Andhra Pradesh is the third largest state in India with an area of 275,000 sq. km. A state in the southern region of India, Andhra Pradesh is bordered on the south by Tamil Nadu, on the west by Karnataka, on the north and northwest by Maharashtra, on the northeast by Madhya Pradesh and Orissa, and on the east by the Bay of Bengal.
Andhra Pradesh has a single-chamber Legislative Assembly of 295 seats. The state sends 60 members to the Indian national parliament: 18 to the Rajya Sabha (upper house) and 42 to the Lok Sabha (lower house). It has 23 local government administrative districts.
Andhra Pradesh - Facts
Below is a table representing important facts about Andhra Pradesh
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Tourism of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is rich in historical monuments and many holy temples. Tirupati in Chittoor district houses one of the most famous temples in India. The presiding deity is known as the Venkateswara. The main temple is situated on a hill top, Tirumala, and is a masterpiece of south Indian architecture.
The main tourist attraction is the capital of the state, Hyderabad. The capital is in reality the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad linked together by the Hussain Sagar Lake. Places of interest are the Char Minar built in 1591, Osmania University, State Museum and Art gallery, Salarjung Museum, Health Museum, Public Gardens, Birla Mandir and Macca Masjid.
The Nehru Zoological Park, near the Mir Alam Tank in Hyderabad is a natural habitat, supporting a teeming wildlife population. It has to its credit the first lion safari park of South Asia. The Pakkal, Tadvai and Ethurnagaram sanctuaries abound in tigers, panthers, wild boars, jackals, muntjacks, foxes, gaura, wild dogs and the sloth bears. Kawak Wildlife Sanctuary in Adilabad district lies 50 km from Mancheral railway station.
The largest of the country's Tiger Reserves, the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Sanctuary is spread over an area of 3568 sq. km. Adjoining the reserve is the great reservoir of the Nagarjunasagar Dam on the Krishna river.
Another important centre of tourism is Golconda, about 8 km from Hyderabad. The capital of the Qutb Shahi Sultans in the 16th century, Golconda is rich in historical monuments which include the famous Golconda fort. Golconda was known the world over as rich mine of diamonds in the medieval times. The famous diamonds Kohinoor and Pitt came from the mines of Golconda.
The unpolluted and serene hill stations of Andhra Pradesh offer a cool respite from the heat and din of the plains. Nestled in the Eastern Ghats are the charming little resorts of Anantagiri andAraku. Laid out amidst picturesque coffee plantations, the road to Anantagiri is literally enveloped with mango groves and waterfalls that gush and flow into the ravines. Araku is a group of five valleys. The abode of 19 different tribes, life in the valley displays a distinctive culture. Situated south east of Andhra, on the Karnataka border and around 165 km from Bangalore, the Horsley Hills is another popular resort. This serene hamlet offers stunning views of sylvan valleys, offering adventurous forays through sandalwood, eucalyptus, teak and mango plantations.
Fringed by the Bay of Bengal, many alluring beaches are tucked away along the coastline. The sea face of Visakhapatnam, besides its bustling harbor, has a single massive rock jutting into the ocean at a height of 174 m. Referred to as the Dolphin's Nose, the gigantic cliff has a powerful lighthouse that sends signals as far as 65 km. The beach front of Visakhapatnam is peaceful and enticing. Rishikonda and Bhimli are calm, making them aquatic playgrounds. Bhimunipatnam, 24 km from Visakhapatnam is a pleasure resort at the mouth of the river Gosthani. The idyllic beaches at Bapatla, Kalingapatnam, Maipad and Manginapudi are ideal picnic spots.
One of the world's best equipped film studios is situated in Andhra Pradesh, Ramoji Film City, at an hour's distance from Hyderabad, is spread over 1000 acres.
History
Centuries ago, Andhra Pradesh was a major Buddhist centre and part of Emperor Ashoka's sprawling kingdom. Not surprisingly, traces of early Buddhist influence are still visible in several places in and around the state. After the death of Emperor Ashoka, the Satavahanas established their kingdom in this region.
During the 7th century, the Chalukyas held sway over Andhra Pradesh until the 10th century, when the Cholas seized power. In the 14th century, Muslim power reached this southern state and for centuries ruled over this princely state and finally was taken over by a General of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1713.
The successors of the General, known as Nizams, ruled the state till Indian Independence. Successive dynasties from the Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagaram kings, Qutub Shahis, Mughals and the Asaf Jahis, have contributed significantly to the State's rich cultural tapestry and have left behind a heritage studded with spectacular monuments, temples, mosques, palaces all vibrant with arts, crafts, dance and literature.
Society, Art and Culture
Over 85% of the population of Andhra Pradesh speaks Telugu. Tamil is widely spoken in the extreme south region, and on the border of Karnataka there are few Kanarese or Kannad speakers. In Hyderabad there are large numbers of Urdu speakers who make up about 7% of AP's population.
