Andhra Pradesh lies between 12°41' and 22°N latitude and 77° and 84°40'E longitude, and is bordered by Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Odisha in the north, the Bay of Bengal in the East, Tamil Nadu to the south and Karnataka to the west.
Andhra Pradesh is historically called the "Rice Bowl of India". More than 77% of its crop is rice; Andhra Pradesh produced 17,796,000 tonnes of rice in 2006. Two major rivers, the Godavari and the Krishna, run across the state. The small enclave (30 square kilometres (12 sq mi)) of Yanam, a district of Puducherry, lies in the Godavari Delta in the northeast of the state.
On 1 November 1956, the States Reorganization Act formed Andhra Pradesh by merging Telugu-speaking areas of Hyderabad State and the Telugu-speaking part of the Madras Presidency.
Facts of Andhra Pradesh:
Area:
2,75,068 sq km
Religion:
Hinduism (89.13%), Islam (8.90%), Christianity (1.82%), Others (0.15%)
Annual Rainfall:
400 mm to 2,500 mm
Maximum Temperature:
40°C
Minimum Temperature:
13°C
Capital:
Hyderabad
Languages:
Telugu, Urdu
Best time to visit:
October to March.
Geography and climate of Andhra Pradesh:
The climate of Andhra Pradesh varies considerably, depending on the geographical region. Monsoons play a major role in determining the climate of the state. Summers last from March to June. In the coastal plain, the summer temperatures are generally higher than the rest of the state, with temperature ranging between 20 °C and 41 °C.
July to September is the seasons for tropical rains in Andhra Pradesh. The state receives heavy rainfall from Southwest Monsoon during these months. About one third of the total rainfall in Andhra Pradesh is brought by the Northeast Monsoon.
October and November see low-pressure systems and tropical cyclones form in the Bay of Bengal which, along with the Northeast Monsoon, bring rains to the southern and coastal regions of the state. November, December, January, and February are the winter months in Andhra Pradesh. Since the state has a long coastal belt the winters are not very cold. The range of winter temperature is generally 12 °C to 30 °C.
Hyderabad is the capital and, along with the adjoining twin city Secunderabad, is the largest city in the tate.Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh's main seaport, is the second largest city and is home to the Indian Navy's Eastern Naval Command. Due to its location and proximity to major rail and road routes, Vijayawada is a major trading center and the third largest city. Guntur is the fourth largest city. Other important cities and towns are Kakinada, Warangal, Rajmundry, Tirupati, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Eluru, Bhimavaram, Machilipatnam, Gudivada, Tenali, Ongole, Nellore, Kurnool, Anantapur, Nizamabad, Ramagundam Karimnagar, Khammam, and Kadapa.
Weather Forecast of Andhra Pradesh:
Place to Visit in Andhra Pradesh:
Hyderabad:
Nagarjunakonda / Nagarjuna sagar:
Nagarjuna Sagar is an important Buddhist site, patronised by the rulers of the ancient Ikshvaku dynasty in the 3rd century, now a tourist attraction located 150 km from Hyderabad, (India).
Tirupati Temple:
The town owes its existence to the sacred temple situated on the Tirumala Hills. Tirumala is the abode of Lord Venkateshwara, (one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu), located atop Seshachala hills often called as "Yaelu Malai" or "Yaedu Kondalu" (seven hills). The temple of Lord Venkateshwara is the richest Hindu temple and the most visited religious center (of any faith) in the world.
Vijayawada:
Vijayawada is the third largest city in Andhra Pradesh and is located on the banks of the Krishna River bounded by the Indrakeeladri Hills on the west and the budameru stream on the north. Besides being an important religious centre for Hindus, Buddhists and Christians, Vijayawada is also a centre of Andhra culture.
Kanakadurga Temple, the second largest temple in Andhra Pradesh is located here. Also worth seeing are Prakasam Barrage, Kondapalli Fort, Bhavani Island, Victoria Museum, Undavalli Caves, Mangalagiri and Amaravati. Also worth visiting is "Haailand", about 15 km from Vijayawada, which is a theme park. Ropeway to Indrakeeladri and Shilparamam are the main projects that are going to come up.
