Nellore

The city of Nellore is crowned with the sixth position in term of population in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The city is the headquarters of Sri Potti Sri Ramulu Nellore district, previously called as the Nellore district. The former name of the district is “Vikrama Simhapuri”. The town of Nellore is positioned on the southern banks of the river Pennar.

It is believed that the city has derived its name from the paddy fields located in and around the city. Actually, the etymology affirms that the term ‘Nellu’ is a Telugu word, which means paddy, while the spitted word Ur means town. While the other legends say that the present name of the city has been derived from the Tamil word ‘neil’, which means rice, complementing its rice farming.

The city has witnessed many rulers including the Maurya Dynasty, Kharavela of Chedi Dynasty, Satavahanas, Pallavas, Cholas and Eastern Gangas of Kalinga Empire, Kakatiyas, Telugu Cholas, and Pandyas. The district of Nellore was conquered by the British and thereafter it has gone through many political changes.

Today the city has contributed to the nation in various fields, giving a boost to the economy to the nation as it serves as the financial and administrative headquarters of Nellore district. Along with that, it is a booming travel destination.

The city is also recognized with its former name Vikramasimhapuri; this Rice City holds a great historical and cultural importance. As per the legends it is the native place of Tikkana Somayaji, who is considered as one of the greatest Telugu poets in the country, India. According to the legends, the town was a part of the Ashokan Empire, during the 3rd century BC. And further from the 4th century BC to 6th century BC, this city of Nellore was under the control of the Pallavas.

Till October1, 1963, the post-independence period, the city was included and remained as a part of Madras District however, on November 1, 1956 it became a part of Andhra Pradesh, during the process of state categorization, based on linguistic differences.

The city is spotted with numerous forts, glorious temples, magnificent hills, stunning lakes, virgin beaches and hectic ports, giving a way to visit and explore a plethora of places to visit. Nellore travel and tourism is a popular among the Indian and foreign tourists alike and for that the Nellore tour packages are a perfect way of exploring the splendor of the destination in Southern Eastern India.

General facts about Nellore
Location: South Eastern India
Language: English, Hindi, Urdu and Telugu
Climate: Tropical
Major Attractions: Narasimha Konda, Penchala kona, venkatagiri fort
Ideal Time to Visit: November to February

Tourist sightseeing in Nellore
Nellore, the ‘Agricultural Capital of India’ has been specked with a large number of temples and other tourist places. There are many places of historical importance, the Ranganayakula Temple on the bank of the river Penna, the udayagiri fort, the Narasimha Konda, Penchala kona, venkatagiri fort, Mypadu beach, the Krishnapatnam port.

The religious places in the city are Narasimha Swamy Konda, Shri Gayathri Devi Vishwakarma Temple, Jonnavada Kamakshi Ammavari Temple, Ayyappa Temple, Talpagiri Ranganadhaswamy Temple, Shri Gayathri Devi Vishwakarma Temple, Golagamudi Venkaya Swami Temple, etc. Shri Ranganathaswamy Temple of Nellore is the prehistoric, which dates back to the 12th century. The city has also been the birth land of many great poets and literary personalities.

Other tourist attractions in the city are Pulicat Lake, Pulicat Sanctuary, Sriharikota SHAR Space Center, Sangam, Nelapatuu Sanctuary, Jonnawada and Udhayagiri.

Another attraction of the city is its famous festival, The Flamingo Festival which is celebrated in the districts famous bird sanctuary.

Climate of Nellore
Visakhapatnam bears a tropical savanna climate with few variations in temperature all across the year. Summers here are extremely hot with May having the hottest month and January is the coldest month of the region. The best time to travel in the city is in the month November till February as during these months the temperatures are moderate.

How to reach Nellore

Nellore by Air: The nearest airport to the city is at Chennai, which is at a distance of about 177 km from the city of Nellore and connects to almost all the major cities f the country.

Nellore by Rail: The city has its railhead connecting it to the major cities of the state and the neighboring state.

Nellore by Road: The city has a well organized network of roadway with its modernized structure. Being connected with the NH5 connects the city the major cities of the country.