Tirupati

Introduction

Amidst the thickly-wooded hills in Chittoor district lies the temple town of Tirumala with Tirupati at the foothills, the abode of Lord Venkateswara. The range of hills is said to resemble a snake with Tirumala forming the hood. Lord Venkateswara, the residing god, is known as ‘Lord of the Seven Hills’ and ‘Balaji’.

Tirupati and Tirumala today are modern destinations of pilgrim tourists. Not only the bliss of a divine 'darshan' but added attractions provided by nature make them the ideal pilgrimage-cum-holiday destination.

While Balaji remains the main draw, the beauties of nature and the serene surroundings have made Tirupati today a much visited town. A beautiful road leads up across the Seven Hills to Tirumala.

Attraction

Puttaparthy

Introduction>

Puttaparthy, a small village in Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh, is today on the world map. And the person responsible for it is "Bhagawan Sri Satya Sai Baba" considered as a living God by millions. Praasanthi Nilayam (Abode of Peace) is an imposing edifice at Puttaparthy built by the devotees in reverence to the living God at his birth place. People seeking peace of mind and solace make a beeline to this village from all over the world.

Places you can see

Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital

Free Medical facilities are provided at the hospital which has a casualty department open till 24 hours. The Out patient department functions in the mornings and evenings daily. The hospital also has Maternity & Dental departments, Sri Sathya Sai Super Speciality Hospital, located 7 kms from Ashram, has excellent modern facilities to handle cases pertaining to Cardiology, urology, Nephrology and Ophthalmology.

Sri Sathya Institute of Higher Learning

Established in 1981 and situated in the Vidyagiri adjacent to the Ashram, this magnificent structure stands as the sentinel of the happy amalgamation of the secular and the spiritual. It is the foundation of the educational system established by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The institute has been recognized by the university Grants Commission as a Deemed University, It conducts courses in under graduate and post graduate studies in Arts, Science and Professionals subjects. Apart from this institute of Higher learning, there is primary Schools and a High School. There are good hostel facilities .Education is free in all these institutions.

Prashanthi Mandir

A two storied-granite structure, built in 1949, it has a Central Prayer Hall flanked by rooms on either side with a 'Verandah' in front and a corridor in the rear. The walls on each side of the altar have five symbols representing the unity of religions. Omkar Suprabhatnam at dawn, daily bhajans and spiritual activities are conducted here. Baba gives interviews in the room behind the altar.

Ganesh Mandir

This temple was built around the same period as the main Mandir and is located at the entrance of Prasanthi Nilyam. Ganesh is the commander of Shiva's army and as Vigneshwar, Obeisance is made to him for the removal of all obstacles.

Subramanya Mandir

Situated to the south of Ganesh Mandir. Subramanya Mandir was constructed in 1977.

Sarva Dharma Aikya Stambha

An impressive 500- feet high made of reinforced concrete, it symbolizes the unity of all religions. Located in the middle of a Garden to the West of the Sai Kulwant Hall, it was erected in 1975 on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the advent of the Avatar and the World Conference of Bhagwan Sathya Sai Seva Organisation.

Gayathri Mandri

Situated opposite to the "Seva Dal" block, this temple was consecrated by Bhagwan Baba on 9th October 1998. The five faced Goddess, Gayathri, the mother of the Vedas is the Presiding deity here.

Sai Kulwant Hall

This is where daily darshan takes place besides many other festivities. Divine discourses are delivered here. It has a seating capacity of about 20,000. On the northern side entrance to Sai Kulwant Hall, the exquisitely carved icons in white marble of Sri Rama, Sita, lakshmana and hanuman were consecrated by Bhagwan on 30th September 1999.

Sarva Dharma Stupa

This is 50 feet high pillar, celebrating the unity of all religions, is located to the south of Poorna Chandra Auditorium and was built in November 1975 on the occasion of the advent of the Avatar and the World Conference of the Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Seva organisation held in Prashanti Nilyam.

Poorna Chandra Auditorium

Built in 1973, it can comfortably seat around 15,000 people in the 60 X 40 meters area. With its imposing appearance and column less structure, it has inspiring murals of God forms, Avatars, saints and Seers from all religions and times. It is used for conducting cultural programmes, conferences and Yagna during Dassera.

Samadhi of Baba's Parents

The mortal remains of Baba's parents are housed in a mausoleum off the main Road, down Samadhi Road. It is made of black stone and always kept spotlessly clean. There is also a white Ganesha Idol nearby.

