Andhra Pradesh

This is a story of an ugly duckling turning into a swan. From one of the poorest and least developed Indian states to a computer-friendly one, it is a miracle of sorts for Andhra Pradesh. Situated south of the Vindhyas, it shares a common history with its neighbors, 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, and 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.

The Borra caves are meant to be a million a years old. The Araku Valley boasts of over 19 indigenous tribes. Vizag, once a fishing village, has beautiful beaches. The town of Bheemuniputnam was a Dutch settlement. Also, did you know, the state of Andhra Pradesh has over a thousand kilometers of coastline. Take a look for yourself.

The Nizam, who was known as one of the richest man in the world, ruled old princely state of Hyderabad. Combining this old princely state of Hyderabad and Telugu speaking portion of the former state of Madras created Andhra Pradesh. Once a major Buddhist centre in the time of Ashoka's Andhra Pradesh, was later ruled by Chalukya's Chola kingdom & then by Kakatiyas. After a short establishment by Muslim rulers from Delhi the Hindu Vijaynagar Empire again ruled the area. After a long struggle for the power finally Qutb Shahi dynasty was established in Hyderabad. They built one of the most magnificent forts in India known as Golkonda fort. In 1687 a general of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb took over the kingdom. They were called Nizam's of Hyderabad and they ruled the state right through independence. Very rich Muslim heritage, Golkonda fort, ruins of Kakatiya kingdom at Warangal, the Buddhist site of Nagarjunkonda & Amravati, beautiful temple of Kanaka Durga at Vijaywada & famous temple complex of Tirupati are of the major tourist attraction.

The Borra caves are meant to be a million a years old. The Araku Valley boasts of over 19 indigenous tribes. Vizag, once a fishing village, has beautiful beaches. The town of Bheemuniputnam was a Dutch settlement. Also, did you know, the state of Andhra Pradesh has over a thousand kilometers of coastline.

State Name	Andhra_Pradesh	State Capital	Hyderabad
Official Language	http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telugu_language	Other Languages	http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urdu
Population (2001 Census)	75,727,541	Area (km.²)	275,068
Vehicle Code	AP	Coordinates
Number of Districts	23	Pincode Range	50-53
Best Time to Visit	June to February. Hyderabad, Vishakhapatnam, Warangal, Vijaywada, Ananthapur, Tirupati	Clothing	(deg C): Summer - Max: 42, Min: 22; Winter - Max: 22, Min Rainfall: 110-125 cm annually in the northern areas and 50 cm in the southern parts. Coastal areas are lashed by cyclones during the monsoons (September - December).
Altitude		Weather	Summer (March - May), Winter (Jan-Feb), Monsoon months(June-Dec), the weather remains hot and sultry.
Airports		Railway Lines	5,046 km
Places of Interest	Tirupati, Puttaparthi, The Birla Mandir with large painted stained glass windows.	Other Details	Watch Out: Hyderabad is a city of many cultures and most of the time they live harmoniously. Occassionly however moments of tension and violence occur. If traveling North of Hyderabad in the districts of Anantapur, Kurnool and Cuddapah, please check about the local current situation. Being informed about the prevailing circumstances can assist your security. Roads: Surfaced: 72,232, Unsurfaced: 83, 679
Wikipedia Link	http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andhra_Pradesh

State Bird	Indian Roller	State Animal	Blackbuck
State Tree	Neem	State Flower