ANDHRA PRADESH

Andhra Pradesh combines the traditions of the Dravidians of the South and that of the Muslims who came from Western Asia several centuries ago. This state has a rich mineral resource.

Orissa and Madhya Pradesh surround it in the north, Maharastra and Karnataka in the west, Tamilnadu in the south and the Bay of Bengal in the east. It is the fifth largest state in the country and has a population, which is three times that of the country of Australia. Hyderabad, which is now called Cyberabad, is its capital.

FACTS
Languages	:	Telugu, Urdu and Tamil.
Crops	:	Cotton, Millet, Oilseeds, Sugarcane and Tobacco.
Industries	:	Asbestos, Cigarettes, Electronics, Engineering, Handicrafts, Pharma, Shipbuilding and textiles.
Airports	:	Hyderabad, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Cuddapah, Ramagundam and Warangal.
Time to visit	:	November to March.
Festivals	:	Sankranthi-Jan, Ugadi-Ap, Vinayaka Chathurthi-Aug.

PLACES OF INTEREST
Araku Valley	:	Tribals and nice scenic spots.
Chandragiri	:	Forts and Temples, Ruins of Vijayanagar Empire.
Eturnagaram	:	Wildlife Sanctuary.
Horsley Hills	:	Beautiful Hill Station.
Hyderabad	:	Mosques and Museums, Gardens, Handicrafts, Zoological Park Golconda: 11kms from Hyderabad, Ruins of fort and capital of Qutb Shahi Kings. Himayat Sagar: 23 kms. Lake and picnic spot. Osmansagar: 13 kms. Dam-site. Secunderabad: 8 kms. Cantonment of Hyderabad.
Karimnagar	:	Handicrafts
Kolleru	:	Water- birds Sanctuary
Kuchipudi	:	Dance Academy and birthplace of Kuchipudi dance.
Lepakshi	:	Temples and frescos, Largest Nandi in India.
Machillipatnam	:	Kalamkari textiles, Antiques.
Nagarjunasagar	:	Dam-site and picnic spot, wildlife sanctuary
Rajahmundry	:	Hindu pilgrim center, second largest railway bridge in India.
Tirumala- Tirupathi	:	Main Hindu pilgrim center, Waterfalls and picnic spots.
Vijayawada	:	Junction for main Road and Railways, Temples and Mosques.
Visakhapatnam	:	Seaport and beautiful beaches.
Warangal	:	Temples and forts, Carpets.