With a population of over a million and a floating population of over 80 lakhs in a month, lot of activity is expected to happen in the near future. Mall and Multiplex Culture is also picking up fast in Vijayawada with big names like Inox, PVR and Adlabs setting up their screens. Star hotels like Taj are also eying the city as a poetential market.
State run city buses, motor driven auto rickshaws and manual driven cycle rickshaws are the major means of transport in Vijayawada. The domestic airport located at Gannavaram, is about 20 km from the city and connects Vijayawada to Hyderabad and Bangalore by air.
Vishakapatnam:
Visakhapatnam (also known as Vizag and Waltair) is the second largest city in Andhra Pradesh and is located on the eastern shore of India in the state of Andhra Pradesh, nestled among the hills of the Eastern Ghats and facing the Bay of Bengal to the east. Tourists are attracted by its unspoilt beaches, nearby scenic Araku Valley and Borra caves, the 11th-century Simhachalam temple and ancient Buddhist sites like Totlakonda & Bavikonda spread across the area. The city boasts a submarine museum, the first of its kind in South Asia, at Rama Krishna Beach. Vizag is well connected with daily flights from Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Tirupati, and Bhopal. With the entry of several new airlines, Air Sahara, Air Deccan, Kingfisher Airlines, and Paramount Airways. There are bus services to hyderabad, vijaywada and Orissa. The Beach road from East point colony to Coastal battery is studded with parks, statues, etc, is a favorite evening gathering point. Along the road can be found India's only submarine museum, INS Kursura, as well as the Visakha museum and Matsyadarsini (an aquarium). VUDA park, at the beginning of the Beach Road, has a musical fountain, and entertainment for children. It has a roller skating ground, which has served as the venue for several national and international skating competitions.
Rushikonda beach, 6 km away from Vizag city, has become a favorite evening spot. Bhimili-Vizag beach Road, 30 km in length offers one of the best views of the sea, sand, hills and greenery. Many parks are constructed adjacent to this road. Tenneti park beach park is a park constructed on the cliff of Kailashagiri. There are several points from which the beautiful rocky beach down beneath can be seen. Many Telugu, Tamil and Hindi movies were filmed here.
Visakhapatnam is predominantly a Telugu speaking city. The Telugu spoken by the middle classes is a standard dialect, while a significant population who have settled down in the city from the adjoining villages and neighbouring districts of East Godavari, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam speak Uttarandhra (North Coastal) Mandalikam dialects. Historians believe that centuries ago, when Uttarandhra was part of the KalingaEmpire, Buddhist missionaries and merchants might have taken Telugu (Derived from Brahmi script) script to Southeast Asia from the shores of Uttarandhra where it parented into the scripts of Mon, Burmese, Thai, Khmer, Siam, Javanese and Balinese languages and even Sinhala of Sri Lanka. Their similarities to Telugu script can be discerned even today. Visakhapatnam is home to a small Oriya, Maharashtrians, Bengali and Malayalee communities; their migration is of recent origin. Due to the Naval presence and high concentration of public sector industries, Visakhapatnam has a significant Hindi speaking population.
Visakhapatnam is also known as the City Of Destiny.It is also one of the fast developing cities in the India and among the top 20 cities in the world. Vizag is also known for it scenic beauty and is also considered as the tourism capital of our state. Visakhapatnam serves as the gateway for waterways for the state of Andhra Pradesh. Visakhapatnam has one of the country's largest ports and its oldest shipyard. It has the only natural harbour on the eastern coast of India. The Visakhapatnam port is one of the busiest ports in India. The shipbuilding yard situated at Visakhapatnam is the largest in India.
Vizag is by road, rail and air to all the major cities in the country.
SPORTS Cricket is the most popular game followed by tennis and football. The city is home to a number of local cricket teams participating in various district and zonal events. Vishakapatnam has two international cricket stadiums namely Indira Priyadarshini Stadium (5 ODI Matches): Also known as the Municipal Corporation Stadium, ACA-VDCA Stadium:(3 ODI Matches): The ACA-VDCA Stadium has recently hosted 2 ODIs with India winning against Pakistan in the first and against Sri Lanka in the econd. Now this stadium is upgraded to host day/night matches. It has the most advanced flood lights in India after Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi.This Stadium hosted an odi between India and Australia WHICH is also won by india batting second.
