Perched along the banks of Penna River, Nellore has been an important agricultural centre since it was first settled – the city’s name, which loosely translates as “paddy village” is proof of this significance. However, today, this south Indian city in Andhra Pradesh is also an equally prominent business and educational hub, along with being a booming centre of tourism. It is about 177km (110 miles) away from Chennai, while Hyderabad is about 500km (310 miles) away. While the city boasts several temples that you can visit, this list of the top things Nellore is famous for covers everything you have to try when you visit.
1. Fish curry
Packing a punch with its flavourful mix of Indian spices is the state’s famous Andhra fish curry, which you can very well try in Nellore. It is best relished with boiled rice, amped with a side of cucumber and onion salad. The curry gets its rich colour and stunning flavour because of a handsome addition of coconut, tamarind, and tomatoes. Some restaurants also infuse it with chilli powder to tone down the tart flavour of the tamarind. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, let your server know and they may be able to soften the chilli flavour a little.
2. Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
Claiming to be home to some 189 species of birds, including the famous spot-billed pelicans, and several species of flora, Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit spot for all birdwatchers and nature creatures. Aside from pelicans, the shoveler, grey heron, garganey gadwall, and black-winged stilt are some of the other bird species that inhabit the sanctuary. The best time to visit this place is between October and March when foreshore spots are rife with these avian creatures. A three-day, annual Flamingo Festival is also hosted in the sanctuary in the first two weeks of January, and it is attended by environmentalists, avid birdwatchers, and ornithologists. You too can plan your trip around this time and sight flamingos in their full glory. There’s also a library and museum on-site that you can check out.
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
Address: Railway Station, Near Doravarisatram, Nelapattu, Andhra Pradesh 524126
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 6 USD
3. Paturu village
About 11km (7 miles) outside Nellore city, Paturu village is famous for its handloom industry, producing exquisite pattu saris, a traditional form of saris made by blending silk and cotton fabrics together, which give the saris their quintessential rich look, while making them comfortable to wear and affordable to the pocket. Some 10,000 small-time workshops operate in and around the village, each creating beautiful handloom designs. You can hit up any of these small shops in the village and pick up some great pieces for yourself.
4. Rice, sugarcane, and groundnuts
Like we said in the introduction, agricultural activities have been central to Nellore’s ethos since the time of its origins. So much so that about 70% of the city’s population is said to be involved in rice, sugarcane, and groundnut agriculture, making them the highest yielding varieties of the area. Vast swathes of these crops cover the city’s expanse that you can stroll through. Most of the time, farmers are present on-site and happily engage in chats to proudly tell their visitors of their crops. Visit Nellore for this experience. You’ll not regret it.
5. Udayagiri Fort
Travel about 100km (62 miles) outside the city limits and you’ll reach Udayagiri Fort, perched at a height of about 940m (3,083ft). The fort, enveloped amid stunning panoramic views and lush vegetation, stands as a relic from the 14th to 15th centuries when it was built and used by Gajapatis and Vijayanagara kings. A true delight for history buffs, doused in the stories of a time when the fort was in use, this destination is a must-visit. Aside from the fort itself, you can also visit one of the many temples in Udayagiri town that exhibit exquisite sculptures and architecture styles.
Udayagiri Fort
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm (daily)
Price: 1 USD
6. Mypadu Beach
Occupying the west coast of the Bay of Bengal, Mypadu Beach is a hotspot of tourist activities that mainly include tourist cruises and local fishing. You’ll even find some watersport activities as well as food stalls that you can hit up. If nothing, you can lie back and soak in the immense serenity and natural beauty that abound at this beach. Mypadu Beach is about 25km (16 miles) outside Nellore city, and it can be easily accessed by car.
7. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
Dedicated to Hindu deity Lord Vishnu’s Ranganatha avatar, which sees him lying in a resting position, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is among the biggest tourist draws in Nellore. It is one of the oldest temples in the area, with its construction dating back to the 7th century. While the lord’s statue, housed within the sanctum sanctorum, is a sight to behold, so is the temple’s Gaaligopuram (wind tower) that reaches a height of about 20m (70ft) and is covered in ornate sculptures. Each year in March and April, a grand festival called Brahmotsavam is celebrated at the temple, and it sees thousands of devotees in attendance.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
Address: 7/5/426, Yadava St, Ranganaykulapet, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh 524001
Opening hours: 6am - 12pm, 2pm - 9pm (daily)
Price: 0.2 USD
Experiences for all
You may be travelling to Nellore on business, with family, or as a solo traveller, the experiences listed above are some that you just cannot miss. The city enjoys a tropical maritime climate, making April and May the hottest months in the year; it would be best to time your visit between December and February so that you’re able to make the most of your time outdoors.
History
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