Adilabad, Adilabad District, Andhra Pradesh

barren land
Originally uploaded by subhasish.

Adilabad is named after the Adil Shahi sultanate of Bijapur. It is the capital of Adilabad District, created in 1905 as an independent district. The district is part of the Telangana region. The town of Adilabad has a population of 108,000 people. This region has significant Marathi influence due to the proximity to the neighboring state of Maharashtra.

The capital of Adilabad District was shifted from Adilabad to Asifabad in 1913-14 and again reverted back to Adilabad in 1940-41. Earlier, the area was part of Sirpur-Tandur district, created in 1872 AD and it was called Edlabad.

Encircled by mountains and lush green woods, Adilabad is rich in wildlife, invigorating rivers and gushing waterfalls. It is also a prosperous business destination. Adilabad is called the 'City of Cotton'. Because of an abundant supply of water, forest and cotton, the district is home to The Sirpur Paper Mills Ltd. Located in Sirpur Kagaznagar town of Adilabad, Sirpur paper is the pioneer paper industry in Andhra Pradesh. The paper mill was established in 1938 but commenced production in 1942 under the management of Hyderabad Constructions Co Ltd.

Anantapur, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh

L'hora del bany
Originally uploaded by _mar.

Anantapur city is the capital of Anantapur District in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is also the hometown of the former President of India, Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy. Anantapur is largest district in Andhra Pradesh. It was carved out of the district of Bellary in 1882 AD. Now, it is part of the Rayalaseema region of Andhra.

Anantapur city has a population of 360,000 people and growing. It is one of the most backward provinces in the state, with very little rainfall. Anantapur has basically an agrarian economy.

World renowned religious preacher, Bhagvan Satya Sai Baba was born at Puttaparthy, Anantapur District on November 23, 1926. Vast number of devotees congregate at Anantapur from all over the world.

Known throughout the country for its silk trade, Anantapur is also famous for the Lepakshi temple and is a major tourist attraction. A wonderful example of Vijayanagar architectural style can be seen in the Veerabhadra Temple at Anantapur.

Tirupati, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh

decesive moment,Tirupati
Originally uploaded by Sandip Debnath.

Tirupati, the abode of Lord Venkateshvara and Tirumala, the sacred hill, were considered so holy that non-Hindus were not permitted to visit here till 1870. The Pallavas of Kancheepuram, the Cholas of Thanjavur, the Pandyas of Madurai and the Kings of Vijayanagar were all devotees of Lord Venkateshvara and they all competed with one another in endowing the temple with rich offerings and contributions.

The town of Tirupati is one of the most ancient and spectacular places of pilgrimage in India. It is situated in the Chitoor district in southern Andhra Pradesh.

Chittoor, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh

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Originally uploaded by The RoadRunner.

The town of Chittoor is the capital of Chittoor District in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. The district is famous because of the Tirupati temple which is not only the richest temple in India but is visited by a quarter million visitors a day.

The city of 150,000 people is associated with N. Chandrababu Naidu, the former chief minister of Andhra. Chittoor is a major center for mangoes, grain, sugarcane and peanuts.

Nutrine Confectioneries, a major chocolate manufacturer in India, is located in Chittoor district. It is also home to Vijaya Milk Dairy. Chittoor has more than 60-70 major granite industries.

Kadapa (Cuddapah), Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Kadapa is the capital of Kadapa District in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. The city was called "Cuddapah" till August 19, 2005, when the name was changed to "Kadapa". Cuddapah was derived from the Telugu word "Gadapa" or the gate in English. The city is the gateway from north to the holy city of Tirupati.

Kadapa has a large Urdu speaking Muslim population but the primary language of the region is Telugu. Kadapa is better known as the home town of the Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy of Andhra Pradesh. The district of Kadapa is also famous for its "Black Cuddapah Stone" used extensively as slabs in Indian kitchens around the country.

The city was part of the Chola Empire for more than 300 years before it became a part of the Vijayanagar Empire in the later part of the 14th century. Muslims conquered Kadapa in 1565 AD and then the British took away the control from Nizam in 1800 AD. It was the British who formed the district if Cuddapah in 1808 AD with Siddavatam as the capital. In 1812 AD, the headquarters of the district was shifted to Kadapa.

The Kadapa District is rich in minerals and therefore has large cement factories like Bharat Cements, Coromandel Fertilisers, India Cements and Zuari Cements. Kadapa basin has large deposits of uranium. A uranium mining and processing plant is being established to recover 28,000 tonnes of identified uranium deposits. The district projects an economic growth of over nine per cent annually.

