Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is one of the 29 states of India, situated on the country's southeastern coast. The state is theeighth largest state in India covering an area of 160,205 km2 (61,855 sq mi). According to 2011 census, the state is tenth largest by population with 49,386,799 inhabitants. The state is bordered to Telangana and Chhattisgarh in the north, Tamil Nadu in the south, Orissa in the northeast, Karnataka in the west and waterbody of Bay of Bengal in the east. A small enclave of 30 km2(12 sq mi) of Yanam, a district of Pondicherry, lies in the Godavari delta to the northeast of the state.
The state has the second longest coastline of 972 km (604 mi) among all the states of India, only second to Gujarat.There are two regions in the state namely Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema and hence, the two regionsTourism are more often referred asSeemandhra. There are 13 districts with 9 in Coastal Andhra and 4 in Rayalaseema. Hyderabad is the joint capital of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states for a period of 10 years.
The state is endowed with a variety of physio-graphic features ranging from Eastern Ghats, Nallamala Forest, Coastal plains to deltas of two major rivers of Krishna and Godavari. The state is largest producer of rice and hence, nicknamed as Rice Bowl of India. Telugu, which is one of the classical languages in India is the official language of the state. It is also rich in culture with various pilgrimage destinations of importance like Tirumala temple, alongside a host of historical monuments to the tourists
Andhra Pradesh is one of the 29 states of India, situated on the country's southeastern coast. The state is theeighth largest state in India covering an area of 160,205 km2 (61,855 sq mi). According to 2011 census, the state is tenth largest by population with 49,386,799 inhabitants. The state is bordered to Telangana and Chhattisgarh in the north, Tamil Nadu in the south, Orissa in the northeast, Karnataka in the west and waterbody of Bay of Bengal in the east. A small enclave of 30 km2(12 sq mi) of Yanam, a district of Pondicherry, lies in the Godavari delta to the northeast of the state.
The state has the second longest coastline of 972 km (604 mi) among all the states of India, only second to Gujarat.There are two regions in the state namely Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema and hence, the two regionsTourism are more often referred asSeemandhra. There are 13 districts with 9 in Coastal Andhra and 4 in Rayalaseema. Hyderabad is the joint capital of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states for a period of 10 years.
The state is endowed with a variety of physio-graphic features ranging from Eastern Ghats, Nallamala Forest, Coastal plains to deltas of two major rivers of Krishna and Godavari. The state is largest producer of rice and hence, nicknamed as Rice Bowl of India. Telugu, which is one of the classical languages in India is the official language of the state. It is also rich in culture with various pilgrimage destinations of importance like Tirumala temple, alongside a host of historical monuments to the tourists
Natural vegetation
Andhra Pradesh Forest Department deals with protection, conservation and management of forests. The total forest cover of the state after the bifurcation is left with an area of 22,862 km2. The forest in the state can be broadly divided into four major biotic provinces.They are
The varied diversity of fauna includes tigers, panthers, hyenas, black bucks, cheetals, sambars, sea turtles and a number of birds and reptiles. The estuaries of river Godavari and Krishna support rich mangrove forests with Fishing Cat and Otters as key stone species.
Andhra Pradesh Forest Department deals with protection, conservation and management of forests. The total forest cover of the state after the bifurcation is left with an area of 22,862 km2. The forest in the state can be broadly divided into four major biotic provinces.They are
- Deccan Plateau
- Central Plateau
- Eastern Highland
- East Coastal Plains
The varied diversity of fauna includes tigers, panthers, hyenas, black bucks, cheetals, sambars, sea turtles and a number of birds and reptiles. The estuaries of river Godavari and Krishna support rich mangrove forests with Fishing Cat and Otters as key stone species.
Climate
The climate of Andhra Pradesh varies considerably, depending on the geographical region. Monsoons play a major role in determining the climate of the state. Summers last from March to June. In the coastal plain, the summer temperatures are generally higher than the rest of the state, with temperature ranging between 20 °C and 41 °C.
