Guntur city, India

A city of southeast India east-southeast of Hyderabad. Founded by the French in the 18th century, it was officially ceded to the British in 1823. Population: 514,000. (census 2001)

Guntur (gntr') , city (1991 population-471,051), Andhra Pradesh state, SE India. Located in the Krishna River delta, the city is a railroad junction and agricultural market for jute, tobacco, and rice. Founded by the French in the 18th cent., Guntur was ceded to Great Britain in 1823.

Coordinates Time zone District Mayor Codes Pin Code Telephone Nickname

: : : :

16N 80E / 16.3, 80.45 IST ([[UTC+5:30]]) Guntur Sri Kanna Nagaraju

: 5220XX : +91 (863) : City of Spices

Guntur is a city and a Municipal Corporation in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located around 1000 miles to the south of capital New Delhi. The city has an estimated population of around 800,000 (514,707 per 2001 census), one of the larger (tier-2) cities in the country. It is a centre for learning and is the administrative centre and capital of Guntur District. It is the home of the famous Amaravati and Ancient Sitanagaram rich in history, culture and heritage. It is a major centre in India for business, commerce, agriculture. The region is also identified as a transportation and textile hub in India.

History
The earliest reference to Guntur, a variant of Guntur, comes from the Idern plates of Ammaraja I (922-929), the Vengi Chalukyan King. The Kingdom of Pratipalapura of 500 BCE (current Bhattiprolu), appears to be the earliest known kingdom in the region. Guntur also appears in another two inscriptions dated 1147 and 1158. The original Sanskrit name (ancient Vedic culture/tradition) for Guntur is Garthapuri. An old temple at Garthapuri The 'Agasthyeswara Sivalayam' at the old city is an ancient temple of Lord Siva. It has inscriptions written on two stones in 'Naga Lipi' (ancient script) dating back to 1100AD. The back of the temple hosts very old tree It is said that Agastya has built the temple in the last Treta-Yuga around the Swayambhu Linga and hence it got its name. It is said that 'Nagals' have ruled the region at that time. The place of Sitanagaram and Guthikonda Caves [1] can be traced (through Vedic Puranas) back to the last Treta-Yuga and Dwapara-Yuga (Traditional Time scale: 1.7 to 0.5 million years ago, Ref). The region also has been historically known for Buddhism. More recently, the region was under Nizam's rule prior to the colonial period. During the colonial rule, Guntur was under the control of French and then to British till India's independence.

Modern Guntur
The original Guntur used to be located where the current 'Old Guntur' exists. Over the last 50-100 years, the city has expanded specifically to north, called New Guntur. The current size of the city can be put at an inner radius of 6 miles. The City-region comprises the surrounding sub-urban and rural areas spanning in all the directions. New townships are sprawling in its Suburban region.

Geography
Guntur Plains : Guntur is located at 16.3 N 80.45 E[5]. It has an average elevation of 33 metres (108 feet), situated on the plains. There are few hills in the surrounding suburban areas. The city is located around 40 miles north of Bay of Bengal on the east coast of India. Guntur Region and district are surrounded by the Krishna Delta (of River Krishna). There are other smaller rivers and channels in the region such as Guntur Channel, Chandravanka, Naagileru, Guntur Branch Canal. As quoted in NASA's website "It is typical of the wider deltas along the southeast coast of India (also known as the Coromandel Coast). The braided stream channels, broad floodplain, and extensive sandbars suggest that this part of the Krishna River flows through relatively flat terrain and carries substantial amounts of sediment, especially during the monsoon season." Image Website of NASA on the Guntur City and District/Region of India. With the ocean on the top portion of the image, the actual location of the city should be on the bottom right side portion of the image. Rain storms and hurricanes are common in the region during the rainy season. It starts with monsoons sometime early June. The hurricanes could occur any time of the year, but commonly between May and November.