Warangal:
Warangal also known as Orugallu, and Ekasila Nagaram is a city and a municipal corporation in Warangal district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Warangal is located 148 kilometres (92 mi) northeast of the state capital of Hyderabad and is the administrative headquarters of Warangal District.It is part of a tri-city comprising of Warangal, Hanamakonda and Kazipet. It is the fourth largest city in Andhra Pradesh with a population of nearly 11 lakhs including Hanamakonda and Kazipet. (2001 census).
Sri Kalahasti:
Srikalahasti is a town in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the banks of river Swarnamukhi, a tributary to river Pennar. It is one of the ancient Hindu pilgrimages and the site of a famous Shiva temple with magnificent gopuras, and adjacent to Tirupati, another famous temple town. It is also the house of popular textile painting art called kalamkari.
Basar:
This is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi. The temple at Basar is also the abode of Goddess Lakshmi and Kali.
The current structure dates back to the Chalukya period.
This temple has no exquisite carvings like other temples. Walking ahead a few steps, one enters the sanctum sanctorum - a feeling better experienced than described. A feeling of peace, brightness and unlimited joy engulfs one. The presiding deity, 'Gnana Saraswathi Devi', is in a seated position with a 'Veena' in hand and bedecked with turmeric. Adjacent is the shrine of Goddess Maha Lakshmi and a little distance away, on the eastern side is the Maha Kali temple. Basar is a village with wonderful gardens surrounded by the temple premises amidst the dry and barren patches of the north Telangana region, 30-km from Nizamabad. Basar is situated on the banks of River Godavari. It is located at a distance of about 220-km by road and 190-km by rail from Hyderabad.
Hill station of Andhra Pradesh:
Anantagiri Hills:
When the tangled nerves need some break, a hill station is the only term that comes spontaneously to the mind. Anantagiri Hills is one such hill station, which soothes you to the core. Amidst the refreshing natural splendor, this hill station is certainly a paradise for all, mainly because of its serene atmosphere.
Araku Valley:
Araku Valley is a soothing hill station in the expanse of Andhra Pradesh. Enveloped in pastoral beauty, this beautiful valley has an elevation of 1,300 meters. Imagine a deep valley, where lush greenery is accompanied by shimmering waters of gorges and then you see an isolated hut and wish, if you could go there.
Horsley Hills:
Horsley Hills is a mesmerizing place where lofty peaks appear to be conversing with the blue skies. Perched at an elevation of 1,265 meters, this hill station would certainly tempt you with its beguiling beauty. Sited in Chittoor district, Horsley is the one of the three hill-stations in Andhra Pradesh.
Andhra Pradesh Beaches:
Ramakrishna Beach:
Ramakrishna Beach is the most popular beach of Visakhapatnam. With its serene waters and tranquil atmosphere, the beach offers a lovely vista of the countryside. In the past few years, it has gained immense popularity amongst the tourists.
Rishikonda Beach:
Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Rishikonda Beach is the perfect destination for people on a holiday. The untouched sandy stretches and warm waves of the ocean make this beach definitely worth-visiting. Sited at a comfortable distance of 8 km from Visakhapatnam, Rishikonda is one amongst the best beaches of Andhra Pradesh.
Bheemunipatnam Beach:
Bheemunipatnam Beach is a peaceful and serene beach, situated along the coastline of Andhra Pradesh. Amidst the blue waters and tall coconut trees, this beach appears to be the perfect site for honeymooners. The sparkling sands that get soaked by the warm waves revive the childhood days.
Manginapudi Beach:
Manginapudi Beach revives the times of the yore, when its port used to serve as a gateway of India. Located near Machilipatnam, this spectacular beach falls along the coastline of Andhra Pradesh. Apart from its natural splendor, the coast also has historical significance.
Mypad Beach:
With a picturesque coastline, Mypad Beach has serene landscape that never fails to impress its visitors. The aesthetic appeal in its beauty differentiates this tranquil seashore from the other beaches, where water sports have plasticized the
countryside.