The Eternal Heritage Museum:

A beautiful museum dedicated to Man's eternal quest for realizing the inherent Divinity, it is spread over three floors. Teaching of the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Gita and other religions, are all depicted here. Minature replicas of famous temples in India and around the world are on display. The eternal message of saints and sages down the ages about the oneness of religion, is brought forth through models, writings, audio and video Legends of Baba's early life and his declaration of avatar hood are emphasized. A reading room on the second floor is well stocked with a vast collection of books on spiritually and facilities for listening to Baba's discourses. The museum is open from 10 a.m to 12 Noon, every day of the week.

Vata Vruksha (Meditation Tree)

The banyan tree planted by Bhagawan also has a metal plate with inscriptions done with Divine Sankalpa embedded by him at the roots in 1950 Located on the left of the road uphill to the Spiritual Museum, it enhances the spiritual success of those who meditate under it. Devotees are allowed to meditate during the day times only.

Mosque

For the convenience of the local Muslim population, Bhagwan had a mosque and a hall constructed and opened in 1978. Prayers are conducted regularly.

Village Temples

As you go into the village, you can see the Gopal Swami Temple (Krishna as cowherd), Hanuman Temple and a small temple of Satyabhama (consort of Krishna). There is also an old Mandir which is no used as a wedding hall.

Shiva Mandir

The birth place of Bhagawan Baba is now adorned by a Shiva Temple sanctified by Bhagawan in 1979. Puja is performed here everyday at dawn and dusk. Legends of his births and childhood leelas can be visualized.

Chaitanya Jyothi

A Museum on the mission and message of Bhagwan Sathya Sai Avatar was constructed to commemorate Bhagwan 75 birthday. On display are many exhibits about the life and Mission of Bhagawan arranged at 8 levels. The architecture represents a fusion of different cultures and architecture forms like Chinese Roofs, Gothic Arches and Moorish Domes.

Shridi Sai Baba Statue

Located on the way to the Hospital from the Ashram, the attractive seven foot tall statue stands on an elevated rock more than ten feet above he ground.

Sri Satya Sai Hill View Stadium

Located behind the higher Secondary School, opposite the hill, with towering statues of Hanuman, Krishna, Shiva, Buddha, Zoroaster and Christ, its present an imposing view, Bhagawan Baba addresses the mammoth gathering from the Shanthi Vedika (covered Podium) on the southern end of the stadium on his birthday on 23 rd November every year. Among other events is the sports and cultural meet for the schools and colleges held on 11th of January every year. The stadium is not open to public except when in use.

Lepakshi

Among the most famous pilgrim centers of South India. Lepakshi is located 124 kms from Ananthapur. It is renowned for the Lord Veerabhadra Temple. Which is a sterling example of the Vijayanagara style of architecture. Built in 1530 AD, it is famed for a huge 100-pillared dance hall, adorned with exquisite sculptures, which has a 21' high dome reminiscent of a giant lotus. One can see a life-size granite sculpture of Veerabhadra, a giant monolith of Nanandi as well as carvings of Naga linga, flying Gandharvas, Ganesha etc. The 10-day Asvayuja Masam festival celebrated in February attracts tourists from far and wide. Special pujas are conducted every Monday.

Penukonda Fort

Situated 60 kms from Ananthapur, the imposing hill fort with seven bastions was built during the reign of the Vijayanagara rulers. It has a moat encircling it, which is believed to have crocodiles as a means of defence. Impressive sites here include the Summer Palace, the Gagan Mahal which was a munsif court built by the British and the Bhogasamudaram, a huge lake that was used as a public bathing place.

Nagarjuna Sagar

Special places in Nagarjunasagar

Nagarjuna Sagar

Nagarjunasagar, a massive irrigation project on the River Krishna, about 150 Km from Hyderabad, has a rich and interesting past. It was a valley in the Nallamala range of the Eastern Ghats with civilizations dating back to thousand of years. recorded history, however, assigns the first signs to the later Satavahanas and subsequently the Ilkshvakus in the third century.

The Sriparvata and Vijaypuri of yore were really temples where the famous savant and Bhuddist disciple Archarya Nagarjuna preached the message of the Buddha.