July to September is the season for tropical rains in Andhra Pradesh. The state receives heavy rainfall from the Southwest Monsoon during these months. About one third of the total rainfall in Andhra Pradesh is brought by the Northeast Monsoon. October and November see low-pressure systems and tropical cyclones form in the Bay of Bengal which, along with the Northeast Monsoon, bring rains to the southern and coastal regions of the state. November, December, January, and February are the winter months in Andhra Pradesh. Since the state has a long coastal belt the winters are not very cold. The range of winter temperature is generally 12 °C to 30 °C.
The climate of Andhra Pradesh varies considerably, depending on the geographical region. Monsoons play a major role in determining the climate of the state. Summers last from March to June. In the coastal plain, the summer temperatures are generally higher than the rest of the state, with temperature ranging between 20 °C and 41 °C.
July to September is the season for tropical rains in Andhra Pradesh. The state receives heavy rainfall from the Southwest Monsoon during these months. About one third of the total rainfall in Andhra Pradesh is brought by the Northeast Monsoon. October and November see low-pressure systems and tropical cyclones form in the Bay of Bengal which, along with the Northeast Monsoon, bring rains to the southern and coastal regions of the state. November, December, January, and February are the winter months in Andhra Pradesh. Since the state has a long coastal belt the winters are not very cold. The range of winter temperature is generally 12 °C to 30 °C.
Religions
Hinduism
Andhra Pradesh is home to Shankaracharya of Pushpagiri Peetham. Other Hindu saints include Yogi Sri Potuluri Virabrahmendra Swami, who was born in the Vishwabrahmin (goldsmith) caste with Brahmin and Dalit disciples , Satya Saibaba and many others.
Andhra Pradesh has several Hindu shrines. Most important and richest of them is Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanams.
Christianity
Most Telugu Christians are Protestant belonging to major Indian Protestant denominations such as the Church of South India, the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Samavesam of Telugu Baptist Churches and several others.
Buddhism
Mahayana
Rock-cut Buddha statue at Bojjanakonda near Anakapalle,Visakhapatnam
Scholars have suggested that the Prajñāpāramitā Sutras, the earliest Mahayana Sutras, developed among the Mahāsāṃghika along the Krishna River in Andhra country. A.K. Warder holds that "the Mahāyāna originated in the south of India and almost certainly in the Andhra country." Anthony Barber and Sree Padma note that "historians of Buddhist thought have been aware for quite some time that such pivotally important Mahayana Buddhist thinkers as Nāgārjuna, Dignaga, Candrakīrti, Aryadeva, and Bhavaviveka, among many others, formulated their theories while living in Buddhist communities in Andhra." They note that the ancient Buddhist sites in the lower Krishna Valley, including Amaravati, Nagarjunakonda and Jaggayyapeta "can be traced to at least the third century BCE, if not earlier."Sri Singha, Savari, Maitripa and Virupa lived and taught in the Andhra region for some portion of their lives or were in some cases permanent residents. Ronald Davidson calls the Krishna River valley "a site of extraordinary Buddhist activity for almost a thousand years."
Hinduism
Andhra Pradesh is home to Shankaracharya of Pushpagiri Peetham. Other Hindu saints include Yogi Sri Potuluri Virabrahmendra Swami, who was born in the Vishwabrahmin (goldsmith) caste with Brahmin and Dalit disciples , Satya Saibaba and many others.
Andhra Pradesh has several Hindu shrines. Most important and richest of them is Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanams.
Christianity
Most Telugu Christians are Protestant belonging to major Indian Protestant denominations such as the Church of South India, the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Samavesam of Telugu Baptist Churches and several others.
Buddhism
Mahayana
Rock-cut Buddha statue at Bojjanakonda near Anakapalle,Visakhapatnam
Scholars have suggested that the Prajñāpāramitā Sutras, the earliest Mahayana Sutras, developed among the Mahāsāṃghika along the Krishna River in Andhra country. A.K. Warder holds that "the Mahāyāna originated in the south of India and almost certainly in the Andhra country." Anthony Barber and Sree Padma note that "historians of Buddhist thought have been aware for quite some time that such pivotally important Mahayana Buddhist thinkers as Nāgārjuna, Dignaga, Candrakīrti, Aryadeva, and Bhavaviveka, among many others, formulated their theories while living in Buddhist communities in Andhra." They note that the ancient Buddhist sites in the lower Krishna Valley, including Amaravati, Nagarjunakonda and Jaggayyapeta "can be traced to at least the third century BCE, if not earlier."Sri Singha, Savari, Maitripa and Virupa lived and taught in the Andhra region for some portion of their lives or were in some cases permanent residents. Ronald Davidson calls the Krishna River valley "a site of extraordinary Buddhist activity for almost a thousand years."