Monuments of Andhra Pradesh:
Charminar - Hyderabad:
The Charminar is as much the signature of Hyderabad as the Taj Mahal is of Agra or the Eiffel Tower is of Paris.
It is a magnificent square edifice of granite, built upon four grand arches facing North, South, East and West. These arches support two floors of rooms and gallery of archways. At each corner of the square structure is a minaret rising to a height of 24 meters, making the building nearly 54 meters tall. It is these four (char) minarets (minar) that give the building, its name Charminar. Each minar stands on a lotus-leaf base, a special recurrent motif in Qutub Shahi buildings. The first floor was used as a madarasa (college) during the Qutub Shahi period. The second floor has a mosque on the western side, the dome of which is visible from the road, if one stands some distance away. A spectacular view of the city may be had from the roof of the Charminar, although, due to severe overcrowding of the minarets, only visitors with special permission from the Archaeological Survey of India, Hyderabad Circle are allowed to go to the top of the minarets. The clocks above each of the four archways were added in 1889.
Walking around the Charminar area, one is constantly surprised by vestiges of the past intermingling with the present.
Towards the Southeast of the Charminar is located imposing edifice of the Nizamia Unani Hospital. About 50m to the West, the line of shops in Lad Bazaar is interupted by an old, crumbling brown wall, which marks the entrance to the old Nizama?s Jilau Khana (parade ground). The grounds are now being used for the development of a large commercial complex. Further down, a road to the left leads to the Khilawat Complex (Chowmahalla Palace). The Lad Bazaar road terminates in a square called Mahaboob Chowk where a large 19th century clock-tower looms over a delicate white mosque of the same period.
Golconda Fort - Hyderabad:
Golconda is one of the famous forts of India. The name originates from the Telugu words "Golla Konda" meaning "Shepherd's Hill". The origins of the fort can be traced back to the Kakatiyas period Golconda was originally a mud fort, which passed to the Bahmani dynasty and later to the Qutb Shahis, who held it from 1518 to 1687 A.D. The first three Qutb Shahi kings rebuilt Golconda, over a span of 62 years.
The fort is famous for its acoustics, palaces, factories, ingenious water supply system and the famous Fateh Rahben gun, one of the cannons used in the last siege of Golconda by Aurangzeb, to whom the fort ultimately fell.
Falaknuma Palace - Hyderabad:
Falaknuma Palace is situated in Falaknuma, about 4 km South of Charminar. It stands on a hill overlooking the city of Hyderabad. It is a magnificent palace. "The edifice had the same importance in Hyderabad in the near past as the Palace of Kremlin had in Moscow" says Dharmendra prasad. Falaknuma served as the royal guest house for the rulers of Hyderabad, King George and Queen Mary, king Edward-VIII, then Prince of Wale. Falaknuma palace is a masterpiece designed by an Italian architect. The marble used was specially imported from Italy.
Osmania University - Hyderabad:
Established in 1918, it is one of the oldest universities in India. Named after Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, the university buildings are splendid, especially the Arts College building which is a perfect example of Indo-Saracenic architecture
Purani Haveli - Hyderabad:
Purani Haveli is situated to the South east of Afzal Gunj Bridge near Dewandevdi. This is also a building based on Western architecture and noted for its cultural and historical background. When the layout of the city of Hyderabad was being planned, the ruler of the kingdom, Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah earmarked a large estate for the residence of Hazrat Mir Momin, is Chief Adviser and peshwa (Prime Minister), who widely emerged as a saint and as a statesman.
The main building is reminiscent of the 18th Century European architecture. Although the buildings in the complex were constructed in the second half of the 19th Century during the reign of the sixth Nizam, Nawab Mir Mahboob Ali Khan Bahadur, the seventh Nizam, Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur added the auxiliary buildings with spacious court yards.
Paigah Tombs - Hyderabad:
There are many tombs of several generations of the Paigah nobles including Asman Jah, Viqar-ul-Umara and Shams-ul-Umara. The tombs are magnificent structures, decorated in stuccowork, and represent the Asaf Jahi and Rajasthani styles. The geometrical designs in the Paigah Tombs are unique and perforated with screens. This style is unique to the Paigah tombs and is not found elsewhere in the world.
