Nellore travel guide

River

Pennar

Best time

October to March

Nearest airport

Tirupati (Chennai for more flights)

Nearest railway station

Nellore

Distance to Krishnapatnam port

About 25 km

History

Records of the area go back to the third century. Over the centuries it came under the Mauryas, Satavahanas, Pallavas, Cholas, Kakatiyas, Telugu Cholas and Pandyas, among others. In the late eighteenth century the British took control and added it to the Madras Presidency, and it became part of Andhra Pradesh in 1956. Mica processing, rice and lemons are important to the local economy, and Krishnapatnam port lies about 25 km away.

What to see

The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple on the Pennar, dedicated to Vishnu, is the town's main shrine and draws Vaishnava pilgrims. Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary attracts migratory pelicans and many other species in season, with watchtowers for viewing and a small museum.

Udayagiri Fort, about 100 km from town, stands on a hill some 3,000 feet high and was enlarged by several dynasties, including the Vijayanagara kings. Venkatagiri Fort was built in 1775, and the town is also known for its fine cotton saris.

• Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
• Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
• Udayagiri Fort
• Venkatagiri Fort
• Penchalakona Narasimha Temple
• Jonnawada Kamakshi Temple
• Mypadu Beach
• Pulicat Lake

Best time to visit

The cooler months from October to March are most comfortable, and they also coincide with the bird season at Nelapattu and Pulicat. Summers on this coast are very hot.

How to reach

Tirupati has the nearest airport, but flights are limited, so many travellers fly into Chennai and continue by road or rail. Nellore railway station lies on the main Chennai–Howrah and Chennai–Delhi lines, with frequent trains. Good highways connect the town with Chennai and the rest of Andhra Pradesh.

We can plan a Nellore and Tirupati pilgrimage with a visit to Pulicat on the way back to Tamil Nadu.

Also nearby