Seven Wonders of India - Andhra Pradesh

Recently NDTV launched a web site where people can vote for the seven wonders of India. The process has been started with the voting for the wonders of each state. This is available in http://7wondersofindia.ndtv.com and I have already cast my vote. In this series, I plan to reveal the options that I voted for and the reason why they qualify to be a wonder.

I will start with the first state - Andhra Pradesh. I have lived in Hyderabad for 7 years (1999 to 2006) and this period has given me some of the best moments of my life. I was also fortunate enough to visit some of the beautiful places of Andhra Pradesh and have been awestruck by the beauty and history of some of the sites.

Here is a short description of the sites that I have visited and mentioned as options for the vote.

Mecca Masjid:

This is supposedly the second largest mosque in India after the Jama Masjid. This mosque is believed to contain sacred relics, one of which is the hair of the Prophet Muhammad. Though I have seen the mosque only from the outer perimeters, the sight of the mosque would take you to the period of the Mughals. The entire area surrounding the mosque still has an air of the Mughal era. The world famous Charminar is also located close to the mosque.

Satba's Rating (out of 10 stars):

Bhongir Fort:

Not visited

Satba's Rating (out of 10 stars): Not Applicable

Borra Caves:

The Borra Caves are located few hours from Vishakapatnam, closer to the Arakku valley. The sheer size of the cave will not be appreciated until you visit the same. Though this cave is sure to impress any geologist, I did not find it interesting. However for a geologist, this would be a natural wonder, but is it anywhere close to the silent valley ? Nah !!!

Satba's Rating (out of 10 stars):

Charminar:

The charminar has been the symbol of Hyderabad (and Andhra) for quite some time. This is located in old Hyderabad and if you are visiting it the first time, be warned that the visit could turn out to be an anti-climax. This is because the Charminar suddenly springs out from the middle of the road. However, the way the four (Char) minars are placed and the sheer purpose of the monument amazes you. Club the visit to Charminar, with a tour of the old city especially to the hotels that serve you delicious biriyani and you are sure to have an experience of a lifetime.

Satba's Rating (out of 10 stars):

Ramoji Film City:

Entertainment at its best ! The sheer size and the magnitude of effort that has been put into this project bewilders you. One day might not be sufficient to take a complete tour of this city. The dynamics and technicalities of the film industry are so open to the common man and this makes people appreciate the effort and the film industry.

Satba's Rating (out of 10 stars):

 

Tirupati 

What makes Tirupati my option for the wonder of Andhra ? The sheer size of everything and the way it is managed would give many management gurus a run for their money. The crowds are unimaginable, but they are managed so well. The Lord himself is decorated so lavishly and the holiness of the place is something that you should experience in your lifetime. 

Satba's Rating (out of 10 stars):

Golconda

Golconda Fort is an engineering marvel and one of the few forts in India that were impenetrable. A trip to the fort is a must if you are in Hyderabad. The light and sound show is well organised and gives you a glimpse of the history. For me, this would be a close second to Tirupati.

Satba's Rating (out of 10 stars):

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

Not visited

Satba's Rating (out of 10 stars): Not Applicable

Warrangal Fort

Not visited

Satba's Rating (out of 10 stars): Not Applicable

Legislative Assembly

Not visited

Satba's Rating (out of 10 stars): Not Applicable

Hussain Sagar Lake

This is the largest man made lake in India and is another example of engineering marvel. The lake was primarily constructed to be a source of drinking water but is currently a major tourist hub. The buddha statue in the middle of the lake is the primary attraction. You can take a cruise ride upto the statue and return back. Other places of attraction include the lumbini park, necklace road, NTR Garden, Prasadz IMAX, etc

Satba's Rating (out of 10 stars):

 

Lepakshi Temple

Not visited

Satba's Rating (out of 10 stars): Not Applicable

 

Ramappa Temple

Not visited

Satba's Rating (out of 10 stars): Not Applicable