Hindu festivals such as Dasara, Deepavali, Sri Ramanavami, Krishna Janmastami, Vinayaka Chavithi (Ganesh Chaturthi) and Maha Sivarathri are celebrated in the State. Similarly, Muslim festivals such as Bakrid and Id-ul-Fitr and Christian festivals like Christmas, Easter and New Year's Day are also celebrated with gaiety. But the celebrations of Ugadi (Telugu New Year's day), Sankranti, Dasara, and Vinayaka Chavithi in the state are unique.
As the home of rich folk tradition, Andhra Pradesh offers a variety of performing arts unique to its culture. Kuchipudi is the classical dance form of Andhra Pradesh. Lacquer toys, anakapalli articles, nirmal painted pottery, bidri-lead inlaid black metal trinklets, palm and slate articles, as well as Gadhwalk, Pochampalli and Dharmvaram silk saris are some of the amazing handlooms and handicrafts the state is renowned for.
Cuisine of Andhra Pradesh has a distinct flavor and is relished by many epicureans. Rice is the staple food and chilies dominate the native taste. The ubiquitous Andhra pickle, spicy in taste and flavor is the most appetizing dish. Even Gongura chutneys enhance the basic flavor of a meal. Papads roasted or fried are an often-preferred addition. To round off a sumptuous lunch, kheers, a variety of sweets and pans are veritable specialties.
Economy and Infrastructure
Agriculture is the most important sector of Andhra Pradesh's economy. About 70 percent of the population is engaged in agriculture, and the state is one of India's main rice-producing areas. The main crops are rice, maize, millets, pulses, castor, tobacco, cotton, sugarcane, groundnut and bananas. The covered forest area in the state is about 23 percent, and important forest products include teak, eucalyptus, cashew, bamboo and soft wood. Some of the major industries in the state are machine tools, synthetic drugs, pharmaceuticals, heavy electrical machinery, ships, fertilizers, electronic equipment, aeronautical parts, cement and cement products, chemicals, asbestos, glass and watches. Important minerals found in the state are copper ore, manganese, mica, coal and limestone. Andhra Pradesh has an extensive road and rail network, a major port in Vishakhapatnam, minor ports in several other cities, and airports at Hyderabad, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, and Vishakhapatnam.
Hotels of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is home to some of the finest hotels. Ranging from five star to deluxe to budget hotels, Andhra Pradesh is dotted with all kinds of accommodation options. Catering to the needs of all tastes and pockets the hotels in Andhra Pradesh are known for their warmth and hospitality.
Last Updated on : 21 December 2010
Over 85% of the population of Andhra Pradesh speaks Telugu. Tamil is widely spoken in the extreme south region, and on the border of Karnataka there are few Kanarese or Kannad speakers. In Hyderabad there are large numbers of Urdu speakers who make up about 7% of AP's population.
Hindu festivals such as Dasara, Deepavali, Sri Ramanavami, Krishna Janmastami, Vinayaka Chavithi (Ganesh Chaturthi) and Maha Sivarathri are celebrated in the State. Similarly, Muslim festivals such as Bakrid and Id-ul-Fitr and Christian festivals like Christmas, Easter and New Year's Day are also celebrated with gaiety. But the celebrations of Ugadi (Telugu New Year's day), Sankranti, Dasara, and Vinayaka Chavithi in the state are unique.
As the home of rich folk tradition, Andhra Pradesh offers a variety of performing arts unique to its culture. Kuchipudi is the classical dance form of Andhra Pradesh. Lacquer toys, anakapalli articles, nirmal painted pottery, bidri-lead inlaid black metal trinklets, palm and slate articles, as well as Gadhwalk, Pochampalli and Dharmvaram silk saris are some of the amazing handlooms and handicrafts the state is renowned for.
Cuisine of Andhra Pradesh has a distinct flavor and is relished by many epicureans. Rice is the staple food and chilies dominate the native taste. The ubiquitous Andhra pickle, spicy in taste and flavor is the most appetizing dish. Even Gongura chutneys enhance the basic flavor of a meal. Papads roasted or fried are an often-preferred addition. To round off a sumptuous lunch, kheers, a variety of sweets and pans are veritable specialties.
Economy and Infrastructure
Agriculture is the most important sector of Andhra Pradesh's economy. About 70 percent of the population is engaged in agriculture, and the state is one of India's main rice-producing areas. The main crops are rice, maize, millets, pulses, castor, tobacco, cotton, sugarcane, groundnut and bananas. The covered forest area in the state is about 23 percent, and important forest products include teak, eucalyptus, cashew, bamboo and soft wood. Some of the major industries in the state are machine tools, synthetic drugs, pharmaceuticals, heavy electrical machinery, ships, fertilizers, electronic equipment, aeronautical parts, cement and cement products, chemicals, asbestos, glass and watches. Important minerals found in the state are copper ore, manganese, mica, coal and limestone. Andhra Pradesh has an extensive road and rail network, a major port in Vishakhapatnam, minor ports in several other cities, and airports at Hyderabad, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, and Vishakhapatnam.