Buddhist Art & Culture of Andhra Pradesh:
Adurru /Dubaraju Gudi, Adurru:
Adurru is located near Nagaram in Razole taluk of East Godavari district. The village lies on the west bank of the Vainetaya, a branch of Godavari river 9.5 km. from the sea.
The mound is locally known as Dubaraju Gudi. Archaeological Survey of India conducted excarations in 1953 and brought to light, remains of stupas, chaityas and vinaras among which the Mahastupa, built on wheel shaped plan 17 feet in diameter with a raised platform running all round the drum and ayaka platforms on cardinal directions. The Buddhist remnants spread accross an area of approximately 2.04 acres.
Chandavaram Buddhist site - Chandavaram:
Chandavaram is located on the right bank of the river Gundla Kamma in Pakasam district.There is a very interesting stupa constructed on elevated terrace which is the first of its kind in Andhra Pradesh and stands next to Sanchi Stupa, in elegance.
Monuments and Antiquities:
The excavations have revealed 24 beautifully decorated Buddhist slabs, some of which were also inscibed. Excavations also unearthed viharas, votive stupas, satavahana coins, brahmi label inscriptions and other early historic cultural materials datable to 2nd BC to 2nd AD. The Buddhist establishment is situated on a hillock known as Singarayakonda. The establishment consists of remains of Stupas, Chaityagrihas and Vihara complexes. The other minor antiquities are coins,and pottery particularly black and red.
Nagarjuna Konda, Nagarjunasagar:
Following the discovery of the site in 1926 by A.R.Saraswathi, the site was excavated and a number of Buddhist monuments were brought to light. Nagarjuna konda again assumed importance in 1950s when the construction of Nandikonda Project was conceived as a result of which the valley was to be converted into a reservoir. In order to salvage the remains from submergence due to construction of the dam across the Krishna, extensive excavations were carried out for a period of about seven years starting from 1954.
Sankaram:
The Buddhist ruins are located on the contiguous hills locally known as Bojjanakonda and Lingalametta consist of numerous monolithic stupas, caves and structural buildings.
Monuments & Antiquities:
During excavation several antiquities like the seals, inscribed tablets, pots, copper coins mostly of seventh century AD were found. A gold coin of Samudragupta of the 4th century AD is a significant find. A seated image of Buddha termed as Buddhanna or Bojjana is found in one of the caves on the hill.
Sankaram has numerous monolithic votive stupas, rock-cut caves buildings and images of Buddha and non-tantric form of Hariti.
There are a few plain and small caves on the same hillock, which formed the Viharas for the monks and students. On facade of the cave is a life size statue of Buddha in meditation.
Wildlife of Aandhra Pradesh:
Alisagar Deer Park - Nizamabad:
Alisagar Deer Park is located in Nizamabad district of Andhra Pradesh. The Alisagar was constructed in 1931 by the Nizam.
Flanked by natural hillocks and lovely flower gardens, the lake and its surroundings are rich in scenic beauty.
Near the reservoir is situated the Alisagar Deer Park, which was established in 1985. The park hosts many deer species. This is a good picnic spot for tourists.
Coringa Wild Life Sanctuary - Coringa:
Situated 20 Kms from Kakinada and 70 Kms from Rajahmundry, this sanctuary is a part of river Godavari and has a rich growth of Mangrove plantation. A unique feature of this sanctuary is that it's located on the back waters of the sea. Otter, a protected specie is found here. Among other animals which include Fishing Cat, Jackal, Sea Turtle and Estuarine Crocodile which are found in the creeks. The common birds found are Snipes, Ducks, Sea Gulls and Flamingos.
Eturnagaram Sanctuary - Eturnagaram:
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the oldest sanctuaries of Andhra Pradesh. It is spread at a distance of 806 sq.km in Warangal district. It is located at a distance of 90 km. from Warangal and 250 km. from Hyderabad.
The forest includes southern tropical dry deciduous type of teak and its associates like Thiruman, Maddi, Bamboo etc., while the fauna includes several endangered animals like Tiger, Sloth Bear, Four Horned Antelope, Chinkara, Black Buck etc.