The historic location takes its name from the Buddhist saint and scholar Acharya Nagarjuna who is said to have set up a centre of learning here. Today, Nagarjuna Sagar is home to Nagarjuna Sagar Dam - the world's tallest masonry dam that irrigates over 10 lakh acres of land.

It was during the building of the dam that the ruins of an ancient Buddhist civilisation were excavated here. Some of the relics unearthed have been carefully preserved on a picturesque island called Nagarjuna Konda, located in the centre of a man-made lake. The vestiges of a sacred Buddhist
stupa, vihara, monastries, a university and a sacrificial altar have been carefully reconstructed at Anupu on the east bank of the reservoir

Nagaujunakonda

As the area was threatened with submergence by the reservoir, an Archaeological Survey team made determined efforts to virtually transplant nine monuments from the valley onto Nagarjunakonda.

The hill forms an island in the middle of the reservoir. A museum at Nagarjunakonda contains Buddhadatu or Buddist relics to virtually transplant nine monuments from the valley onto Nagarjunakonda.

Tiger sanctuary: the largest wildlife sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh lies between Nagarjunasagar and upstream Srisailam. Spread over 3,500 sq.kms, it encompasses thickly wooded hills in five districts- Nalgonda, Kurnool, Mahboobnagar, Guntur and Prakasam.

Nagarjunasagar Dam

There would be very few modern constructions you will come across that evoke such a response. A feeling of awe and significance overcomes you when you lay eyes upon the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam for the first time. Its sheer size and magnitude leaves you breathless and astounded. As the tallest and largest masonry dam in the world,truly stands as one of the wonders of engineering excellence.

Stretching across the mighty river Krishna, the barrage also has another distinction to its credit - it has created one of the world's largest man-made lake! The reservoir is a vital source of irrigation for vast tracts of the surroundings region. The two left and right canals, called Bahadur Canal and Jawahar canal respectively, cater to the watering needs of a very large area of the state. Successfully transforming a barren, thirsty land into a lush verdant landscape with acres and acres of green fields swaying in the breeze as far as the eye can see. Naturally, it has played a leading role in helping the state of Andhra Pradesh emerge as' the Rice Bowl of India'

Significantly, the creation of this lake has submerged the excavations that were carried out here in 1926 which unearthed three historical sites- Dhanyakataka, capital of the Satavahanas; Sriparvata, Vijayapuri, capital of the Ikshvakus and a Buddist civilization that thrived here in the third and fourth centuries B.C. What is of special interest to historians is the fact that the excavations also revealed the existence of Brahmanical temples here which indicates that Hinduism and Buddhism flourished together in peaceful co-existence.

All the archeological findings and relics have been removed from here and carefully preserved on an island in the middle of the lake - Nagarjunakonda.

Nagarjunakonda

Nagarjunakonda was one of the largest and most important Buddhist centres in South India from the second century BC until the third century AD. It was named after Acharya Nagarjuna, a renowed Buddhist scholar and philosopher, who had migrated here from Amarvati to propagate and spread the Buddha's message of universal peace and brotherhood. The founder of Mahayana Buddhism, this revered monk governed the sangha for almost 60 years and the Madhyamika school be established attracted students from far and wide including Sri Lanka and China.

As the site, excavations have unearthed a university, monastries, aswamedha altar, royal baths, advanced drainage system, viharas, chaityas, mandapams the life and times of the Buddha. Of special significance is the finding of nine stupa- like structures arranged in a wheel shaped formation which includes the Mahachaitya, the most sacred of them all. The Brahmi characters inscribed on it reveal that the remains of Lord Buddha are preserved within it.

With the construction of the Nagarjunasagar dam and the subsequent flooding of this site by the rising water, all the priceless finds have been shifted to an island in the middle of the lake. The ruins were transported and reconstructed at the unique island museum, in the form of an ancient Buddhist Vihara. So that visitors can get a glimpse of a great chapter in Indian history and see for themselves a rich culture that has successfully survived through the centuries. Along with these, the museum also houses invaluable relics such as stone tools and weapons from the Paleolthic and Neolithic ages, which were found at the same site.

The mammoth task undertaken to shift the archeological treasures and preserve them at another location is reminiscent of the famous Abu Simbel operation carried out in Egypt.

Anupa

A short distance away at Anupa, the Bhuddist University and Stadium, which were excavated at Nagarjunasagar, have been reconstructed. The stadium boasts of the most amazing acoustics that are truly remarkable considering the time and age when it was built. a place that qualifies as a 'must-see' for everybody interested in history, culture and architecture.

