Welcome to the third largest state in India - Andhra Pradesh, a State rich in natural resources, cultural heritage, history and most of all, an opportunity to explore them. Created by combining the old princely state of Hyderabad with the Telugu speaking portions of the former state of Chennai, Andhra Pradesh to this day retains much of its regal glory and mystic charm.

Geographically, the state enjoys a strategic location. Most of it stands on the high arid Deccan Plateau, sloping down to the low-lying coastal region to the east where the mighty Godavari and Krishna rivers consummate with the Bay of Bengal. Andhra Pradesh is blessed with a charming countryside, watered by 34 rivers and commands a 1000 km. coastline. Rocks, forests, verdant green fields, lakes and golden beaches washed by the sea make Andhra Pradesh a fascinating state and one that is ideally suited for wildlife. There are about 20 notified sanctuaries in the state and each of them is home to a variety of rare animal species such as the Great Indian Bustard, Nilgai, etc.

History of Andhra Pradesh:

Centuries ago, Andhra Pradesh was a major Buddhist centre and part of Emperor Ashoka's sprawling kingdom. Not surprisingly, traces of early Buddhist influence are still visible in several places in and around the state. After the death of Emperor Ashoka, the Satavahanas established their kingdom in this region.

During the 7th century, the Chalukyas held sway over Andhra Pradesh until the 10th century, when the Cholas seized power. In the 14th century, Muslim power reached this southern state and for centuries ruled over this princely state and finally was taken over by a General of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1713. The successors of the General, known as Nizams, ruled the state till Indian Independence.

Successive dynasties from the Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagaram kings, Qutb Shahis, Mughals and the Asaf Jahis, have contributed significantly to the State's rich cultural tapestry and have left behind a heritage studded with spectacular monuments, temples, mosques, palaces all vibrant with arts, crafts, dance and literature.

Heritage of Andhra Pradesh:

Beautiful crafts, exquisite remnants of a glorious past, vibrant religious festivals, irresistible delicacies together with the charming people and the sonorant mother tongue Telugu, are some of the indelible impressions of this state.

The sky-scrapes of the state present a montage of architectural styles, replete with astonishing sculpture and splendid edifices left behind by several dynasties. Hyderabad, the state capital, is a historic city, and is famous as the former seat of the wealthy Nizams. Charminar, Salar Jung Museum and the mighty Golconda Fort are some of the famous heritage spots in the city.

Kuchipudi is a 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 Gadhwal, Pochampalli and Dharmavaram silk saris are some of the amazing handlooms and handicrafts the state is renowned for.

Agriculture is the main occupation of about 70% of the people in Andhra Pradesh. The main crops are rice, maize, millets, pulses, castor, tobacco, cotton, sugarcane, groundnut and banana. The covered forest area in the state is about 23%, and important forest products include teak, eucalyptus, cashew, bamboo and soft wood. Some of the major industries in the state are machine tools, synthetic drugs, pharmaceuticals, heavy electrical machinery, ships, fertilizers, electronic equipment, aeronautical parts, cement and cement products, chemicals, asbestos, glass and watches. Important minerals found in the state are copper ore, manganese, mica, coal and limestone.

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 in tast and flavor is th emost appetising 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.