Andhra Pradesh is the fifth largest State in India, both in area and population. Its area is 2,75,048 sq.km. and the population according to 1991 Census is 6,65,08,008, comprising 3,37,24,581 males and 3,27,83,427 females. Density is 242 persons per sq.km. and the literacy is 44.08 per cent.
The State is surrounded by Madhya Pradesh and Orissa in the north, the Bay of Bengal in the east, Tamilnadu and Karnataka in the south and Maharashtra in the west. Andhra Pradesh forms the major link between the north and the south. The northern area of Andhra Pradesh is mountainous with an annual rainfall of 110 to 125 cm. The highest peak Mahendragiri rises 1500 m. (4,920 ft.) above the sea level. The climate is generally hot and humid. The State is principally fed by the southwest monsoon. The northeast monsoon contributes about one-third of the rainfall.
Krishna and Godavari are the major river systems in the State. Godavari is the biggest in terms of length and breadth among the rivers of South India. Tungabhadra is an important tributary of the Krishna. Other important rivers are the Pennar, Vamsadhara and Nagavali. All these rivers are rainfed, and are of great economic significance because of their hydelpower and irrigation potential.
History:
The study of history reveals that major portion of the southern India (Dakshina Padham) was extended by Andhra region. Several dynasties ruled over this part of the country.
Historically the earliest mention of the Andhras appeared in the Aitareya Brahmana (B.C.800). It was called Dakshina Padh during those days. Historians felt that Andhras, Pulindas, Sabaras, and many other sects lived in Dakshina Padh. But it is only in the Mauryan age that one gets historical evidence of the Andhras as a political power in the southeastern Deccan. Megasthenese, who visited the Court of Chandragupta Maurya (B.C.322-297), mentioned that Andhra country had 30 fortified towns and an army of 1,00,000 infantry, 2,000 cavalry and 1,000 elephants. Buddhist books reveal that Andhras established their kingdoms on the Godavari belt at that time. Asoka referred in his 13th rock edict that Andhras were his subordinates.
Important Cities:
Hyderabad
The bustling city of Hyderabad is the capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh. The city is witness to a 400-year-old tradition that leaves not a single soul untouched. Hyderabad has attractions like the Charminar, the Golconda Fort, the Mecca Masjid, the Hussain Sagar Lake etc. The city is packed with gardens, lakes, monuments, museums and much more.
Vishakhapatnam
Lying beautifully along the seashore of the Bay of Bengal, Vishakhapatnam is an important ship building centre. Key attractions of the city include the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Ramakrishna Beach, Rishikonda Beach, the Kali Temple, the Vishakha Museum, the Dolphin's Nose, the Submarine Museum etc.
Vijayawada
257 km from the capital city of Hyderabad, Vijayawada stands on the banks of the Krishna river. There are a number of temples and Buddhist sites to experience and explore. Prime attractions of the city include the Prakasam Barrage, the Gandhi Stupa, the Hazratbal Mosque, the Mogalrajapuram Caves, the Akkana and Madanna Caves, the Rajiv Gandhi Park, the Gundala Church, the Kanaka Durga Temple, the Malleswaraswami Temple, the Vijayeswaraswami Temple etc.
Warangal
Warangal, the ancient capital of the Kakatiya rulers, lies along the Chennai-Kazipet-Delhi rail route. It has its reference in the travel diaries of Marco Polo. Places of interest include the Thousand Pillar Temple, the Bhadra Kali Temple, the Warangal Fort etc.
Prakasam district:
Climate
The month of March announces the arrival of the summer season in the state. This hot season continues till June, with the temperature reaching a high of 42 degrees in the coastal plains. However, in the plateau region summers are cooler. Winter begins in the month of October, continuing till February. During these months, the minimum temperature records 10 degrees centigrade. July to September is the time of the monsoons. The coastal areas of the state get a good amount of rainfall.
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