Kakinada & Rajahmundry, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India

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Originally uploaded by nsagarchand.

Kakinada city is the capital of East Godavari District, in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. Kakinada is an important port city with a population of more than half a million people. It is also a large city but relatively a younger city compared to other important cities in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Located at the top of the Godavari River delta, Rajahmundry is a major city in Andhra Pradesh with a population of 600,000 people. It was the first capital of any known Telugu Kingdom. The Chalukya ruler Rajaraja Narendra ruled this city around 1012. In the Middle Ages, it was called Raja Mahendravaram. It later became Rajahmundry during British rule.

Nannayya, the poet laureate, who was called 'Adi Kavi' (The first Poet) of Telugu belonged to this place. He, along with Tikkana and Yerrana, is responsible for the translation of Jaya, Sanskrit version of Mahabharata, into Telugu.

The district of East Godavari is located on the north-east coast of Andhra Pradesh. It covers a vast portion of Godavari River delta and therefore is rich in agriculture. East Godavari District is the most prosperous district in Andhra Pradesh.

Guntur, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Indian Women Sorting Tobacco in Guntur India 1
Originally uploaded by jgudito.

The city of Guntur is not only the capital of Guntur District in Andhra Pradesh, but is also one of the larger cities of India. It has a population of 800,000 people and is called the' City of Spices'. The corporate headquarters of Tobacco Board of India is located in Guntur.

Guntur is the home of the famous Amaravati and Ancient Sitanagaram, rich in history culture and heritage. More recently, the region was under Nizam's rule prior to the colonial period. During the colonial rule, Guntur was under the control of French and then the British.

Hyderabad, Hyderabad District, Andhra Pradesh

Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad
Originally uploaded by dharmesh thakker.

Situated in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad is the 5th largest metropolis of India with a population of 6 million people. It is also one of the most developed cities in the country and is an emerging IT and biotech hub of India. It would be an obvious choice to show the famous Charminar in the picture to represent Hyderabad. But that would be unfair as this city is on the move. So we decided to feature the new film city of Hyderabad.

Hyderabad was founded in 1590 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, Sultan of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty. Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb conquered Hyderabad in 1687 and this ended the rule of Qutb Shahi Dynasty. The Charminar was built by Muhammad Quli Shah in 1591.

Karimnagar, Karimnagar District, Andhra Pradesh

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Originally uploaded by ramesh_oct08.

Karimnagar city is the capital of the District of Karimnagar in the northern Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh. It is the fourth largest city in Telangana and is becoming a major business center.

Karimnagar is the land of Late Shri P. V. Narasimha Rao, former Indian Prime Minister and the father of The Modern India. Karimnagar derives its name from Syed Karimullah Shah Saheb Quiladar, and was a center of Vedic learning. Karimnagar is a district in Telangana region of Southern India.

Bhadrachalam, Khammam, Khammam District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Khammam is the capital of Khammam District in Andhra Pradesh. This new district was carved out of Warangal District on October 1, 1953. Bhadrachalam and Nuguru Venkatapuram talukas of East Godavari district were added to the Khammam District in 1959. The name Khammam is derived from the vertical rock hill, known as "Kamba" in the district of Khammam. The district has a population of over 2.5 million people.

The foundation for the Khammam Fort was laid during the reign of Kakatiyas in 950 AD. But the construction and development of the fort continued for several centuries. The Fort, located on Stambhadri hill was further developed by the Reddi dynasty during fourteenth and fifteenth centuries and was subsequently taken over by the Qutb Shahi kingdom in 1531 AD. Khammam Fort represents both Hindu and Muslim architectural influences. The tall, pillar like stones, found in this hilly reign were used as pillars to support the ceiling of the structure.

The district of Khammam is rich in forest cover. Over fifty percent of the land area is covered by timber like Teak and other valuable varieties. Coal is plentiful in Kottegudam and Illendu areas. Large deposits of Marble Stone are also found in some parts of the district. Kottegudam Thermal Power Station supplies power to this district.

Bhadrachalam town is famous for the Sri Rama temple and is located amidst thick forest. The town is built on the banks of River Godavari. Bhadrachalam is about 120 kms from Khammam. The shrine is a pilgrimage site for Hindus and was built by Kancherla Gopanna popularly known as Bhakta Ramdas. Gopanna, a devotee of Lord Rama, built the shrine in 1630 AD.

