Nellore Tourism (2024) - Andhra Pradesh > Top Places, Travel Guide

Nellore Travel Essentials

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Nellore Tourism

Nellore is a beautiful city lying on the banks of River Penna, a Municipal Corporation in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Anciently known as Vikrama Simhapuri, it derived its name from "Nelluru", a combination of Tamil words "Nel" and "Ooru" where Nel stands for Paddy and Ooru means Place.

This city, situated on the banks of the Penne River is known for its rich agriculture and has been an exporter of Rice, Sugar cane and cane based products, prawns, shrimps and a varied set of crops. It is the 6th most populous city in Andhra Pradesh, also, holding its position as the administrative headquarter of Sri Potti Sri Ramulu Nellore District. Even though a large percent of its population is rural and dependent on agriculture, it is witnessing an increase in the number of Educational institutions and businesses, helping it gain a new found stature as a city. The city is also home to several significant temples that witness a large number of devotees throughout the year.

Ramalingeswara Temple

Narasimhaswamy Temple

Patu Ru

Ranganatha Temple

Mypadu Beach

Barah Shaheed Dargah

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The Culturally Rich City

Nellore is a culturally rich city situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Located on the banks of river Pennar, this city is famous for being a distinct part of famous empires, such as Cholas, Kakatiyas, Golconda, Vijayanagara as the list goes on. However, there's more to Nellore than what meets the eye. Nellore is also an emerging commercial hub, home to one of the few private ports of India, Krishnapatnam Port. Interestingly, Nellore is also the birth city of Potti Sreeramulu, who had fasted unto death to enable the implementation of the creation of states in India on a linguistic basis.

Etymology of Nellore

Once known as Vikrama Simhapuri, the town was named Nellore in around the 13th century. According to the Sthala Purana scriptures, which are mythological texts containing the origins of some Shiva temples and shrines, a lingam (or stone representing Lord Shiva) was found here under a Nelli tree. This led to the place derives its name from Nelli-ooru, where Nelli is the name of the tree, and ooru means place. The Andhra Pradesh government officially renamed Nellore to Sri Potti Sri Ramulu Nellore district, in honour of the freedom fighter Potti Sri Ramulu, who laid down his life fasting, for creating a separate state for the Telugu people.

History of Nellore

Nellore's history includes the names of several major dynasties - Cholas, Pallavas, Pandyas, Mauryas, Vijayanagaras, Kalingas and the Arcot Nawabs - all of whom ruled the town over the centuries. Emperor Ashoka ruled Nellore in the 3rd century BC, and later the Pallavas ruled the place till around the 6th century AD. Nellore’s golden period was under the Chola dynasty, till their decline in the 13th century AD. Following rules by the Vijayanagara Kingdom, the Arcot Nawabs and the Mughal Empire, Nellore passed into British hands in the 18th century and remained a part of the British Madras presidency till India’s independence. Nellore played a pivotal role in the creation of the state of Andhra Pradesh, and the revolutionary fighter Potti Sri Ramalu who laid down his life for this cause hailed from the district.

Restaurants and Local Food in Nellore

Nellore is famous for its Nellore Reddy cuisine which is quite popular across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The food is hot, spicy and replete with "pulusu" and "kodikura". The Nellore Thali meals are a big hit all across the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Nellore is very famous for its authentic Chepala Pulsu and Nellore Style Dosa.The restaurants at Nellore are reasonably priced offering delicious food. The chutneys are a highlight of these meals.
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Suggested Itinerary for Nellore

Day 1 - Reach Nellore, preferably by noon and take some rest. In the evening, you can go to the main market for a stroll, especially where you can buy precious curios and souvenirs, especially the local sarees, that you can take home for your families.
Day 2 - You can start with blessings from Ranganathswamy temple. Thereon, you can proceed for a tour of the Nellapattu Bird Sanctuary, a bit far from Ranganath Temple, some 84 km in distance.
Day 3 - This day can be reserved for a visit to Jonnawada, a popular pilgrimage for Hindu devotees, or if you prefer, have a refreshing retreat at the Pulicat Lake or Mypad Beach.

