru lake

Pelican Festival - Kolleru: Kolleru, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the country, will host Pelican Festival at the Atapaka bird sanctuary.

Making elaborate arrangements to attract tourists for the ‘Pelican Pakshula Panduga’ at Atapaka village, located on the borders of the Krishna and West Godavari districts.

More than 5,000 spot-billed pelicans will visit the lake, roost, breed and fly with their young ones during the winter season. Hundreds of painted storks and other bird species will nest in all seasons.

Students and bird watchers will enjoy the scene in the lake and the neighbouring island villages after the break of dawn.

“The sanctuary will be decked up for the festival. Film artistes, noted singers and other celebrities will perform cultural programmes. The Environment Education Centre (EEC), the children’s park and the boating facility will entertain the tourists,”

Students of different educational institutions will visit the lake. Parking, drinking water, toilets and other facilities are arranged on the lake bund.

“The EEC will provide information to the visitors on different birds nesting in Kolleru and the neighbouring habitations. Different species, their food habits, the sounds they make, roosting, brooding and other information will be displayed in the centre,”.

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Hyderabad Metro Rail: Connecting the City with Speed and Innovation

City bursting with technological growth and cultural heritage, the Hyderabad Metro Rail has emerged as a modern lifeline—delivering efficiency, comfort, and futuristic transit to millions of commuters. From its launch in 2017 to becoming one of India’s most intelligent metro systems, Hyderabad Metro has reshaped urban mobility and earned global recognition in infrastructure excellence.

Quick Facts at a Glance

• Operator: Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL), with Larsen & Toubro holding 90% equity and the Telangana government 10%

• Inception: Operations began on November 29, 2017 from Miyapur to Nagole

• Network: Three fully elevated corridors—Red, Green, and Blue Lines—serving 57 stations

• Daily Ridership: Around 536,000 (July 2023), reaching over 560,000 daily on peak days

• Rolling Stock: Hyundai Rotem 3-car trains, speeds 35–40 km/h (up to 80 km/h), headways of 3.5–7 minutes

Technological Excellence: Metro of the Future

Hyderabad Metro sets new standards in urban rail tech with:

• CBTC (Communication-Based Train Control): India’s first elevated metro using this system, managed via a modern Operations Control Centre in Uppal

• CBI & Axle Counter Backups: Ensures safe and reliable operations across all three corridors

• Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and SCADA Systems: For smooth, autonomous operations and real-time monitoring

Expansion: Phase II and Beyond

Hyderabad Metro's next chapter is already taking shape:

• Old City Corridor: Extending the network from MGBS to Chandrayangutta (7.5 km), groundwork advancing despite funding delays

• Airport (Purple) Corridor: A proposed 36.8 km route linking Nagole to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport with 24 new stations—pending central approval

• Phase 2 Corridors: DPRs finalized for routes including JBS–Medchal, LB Nagar–Hayath Nagar, and Miyapur–Patancheru, totaling 86.1 km at ₹19,579 crore

• Political Support: State leaders are urging the Centre to fast-track approvals to meet infrastructure goals

Global Recognition: A Case Study for Success

The Hyderabad Metro Rail has caught international attention: Harvard University published a case study highlighting it as “one of the largest PPP metro projects globally”, praising its execution despite challenges like land acquisition, protests, and financial bottlenecks.

Why It Matters

• Ease of Urban Mobility: A seamless, modern transit network easing daily commuting

• Technology-Driven: Combining safety, efficiency, and automation in operations

• Smart Expansion: Building wider access through new corridors and airport linkages

• Model Infrastructure: A replicable blueprint for public–private partnership success

How to Buy Metro Tickets

Hyderabad Metro offers multiple convenient options for ticketing:

• Ticket Counters: Available at all metro stations for paper tickets and tokens.

• Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs): Self-service kiosks at stations where you can buy single-journey tokens or recharge smart cards.

• Smart Cards: Reloadable cards that allow seamless entry/exit at gates—ideal for daily commuters.

• Mobile Apps: The official TSavaari app lets passengers buy QR tickets online and scan them directly at entry gates.

• Digital Wallets/UPI: Supported at TVMs and apps for quick cashless payments.

   

  

  Hyderabad Metro Card

  
   p.c : L&T Hyderabad Metro Rail

The Hyderabad Metro Rail isn’t just another transit system—it symbolizes resilience, innovation, and long-term urban vision. With robust core operations, smart expansion plans, and international recognition, it’s redefining how a modern city moves and thrives.