Indira Gandhi Zoological park - Visakhapatnam:
The park covers an area of 625 acres. It is presently one of the largest zoo located in the natural settings of a reserve forest about 4 km. from the Visakhapatnam railway station on the National Highway at Mathurawada.
Nearly eighty species of animals numbering to about eight hundred are present in the zoo.
The Zoo Park has different sections for primates, carnivores, lesser carnivores, small mammals, reptiles, ungulates, and birds.
Primates This section houses various species of monkeys - the common Langur, Rhesus monkey, Bonnet Monkey and other exotic fauna like Mandrills, Olive Baboons and Sacred Baboons.
Carnivores This section has Panthers, Tigers, Lions, Pumas, Jaguars and lesser carnivores like the Wolves, Jackals, Wild Dogs, Hyenas, etc.,
The Himalayan Black Bear and the Sloth Bear are housed in large moated enclosures.
The Hippopotamus is a special attraction at the zoo. The Crocodile Complex has all the three Indian Crocodile species.
Reptiles:
The Reptile section has Pythons, Snakes, Land Tortoises, Terrapins, Water Monitor Lizards, Monitor Lizards etc.,
Herbivores:
Elephant, Bison, Sambar, Spotted Deer and Thamin Deer are in the collection.
Aves:
A varied collection of birds from the Eastern Ghats in the large walk-through aviaries is a special attraction of the zoo.
The Grey Pelicans, Rosy Pelicans, Pied Horn Bills, Painted Storks, Peacocks, Ducks, Love Birds, Budgerigars and Cockateels form the bird collection of the Zoo.
Museums of Andhra Pradesh:
Andhra Pradesh State Museum:
A visit to the Andhra Pradesh State Museum is a delight for art lovers. Located in the picturesque Public Gardens, the museum boasts of one of the richest repositories of antiques and art objects in the country. Built in 1928 by the Nizam VII, the museum building itself is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
The museum contains a Buddhist gallery, Brahmanical & Jain gallery, Bronze gallery, Arms & Armour gallery, Numismatics gallery, Ajanta gallery and more. Adjacent to the State Museum is the Contemporary Art Museum.
Amaravati Museum:
The collection includes the antiquities from other Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh belonging to the 3rd Century BC to about the 12th Century AD, a gold necklace from Gummadidurru, relic-caskets with bone-relics and gold flowers.
The exhibits in the Museum are arranged in different galleries.
Gallery I:
This gallery displays some of the selected examples of the art-tradition of Amaravati, besides an inscribed relief of Buddha from Gummadidurru. Image of Buddha, Coins, Beads, Terracotta, Pottery, Drum slabs, Dome-slabs, Pillars & Rail fragments and Miscellaneous Sculptures.
Gallery II:
The exhibits in the gallery comprise a few early relics of the 2nd Century BC, inscribed pillars, drum & dome slabs,Two Buddha images from Alluru and a stone-wheel from Lingarajapalli.
The Nizam's Museum:
Located in the stately Purani Haveli, the palace acquired around the year 1750 by the second Nizam is now converted into a museum with a fascinating collection. The museum showcases the gifts and mementos presented to the last Nizam on the occasion of the silver jubilee celebrations in 1936. A 1930 Rolls Royce, Packard and a Mark V Jaguar are among the vintage cars displayed. There is an interesting collection of models made in silver of all the prominent buildings of the city and citations in Urdu about H.E.H. Mir Osman Ali Khan, gold burnished wooden throne used for the silver jubilee celebrations, gold tiffin box inlaid with diamonds, gold model of Jubilee Pavilion, silver coffee cups studded with diamonds and silver filigree elephant with mahout are some of the notable items on display.
The Salar Jung Museum:
This museum houses one of the biggest one-man collections of antiques of the world by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan Salar Jung III. The objets d'art include Persian carpets, Moghal miniatures, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquerware, famous sculptures including the Veiled Rebecca and Marguerite and Mephistopheles, a superb collection of jade, daggers belonging to Queen Noor Jahan and the Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb's sword and many other fabulous items.
Images of Andhra Pradesh:
