Andhra Pradesh Travel
Andhra Pradesh, the symbol of true spirit
of Indian secularism where people of all faiths - Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu
form a symphony of religions. History has forged, and left behind vital
links with the state, as is evident from the many edifices, monuments and
architectural ruins, the legacy of dynasties as old as 300 B.C. Traces of
the diverse and variegated facets of the culture of the Mauryas, Pallavas,
Cholas, Satavahanas, Chalukyas and Vijayanagar, offer imposing vistas, that
continue to fascinate the observer. Situated south of the Vindhyas, Andhra
Pradesh shares a common history with its neighbours, 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, Golconda Fort
in Hyderabad and Buddhist viharas at Nagarjunasagar. Also travel to 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 of Andhra Pradesh :
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 of Andhra Pradesh :
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 of Andhra Pradesh :
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 in Andhra :
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
in Andhrapradesh. Industrial growth has transformed the landscape into
precious pits of copper, mica, coal and manganese.
Andhra's 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
Andhra Pradesh 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 of Andhra Pradesh :
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.
Population of Andhra Pradesh :
74 million
Festivals of Andhra Pradesh :
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.