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Hyderabad Rockathon

The 6th Hyderabad Rockathon is being organised by the Society to Save Rocks, in association with the Great Hyderabad Adventure Club (GHAC). It is a day long event that caters to all age groups for a fun time in the rocks combining adventure, fitness and rock awareness. To be held on 12th November, 2017. The venue will be the beautiful rocky hill of Fakhruddingutta (Khajaguda) behind Lanco Hills in Manikonda.
The programmes will be manifold from adventurous (rappelling and zip-lining, trail-biking, rock walks and bouldering) to educational (Rock Quiz, Snake Awareness Programme) to pure fun (Rock Balancing, Treasure Hunt, Slack Lining, Rock Tattoos and Rock Selfies). There will be activities for every age and every level.

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Visakhapatnam-Kakinada sea cruise

The Visakhapatnam–Kakinada Sea Cruise is an exciting tourism initiative launched to showcase the stunning coastline of Andhra Pradesh. This cruise service connects the bustling city of Visakhapatnam (Vizag) with the historic port city of Kakinada, offering travelers a mix of luxury, leisure, and breathtaking ocean views. It is a perfect getaway for tourists, honeymooners, and families seeking a unique travel experience along the Bay of Bengal. 

 Highlights of the Sea Cruise

• 🚢 Modern Cruise Ship Facilities – Equipped with luxury cabins, onboard dining, and entertainment.

• 🌊 Scenic Bay of Bengal Views – Experience sunrise and sunset from the deck.

• 🎶 Cultural Performances – Onboard programs showcasing Andhra’s rich heritage.

• 🍲 Multi-Cuisine Dining – From Andhra delicacies to international dishes.

• 🏝 Shore Excursions – Explore Kakinada’s Hope Island and nearby beaches.

Route & Travel Details

• Starting Point: Visakhapatnam Port

• Destination: Kakinada Port

• Travel Duration: Approx. 8–10 hours, depending on weather conditions.

• Distance by Sea: Nearly 150 km along the Andhra coastline.

Ticket Price & Booking

• 🎟 Ticket Price Range: ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 per person (varies based on cabin type).

• 💻 Booking Options:

  • Official Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) portal

  • Authorized travel operators and cruise booking platforms

  • Walk-in bookings at Vizag and Kakinada ports (subject to availability)

Best Time to Take the Cruise

• October to March – Pleasant weather and calm seas make this the ideal time.

• Avoid monsoon months (June–September) due to rough sea conditions.

Nearby Attractions

In Visakhapatnam (Starting Point):

• Kailasagiri Hill Park – Panoramic views of the city and coastline.

• Submarine Museum (INS Kursura) – India’s first submarine-turned-museum.

• Ramakrishna Beach & Yarada Beach – Ideal for pre-cruise relaxation.

In Kakinada (Destination):

• Hope Island – A serene eco-tourism spot accessible by boat.

• Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary – Famous for mangroves and birdwatching.

• Uppada Beach – Known for silk weaving and calm coastal charm.

Why Choose the Vizag–Kakinada Cruise?

• A unique way to experience Andhra Pradesh’s coast.

• Offers both luxury and adventure for domestic and international tourists.

• Perfect for weekend getaways, corporate trips, and family holidays.

FAQs

1. How often does the Vizag–Kakinada cruise operate?
The cruise usually runs on selected weekends and holidays, depending on demand and weather conditions.

2. Can families and kids travel on this cruise?
Yes, it is family-friendly with safe cabins and entertainment for all age groups.

3. What facilities are available onboard?
Cabins, dining halls, cultural programs, lounges, and deck viewing areas.

4. Are pets allowed on the cruise?
Most services do not allow pets for safety reasons.

5. How to book tickets?
Through the APTDC official portal or authorized travel agencies.

Conclusion

The Visakhapatnam–Kakinada Sea Cruise is a shining example of Andhra Pradesh’s growing focus on coastal tourism and luxury travel. Blending natural beauty, cultural experiences, and modern comforts, the cruise offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience on the Bay of Bengal. Whether you’re a tourist, a honeymooner, or a family traveler, this sea voyage promises memories you’ll cherish forever.

Sail & Discover: Cordelia's 3-Night Cruise from Vizag to Puducherry & Chennai.

