INTRODUCTION

Andhra Pradesh is situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.

FACT FILE
Capital : Hyderabad District : 23 Area : Total 275,045 km(106,195.5 sq mt) Area rank : 4th Population : 84,655,533 Literacy: 67.77% (2011) Official language : Telugu

HISTORY
Centuries ago, Andhra Pradesh was a major Buddhist centre and part of Emperor Ashoka's sprawling kingdom. After the death of Emperor Ashoka, several dynasties from the Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagaram kings, Qutb Shahis, Mughals and the Asaf Jahi's, ruled this princely city. Aurangazeb was the last Moghul king to rule India, conquered the Deccan in 1687 and left his governors, the Nizams, to rule Andhra. The British and French took over from the Nizams. Andhra became a part of Indian Union in 1947. The present state was formed in 1953.

CUISINE
Food of Andhra Pradesh is known for its heavy use of spices and chilies. Rice is the staple food in the Telugu cuisine and is usually consumed with a variety of curries and lentil soups. A typical meal in Telugu cuisine consists of a combination of cooked rice, dal,curry, pickles , yoghurt or buttermilk, and papadum. One of the very famous dish is the hyderabadi biryani. Chewing paan, is a common practice after meals

RELIGION
Religious Affiliations :
RELIGION Hinduism Islam Christianity Sikhism Jainism Other religions POPULATION 67,836,651 6,986,856 1,181,917 30,998 41,846 131,739 TOTAL 89.01% 9.16% 1.7% 0.04% 0.05% 0.17%

DANCE
Classical dance in Andhra can be performed by both men and women; however women tend to learn it more often.KUCHIPUDI is the state's bestknown classical dance forms of Andhra Pradesh.

FESTIVALS
Just like in other parts of the country, many festivals are celebrated in Andhra Pradesh. However, certain festivals epitomize the culture of the state better and reflect its unique identity These include Ugadi-which begins the Telugu New Year,Sankranthi-which is a harvest festival and Vijayadashami/Dasara. Bonalu and Batukamma are celebrated with gusto especially in the Telangana region.

BY AIRWAYS
Andhra Pradesh has one international Airport in it's capital Hyderabad,Rajiv Gandhi International Airport . Other important airports are located at Tirupathi and Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry and Vijayawada.

BY ROADWAYS
Andhra pradesh state road transport corporation is the major public transport corporation owned by the government of Andhra Pradesh that connects all the cities and villages. Private vehicles like cars, motorised scooters, and bicycles occupy a major share of the local transport in the cities and adjoining villages.

BY RAILWAYS
Most of Andhra Pradesh falls under the auspices of the South Central Railway founded in 1966 with its headquarters at Secunderabad. Vijayawada Railway Station is the one of the busiest railway junctions in India.

VIA SEA(PORTS)
The most important port in Andhra Pradesh is Visakhapatnam. Minor ports are located at Kakinada, Machilipatnam, Bheemunipatnam, Krishnapatnam, Vadarevu and Kalingapatnam

DAY 3
On to Warangal (145 km / approx. 3 hour drive) This morning you will proceed to Warangal once the capital of the Kakatiya rulers. Enroute enjoy a sightseeing tour visiting the Ramappa Temple, Pakhal lake and sanctuary around the lake. On arrival into Warangal check into your hotel. Later proceed to the 1000-pillared temple of Goddess Bhadrakali.

RAMAPPA TEMPLE
This medieval temple is a Shivalaya,where Shiva is worshipped. The roof of the temple is built with bricks, which are so light that they are able to float on water. There are two small Shiva shrines on either side of the main temple that are completely ruined. The enormous Nandi within, facing the shrine of Shiva, remains in good condition.

PAKHAL LAKE
Pakhal Lake, situated amidst undulating forest land hills and dales is a popular retreat for the tourists. Around the shores of this lake is the Pakhal Wild Life Sanctuary with an area of 839 sq.km. It is a dense forest shelter for a variety of fauna. If, one is lucky, one can spot a tiger or a leopard or a bear and one can find a herd of deer roaming about freely in the wild.

1000 PILLAR TEMPLE

It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya. The temple is provided with a number of pillars which are beautifully carved and adorned. It is a specimen of the Kakatiyan style of architecture of the 12th century. It is famous for its beautifully carved pillars, screens and detailed sculpture.

DAY 4
On to Ramoji Film City (180 km / approx. 4 hour drive) Today, you will proceed to "the Ramoji Film City - RFC". Check into the hotel on arrival. Later explore this magical film city by bus. (courtesy RFC)

Ramoji Film City

Ramoji Film city in Hyderabad, is the worlds largest integrated film studio complex at over 9,000 acres (36 km) of land, provides comprehensive and advanced film production facilities with dedicated professionalism

DAY 5
On to Nagarjun Sagar (141 km / approx. 4 hour drive) This morning proceed to Nagarjun Sagar housing the world's tallest masonry dam across River Krishna. Visit the Island museum by an air-conditioned cruise and the Anupu Buddhist site. Later check into your hotel.

DAY 6
On to Srisailam (110 kms / approx. 3 hour drive) Today, you will depart for Srisailam. On arrival you will check in to your hotel. Later visit the famous Mallikarjun Swami Temple, one of 12 "Jyotirlingas" situated amidst thick forests and at top the Rishabgiri hill.

MALLIKARJUNA SWAMY TEMPLE

The famous Mallikarjuna swamy Temple located at height of about 457 meters on the southern bank of River Krishna is a major pilgrim spot in Srisailam hill town. This temple is one of the 12 Jyothirlinga temples in the country. It appears like a large fort and is renowned for the rich and beautiful sculptures. It has small temples in and around dedicated to various Hindu Gods including Nandi, Sahasralinga and Nataraja.

DAY 7
On to Hyderabad (235 kms / approx. 6 hour drive) Today you will drive to Hyderabad and check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for some last minute shopping or some sumptuous Hyderabadi cuisine

DAY 8
Return home with happy memories Today bid farewell to your "Gateway to the Deccan Highlands" tour, as you are transferred to Hyderabad airport or railway station for your onwards journey

CONCLUSION
Andhra pradesh is the state of love and joy. It has lot of Charm, and the people who live here have an Intrinsic Goodness in them that touches one and all. It is renowned for hospitality, the temples museums and its culture. I hugely recommend anyone visiting India, to visit ANDHRA PRADESH will not regret it for sure.