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Capital of Andhra
Pradesh: Hyderabad
Main Attractions: Hyderabad, Tirupati, Puttaparthi,
Visakhapatnam, Vijaywada
Language Spoken: Telugu English,
Best Time To Visit: October To March
Andhra Pradesh, the symbol of true spirit of Indian secularism where
people of all faiths -Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu form a symphony of
religions. History has forged, and left behind vital links with the
state, as is evident from the many edifices, monuments and
architectural ruins, the legacy of dynasties as old as 300 B.C. Traces
of the diverse and variegated facets of the culture of the Mauryas,
Pallavas, Cholas, Satavahanas, Chalukyas and Vijayanagar, offer
imposing vistas, that continue to fascinate the observer. 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.
History of Andhra Pradesh:
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 of Andhra Pradesh:
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 in Andhra:
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.
Population of Andhra Pradesh : 74 million
Festivals of Andhra Pradesh: The Deccan Festival, with its cultural
programmes is celebrated in February. Bakri-Id is celebrated with
ritualistic fervor in Andhra Pradesh and in particular, the old city
of Hyderabad. The Andhra Ugaadi which heralds the New Year also means
a season of mango-pickling and more literary pursuits such as poetry
competitions.The state also observes typical indian festivals such as
Nag Panchami, Holi, Diwali, Gandhi Jayanti |
