
Famous
for its computer friendly and rapidly growing IT population, Andhra Pradesh
is recognized worldover for its progress in Information Technology. Situated
south of Vindhyas, it shares common history with its neighbours,
Maharashtra, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Karnataka. The medieval
city Hyderabad is its capital.
When you visit this place do pay
a visit to Sri Venkateshwara temple at Tirupati, which attracts crowd of
devotees from all over the world. Charminar, Salar Jung Museum, Golconda
Fort in Hyderabad and Buddhist viharas at Nagarjunasagar are also worth a
visit. Famous beaches are Visakhapatnam, Bheemunipatnam, Kakinada, Chirala,
Kalingapatnam and Mypad.
Capital
of Andhra Pradesh Once a medieval city famous for Nawabs,
Hyderabad is a modern metropolis. A revolution in etiquette is under way,
recasting values. 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 PradeshAndhra 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 century 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 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.
Society
of Andhra Pradesh Friendly and warm, the Andhras are ancient
people, who can trace their roots and history to the Mauryan period,
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.
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 and schools.
Handicrafts of Andhra Pradesh
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 the state 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
varies from 41-20 degree centigrade in summer (March to May) to 32 -13
degree centigrade in winter (january to February). June to September are the
monsoon months and the weather remains hot and sultry. October to February
is the best season.
Population
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-picking and more literary pursuits such as poetry competitions.The
state also observes typical indian festivals such as Nag Panchami, Holi,
Diwali, Gandhi Jayanti, Mahavir Jayanti and others.
Places Of Tourist Interest in Andhra
Pradesh Charminar
Tirupati
Golconda Fort
Salarjung Museum
Dolphin's Nose
Mecca Masjid
Nagarjunakonda Museum
Chalukyan Temples
Borra Caves
Venkateshwara Temples