Bhadrachalam Paperboards Ltd, an integrated paperboard manufacturing facility was setup by ITC Ltd. in 1975 in the district of Khammam. ITC Bhadrachalam employs 10,000 people and 2,000 of these live in a planned colony with all modern facilities integrated into the complex. It is the largest single paper manufacturing unit in India.

Machilipatnam, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh

Beach
Originally uploaded by kismetnyc.

Situated on the Coromandel Coast of India, Machilipatnam was an important port for the French, British and the Dutch trade. It was the first trading post for the British East India Company, on the Coromandel coast. Machilipatnam (eyes of a fish) was hit by Tsunami in 2004.

Vijayawada, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh

Prakasam Barriage on the River Krishna, India
Originally uploaded by Raju P.T..

Vijayawada, with a population of 825,000 people is the third largest city in Andhra Pradesh. The city is also known as the business capital of the state of Andhra. Located on the banks of Krishna River, Vijayawada is a center of Andhra culture.

In 1959, the Prakasam Barrage was completed and a railway bridge was built on the Krishna River. These projects have helped the region expand its agricultural and commercial base. Vijayawada Railway Station is one of the busiest railway junctions in India.

Kurnool, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh

mahanadi-temple
Originally uploaded by Indiravijay.

Kurnool was the capital of the area now known as Andhra Pradesh for a brief period of 3 years. There are ruins of the kingdom of Vijaynagar dating back to 14th century. The place was called 'Kaandanavolu' before it became Kurnool.

Alampur, Mahbubnagar, Mahbubnagar District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Mahbubnagar city is the capital of Mahbubnagar District in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. It is the largest district in Telangana Region and the second largest in Andhra Pradesh. Formerly known as "Palamooru", the name was changed to Mahbubnagar on December 4, 1890 AD, in honor of Mir Mahbub Ali Khan Asaf Jah VI, the then Nizam of Hyderabad. The district has a population of more than 3.5 million people, 90 percent of them speak Telugu and the rest 10 percent identify as Muslims or Urdu speaking people.

The town of Mahbubnagar is located only 96 kms southwest of Hyderabad and yet it is the most backward district in Andhra Pradesh. Even today the people of this region struggle for the basic needs of life. The agriculture activity is intensive and the groundwater resources are meager. Telangana region as a whole is short of water. Drought is ever persistent in Mahbubnagar District. Majority of the farmers are small and marginal.

Mahbubnagar is well connected by road rail and air with all important towns and cities in the State because of the proximity to the state capital. This transportation infrastructure was created during Nizam's period. The most important place of interest near Mahbubnagar is the famous 500 years old Banyan tree called "Pillalamarri". The site is 8 kms from the city and covers an area of three acres. The tree is visited by thousands of people and there is a shrine of a Muslim saint under the tree.

Alampur is another important destination located in Mahbubnagar District. Alampur is only 90 kms from Mahbubnagar city and is home to ancient Navabhramma temples. These nine temples are dedicated to Shiva. The Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers converge near Alampur. The entire district is covered under Krishna River Basin. The district is known for providing large numbers of human labour around the country. It is estimated that more than half a million people travel to far corners of the country for work.

Union Minister for Urban Development, S. Jaipal Reddy is a native of Mahbubnagar District.

Medak, Sangareddy, Medak District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Medak is a historic city, located in Medak District of Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh. It is a historic city, originally called Siddapur. Medak City is 100 kms north of Hyderabad. Medak has a citadel dating back to the Kakatiya Empire. The Fort was built on a hillock by Pratapa Rudra, the Kakatiya Emperor. It is a fine piece of architectural and military excellence.

Nalgonda, Nalgonda District, Andhra Pradesh

bidi
Originally uploaded by thebigdurian.

Located in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, Nalgonda has a population of more than 100,000 people. The city has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%.

The name Nalgonda means Nalla(Black) + Konda (Hill). This city is hill locked between two hills KaapuRaala Gutta and Lateef Shahi Gutta. Gutta in Telugu means hill.

Nellore, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh

nellore krishnapatnam beach by mahesh
Originally uploaded by muppala mahesh.

Situated on the south and north banks of Pennar River, Nellore is an emerging city of 700,000 people in the State of Andhra Pradesh. The city attracts a lot of immigrants from other parts of the country because of the flourishing aquaculture industry and paddy cultivation. The Flamingo Festival is celebrated in this district's famous bird sanctury at Nelapattu.

