INTRODUCTION
The state of Andhra Pradesh is recognized variously-for its LEGENDARY DYNASTIES; for its most revered temple, TIRUPATI; for its beautiful language, Telugu; for its lacquer toys and beautiful weaves; rich literature and the vibrant KUCHIPUDI. Andhra Pradesh has often been called the "food bowl of the south." There are ruins, palaces, museums, and ports apart from the sacred Tirupati, where one can leave one's prayers to be answered.
Andhra Pradesh is the fifth largest state of India, irrigated by the Godavari rivers and is aptly termed the Rice Granary of India.
Muslim rule paved the way for Urdu as well, but the main language of communication remains Telugu.
Andhra Pradesh sometimes appears as a dry area, both that does not have to offer that many sights for travellers. However, if you set off for the capital of the state Hyderabad, you’ll most definitely be rewarded. The city has a dualistic character and whether you visit markets and shops, sights or public buildings, you’ll always face the dualistic melange of Hindu culture on the one hand and Muslim culture on the other hand.
The area is also known because of its nomadic tribes, the Lambadis and Banjaras. These tribes can be spotted all around the area and are especially known for their brightly coloured skirts and the silver jewellery they sell. This fits in with the idea of Andhra Pradesh as the melting pot of various handicrafts.
The craftsmen of Andhra have contributed greatly. Take for instance the Kalamkari vegetable dyed textiles, the Pochamapalli silks and the Hyderabad pearls. Besides that, it’s a must to see a performance of ‘Kuchipudi’, the classical dance form originating from the state. It has a vigorous choreography and is somewhat akin to Bharatanatyam.
Once you've visited the major cities, such as Hyderabad, Secunderabad and Waltair, it would be a shame to rush off to one of the other states, missing out on the little villages, the interesting temple-complex of Tirumala, the Colgonda Fort and the Quatab Shahi tombs.
And when you want to catch your breath again after a long day of travelling, you’ve hit the right area. Andhra Pradesh offers a rich palate to the gourmet. Hyderabadi Muslims, fastidious in their culinary art, specialise in authentic recipes that have survived throughout centuries. Their biryanis, kababs and chicken delicacies bring the water to your mouth.
Hyderabad, the fifth largest city in the country, is the capital of Andhra Pradesh and has several prominent places in and around it. It has a Hindu-Muslim culture with a number of monuments of historical importance like CHAR MINAR, GOLCONDA, SALAR JUNG MUSEUM, MECCA MASJID, OSMAN SAGAR and OSMANIA UNIVERSITY. The capital is in reality the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad linked together by the Hussain Sagar Lake.
The sites of historical importance include Warangal, Palampet, Vemulavada, Bhadrachalam, and Lepakshi. Andhra Pradesh is known for pilgrimages, not only for Hindus, but also for followers of other religions like Muslims, Christians and Buddhists.
The state has a rich heritage of temples, mosques, churches and viharas. The state is known for the famous Sri Venkateswara temple at Tirupati, Birla Mandir at Hyderabad and Bhadra Kali temple at Warangal, Mecca Masjid at Hyderabad, the Buddhist viharas at Nagarjunasagar, and the Sai Baba Ashram at Puttaparthi. The Hindu pilgrimage sites include Tirupati, Srisailam, Basara, and Srikalahasti. The state was once the site of a flowering Buddhist culture. The Salivahanas, who were Buddhists by religion, followed the Satvahana dynasty. Several Buddhist stupas and viharas were built during their reign, and Buddhist centers flourished at Nagarjunakonda, Amravati, Sankara, Bhattiprolu, Guntupalli, Gantasala, Salihunda, Panigiri, Nelakondapalli, and Bahvikonda.
There are waterfalls at Ettipothala, Kuntala, and Gandipet. The caves at Undavalli and Borra are also major tourist attractions. Two large and world famous dams are located at Nagarjunasagar and Nizamsagar.
Many wildlife sanctuaries can be found in the state, namely, Kawal, Sivaram, Pakhal, Pranahita, Eturnagaram, Kinnerasani, Papikonda, Nagarjunasagar, Srisailam, Pocharam, Gundlabrahmeshwaram, Shri Venkateshwara, Srilanka Malleswara, and Kaundinya. There are four bird sanctuaries in the state at Kolleru, Rollapadu, Nelapattu, and Manjira.
The state has nearly 1,000 km of coastline, with eight of its 23 districts having direct access to the sea with azure water caressing golden sands, which accounts for the presence of so many beaches. Starting from Bheemunipattnam near Vishakhapatnam down to Mypad in Nellore district, the coastline of Andhra Pradesh offers unalloyed joy to the sun worshippers and sea bathers. Apart from the Ramakrishna beach, Lawson's bay and Rishikonda beach at Vishakhapatnam and Bheemunipattnam beaches there are other famous beaches such as Manginapudi, near Machilipattnam, Kakinada, Chirala, Kalingapatnam and Mypad.
