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When talking about historical cities in South India, Nellore is one of those cities that existed even before the reign of the Chola dynasty. With religious temples, serene beaches and rich heritage, Nellore welcomes tourists with a diverse range of experiences. Perfect for appeasing your need for a getaway in the lap of nature or to rejuvenate your mind with a spiritual experience, there are several places to visit in Nellore. You can seek blessings at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple or relax on Mypadu Beach, the list of experiences is quite diverse.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Nellore
There are serene beaches, ancient temples, and lush landscapes, each catering to the interests of the travellers. Nellore is also renowned for being an affordable tourist destination.
1. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
Photo: Sharvarism / Wikimedia Commons
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the most revered temples in Nellore, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Ranganatha. The temple is located on the banks of the Penna River and dates back to the 7th century. One of the major attractions of the temple is the stunning Dravidian architecture. Inside the main shrine of the temple lies the reclining idol of Lord Ranganatha. On the gopuram of the temple, you can find elaborate carvings that depict stories from Hindu mythology, adding to the temple’s significance. Also, one of the best times to visit the temple is during the annual Brahmotsavam festival.
Location: Yadava St, Ranganaykulapet, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
2. Jonnawada
Photo: RAJUKHAN SR RAJESH / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Among the tourist attractions in Nellore, Jonnawada is another one of the places that you can’t miss out on. The village is renowned for its Kamakshi Devi Temple, also known as the Jonnawada Mallikarjuna Kamakshi Tai Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi. The temple has a lot of spiritual significance and reportedly dates back to the 10th century. The tranquil surroundings of the temple and the laid-back environment explain why this is one of the most popular spots for you to visit and explore.
Location: Jonnawada, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 7 AM – 1 PM and 5 PM – 9 PM
3. Pulicat Lake
Photo: P Jeganathan / Wikimedia Commons
Located along the Coromandel Coast, Pulicat Lake is another one of the must-visit spots when you are in Nellore. This lake is a major stopover for migratory birds such as flamingos, pelicans, and herons. Not just that, the lake is also a part of the renowned Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary, which expands between Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Beyond immersing yourself in the birdwatching experience, you can also enjoy a boat ride on the lake and get a close-up view of the vibrant birdlife and the serene waters.
Location: Pulicat, Nellore District
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
4. Udayagiri Fort
Photo: Sugeesh / Wikimedia Commons
To immerse yourself in historical spots around Nellore, consider adding Udayagiri Fort to your itinerary as well. It is one of the prime Nellore tourist places that was reportedly built during the era of the Vijayanagara Empire. The fort, today in ruins, stands on top of a hill, so once you reach the top, the views that you get to witness from high up are quite mesmerising. With the massive stone walls, gateways, and bastions, you can witness the grandeur of the Vijayanagara period in the fort’s architecture.
Location: Coastal Andhra Region, Siddavaram, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 8 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fees: ₹20 per person
5. Mypadu Beach
Photo: ManojKRacherla / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best places to visit in Nellore is Mypadu Beach, around 25 km from the bustling city. Due to its offbeat location away from the city, you get to truly relax and unwind on the beach, away from the chaos of life. The blend of golden sands and the clear blue waters make for the highlight of this spot. However, one of the main reasons why this beach is so popular among tourists is due to the gentle and calm waters..
Location: Nellore
Timings: 4:30 AM – 7:30 PM
6. Penchalakona
Photo: Bikashrd / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Among the best places to visit in Nellore Andhra Pradesh, Penchalakona is a sacred town that you must not skip out on. The main place of worship in this town is the Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Narasimha. Some legends believe that Lord Narasimha manifested himself in a cave here. Beyond the charm and the religious significance of the temple, the surrounding lush greenery adds to the peace and tranquillity further. You can consider visiting the temple during the annual Brahmotsavam festival as well.
Location: Penchalakona, Rapur, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM and 3 PM – 7:30 PM
7. Venkatagiri Fort
Photo: Vipin PV / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
With a historical background and cultural significance, Venkatagiri Fort is a place you must visit while exploring Nellore. The temple’s origin dates back to the 18th century wherein it was reportedly constructed by the Recherla rulers, Rajas of Venkatagiri. The fort’s architecture is a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles, which adds to the charm and heritage of the fort. Also, while you are in Venkatagiri, ensure that you take your time to step out of the fort to explore the local markets to pick up handloom sarees, which are reportedly one of the most famous commodities there.
Location: Venkatagiri, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: ₹20 for Indians, ₹100 for foreign nationals
8. Somasila Dam
Photo: Ali Madad Sakhirani / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Another one of the tourist places in Nellore is the Somasila Dam, which is nothing short of a natural wonder. The dam is not just an engineering marvel but also a popular spot for picnics and boating experiences. The reservoir created by the dam offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and lush greenery as well. You can enjoy a leisurely boat ride or simply stand back and admire the scenic beauty of the place. The serene environment explains why it is such a popular site to visit and unwind.
Location: Somasila, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, India
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
9. Kandaleru Dam
Photo: Dr Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kandaleru Dam is another man-made engineering marvel that you must add to your Nellore tourist places list. It is a massive irrigation project that also offers uninterrupted views of the surrounding reservoir and the surrounding hills. You can unwind and relax in the area around or you can enjoy the serene ambience, indulge in water-based activities, or simply relax amidst the natural beauty. If you are planning your visit, ensure that you are either visiting during the early mornings or evening time since the views are one of the best during those periods of the day.
Location: Kandaleru, Nellore District
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
10. ISKCON Temple
Photo: Maulik Kansara / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another popular religious site that is a must-visit when you are visiting Nellore is the ISKCON temple. The temple’s sanctum houses a beautifully adorned idol of Lord Krishna, which is the focal point of devotion for the locals. Beyond that, the temple itself features all the staple architectural marvels that you will witness in the other ISKCON temples around as well. The temple is particularly lively during festivals like Janmashtami when it is decorated with lights and flowers, and special prayers are held. Hence, if you are planning your vacation, consider doing so during these main festivals.
Location: Hare Krishna Rd, ISKCON City, Vanam Thopu, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 4:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
You can make the most out of your vacation by exploring the best places to visit in Nellore. With cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant religious traditions, Nellore offers every tourist access to a variety of unique experiences that you can’t find elsewhere. To make the most out of your trip, ensure that you sort out all the specifics of the trip with TripXL for a seamless travel experience.
Cover Photo: ManojKRacherla / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
