Andhra Pradesh - One of the oldest geological formations in India is situated on the Deccan (south) plateau. This is the fifth largest state in India and is a state with rich natural resources and an even richer cultural heritage. It was created by combining the old princley states of Hyderabad, with the Telugu speaking portions of the former state of Chennai. Andhra Pradesh retains much of its regal glory and old warm charm. The land replete with history and legend and endowed with an equable climate and hospitable people, invites all.To this day - sun kissed beaches, forests, verdant green fields, lakes and rock cut caves blend together to make Andhra Pradesh a fascinating state. Not just by the humans, but by a wide variety of wildlife as well. There are 20 notified sanctuaries in the state and each one of them is a home to a variety of rare animal species such as the great Indian Bustard, Nilgai etc. Away from its lush green coastal deltas, Andhra Pradesh is often rocky, bare and dry. The thin red soils developed on the ancient rocks of the peninsula support an often meagre agricultural subsistence, but its capital - Hyderabad has become one of India's dynamic 'electronic cities'.
Centuries ago, Andhra Pradesh was a mojor Buddhist centre and a part of Emperor Ashoka's sprawling kingdom.Not surprisingly, traces of early Budhhist influence are still visible in several places like Amravathi and Nagarjunakonda. This state has the richest Hindu Temple in India, Lord Venkateshwara at Tirupati, one of the largest ancient mosques, Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad and a glorious church in Medak. if the female figurines of Ramappa are enchanting, the chilly heights of Araku Valley in Vishakapatnam and Horsely Hills in Chittoor are equally bracing.the sunny beaches of Andhra Pradesh warm you up, while the forts like Golconda transport you to a different world. A journey to Andhra Pradesh is quite an unforgettable one. After all, the list of things to see and do is quite endless. A land of the mighty Krishna and godavari rivers, with a rich cultural heritage of literature, art, music, dance and drama, the state abounds in the magnificent monuments which breath history, Hyderabad's royalty, grand palaces, nizam's treasures, pearl bazaars, tranquil Buddhist sites, crystal waterfalls, exotic wildlife, famous shrines, green valleys, fascinating caves, folkdances, mouth-warering cuisine, metal craft, toys and a dynamic modenr city that is right up there with regards to technology and amenities.
Andhra Pradesh has a very rich cultural background. Starting with a purely Andhra or Telugu centre, the people of the state have over the years imbibed the graces of Persian and Turkish cultures brought in by Muslim rulers. A confluence of such cultures has created an exclusive 'Deccani' culture that combines hospitality, grace, appreciation of beauty and passion to excel. Successive dynasties from the Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagaram Kings, Qutub Shahis, Mughals and fianlly the Asah Jahis, have contributed significantly to the state's rich cultural tapestry and have left behind a heritage studded with spectacular monuments, temples, mosques, palaces that are vibrant with crafts, dances and literature. It is this driving passion that has brought the state to the foremost position today. It already has valuable gifts that nature has endowed with a long coastline bordered by clean beaches, hills, forests and a meteorologically and socially pleasant climate.
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Andhra Pradesh Facts & Figures