Art forms and festivals
Dance:
Classical dance in Andhra can be performed by both men and women; women tend to learn it more often. Kuchipudi is the state's best-known classical dance form. The various classical dance forms (Śastriya Nrutyam) such as Kuchipudi, Andhra Natyam, Bhamakalapam, Veeranatyam and folk dances(Janapada Nrutyam) forms such as Butta bommalu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Dhimsa, Teenmar, and Chindu exists in Andhra Pradesh.
Jayapa Senani was the first person to write about the dances prevalent in Andhra Pradesh. Both Desi and Margi forms of dances are included in his Sanskrit treatise Nrutya Ratnavali.
Balamuralikrishna during a concert in Kuwait on 29 March 2006
Music:
Many composers of Carnatic music like Annamacharya, Tyagaraja, Kshetrayya, and Bhadrachala Ramadas were of Telugu descent. Modern Carnatic music composers like Ghantasala and M. Balamuralikrishna are also of Telugu descent. The Telugu film industry hosts many music composers and playback singers such as S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P.Susheela, S. Janaki, P B Srinivas. Folk songs are popular in the many rural areas of the state. Forms such as the Burra katha and Poli are still performed today.
Harikatha:
Harikatha also called as Harikathaa Kalakshepam involves the narration of a story, intermingled with various songs relating to the story. Harikatha was originated in Andhra. Harikatha Kalakshepam is most prevalent in Andhra Pradesh even now along with Burra katha. Haridasusgoing round villages singing devotional songs is an age-old tradition during Dhanurmaasam preceding Sankranti festival. Ajjada Adibhatla Narayana Dasu with his Kavyas and Prabandhas has made Harikatha a special art form.
Burra katha:
Burra katha is a oral storytelling technique in the Katha tradition, performed in villages of Telangana and coastal Andhra Pradesh region. The troupe consists of one main performer and two co-performers. It is a narrative entertainment that consists of prayers, solo drama, dance, songs, poems and jokes. The topic will be either a Hindu mythological story or a contemporary social issue.
Festivals:
Ugadi is celebrated as the Telugu New Year. People listen to Panchanga recitals by Pundits on the day of Ugadi. This process is called asPanchanga Shravanam which is an important aspect of the festival. Makara Sankranti is also a famous harvest festival which is celebrated across the state. Just like in other parts of the country, many other festivals include – Dasara, Vinayaka Chaviti, Deepavali, Vasantotsavam, Maha Shivaratri, Attla Taddi etc. Muslim festivals include Bakrid, Ramzan and Christians celebrate Christmas and Easter.
Dance:
Classical dance in Andhra can be performed by both men and women; women tend to learn it more often. Kuchipudi is the state's best-known classical dance form. The various classical dance forms (Śastriya Nrutyam) such as Kuchipudi, Andhra Natyam, Bhamakalapam, Veeranatyam and folk dances(Janapada Nrutyam) forms such as Butta bommalu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Dhimsa, Teenmar, and Chindu exists in Andhra Pradesh.
Jayapa Senani was the first person to write about the dances prevalent in Andhra Pradesh. Both Desi and Margi forms of dances are included in his Sanskrit treatise Nrutya Ratnavali.
Balamuralikrishna during a concert in Kuwait on 29 March 2006
Music:
Many composers of Carnatic music like Annamacharya, Tyagaraja, Kshetrayya, and Bhadrachala Ramadas were of Telugu descent. Modern Carnatic music composers like Ghantasala and M. Balamuralikrishna are also of Telugu descent. The Telugu film industry hosts many music composers and playback singers such as S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P.Susheela, S. Janaki, P B Srinivas. Folk songs are popular in the many rural areas of the state. Forms such as the Burra katha and Poli are still performed today.
