Nellore, located in the southeastern part of Andhra Pradesh, is a district known for its rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and natural beauty. The city offers a variety of attractions ranging from ancient temples to serene beaches. Here are some of the best places to visit in Nellore.
Top Places to Visit in Nellore
1. Ranganatha Temple
The Ranganatha Temple is one of the most prominent temples in Nellore, dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple is known for its magnificent architecture and religious significance.
- Visiting Time: Open from 6 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM.
- Activities: Offering prayers, exploring the temple architecture, and participating in temple rituals.
- Location: Located in the heart of Nellore city.
2. Mypadu Beach
Mypadu Beach is a beautiful and serene beach along the Bay of Bengal. It is an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoying the coastal views.
- Visiting Time: Open all day.
- Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, beach walks, and enjoying seafood from nearby stalls.
- Location: About 25 km from Nellore city.
3. Pulicat Lake
Pulicat Lake is the second-largest brackish water lake in India and is a significant spot for bird watching, especially during the migratory season. The lake is also known for its rich biodiversity.
- Visiting Time: Open all day.
- Activities: Bird watching, boating, and exploring the nearby Pulicat Bird Sanctuary.
- Location: Approximately 70 km from Nellore city.
4. Penchalakona
Penchalakona is a famous pilgrimage site known for the Narasimha Swamy Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Narasimha. The temple is located amidst scenic hills and is a popular destination for devotees.
- Visiting Time: Open from 6 AM to 8 PM.
- Activities: Temple visits, trekking in the surrounding hills, and participating in religious festivals.
- Location: Around 70 km from Nellore city.
5. Jonnawada
Jonnawada is another important pilgrimage site near Nellore, known for the Mallikarjuna Swamy Kamakshi Tai Temple. The temple attracts a large number of devotees during festivals.
- Visiting Time: Open from 6 AM to 8 PM.
- Activities: Offering prayers, participating in temple rituals, and exploring the temple premises.
- Location: About 15 km from Nellore city.
6. Sriharikota
Sriharikota is an island off the coast of Andhra Pradesh and is home to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, a significant spaceport of India. The location is known for its scientific and educational importance.
- Visiting Time: Restricted access, but certain areas are open to the public during launches.
- Activities: Observing rocket launches (with prior permission) and visiting the Space Museum.
- Location: Around 100 km from Nellore city.
7. Udayagiri Fort
Udayagiri Fort is a historical fort located on a hilltop, known for its ancient ruins and panoramic views of the surrounding area. The fort has a rich history dating back to the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Visiting Time: Open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
- Activities: Exploring the fort ruins, trekking, and photography.
- Location: Approximately 100 km from Nellore city.
8. Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is one of the largest pelicanry in Southeast Asia and is known for its diverse avian population. The sanctuary is a must-visit for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
- Visiting Time: Open from 8 AM to 5 PM.
- Activities: Bird watching, nature walks, and photography.
- Location: About 50 km from Nellore city.
9. ISKCON Nellore
The ISKCON Temple in Nellore is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is known for its spiritual ambiance and architectural beauty.
- Visiting Time: Open from 4:30 AM to 8:30 PM.
- Activities: Offering prayers, participating in bhajans and kirtans, and exploring the temple.
- Location: Located in Nellore city.
10. Ramatheertham
Ramatheertham is a popular pilgrimage site known for its ancient temples and scenic surroundings. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Rama.
- Visiting Time: Open from 6 AM to 8 PM.
- Activities: Temple visits, trekking, and exploring the historical sites.
- Location: Around 12 km from Nellore city.
Summary Table
| Place | Description | Key Attraction | Distance from Nellore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranganatha Temple | Prominent temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha | Temple architecture and rituals | In Nellore city |
| Mypadu Beach | Beautiful beach along the Bay of Bengal | Swimming and sunbathing | 25 km |
| Pulicat Lake | Second-largest brackish water lake in India | Bird watching and boating | 70 km |
| Penchalakona | Famous pilgrimage site with Narasimha Swamy Temple | Temple visits and trekking | 70 km |
| Jonnawada | Important pilgrimage site with Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple | Temple rituals and festivals | 15 km |
| Sriharikota | Home to Satish Dhawan Space Centre | Rocket launches and Space Museum | 100 km |
| Udayagiri Fort | Historical fort on a hilltop | Exploring ruins and trekking | 100 km |
| Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary | One of the largest pelicanry in Southeast Asia | Bird watching and photography | 50 km |
| ISKCON Nellore | Beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Krishna | Spiritual activities and temple visits | In Nellore city |
| Ramatheertham | Popular pilgrimage site with ancient temples | Temple visits and trekking | 12 km |
How to Reach Nellore
By Flight
The nearest airport to Nellore is Tirupati Airport, which is about 130 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Nellore.
By Train
Nellore has its own railway station, Nellore Junction (NLR), which is well-connected to major cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Regular trains are available to and from Nellore.
By Road
Nellore is well-connected by road. You can reach Nellore by bus or car from nearby cities. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) runs regular bus services to Nellore from major cities in the state.
Best Time to Visit Nellore
The best time to visit Nellore is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The monsoon season (June to September) brings moderate to heavy rainfall, enhancing the natural beauty of the region. However, the summer months (April to June) can be quite hot, so it’s advisable to avoid visiting during this period if you are not comfortable with high temperatures.
