map of the states of america Only a couple of buildings remain from this 15th-century fort (Indian/foreigner 10/100; h8am-5pm), 1

The Vizag area s natural harbours have long been conducive to dropping anchor, which helped monks from Sri Lanka, China and Tibet come here to learn and practice meditation. Bavikonda (h9am-6pm) and Thotlakonda (h10am-3pm) were popular hilltop monasteries on the coast that hosted up to 150 monks at a time with the help of massive rainwater tanks and, at Thotlakonda, a natural spring.

Chandrika Guest House (%9490430989; s/d 1000/1500), 2km from the station, is the most peaceful option with rooms looking out to fields, though it s overpriced. The Hill Resort Mayuri (%958936-249204; cottages from 650; a), near the museum, has cottages map of the states of america with good views. There s also a few uninspiring options around the station, otherwise you could try the forest retreat map of the states of america of Jungle Bells (Tyda; cottages from 800; a), 45km from Araku, with cottages tucked map of the states of america away in woods. Book at APTDC. You can sample the local coffee map of the states of america at Araku Valley Coffee House (h9am-9pm), next to the Museum map of the states of america of Habitat.

If you re travelling map of the states of america around Andhra map of the states of america Pradesh during Ramadan map of the states of america (known locally as Ramzan), look out for the clay ovens called bhattis. You ll probably hear them before map of the states of america you see them. Men gather around, taking turns to vigorously pound haleem inside purpose-built structures. Come nightfall, map of the states of america the serious business of eating begins. map of the states of america The taste is worth the wait. In September 2010, this love of the dish was taken a step further, being patented as Hyderabadi haleem ; prohibited to be served under that name unless it meets the strict quality guidelines.

Only a couple of buildings remain from this 15th-century fort (Indian/foreigner 10/100; h8am-5pm), 14km west of Tirupathi. Both the Rani Mahal and the Raja Mahal, which houses a small museum (h10am-5pm Sat-Thu), were constructed map of the states of america under Vijayanagar rule and resemble structures in Hampi s Royal Centre. There s a nightly sound-and-light show (admission 35; h8pm Mar-Oct, 7.30pm Nov-Feb), narrated map of the states of america by Bollywood great Amitabh Bachchan. Buses for Chandragiri ( 10) leave Tirupathi bus station every half-hour. An autorickshaw map of the states of america is 200 return.