Nellore Travel Guide: All You Need To Know

Nellore is a city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the banks of the Penna River and is known for its rich history, culture, and cuisine. Here are some of the top places to visit in Nellore:

• Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple: This is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings, and is one of the most visited temples in Nellore.
• Pulicat Lake: This is a large saltwater lagoon located near Nellore. It is home to a variety of migratory birds and is a popular spot for bird watching and boating.
• Udayagiri Fort: This is an ancient fort located on a hilltop, overlooking the city of Nellore. It was built during the Vijayanagara Empire and is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning views of the surrounding areas.
• Penchalakona Temple: This is a famous Hindu temple located in the Penchalakona hills, about 80 km from Nellore. The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha and is known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.
• Nellapattu Bird Sanctuary: This is a popular bird sanctuary located near Nellore. It is home to a variety of migratory birds and is a great place for bird watching.
• Barah Shaheed Dargah: This is a famous Muslim shrine located in Nellore. It is dedicated to 12 martyrs who fought against the British during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
• Jonnawada: This is a small town located near Nellore, known for its ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi. The temple is believed to be more than 2,000 years old and is a popular pilgrimage site.

In addition to these places, Nellore is also known for its delicious cuisine, including local specialties like Nellore fish curry and gongura pachadi. The best time to visit Nellore is between October and February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. Looking for more places in Arunachal Pradesh? Have a look on our guide to Tawang here.

Best Time To Visit Nellore

The best time to visit Nellore is between October and February when the weather is cool and pleasant. During this time, the temperature remains between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The monsoon season starts from July and lasts till September, and the city receives moderate to heavy rainfall during this time. While the rain can make the surrounding areas look lush and green, it may also hinder sightseeing and outdoor activities. The summer season from March to June is quite hot and humid, with temperatures ranging between 30 to 40 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is best to avoid visiting Nellore during the summer season.

Things to Do in Nellore

Here are some of the top things to do in Nellore:

• Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple: This is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings, and is one of the most visited temples in Nellore.
• Explore Pulicat Lake: This is a large saltwater lagoon located near Nellore. It is home to a variety of migratory birds and is a popular spot for bird watching and boating.
• Trek to Udayagiri Fort: This is an ancient fort located on a hilltop, overlooking the city of Nellore. It was built during the Vijayanagara Empire and is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning views of the surrounding areas.
• Visit Penchalakona Temple: This is a famous Hindu temple located in the Penchalakona hills, about 80 km from Nellore. The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha and is known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.
• Go birdwatching at Nellapattu Bird Sanctuary: This is a popular bird sanctuary located near Nellore. It is home to a variety of migratory birds and is a great place for bird watching.
• Explore Jonnawada: This is a small town located near Nellore, known for its ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi. The temple is believed to be more than 2,000 years old and is a popular pilgrimage site.
• Visit Barah Shaheed Dargah: This is a famous Muslim shrine located in Nellore. It is dedicated to 12 martyrs who fought against the British during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

In addition to these activities, Nellore is also known for its delicious cuisine, including local specialties like Nellore fish curry and gongura pachadi.

How to Get Around in Nellore

Here are some of the ways to get around in Nellore:

• Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are a convenient and affordable way to get around Nellore. They are available throughout the city and can be easily flagged down on the streets.
• Buses: Nellore has a well-developed bus network that connects the city with its surrounding areas. The buses are operated by the state-run Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) and are a cheap and efficient way to get around.
• Taxis: Taxis are available for hire in Nellore, and are a good option if you prefer a more comfortable and private mode of transport. They can be booked through various taxi booking apps or hired from taxi stands in the city.
• Rental Cars: You can also rent a car in Nellore from various car rental agencies. This is a good option if you prefer to drive around on your own and explore the city at your own pace.
• Cycle-rickshaws: Cycle-rickshaws are also available in some parts of the city, and are a good option if you need to travel short distances.

It’s important to note that traffic in Nellore can be quite chaotic, especially during peak hours, so it’s best to plan your travel accordingly. Also, make sure to negotiate the fare before boarding an auto-rickshaw or a taxi.

Where to eat in Nellore

Nellore is famous for its seafood and South Indian cuisine. Here are some popular places to eat in Nellore:

• Murali Krishna Sweets and Bakery: This is a popular bakery in Nellore that serves a variety of sweets and savories, including Nellore’s famous ‘Chekkalu’ snack.
• Andhra Spice: This restaurant is known for its authentic Andhra-style cuisine, including biryani, curries, and thalis.
• Maurya Restaurant: Maurya is a popular vegetarian restaurant that serves North Indian and South Indian dishes, including dosas, idlis, and chaats.
• Nellore Mess: Nellore Mess is a popular eatery in Nellore that serves a variety of non-vegetarian dishes, including seafood, biryani, and tandoori chicken.
• Haritha Food Court: This restaurant is located within the Haritha Hotel and serves a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
• Sankranthi Veg Restaurant: This is a vegetarian restaurant that serves South Indian and North Indian dishes, including thalis, dosas, and curries.
• Sea Inn Restaurant: This is a popular seafood restaurant in Nellore that serves a range of fish and prawn dishes.