Ethipothala Waterfalls

just about 11 kms from the Nagarjunasagar Dam are the Ethipothala Waterfalls on the Chadravanka river, a tributary of the Krishna. In absolutely scenic surroundings, you can marvel at the shimmering water as it cascades down 70 feet into a lagoon. The picture postcard beauty of the place with verdant valleys together with numerous cave temples that dot the hilly countryside, have made this a favorite picnic spot of visitors.

While at Ethipothala, another place well worth a visit is the crocodile breeding centre. Here you can safely see these reptiles from close quarters and observe their fascinating habits.

Also do visit A.P Tourism Souvenir Shop Gnapika at Ethipothala where you can get great gifts & memntos crafted by artisans of Andhra Pradesh.

Hyderabad

The eternal city of love, art, and history, flourishing together in perfect harmony making it one of the most enchanting places in the world. Hyderabad's warm hospitality, impressive monuments, mosques, minarets, art and architectural richness, and technological progress will take you through an amazing journey of its glorious past and a spirited voyage into its promising future.

Experience a unique blend of the old dominion and rustic charm within the trappings of new age modernity.

The city of smiles, of lights, of a thousand faces. Endearingly called the Pearl City, Hyderabad offers a variety of tourist attractions ranging from Heritage monuments, Lakes and Parks, Gardens and Resorts, Museums to delectable cuisine and a delightful shopping experience. Some of the tourist attractions include...

Charminar

lt Charminar in 1591 at the centre of the original city layout. It was said to be built as a charm to ward off a deadly epidemic raging at that time. Four graceful minarets soar to a height of 48.7m. above the ground. Charminar has 45 prayer spaces and a mosque in it. Visitors can view the architectural splendour inside the Charminar. The monument is illuminated in the evenings and a pedestrianisation project around the monument is under implementation.

Golconda Fort

Golconda is one of the famous forts of India. The name originates from the Telugu words “Golla Konda” meaning “Shepherd’s Hill”. The origins of the fort can be traced back to the Yadava dynasty of Deogiri and the Kakatiyas of Warangal. Golconda was originally a mud fort, which passed to the Bahmani dynasty and later to the Qutb Shahis, who held it from 1518 to 1687 A.D. The first three Qutb Shahi kings rebuilt Golconda, over a span of 62 years. The fort is famous for its acoustics, palaces, ingenious water supply system and the famous Fateh Rahben gun, one of the cannons used in the last siege of Golconda by Aurangzeb, to whom the fort ultimately fell.

Sound & Light Show at Golconda Fort

The glorious past of Golconda Fort is narrated effectively with matchless Sound and Light effects. The unique Sound & Light Show takes you right back in time, when Golconda was full of life, glory and grandeur.

Qutb Shahi Tombs:

The tombs of the legendary Qutb Shahi kings lie about a kilometre away from Banjara Darwaza of the Golconda Fort. Planned and built by the Qutb Shahis themselves, these tombs are said to be the oldest historical monuments in Hyderabad. They form a large group and stand on a raised platform. The tombs are built in Persian, Pathan and Hindu architectural styles using grey granite, with stucco ornamentation, the only one of its kind in the world where an entire dynasty has been buried at one place.

Taramati Baradaru

Taramati Baradari is an amalgation of the romance and the grace of the middle ages. The 7th Sultan of Golconda Abdullah Qutub Shah ode to his favorite courtesan Taramati through the Baradari the open pavilion with 12 doorways. The Taramati Baradari is a popular tourists attraction. It also houses hotel and an ultra modern convention and culture complex. The wide range of services at Taramati Baradari include Air Cooled Theatre with capacity of 500 people, Open Air Auditorium with capacity of 1600 people capacity, Banquet Hall with capacity of 250 people, Accommodation Unit, Board Rooms, Multi-Cuisine Restaurant, Bar, Swimming Pool / Billiards / Fitness Center, Two Green Rooms, and Food Courts.

Mecca Masjid

A two hundred yards southwest of the Charminar is the Mecca Masjid, so named because the bricks were brought from Mecca to build the central arch. The Qutb Shahis never finished the building of the mosque, which was completed by Aurangzeb in 1694. Mecca Masjid is poetry in stone, with a hall measuring 67m and soaring to a height of 54m. Fifteen graceful arches - five to each of the three sides, support the roof. Towards the southern end of the mosque lie the marble graves of members of the Asaf Jahi dynasty.