Formerly a part of the composite Madras State, Nellore district came under Andhra Pradesh, when the States were re-organized on a linguistic basis on November 1, 1956. Potti Sriramulu, a Telugu patriot and activist, fasted to death for the formation of Andhra State within the Indian Union.

Nizamabad, Nizamabad District, Andhra Pradesh

Formerly known as Indur or Indrapuri, Nizamabad is located in the Telangana Region of Andhra Pradesh. A city of 365,000 people was ruled by Rashtrakutas in the 8th century. The city was named after the King "Indra Vallabha Panthya Varsha Indra Som". A railway line was constructed between Secundrabad and Manmad in 1905. The railway station was named after the Nizam and was called Nizamabad. The city also came to be known as Nizamabad for "Nizam-ul-Mulk".

Ongole, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh

lining up for the parada through the streets of ongole
Originally uploaded by adam p.

A major center for tobacco trading, Ongole is a small town in the State of Andhra Pradesh. The city has a population of 150,000 people most of whom are employed in the granite mining, stone cutting and polishing industry.

Ongole is famous for its Ongole breed of oxen which are considered virile and of superior stock. They are one of the major Zebu cattle breeds of the world.

There is a very old Lord Shiva temple in the town.

The name "Ongole" is derived from Omgole, roughly translated as submitting to Shiva.

Rangareddy District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Rangareddy District encircles the city and the district of Hyderabad. This district is named after the famous freedom fighter and Telanga leader, Ranga Reddy.

Srikakulam, Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh

lots to fish before I rest
Originally uploaded by SriHarsha PVSS.

A town of 100,000 people, Srikakulam is located on the banks of Nagavali River in the coastal district of Andhra Pradesh. Since it shares a border with the east Indian State of Orissa, a significant number of people can understand and even communicate in Oriya. The primary language of Srikakulam is Telugu.

Vishakhapatnam, Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh

Vizag Beach From Kailashgiri
Originally uploaded by Kam Dhen.

The second largest city in Andhra Pradesh with a population of over 2 million people, Vishakhapatnam has India's largest shipbuilding yard. The city, popularly known as Vizag, has a giant steel plant and a large fertilizer factory. The area has large deposits of minerals.

A tiny humble fishing village, became a part of the powerful Kalinga Empire that was conquered in a bloody war by the Emperor Ashoka in 260 BC. After the conquest, Ashoka was so shaken by the violence that he renounced war and eventually became a non violent Budhist.

Anakapalle, Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh

Lotus in Kondakarla Lake, Vizag, India
Originally uploaded by jugn00.

The town was originally under the rule of the Kalinga Empire, and later came under the rule of the Gajapati, Telugu, and Qutb Shahi empires. Around 1450, Appalaraju began to rule the region under the Nawab of Arcot, with Anakapalle as his fortified headquarters. When the British took control of the area in 1803, local leaders were poisoned or hung.

Anakapalle is a small town in Visakhapatnum district of Andhra Pradesh, with a population of only 85,000 people. It is the largest source of Gur (jaggery) in southern India.

Vizianagaram, Vizianagaram District, Andhra Pradesh

giant flowering teak tree
Originally uploaded by bhanu2811.

Rulers of this Zamindari belong to the Pusapati family. The village Pooshpadu in Nandigama Taluq was built by Amala [Raju]]. The village later came to be known as Pusapadu. Therefore, the Kshatriyas living there came to be known as Pusapati.

In 1754, Pusapati Vijayarama Gajapathi Raju, of the ruling family of Vizianagaram, made an alliance with the French, but a few years later the territory was ceded to the British. It remained under their control until independence in 1947.

The population of the city is estimated to be around 175,000 people.

Warangal, Warangal District, Andhra Pradesh

Located in Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh, Warangal is the fourth largest city in the state, with a population of more than a million people. The city serves as a major urban center for the backward Telangana region. Warangal is well known for granite quarries.

Warangal was the capital of a Hindu Shaivite kingdom ruled by the Kakatiya dynasty from 12th to the 14th centuries. Kakatiya rule ended in the 14th century, when Warangal was conquered by the Muslim-ruled Bahmani Sultanate. Later, Golconda sultanate ruled Warangal.

Eluru, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Eluru is the state capital of West Godavari District in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.

As the town of Eluru was built up very near to the ancient capital of Vengi it has got many historical monuments in and around it. Muslims who brought stones from the temples at Vengi built the Fort of Eluru.