History of Andhra Pradesh

The study of history reveals that major portion of the southern India (Dakshina Padham) was extended by Andhra region. Several dynasties ruled over this part of the country. Historically the earliest mention of the Andhras appeared in the Aitareya Brahmana (B.C.800). It was called Dakshina Padh during those days. Historians felt that Andhras, Pulindas, Sabaras, and many other sects lived in Dakshina Padh. But it is only in the Mauryan age that one gets historical evidence of the Andhras as a political power in the southeastern Deccan.

Languages of Andhra Pradesh

The main languages spoken in Andhra Pradesh are Telugu, Urdu, Hindi, Banjara, and English followed by Tamil, Kannada, Marathi and Oriya. Telugu is the principal and official language of the State. It was also referred to as `Tenugu' in the past. `

Festivals in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is noted for its cosmopolitan nature and varied customs and culture prevalent in the state. Many festivals of various communities are celebrated here. Most of these festivals are organized by the government of Andhra Pradesh state. Pongal, the harvest festival is celebrated with gaiety and pomp. One of the most ancient festivals celebrated in Andhra Pradesh is Shivratri. Other popular festivals are:
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Pongal Shivratri Ugadi Ganesh Chaturthi Diwali Deccan Festival Lumbini Festival Rayalaseema Food and Dance Festival Utsav Brahmotsavam

Famous Food of Andhra Predesh

Rice is the staple food of Telugu cuisine. Popular ways of serving it are tamarind rice (pulihara) . Idli is a steamed cake commonly eaten for breakfast with sambar or chutney. Chili powder (kaarampodi) and ground nut chutney are also common additions. Dosa (minapattu) is another popular snack. Andhra-style dosas are spicier and crispier than those found in other regions of South India. Pesarattu is a flatbread similar to a dosa, but thin and crispy. It is

eaten with a ginger chutney. MLA Pesarattu is a popular variation of pesarattu filled with spiced semolina. Vada and uttapam are two dishes that are also made with rice.[1] Sambar (Pappuchaaru) is another type of common stew. Perugu - The last item of the meal. Perugu (curd) is normally consumed with an accompaniment like pachadi or ooragaya.

Evening snacks
At home, many savoury snacks make appearance during evening time. These are
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Kaarappoosa - Chekkalu - Jantikalu - Sakinalu or Chakkiralu - Chuppulu Chegodilu Guggillu - Pakodi - Boondi Mixture' (Boondi mixed with chopped onions and lemon juice) Ponganalu Punukulu - Upma - Bondaalu or Punukulu' with spicy dips (allam pachadi) Mirapakaya Bajji - a local variety of extra-hot chillies stuffed with spices and dipped in chick pea batter and fried Ullipakodi - fritters made with sliced onion and spices in chickpea batter Gaare - (similar to Vada). Gaares are a deep fried and spiced dough. Perugu gaare / Aavadalu - Gaare are marinated in a yogurt sauce.

Desserts
The cuisine of Hyderabad is equally famous for its desserts. There is a good

range of sweet dishes available here, one of them is the 'Double-ka-Meetha', a bread and cashew nut pudding. Another popular sweet dish is the 'Qubani-kaMeetha' which is a stewed apricot dessert. Then, the 'ande-ka-Piyosi' made with eggs, almonds and purified butter , 'Badam-ki-Jhab', a candy and 'Dil-eFirdaus', a rich, milk-based sweet are the widely eaten desserts. Apart from these delectable desserts, one can also enjoy a wide variety of fruits like Mangoes, 'Anabshahi' grapes, custard apples, etc. After a wholesome Hyderabadi food, come to an end of your gastronomic journey with a 'Paan'. Many small hotels and restaurants around the Charminar area offer authentic Hyderabadi dishes.

Forts and Monuments of Andhra Pradesh

Charminar

Golconda Fort

Mecca Masjid

Dance forms of Andhra Pradesh

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KUCHIPUDI BURRAKATHA VEERANATYAM BUTTA BOMMALU DAPPU TAPPETA GULLU LAMBADI BONALU DHIMSA
KOLATTAM

best time to visit Andhra Pradesh

The best time to visit Andhra Pradesh in the winter months between October and March. The inland areas on the plateau are drier and cooler than the coast, and maximum temperatures average at 33 C in the summer and 22 C in the winter. Be informed that if you are visiting the coastal areas then the monsoons hit the coast during October - November and there maybe cyclonic activity.