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ANDHRA PRADESH
This is a story of an ugly duckling turning into a swan. From one of the poorest and least developed Indian states to a computer-friendly one, it is a miracle of sorts for Andhra Pradesh. Situated south of the Vindhyas, it shares a common history with its neighbours, Maharashtra, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The medieval city of Hyderabad is its capital.
Andhra Pradesh is known for the famous Sri Venkateswara temple at Tirupati, Charminar, Salar Jung Museum, Golconda Fort in Hyderabad and Buddhist viharas at Nagarjunasagar. Also visit the wildlife and bird sanctuaries of Kolleru, Manjira, Kawal and Papikonda. Andhra has a nearly 1000 km-coastline with eight of its 23 districts having direct access to the sea. Famous beaches are Visakhapatnam Bheemunipatnam, Kakinada, Chirala, Kalingapatnam and Mypad.
Capital of Andhra Pradesh :
Once a medieval city, Hyderabad is a modern metropolis. A revolution in etiquette is under way, recasting values. The yuppie ethos has invaded the city and western haute couture is slowly being preferred over the sherwani and burqa. This is the city that has even been the home of a Miss World. Fortunately, gourmets have not let the Deccani cuisine, the Hyderabadi biryani in particular, pass into legend.
Tourist
Destinations In Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh lies on the
south west coast region of India. Dotted with pristine beaches, green hill
tops, wildlife jungles, colossal forts and monuments, the cities of Andhra
Pradesh are full of surprises. Hyderabad, the capital city is adorned with
the world famous Char Minar monument, Golconda Fort, Salarjung Museum and
much more. Besides its monumental attractions, Andhra Pradesh is also famous
as a pilgrimage site. Triputi temple is riches and most visited temple in
entire India. On your travel vacations in India, visit this beautiful state
of India and explore its hidden treasures.
Major Destinations in Andhra Pradesh
Hyderabad
Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh is the fifth largest city in India.
Hyderabad is nearly 400 years old and is famous for its natural beauty,
mosques and minarets, bazaars, cuisine, bridges, hills and lakes. Some of
the highlights of this city are the Charminar, Salar Jung museum, etc.
Vijayawada
Vijayawada, is located at the head of the Krishna delta, in Andhra Pradesh,
about 70 km from the sea. Earlier the city was known as Bezwada and the
present name is derived from the presiding deity, Kanakdurga also called
Vijaya. Vijayawada has a major railway junction, which is beautifully
encircled by hills on three sides. The waters of Krishna river on the south
flows swiftly, presenting a mesmerizing scene.
Srisailam
Srisailam is a beautiful weekend destination from Hyderabad. Located on the
banks of river Krishna, in the dense forests of the Nallamalai Hills,
Srisailam offers some beautiful temples. The place is famous for an
enchanting wildilfe sanctuary with a wide variety of animals and birds. It
is also known for its mesmerizing Dam and the natural splendour. Definitely
a worth visiting destination.
Warangal
The city of Warangal is located in the north of Andhra Pradesh State. It
lies along the Chennai -Kazipet-Delhi rail route. It was once the capital of
the Kakatiya dynasty, a famous Andhra dynasty that ruled the state in the
12th century AD. The beautiful lakes, temples, wildlife, rich antiques and
relics, makes it one of the must visit places in Andhra Pradesh.
Vishakhapatnam / Vizag
Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh is popularly known as Vizag. It is one of
the major thriving industrial city on the east coast of India. This port
city has the biggest ship building yard in India. It has also developed oil
refining, fertilizer, petro-chemical, steel plant, sugar refining and jute
industries. This enchanting city has majestic hills, valleys and golden
beaches along the Bay of Bengal coastline, making it an ideal place for
holidays.
Tirupati
The holy city of Tirupati is located in the southeastern part of Andhra
Pradesh, in the district of Chittoor. It is known for the famous Tirupati
temple which is dedicated the Hindu god 'Venkateshwara', one of the most
important pilgrimage centers in India. Considered one of the most busiest
pilgrimage center in the world, this temple attracts millions of pilgrims.
Apart from this, Tirupati is also famous for several other temples along
with red wooden toys, copper and brass idols.
Nagarjunasagar
The Nagarjunasagar is a huge irrigation project on the River Krishna. It is
situated about 150 km from Hyderabad and has a glorious past. The
Nagarjunasagar was a valley in the Nallamala range of the Eastern Ghats and
its civilization is thousands of years old. According to the history, it was
first ruled by the Satavahanas and subsequently by the Ikshvakus in the
third century.
History:
Andhra Pradesh was, in fact, created by combining the old princely state of Hyderabad with the Telegu-speaking portions of the former state of Madras. The Chalukyas held sway till the 10th c. when the Cholas seized power. In the 14th c., Muslim power reached this southern state and for centuries ruled over this princely state. It was finally was taken over by a General of the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb. The General's successors, called Nizams, ruled the state till Independence.
Culture:
Beautiful crafts, vibrant religious festivals, a varied cuisine and the sonorant mother tongue, Telugu, are some of the indelible impressions of this state. Kuchipudi is the famous classical dance form of Andhra Pradesh. Tribal dances contribute in equal measure to the artistic heritage of Andhra Pradesh. Tholubommalaata, a shadow puppetry theatre is a fascinating folk art.
Society:
Friendly and warm, the Andhras are an ancient people, who can trace their roots and history to the Mauryan period, an interest in arts, crafts and dance. Andhra Pradesh is also a rich mosaic of cultures. Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus live in relative peace and harmony. The Tirupati is, however, the trump card for the state's tourism industry drawing people from all over the country and worldwide. Donations from Tirupati alone, have led to the establishment of a university, several hospitals & schools.
Occupation:
More than 70 per cent of its population live by agriculture, growing rice, other cereals and pulses. The major bulk of India's virginia tobacco crop is grown in Andhrapradesh. Industrial growth has transformed the landscape into precious pits of copper, mica, coal and manganese.
Andhra's Handicrafts:
Lacquer toys, Anakapalli articles, Ikat weaving, Pembarthi Sheet Metal Ware, Nirmal pottery, Bidriwork as well as Gadhwal, Pochampalli and Dharmavaram silk saris are some of the amazing handlooms and handicrafts Andhra Pradesh is renowned for. Durgi, Allagadda and Tirupati are three of the major centers of stone art. Telengana is particularly well known for its folk paintings. Banjara needle craft, Kalamkari, the pen-painted fabrics of Machilipatnam and Kalahasti; Silver Filigree of Karimnagar and Budithi handicraft of Srikakulam are other handicraft specimens.
Climate of Andhra Pradesh:
varies from 41-20 degree centigrade in summer (March to May) to 32 -13 degree centigrade in winter (january to February). June to December are the monsoon months and the weather remains hot and sultry. October to February is the best season.
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