Legislative Assembly

Built in 1913, the building was originally the Hyderabad Town hall. The architecture is a synthesis of Rajasthani and Persian styles, with an all white, aesthetic look. Located adjoining the picturesque Public Gardens, a massive statue of Mahatma Gandhi in a sitting posture is erected at the entrance park to the Assembly.

Osmania University

Established in 1918, it is one of the oldest universities in India. Named after Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, the university buildings are splendid, especially the Arts College, which is a perfect example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.

Birla Mandir

This white marble temple of Lord Venkateshwara floats on the city skyline, on Kala Pahad. The idol in the temple is a replica of the one at Tirupati.

Salar Jung Museum

This museum houses one of the biggest one-man collections of antiques of the world by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, Salar Jung III. The objects d’art include Persian carpets, Moghal miniatures, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquerware, famous statues including the Veiled Rebecca and Marguerite and Mephistopheles, a superb collection of jade, daggers belonging to Queen Noor Jahan and the Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb’s sword and many other fabulous items.

Andhra Pradesh State Archaeological Museum

A visit to the Andhra Pradesh State Archaeological Museum is a delight for art lovers. Located in the picturesque Public Gardens, the museum boasts of one of the richest repositories of antiques and art objects in the country. Built in 1920 by the Nizam VII, the museum building itself is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The museum contains a Buddhist gallery, Brahmanical & Jain gallery, Bronze gallery, Arms & Armour gallery, Numismatics gallery, Ajanta gallery and more. Adjacent to the State Museum is the Contemporary Art Museum.

The Nizam‘s Silver Jubilee Museum

The stately Purani Haveli, the palace acquired around the year 1750 by the second Nizam, is now converted into a museum with a fascinating collection. The museum exhibits the gifts and mementos presented to the last Nizam on the occasion of the silver jubilee celebrations in 1937. A 1930 Rolls Royce, Packard and a Mark V Jaguar are among the vintage cars displayed. There is an interesting collection of models made in silver of all the prominent buildings of the city and citations in Urdu about H.E.H. Mir Osman Ali Khan, gold burnished wooden throne used for the silver jubilee celebrations, gold tiffin box inlaid with diamonds, and a gold model of Jubilee Pavilion.

Birla Planetarium/Birla Science Museum

Birla Planetarium is India’s most modern planetarium and first of its kind in the country. It is equipped with advanced technology from Japan and is built on Naubat Pahad adjacent to Kala Pahad. And the Science Museum stands tribute to the advancement achieved by Science and Technology.

Chow Mohalla Complex

Built in several phases by the Nizams between 1857-1869, this is now one of the heritage buildings. The complex comprises four palaces in Moghal and European styles, of which the main palace is double storeyed with the others being single-storeyed blocks.

Nehru Zoological Park

Spanning 300 lush green acres, the Nehru Zoological Park is a must for nature lovers. It has over 250 species of animals and birds, most of which are kept in conditions as close to their natural habitats as possible. This is the first zoo to create moated enclosures for animals. The Lion Safari Park, Natural History Museum and Children’s Train are the added attractions. APTDC runs an ice-cream parlour and restaurant here.

Shilparamam - The Arts & Crafts village

Another attraction at Madhapur beyond Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad is the 30-acre village, which showcases arts and crafts of the country. India is an ocean of various arts and crafts but the talent of most of the artisans and artists goes unrecognized. To encourage them and give the necessary boost to their art, the crafts village hosts annual bazaars, where artists and artisans from all over the country exhibit their talent.

Public Gardens

Hyderabad has several beautiful gardens, one of the most popular being the Public Gardens, which also encloses the State Legislature, State Archaeological Museum, Jubilee Hall, Jawahar Bal Bhavan and Telugu Lalita Kala Thoranam, an open-air theatre.
Boating: AP Tourism operates pedal boats in Public Gardens pond.

Ramoji Film City

A dream world created for the celluloid on a sprawling 1000 acres, with every imaginable set and location, Ramoji Film City on the outskirts of Hyderabad offers facilities to produce any kind of movie. Apart from sets, there are hotels where artistes and technicians can stay. Visitors too can go round in conducted tours that the management organises.
Click here to see the virtual tour of Ramoji Film City

Hitec City

One of the modern monuments of trade and technology, it embodies the newfound attitude of Hyderabad and today finds a place of pride. Situated on the outskirts of the city, it is the nucleus of Cyberabad, the IT destination in this part of the world. Cyber Towers is the main building here.