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Guntupalli Buddhist Caves -Jeelakarragudem

Guntupalli’s Buddhist Caves & Monuments:

Nestled amid the scenic hills of West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, the Jeelakarragudem (Guntupalli) Caves are a rare glimpse into India’s Buddhist past. This lesser-known archaeological gem presents rock-cut chaityas, monastic cells, stupas, and ancient mandapas—constructs dating as far back as the 3rd century BC. Let’s uncover the secrets of this tranquil site and why it deserves a spot on the heritage map. 

 

Jeelakarragudem, village belonging to Guntupalle is located at the distance of 6.4 kms from Kamarvarapukota and 47 kms from Eluru, westgodavari. 

A Glimpse Into Guntupalli’s History

Guntupalli flourished as a Buddhist monastic complex from around 3rd–2nd century BCE. Excavations have revealed a range of structures showcasing early Buddhist architecture, including votives stupas, chaitya halls, rock-cut monasteries, and assembly halls. The site played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism through the Krishna-Godavari delta region.The important monuments located are: rock cut temple or vritta chaitya, large monastery, small monastery, brick chaitya, ruined mandapa, stone stupa and cluster of votive stupas.

Rock cut Temple(Vritta Chaitya): Datable to the 3rd-2nd century BC, the vritta chaitya is circular on plan and enshrines a rock cut votive stupa provided with a small circumambulatory path around it. Locally known as Dharmalingeswara, it has vaulted domical ceiling marked by carved ribs while its exterior shows an arched facade, with ornamental rafts resembling famous Sudama and Lamasrishi caves of Bihar.
Large Monastery: Excavated into the sandstone cliff, the monastery contains a series of cells of varying dimensions meant for the monks to live in. It has a main entrance with the windows on sides, a narrow terrace and verandah. Both the entrances as well as the widows invariably bear arched facades akin to that of vritta chaitya. Marked by its simplicity the entire monastery is devoid of any ornamentation or decoration and thus attributed to the earliest Buddhist monastic architecture. Some of the cells were provided with deep cut channels to facilitate the rainwater drain in to a natural fissure located on the backside of the monastery.
Small Monastery: This rock cut vihara, located at a higher elevation of the hill is relatively smaller in dimension. In all there are five cells in it, which are crudely excavated and some remained unfinished. Due to the ravages of nature its façade was badly affected leaving behind traces of gables on it.
Group of Stupas: Located on one of the terraces of hilltop and numbering more than sixty, these votive stupas erected on different occasions and time frames vary in their shape, size and mode of construction. Fashioned out of stone and also in brick, these votive stupas were set up on stone or brick basements. Amongst them are also seen small apsidal and circular votive chaityas.
Stone stupa: Datable to the 2nd century BC, this stupa with block stone veneering was subjected to partial excavations in the last quarter of 19th century. Considerable damage was done to its dome by the treasure hunters even before the excavations. The dome measures 2.62m height and 4.88m dia was erected over a circular basement. The excavations have yielded a stone relic casket containing gold and rock crystal.
Ruined Mandapa: The monument, presently represented by four standing broken stumps of the pillars was once supposed to be part of a large pillared assembly hall meant for the monks. An inscribed stone pillar retrieved during the clearance work speaks of the existence of a pillared mandapa, which received donations from the 1st to 5th century AD. The dimension of the original assembly hall was estimated as 56 ft.x34ft and was provided with entrance porches on eastern and western sides respectively.
Circular Brick Chaitya Griha: Datable to C. 3rd-2nd century BC, it is at the eastern extreme of the hill over an elevated terrace, approached by a long flight of stone steps. A record of an upasika datable to 2nd-1st century BC refers to the setting up of these stone steps at the entrance platform. Its external diameter is 11 m and has an imposing adhistana. The wall of chaityagriha rises to 80 cm height and measure 2.14 m wide. It houses a stupa at the center. The circumambulatory path around the stupa is 1.38 m wide.

Buddhist Monuments.

 

Visiting Details and Tips

• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Best Time to Visit: Cooler months (October–March) are ideal to explore comfortably.
• How to Reach: Located near Guntupalli; closest town is Kamavarapukota (~6 km away). Combine the visit with nearby heritage sites like Belum Caves for a full-day heritage excursion.
• On-site Essentials: Wear sturdy shoes, pack water and snacks, and plan for a light trek upward to the terraces.

 Though less talked about, these sites resonate deeply with heritage explorers and historians—capturing quiet reverence and ancient craftsmanship. 

