Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh known as the Rice Bowl of India is a state in southern India. It is the 4th largest state in India by area and population. Bordered by Maharashtra, Chattisgarh and Orissa in the north, the Bay of Bengal in the east, Tamil Nadu to the south and Karnataka to the west the state is crossed by two major rivers, the Godavari and the Krishna. It is also the largest and most populous state in south India.

Andhra Pradesh has a total area of 275,068 km² (106,204 sq mi) and its population is 76,210,007. Hyderabad, the capital city, is famous for the Salar Jung Museum which features a varied collection of sculptures, paintings, and religious artifacts, Ramoji Film City which is one of the largest in the world and Charminar. Historically it is the home of many religious pilgrim centres. Tirupati, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, is the richest and most visited Hindu temple in India. Srisailam, the abode of Sri Mallikarjuna, is one of twelve Jyothirlingalu in India, Amaravati's Siva temple is one of the Pancharamams another notable temple, is Yadagirigutta, the abode of an avatara of Vishnu, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha. Common Languages are Telugu and Urdu.

Andhra Pradesh has many museums, including the Archaeological Museum at Amaravati near Guntur City that features relics of nearby ancient sites the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad, the Visakha Museum in Vizag (Visakhapatnam), which displays the history of the pre-Independence Madras Presidency in a rehabilitated Dutch bungalow and the Victoria Jubilee Museum in Vijayawada, which has a nice collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, idols, weapons, cutlery, and inscriptions. Golconda Fort, Chandragiri Fort, Chowmahalla Palace and Falaknuma Palace are some of the monuments in the state.

Facts at a glance
Time zone – IST (UTC+5:30). Area – 275,068 km² (106,204 sq mi). Capital – Hyderabad. Largest city – Hyderabad. District(s) – 23. Population – 76,210,007 (5th). Density – 277/km² (717/sq mi). Languages – Telugu, Urdu. Established – November 1, 1956. Legislature (seats) Bicameral (295+90). ISO abbreviation IN-AP