These are just a few of the many dining options available in Nellore. It’s important to note that many of these restaurants serve spicy food, so make sure to ask for milder options if you’re not used to the heat. Looking for more places in Arunachal Pradesh? Have a look on our guide to Changlang here.

Famous street stalls in Nellore

Nellore is famous for its street food and local snacks. Here are some popular street stalls in Nellore:

• Ramji Laddu Stall: Ramji Laddu Stall is a popular street food vendor in Nellore that serves delicious laddus made with gram flour and jaggery.
• Pachi Mirchi: Pachi Mirchi is a local snack made with green chilies stuffed with a spicy masala mix. It’s a popular street food in Nellore and is available at many street stalls throughout the city.
• Goli Bajji: Goli Bajji is a deep-fried snack made with maida and spices. It’s a popular street food in Nellore and is available at many local street food vendors.
• Dosa Point: Dosa Point is a popular street food vendor that serves a variety of dosas, including masala dosa, onion dosa, and butter dosa.
• Samosa Point: Samosa Point is a popular street food vendor that serves crispy and spicy samosas stuffed with potatoes and peas.
• Paddu Point: Paddu Point is a popular street food vendor that serves a variety of paddus, including plain paddu and onion paddu. Paddu is a South Indian snack made with rice flour and spices.
• Idli Point: Idli Point is a popular street food vendor that serves soft and fluffy idlis, a South Indian breakfast item, with chutney and sambar.

These are just a few of the many street stalls in Nellore that serve delicious local snacks and street food. Do try them out when you visit Nellore.

Where to stay in Nellore

Luxury accommodation

Nellore has some good options for luxury accommodation. Here are a few suggestions:

• Hotel Minerva Grand: Hotel Minerva Grand is a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city. The hotel features well-appointed rooms and suites, a multi-cuisine restaurant, a bar, and a rooftop swimming pool.
• Seasons Inn: Seasons Inn is a luxury hotel located in the center of the city. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites, a rooftop restaurant, a bar, and a fitness center.
• Haritha Beach Resort: Haritha Beach Resort is a luxurious beachfront property located near Nellore. The resort features well-appointed rooms and suites, a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a spa.
• Hotel Indur Inn: Hotel Indur Inn is a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city. The hotel features well-appointed rooms and suites, a multi-cuisine restaurant, a bar, and a fitness center.

These are just a few of the many luxury accommodation options available in Nellore. You can choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.

Budget accommodation

Nellore has a good number of budget accommodation options available for travelers. Here are a few suggestions:

• Hotel Abhiram: Hotel Abhiram is a budget hotel located in the center of the city. The hotel features well-maintained rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
• Hotel Royal Park: Hotel Royal Park is a budget hotel located in the heart of the city. The hotel features clean and comfortable rooms, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and a bar.
• DSR Paradise Lodge: DSR Paradise Lodge is a budget hotel located near the railway station. The hotel features well-maintained rooms, a restaurant, and 24-hour room service.
• Hotel Pallavi: Hotel Pallavi is a budget hotel located in the heart of the city. The hotel features clean and comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.

These are just a few of the many budget accommodation options available in Nellore. You can choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.

Travel Tips Nellore

Here are some travel tips for Nellore:

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit Nellore is during the winter season (November to February) when the weather is pleasant and comfortable.
• Getting around: Nellore has a well-connected network of public transportation, including buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. You can also rent a car if you prefer to travel on your own.
• Local cuisine: Nellore is known for its spicy and flavorful Andhra cuisine, which includes dishes like biryani, pappu, and gongura pachadi. Make sure to try some of the local food during your visit.
• Shopping: Nellore is famous for its handloom sarees, which are available in a variety of colors and designs. You can also shop for traditional handicrafts, jewelry, and other souvenirs at the local markets.
• Places to visit: Some of the popular tourist attractions in Nellore include Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, and Pulicat Lake. Make sure to plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your visit.
• Safety: Nellore is generally a safe city, but it’s always a good idea to take basic safety precautions like avoiding deserted areas at night, staying in well-lit and busy areas, and keeping your valuables safe.

These are just a few travel tips for Nellore. With a little planning, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to this beautiful city.

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