Harikatha:
Harikatha also called as Harikathaa Kalakshepam involves the narration of a story, intermingled with various songs relating to the story. Harikatha was originated in Andhra. Harikatha Kalakshepam is most prevalent in Andhra Pradesh even now along with Burra katha. Haridasusgoing round villages singing devotional songs is an age-old tradition during Dhanurmaasam preceding Sankranti festival. Ajjada Adibhatla Narayana Dasu with his Kavyas and Prabandhas has made Harikatha a special art form.
Burra katha:
Burra katha is a oral storytelling technique in the Katha tradition, performed in villages of Telangana and coastal Andhra Pradesh region. The troupe consists of one main performer and two co-performers. It is a narrative entertainment that consists of prayers, solo drama, dance, songs, poems and jokes. The topic will be either a Hindu mythological story or a contemporary social issue.
Festivals:
Ugadi is celebrated as the Telugu New Year. People listen to Panchanga recitals by Pundits on the day of Ugadi. This process is called asPanchanga Shravanam which is an important aspect of the festival. Makara Sankranti is also a famous harvest festival which is celebrated across the state. Just like in other parts of the country, many other festivals include – Dasara, Vinayaka Chaviti, Deepavali, Vasantotsavam, Maha Shivaratri, Attla Taddi etc. Muslim festivals include Bakrid, Ramzan and Christians celebrate Christmas and Easter.
Cuisine
Cuisine of Andhra Pradesh is famous for the rich seasoning and lots of variety. Rice is the staple food and is used in a wide variety of dishes. Typical meal includes rice,Pappu(Dal), vegetable curry, Relishes, pickles, chutneys and Curd. A lot of spices are produced in the region and hence the cuisine of Andhra Pradesh is considered spiciest of all. Tamarind and Red Chillies are the distinct flavor of local cuisine.
Pickles and chutneys (sauces) are made from chilly, ginger, coconut and other vegetables like tomato, brinjals, Gongura are served with meals. Aavakaaya is probably the best known of the pickles. Roselle leaves (Gongura), termed as Andhra Bhakshyam (or food of Andhra). Rayalaseema region too had its own variety which includes Jonna (Jowar),Ragi roti with ragi sangati, usually served with spinach.
The coastal region of the state has abundant seafood supply. The variety of fish curry recipes are famous. It is rich and aromatic, with a liberal use of exotic spices and ghee (clarified butter). Lamb, chicken are also the most widely used meats in the non-vegetarian dishes.
Sweets made up of milk are widely eaten. Payasam is one of them made with milk, rice or vermicelli pudding served both warm and cold. Pootharekulu, bobbattlu, mamidi tandra,kaja, Ariselu(rice based vada using jaggery) etc., are famous sweets
Cuisine of Andhra Pradesh is famous for the rich seasoning and lots of variety. Rice is the staple food and is used in a wide variety of dishes. Typical meal includes rice,Pappu(Dal), vegetable curry, Relishes, pickles, chutneys and Curd. A lot of spices are produced in the region and hence the cuisine of Andhra Pradesh is considered spiciest of all. Tamarind and Red Chillies are the distinct flavor of local cuisine.
Pickles and chutneys (sauces) are made from chilly, ginger, coconut and other vegetables like tomato, brinjals, Gongura are served with meals. Aavakaaya is probably the best known of the pickles. Roselle leaves (Gongura), termed as Andhra Bhakshyam (or food of Andhra). Rayalaseema region too had its own variety which includes Jonna (Jowar),Ragi roti with ragi sangati, usually served with spinach.
The coastal region of the state has abundant seafood supply. The variety of fish curry recipes are famous. It is rich and aromatic, with a liberal use of exotic spices and ghee (clarified butter). Lamb, chicken are also the most widely used meats in the non-vegetarian dishes.
Sweets made up of milk are widely eaten. Payasam is one of them made with milk, rice or vermicelli pudding served both warm and cold. Pootharekulu, bobbattlu, mamidi tandra,kaja, Ariselu(rice based vada using jaggery) etc., are famous sweets
Tourism
Andhra Pradesh is promoted by its tourism department, APTDC as the Koh-i-Noor of India. The main tourist attractions include beaches, scenic hills, valleys, caves, forts, lakes, lush green fields etc.