 

“The rock-cut part… has two Buddhist caves, a chaitya hall and a large group of stupas… the chaitya hall has a rare carved stone entrance replicating wooden architecture…”

 

Quick Itinerary Suggestion

Time	Activity
Morning	Arrive at Jeelakarragudem → Explore monastery caves and chaityas
Midday	Ascend to the stupa terrace → Photograph votive stupas
Afternoon	Visit the ruined mandapa and brick chaitya → Reflect in the serene surroundings

Nearby Attractions

• Dwaraka Tirumala Temple (60 km) – Famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara

• Eluru Kolleru Lake (30 km) – Birdwatching and nature photography

• Bikkavolu Buddhist Stupa (55 km) – Another significant Buddhist site

• Guntupalli Venkateswara Swamy Temple – Local spiritual site

• Buddha Park, Eluru– A famous park in eluru.

• Munjaluru Waterfalls – Famous water falls.

FAQ Section

1. What is special about Guntupalli Buddhist Caves?

Guntupalli features rock-cut viharas, stupas, chaityas, and monasteries dating back to 3rd–2nd century BCE, showcasing early Buddhist architecture in Andhra Pradesh.

2. Where is Guntupalli located?

Guntupalli is in West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, about 25 km from Eluru and 120 km from Vijayawada.

3. What are the main attractions at Guntupalli?

Key attractions include the Vritta Chaitya (rock-cut temple), large and small monasteries, circular brick chaityas, stone stupa, ruined mandapa, and a hilltop group of over 60 votive stupas.

4. Are there recent Buddhist monk visits to Guntupalli?

As of 2024–2025, there are no confirmed major visits by monks. The site is primarily a heritage and archaeological destination, not a currently active monastery.

5. When is the best time to visit Guntupalli?

October to March offers the best weather for exploring the open-air caves, stupas, and monastic ruins.

6. How long should I plan to visit?

A 2–3 hour visit is sufficient to explore all major monuments, including monasteries, stupas, and the chaitya halls.

People Also Ask (PAA) Section

1. How old is the Guntupalli Buddhist complex?
The monuments date back to 3rd–2nd century BCE, with some structures updated through the 1st–5th centuries AD.

2. What is a Vritta Chaitya?
A Vritta Chaitya is a circular rock-cut temple with a stupa at the center and a circumambulatory path, used for early Buddhist rituals.

3. Are there facilities for tourists at Guntupalli?
Yes, the site is open to visitors with basic facilities. Nearby towns like Eluru provide accommodations and eateries.

4. What other Buddhist sites are near Guntupalli?
Nearby sites include Bikkavolu Buddhist Stupa, Dwaraka Tirumala Temple, Kolleru Lake, and various archaeological sites in West Godavari.

5. Can children and students visit Guntupalli for educational trips?
Absolutely. The site is ideal for heritage tours, school trips, and history-focused excursions. 

Conclusion

Guntupalli Buddhist Caves & Monuments is a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist architecture and culture. From the vritta chaitya and circular brick chaityas to rock-cut monasteries and stupas, the site tells the story of centuries-old devotion, learning, and architectural ingenuity. For historians, pilgrims, or heritage travelers, Guntupalli promises a deeply enriching experience into India’s Buddhist past.

Have you visited Guntupalli Buddhist Caves?
Share your experience or questions below — your comment may get featured in our next post!

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World Tourism Day celebrations at RK Beach, Visakhapatnam

VISAKHAPATNAM: The state-wide World Tourism Day -2017 is celebrating at RK Beach, Vizag on September 27. 6 days event Dasaravali will be held at RK Beach.This festival will continue from September 27th to till October 2nd.
Cultural programmes showcasing orchestra, dances from Uttarandhra, Odisha and Sambalpur, magic show, folk theatre would be held from 4 pm onwards.
Food courts would be set up at R K Beach while the night bazar at Shilparamam would commence on September 27.  

 

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Indian Photography Festival (IPF) Hyderabad-2017

The Indian Photography Festival (IPF), which will started on September 8 in Hyderabad, Madhapur, the festival spreads its wings wider this time with 525 photographers from 40 countries.
Pitched as a non-profit initiative by the Light Craft Foundation in association with Telangana Tourism, the fest brings together images across a spectrum of genres, from portraits to landscape, abstracts to news photographs. The photo fest is built in collaboration with photo agencies across the globe to facilitate cultural exchange. “This helps our photographers, particularly from Hyderabad, to showcase their work abroad. Earlier this year a few photographers exhibited their work in Georgia, last year we took the work to Auckland and Sydney and we are in talks to showcase in Slovenia in addition to China,” says Aquin Mathews, festival director.

