Nellore is a city and municipal corporation in Andhra Pradesh, India. Nellore word is the combination of two Tamil Words i.e. Nel and Ooru. Nel which means Paddy and Ooru means Place. In Andhra Pradesh it is 6th most populous city. Ancient name of city is Vikrama Simhapuri. It is situated on the banks of river Penneru. Main production of this place is Paddy, aquaculture, lemon, Gold Jewellery, Mica.
Mauran influence is more at this place. During 3rd century it was the part of Ashoka Empire. Between 4th to 6th century AD this place was ruled by Pallavas Empire. Then till 13th century this place was under the control of Chola Kings. After that it was came under the control of Britishers. From this place itself, Potti Sriramulu fasted for the formation of Andhra Pradesh till his death. He was a Telugu activist, Gandhian and Freedom Fighter.
What to see at Nellore:
Ranganatha Temple: This is 600 years old temple. Height of this temple is 12meters. Ratha Yatra festival celebrates so grandly at this place. At that time thousands of devotees come to this place. Along with large mirrors, there are seven gold pots within the temple. Temple is located on the banks of river Pennar. Garbhodakasayi Vishnu is worshipped here. Idol rests on a seat called Anantha Shesha. On the chest of the idol lotus flower can be seen. Goddess Lakshmi is seated on that lotus flower. In this temple complex 4 handed incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi can also be seen in the name of Ranganayaki Devi. Temple was constructed in 1070 AD.
Krishna Mandir: This temple is located in Vedayapalem Road in Nellore. It is the largest temple in the town. Other shrines of the temple are Karya Siddhi, Ashta Lakshmi, Dattatreya and Ganesha.
What to see around Nellore:
Venkatagiri Fort: It is located 2kms away from Nellore Railway station. This fort was built in 1883 AD. Front portion of the fort is named as Indra Mahal.
Penchalakona: It is located 10kms away from Nellore. Lord Narasimha Swamy temple is most famous at this place. Temple is located on Veda Giri Hills. People believed that temple was constructed at the place where Lord Ventakeswara kept his feet.
Jonnawada: It is located 15kms away from Nellore. In India, it is one of the pilgrim places. One of the two Kamakshi Temples of India is located here. This temple was built in 1150 AD. Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Kamakshamma worshipped here. Goddess Kamakshi is considered as incarnation of Shakti. 10 days festival celebrates her for Goddess Kamakshi. Single stone used in the construction of some parts of the temple such as Gopuram.
Other attractions near Nellore: Other attractions near Nellore are Nellapattu Sanctuary, Sri Venkaiah Swamy Temple Golagamudi.
Getting to Nellore: Nellore is well connected with road and railways. From Kavali, Purini, Batra Kagollu, Veguru, Chennai etc buses come to this place. From Hyderabad, Howrah, Chennai, New Delhi Trains come to this place. Nearest airport is located at Chennai. Airport is well connected with Kochi, Jaipur, Indore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Coimbatore, Chandigarh, Bhopal and Bangalore.
Getting around Nellore: Taxis are available to visit the surrounding places of Nellore.
Best time to visit Nellore: Best time to visit this place is on February, October, November and December. Summer is too hot at this place.
Where to stay in Nellore: Plenty of hotels starting from budget to luxury hotels are available to stay at this place. Best hotels at this place are Abhiram Hotel, Murali Krishna Hotel, Leo Hotel, and Simhapuri Hotel.
Where to eat in Nellore: Plenty of restaurants are available at this place. Best restaurants are Wangs Chicken, Baba Samosa, Srinivasa Hotel, Balaji restaurant.