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How to Reach Nellore

How to Reach Overview

Nellore is well connected to the rest of India by both railways and roadways. Regular rail and bus services of all ranges and types ply to and fro the city of Nellore; buses being operated both by private and government owners. There is no direct flight connectivity, however, as of now, to Nellore. The nearest airport that connects Nellore to the rest of India is the famous Tirupati Airport.

How to reach Nellore by flight

Choosing to travel by air is a good decision in terms of saving time and having a comfortable journey. The nearest airport to the city is the Tirupati Airport, which is about 103 kilometres south-west but its connectivity to Tirupati airport is limited to Hyderabad, Vishakhapatnam and other cities in AP. In such case, Chennai Airport is the next best alternative (177 km) especially for tourists flying from other parts of the country. From Chennai Airport, you can avail a Taxi to reach Nellore. There is an availability of both Prepaid and Private Taxis. It takes about 3 hours in a taxi; hence it's advisable to choose an A/C cab during summers. Prepaid taxis may charge you 2,500/- from Chennai to Nellore.

How to reach Nellore by road

If you want to choose to travel by bus, then there are many buses connecting Nellore from Chennai and Hyderabad. The 2 main bus stations available are PSR Bus Station (more as Atmakur bus stand) and RTC Bus Stand. There are many private luxury bus services available to connect Hyderabad and Chennai from the Railway station area. Buses of Tamil Nadu state road transport corporations start from Madras bus stand very close to the RTC bus stand and they operate mainly to Chennai. By car, it is a 3-hour drive from Chennai. It is well connected by road with NH5 from Chennai to Kolkata, a part of the Golden Quadrilateral expressway project.

How to reach Nellore by train

For all those who enjoy train journeys, Nellore has good train services from cities like Chennai, Hyderabad and other places in Andhra Pradesh. From Chennai, it takes around 3 hours and 10 hours from Hyderabad.

Local transport in Nellore

Nellore has a good connectivity of bus services by the APSRTC for intra and intercity, both being good for travel purposes. Intra city buses function in many major cities of Andhra Pradesh which will help you explore the all around the place. You may also hire a taxi if convenience and fast travelling is your main aim.

Most frequently searched routes to Nellore

Route Name	Distance	Time	More Information
Hyderabad to Nellore	455 km	7 hours 29 mins	View Details
Chennai to Nellore	177 km	3 hours 6 mins	View Details
Bangalore to Nellore	384 km	7 hours 1 min	View Details
Pune to Nellore	1,042 km	17 hours 0 mins	View Details
Mumbai to Nellore	1,189 km	19 hours 33 mins	View Details

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Nellore Photos

Ranganatha Temple - Famous Temple in Nellore

Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary - Home to Variety of Migrant Birds

Nellore - Home to Many Religious Temples

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FAQs on Nellore

What is famous about Nellore?

An abode of history in lower Andhra Pradesh. Culturally and spiritually rich.

What is not so good about Nellore?

Can be congested in peak seasons. Beware of getting cheated by swindlers.

Who should visit Nellore?

Ideal for both history lovers and commercial enthusiasts. Suitable for people touring nearby sites like Tirupati, Chennai etc.

What is the best time to visit Nellore?

The climatic condition of Nellore is a tropical maritime climate. Its close proximity to the coast results in high levels of humidity in the city. The summers here are quite warm and humid, with April and May being the hottest months lasting till the end of June. The months of December, January and February are the coolest months here. Rainfall in Nellore occurs between the months of October and December due to the North - East monsoon. Being located near the Bay of Bengal, the sea breeze helps in moderating the city's climate during summer and winter. Cyclones are common in the city during the monsoons, sometimes causing a flood. It is best to visit the town between the months of October and February.
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What is the local food in Nellore?

What is the best way to reach Nellore?

What are the places near Nellore?

The top places near to Nellore are Pondicherry which is 280 km from Nellore, Chennai which is located 155 km from Nellore, Tirupati which is located 107 km from Nellore, Bangalore which is located 303 km from Nellore, Pulicat which is located 118 km from Nellore

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Nellore Reviews

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Rohit Shroff

6 years ago

- Telugu is the local language in the region but people also manage to converse well in English as well. But do not expect them to speak Hindi.
- If you plan to during the summers then you must ma (Read More)ke sure to carry clothes that are light and comfortable. Carry lots of liquids with you.
- If your trip is around the winters, make sure you carry some winter wear with you, along with umbrellas and raincoats.

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