Key exhibitions
Before it’s too late by Mathieu Willcocks (UK)
Landscape by Cecilia Paredes (Peru)
Philippines Drug Wars by Kate Geraghty (Australia)
Celebrity portraits by the photographers from Sydney Morning Herald
The Rescue by Francesco Giusti (Italy)
The Hungry Tide by Swastik Pal (India)
Empathy by Sudharak Olwe (India)
Head On Photo Festival (Australia)
Water by Hikari Creative — IPF Portrait Prize (India)
Venues: State Gallery of Art, The Gallery café, Srishti Art Gallery, Inorbit Mall, Goethe Zentrum, IIT Hyderabad, Saamanya Shastram, Shilparamam, Chowmahalla Palace, Lamakaan and Deja Brew Art Café.
IPF opens on September 21, 5pm, at State Gallery of Art, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, and will continue till October 8. For a detailed schedule and to register for workshops, look up www.indianphotofest.com

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World’s tallest giant wheel soon in Andhra Pradesh's Amaravati

AMARAVATI: Euro Destination India (UDI) has come forward to set up the world’s tallest  Giant Wheel at an estimated cost of `440 crore in the capital city of Amaravati of Andhra Pradesh. The UDI will set up the giant wheel. While Italy-based Fabbri Group will extend the necessary technological support for setting up the Ferris Wheel, Turkey-based Polin Water Park will be the partners in developing the surroundings of the giant wheel as a tourist attraction as part of Amaravati Tourism.

UDI managing director M Krishna Rao and Fabbri Group president Gianluca gave a presentation to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, which will be developed in three phases.Currently the 167.6 m (550-foot) Ferris Wheel in Las Vegas of US is the world’s tallest giant wheel.

The Chief Minister named for the giant wheel as ‘Amaravati Buddha Chakra’.

Image source: Pinterest

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India's first Hyperloop in Andhra Pradesh to connect Amravati and Vijaywada

AMARAVATI:
An hour-long journey between Vijayawada and Amaravati, could well become a Five minute affair thanks to the agreement signed by Andhra Pradesh government with Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT). Under the agreement, HTT will develop a Hyperloop transportation route between the cities of Amaravati and Vijaywada, reducing the one-hour trip to as little as just Five minutes, if successful. The agreement will employ a public private partnership model funded primarily from private sources to fund its construction.

The Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (AP-EDB) and the US-based Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT) signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Amaravati. The MoU was signed by HTT chairman and co-founder Bibop Gresta and AP-EDB CEO J Krishna Kishore. While an official release on the MoU did not disclose the probable cost of the project, Krishna Kishore told ET that the project will involve little over $200 Mn of investment and take a year or so to complete it once all the approvals and Right of Way were in place.

If all goes well, this could be the first Hyperloop project to be implemented in India. HTT says it expects to generate 2,500 jobs during the project. The two-phase plan includes first conducting a feasibility study beginning in October, which is expected to last around six months. In phase 2, the actual construction of the Hyperloop  will begin.

Hyperloop-India

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INS Kursura Submarine Museum – Vizag

The INS Kursura (S20) is one of the most unique attractions in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh. Once a powerful submarine of the Indian Navy, INS Kursura has now been converted into a submarine museum, giving visitors a chance to step inside a real submarine and experience naval history up close.

Commissioned in 1969, INS Kursura served the Indian Navy for over 31 years before being decommissioned in 2001. After retirement, it was preserved on the Ramakrishna Beach (RK Beach) in Vizag and turned into a museum — the first submarine museum in South Asia. 

 

Highlights of INS Kursura

• A real submarine that participated in important naval operations.

• Offers insight into the life of submariners and how they worked under the sea.

• Exhibits include navigation equipment, communication systems, and weapon controls used by the Navy.

• Managed and maintained by former Navy personnel, who share fascinating stories and facts.

Timings of INS Kursura Submarine Museum

• Opening Hours: 2:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)

• Closed: Mondays and Public Holidays

• Best Time to Visit: Evening hours, when the beach area comes alive with lights and cool sea breeze.

⏳ Note: Timings may change on special occasions or for maintenance.

Entry Fee

• Adults: ₹40 – ₹60 (approx.)

• Children: ₹20 – ₹30 (approx.)

• Camera/Video charges may apply separately.

Why Visit?

Visiting INS Kursura is not just about seeing a submarine; it is about experiencing the courage and discipline of the Indian Navy. The museum highlights the challenges faced by submariners and India’s naval strength.

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