STATE CAPITAL: Hyderabad
POPULATION: ('000s in 1991)66,508
AREA: ('000 sq. km)275
PRINCIPAL LANGUAGES:Telugu & Urdu

Andhra Pradesh is rich in historical monuments and many holy temples. Tirupati in Chittoor district hoses one of the most famous temples in India. The presiding deity is known as the Venkateswara. The main temple is situated on a hill top, Tirumalai, and is a masterpiece of south Indian architecture.

The main tourist attractions are the capital of the state, Hyderabad. The capital is in reality the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad linked together by the Hussain Sagar Lake.

Fringed by the Bay of Bengal, many an alluring beach is tucked away along the coastline. The seaface of Visakhapatnam, besides its bustling harbour, has a single massive rock jutting into the ocean at a height of 174 m. Referred to as the Dolphin's Nose, the gigantic cliff has a powerful lighthouse that sends signals as far as 65 km. The beach front of Visakhapatnam is peaceful and enticing. Rishikonda and Bhimli are calm, making them aquatic playgrounds. Bhimunipatnam, 24 km from Visakhapatnam is a pleasure resort at the mouth of the river Gosthani. The idyllic beaches at Bapatla, Kalingapatnam, Maipad and Manginapudi are ideal picnic spots.

The northern area of Andhra Pradesh is mountainous. The highest peak Mahendragiri rises 1500 m above the sea level. The climate is generally hot and humid. Annual rainfall: 125 cm. The Krishna and Godavari are the major river systems in the state.

SOCIETY, ART AND CULTURE

Over 85% of the population of Andhra Pradesh speak Telugu. However, there are important minorities. Tamil is widely spoken in the extreme south region, and on the border of Karnataka there are pockets of Kanarese or Kannada speakers.

As the home of rich folk tradition, Andhra Pradesh offers a variety of performing arts unique to its culture. Kuchipudi is the classical dance form of Andhra Pradesh. Lacquer toys, anakapalli articles, nirmal painted pottery, bidri-lead inlaid black metal trinklets, palm and slate articles, as well as Gadhwalk, Pochampalli and Dharmvaram silk saris are some of the amazing handlooms and handicrafts the state is renowned for.

CUISINE

Cuisine of Andhra Pradesh has a distinct flavor and is relished by many epicureans. Rice is the staple food and chillies dominate the native taste. The ubiquitous Andhra pickle, spicy in taste and flavor is the most appetizing dish. Even Gongura chutneys enhance the basic flavor of a meal. Papads roasted or fried are an often-preferred addition. To round off a sumptuous lunch, kheers, a variety of sweets and paans are veritable specialties.

FESTIVAL

Celebrations of Ugadi (Telugu New Year's day), Sankranti, Dasara, and Vinayaka Chavithi in the state are unique.