Beaches
There are many beaches in Visakhapatnam along the coast of Bay of Bengal namely R.K.Beach, Rishikonda Beach, Lawson's Bay Beach etc. Apart from these, other beaches along the long coastline of the state are at Manginapudi Beach (Krishna District), Suryalanka Beach(Guntur District), Maypadu and Krishnapatnam beaches (Nellore district), Vodarevu beach (Prakasam district), Uppada Beach (East Godavari district) etc.
Caves
Borra Caves in the Ananthagiri Hills of the Eastern Ghats, near Vishakapatnam are famous for million-year-old stalactite and stalagmite formations. Belum Caves in Kurnool district are the second largest natural caves of 3.229 km (2.006 mi) in length on the Indian subcontinent.
Valleys and Hills
Araku Valley is the famous hill station in Visakhapatnam district with thick forests, coffee plantations and waterfalls. Horsley Hills is a summer hill resort in the Chittoor district, situated at an elevation of 1.265 km (0.786 mi), has natural flora and fauna. Papi Hills in East Godavari district is famous for its scenic beauty of the location in the river Godavari with.
Ecotourism
The state with its rich forests and diverse flora & fauna provides ample scope for promoting ecotourism. The state has many Sanctuaries,National Parks, Zoological Parks. Some of them are Coringa, Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve,Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park (Tirupati), Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, (Visakhapatnam) etc.Atapaka Bird Sanctuary at Kolleru Lake and Pulicat Lake encompasing Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary attracts many migratory birds.
Religious destinations
Apart from these, the state is home to many pilgrim destinations. It has many temples and shrines, mosques, and churches. Some famous temples, mosques, Buddhist shrines and churches of religious importance which are often visited by many tourists include Tirumal temple,Srisailam temple, Kanaka Durga Temple, Srikalahasti temple, Shahi jamia masjid in Adoni, Gunadala Church in Vijayawada, Buddhist centres at Amaravati, Nagarjuna Konda etc., and many more as well.
Andhra Pradesh is promoted by its tourism department, APTDC as the Koh-i-Noor of India. The main tourist attractions include beaches, scenic hills, valleys, caves, forts, lakes, lush green fields etc.
Beaches
There are many beaches in Visakhapatnam along the coast of Bay of Bengal namely R.K.Beach, Rishikonda Beach, Lawson's Bay Beach etc. Apart from these, other beaches along the long coastline of the state are at Manginapudi Beach (Krishna District), Suryalanka Beach(Guntur District), Maypadu and Krishnapatnam beaches (Nellore district), Vodarevu beach (Prakasam district), Uppada Beach (East Godavari district) etc.
Caves
Borra Caves in the Ananthagiri Hills of the Eastern Ghats, near Vishakapatnam are famous for million-year-old stalactite and stalagmite formations. Belum Caves in Kurnool district are the second largest natural caves of 3.229 km (2.006 mi) in length on the Indian subcontinent.
Valleys and Hills
Araku Valley is the famous hill station in Visakhapatnam district with thick forests, coffee plantations and waterfalls. Horsley Hills is a summer hill resort in the Chittoor district, situated at an elevation of 1.265 km (0.786 mi), has natural flora and fauna. Papi Hills in East Godavari district is famous for its scenic beauty of the location in the river Godavari with.
Ecotourism
The state with its rich forests and diverse flora & fauna provides ample scope for promoting ecotourism. The state has many Sanctuaries,National Parks, Zoological Parks. Some of them are Coringa, Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve,Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park (Tirupati), Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, (Visakhapatnam) etc.Atapaka Bird Sanctuary at Kolleru Lake and Pulicat Lake encompasing Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary attracts many migratory birds.
Religious destinations
Apart from these, the state is home to many pilgrim destinations. It has many temples and shrines, mosques, and churches. Some famous temples, mosques, Buddhist shrines and churches of religious importance which are often visited by many tourists include Tirumal temple,Srisailam temple, Kanaka Durga Temple, Srikalahasti temple, Shahi jamia masjid in Adoni, Gunadala Church in Vijayawada, Buddhist centres at Amaravati, Nagarjuna Konda etc., and many more as well.