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About
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 neighbours,
Maharashtra, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh,
Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The medieval
city of Hyderabad is its capital.
The
state is known for the famous Sri
Venkateswara temple at Tirupati,
Charminar, Salar Jung Museum, 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.
Capital:
Once a medieval city, Hyderabad
is a modern metropolis. A revolution in
etiquette is under way, recasting
values. The yuppie ethos has invaded the
city and western haute couture is slowly
being preferred over the sherwani and
burqa. 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:
Andhra 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 c.
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
was taken over by a General of the
Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb. The General's
successors, called Nizams, ruled the
state till Independence.
Culture:
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. Tribal
dances contribute in equal measure to
the artistic heritage of Andhra Pradesh.
Tholubommalaata, a shadow puppetry
theatre is a fascinating folk art.
Society:
Friendly and warm, the Andhras are an
ancient people, who can trace their
roots and history to the Mauryan period,
an 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. The
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 &
schools.
Occupation:
More than 70 per cent of its population
live by agriculture, growing rice, other
cereals and pulses. The major bulk of
India's virginia tobacco crop is grown
here. Industrial growth has transformed
the landscape into precious pits of
copper, mica, coal and manganese.
Handicrafts:
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 December are the
monsoon months and the weather remains
hot and sultry. October to February is
the best season.
Festivals:
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-pickling 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.
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Come to Indiainbound Tours for a
rewarding experience...
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ANDHRA
PRADESH