Lumbini Park

This beautiful entertainment park is situated on the shore of Hussainsagar lake. The landscaping here is a visual treat. A musically synchronized water fountain and a floral clock are major attractions here. Lumbini Park jetty is a major point for pleasure boating of AP Tourism.

Hyderabad Botanical Gardens

The first Botanical Gardens in Andhra Pradesh, spread over 120 acres. Already open to public is the first phase, with the completion of some sections. The sections include medicinal plants, timber trees, fruit trees, ornamental plants, aquatic plants and bamboos. The Park has been designed to have large water bodies, rolling meadows, natural forests, rich grasslands and exquisite rock formations.

Hussainsagar Lake

Excavated in 1562 A.D. by Hussain Shah Wali during the time of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, the lake has a promenade that is a busy thoroughfare today. Boating and water sports are a regular feature in the Hussainsagar. One of the World’s tallest monolithic statues of the Buddha stands on the ‘Rock of Gibraltar’, in the middle of the lake.

Added to all these, AP Tourism has additional boating facilities like speed boats, motor boats, 48 seater launch etc. Starlit dinner on-board and private parties also can be arranged on the Launch.

Osmansagar Lake

Osmansagar, better known as Gandipet, on the outskirts of Hyderabad is an excellent picnic spot. Osmansagar is one of the two lakes on the city’s periphery that supplies drinking water to the great metropolis. The lake is a reservoir created by a dam across the Isa, a tributary of the River Musi. Abutting the lake and the bund are lush gardens that provide the ideal ambience for an outing. Overlooking the lake is the heritage building, Sagar Mahal, built as a resort by the Nizam of Hyderabad and converted now into a lake resort managed by AP Tourism.

Shamirpet

Located 24 km to the north of Secunderabad, Shamirpet has a beautiful lake and a deer park. Its peaceful environs make it a great picnic spot. AP Tourism offers comfortable cottage facilities for accommodation, while the forest
lodges can be booked with the AP Forest Department office at Saifabad.

Mir Alam Tank

Mir Alam Tank is a large lake adjacent to Nehru Zoological Park. AP Tourism operates boats on the lake, for which one has to enter through the Zoo.

Secret Lake (Durgam Cheruvu)

The ‘Secret Lake’ is situated close to Shilparamam Crafts Village and Hitec City, behind Jubilee Hills. AP Tourism organizes boating in the lake. ‘Something Fishy’, a bar Secret Lake (Durgam Cheruvu)

KBR National Park

One of the largest parks within the city KBR National Park is a Southern tropical deciduous forest and the last vestigial representative of the endemic flora of Hyderabad region, with over 100 species of birds, 20 species of reptiles and 15 species of butterflies.

Mrugavani National Park (Chilkur)

Located 25 km. from Hyderabad, the park contains the endemic flora of Hyderabad and is an urban refuge for small mammals like wildboar, jungle cat etc. and birds.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Par

:
Located 15 Km. from Hyderabad, the park has more than 350 black bucks, 400 cheetals and a number of wild boars, small mammals, reptiles and over 100 species of
birds.

About Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh (Telugu: ????? ???????, Andhra Prades [?], [??n?d??r? pr?d?e??] ( listen)), abbreviated A.P., is a state situated on the south-eastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city is Hyderabad. The State has the second longest coastline (972 km) among all the States in India.[1]

Andhra Pradesh lies between 12°41' and 22°N latitude and 77° and 84°40'E longitude, and is bordered by Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Orissa in the north, the Bay of Bengal in the East, Tamil Nadu to the south and Karnataka to the west. Andhra Pradesh is historically called the "Rice Bowl of India". More than 77% of its crop is rice; Andhra Pradesh produced 17,796,000 tonnes of rice in 2006.[2] Two major rivers, the Godavari and the Krishna run across the state. The small enclave (12 sq mi (30 km²)) of the Yanam district of Puducherry (Pondicherry) state lies in the Godavari Delta in north-east of the state.

Andhra Pradesh was formed by merging Telugu speaking areas of Hyderabad State and the Telugu speaking part of the Madras Presidency on 1 November 1956.