Demographics
As of 2001 Census India, Guntur had a population of 514,707. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Guntur has an average literacy rate of 68%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 74%, and female literacy is 62%. In Guntur, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Culture and diversity

With the foundation of Ancient Vedic Civilization/Sanatana Dharma (known as Hinduism) and its principles (Sarv Jan Sukhin Bhavantu), the Guntur Region has a place for all religions, castes, sects and creeds. One of the lost tribes of Israel called Bene Ephraim, can be traced in Guntur, having a Jewish temple (synagogue). Religious faiths such as Islam and Christianity have nice presence in harmony. Telugu is the main language of communication in the city. One of the earliest/purest forms of Telugu language can be noticed in this region. Other languages such as Hindi and English are also used with in the city to some extent. Indian Culture is vibrant with many festivals (that are being celebrated for thousands of years), here are some of the festivals that are observed in Guntur to a great detail: Deepavali, KrishnaAshtami, Rama Navami, Sankranti, Sivaratri, Ugadi, Vijaya Dasami, Vinayaka-Chaviti. Also notice festivals that are introduced in last few centuries include Christmas, Eid ul-Fitr, Muharram, Ramadan. The 30th International Kalachakra festival was held at Amaravati near Guntur.

Kala Chakra-2006

Street Fireworks

Language and Festivals

Telugu is the main language of communication in the city. One of the earliest/purest forms of Telugu language can be noticed in this region. Other languages such as Hindi and English are also used with in the city to some extent. Indian Culture is vibrant with many festivals (that are being celebrated for thousands of years), here are some of the festivals that are observed in Guntur to a great detail: Deepavali, KrishnaAshtami, Rama Navami, Sankranti, Sivaratri, Ugadi, Vijaya Dasami, Vinayaka-Chaviti. Also notice festivals that are introduced in last few centuries include Christmas, Eid ul-Fitr, Muharram, Ramadan. The 30th International Kalachakra festival was held at Amaravati near Guntur.

City lifestyle
The Guntur City life style has a mixture of both urban and rural with a touch of cosmopolitan life style. Like any typical Indian city, the majority of the population is of middle and lower middle Class families. With reasonable cost of living and with the basic amenities available the city is attracting people from other parts. The residents of the city and region are referred to as Gunturians. The residents wear Indian style and Western style clothing(includes jean pants and shirts). The common traditional clothing for women is a Saree, Salwar and for men a Dhovathi/Lungi

Economy
Cotton-Tobacco-Chilli city
Guntur City and its region is a major commercial center in India. Guntur has the largest Asian market for Red Chillies. Cotton, tobacco and chilli are some of the major commodities that are exported from here to various parts of the world. The corporate headquarters of Tobacco Board India, a Government of India enterprise, is located in Guntur. The chillies that are grown in this region are some of the hottest in the world, and are in constant competition with the chillies grown in Mexico to be in the first place. A 'Spice Park' is proposed to be setup in the area. The cotton that grows in the region is used in making some of the finest sarees in India, (Guntur & Managalagiri sarees)

Farming outside city

Farm lands

Textile Hub and Industries

The industrial development in the Guntur Region is of medium scale. On the positive note the region has minimal industrial and related pollution as compared to major cities in the country. Here are some of the industries in the area: textile mills/handloom, silk, Sangam Dairy, cement factories, Andhra Fertilizers, jute mills, granite industries, diamond and other ore processing (Hindustan Zinc Limited), Auto-Nagar and Software/IT Companies. A textile hub is being developed on the south-west side of the city, and the government is encouraging setting up of new industries. Possible future plans: Bio-Tech Park, Knowledge Park.

Plantation
The Guntur Region (Krishna Delta) is one of the most fertile lands in India. With the River Krishna flowing around the district, it has many farm lands and paddy fields growing varieties of rice and other food grains. The Guntur Branch Canal (GBC) and other smaller rivers serve water to the farm lands in the region.

Forestation, Green Guntur

Green Motto
The Social Forestry of Guntur is on the works to make the region greener; Guntur (otherwise as per stats only 35% of the forests in the district has survived, a common issue throughout India). It is taking many initiatives and working closely with other parties like ITC Limited in meeting the goals. As part of the Green Guntur project they have planted 1 Crore plants in the Guntur City. The city's UDA is also developing many medium and small size parks throughout the city.

Ports and Shore points

Port City Complex in Guntur District/Nizampatnam Harbour

Located 40 miles from the City's urban area, the region has enough shore line helping its economy either through tourism or trade. Though the exports from Guntur region mainly depend on Chennai harbor, there is push to bring back one of its shore points as a harbor and also a Chemical park is under consideration. A Port City to be built near Nizampatnam in Guntur District. This is part of a major renovation of the Nizampatnam Harbour, to be undertaken by the SKODA Export Company Ltd, a Prague-Czech based company. The development of this harbour will enable the Guntur region to be a major port city, with direct access for exports and imports around the world. Suryalanka is a tourist shore point 40 miles south of Guntur City, with all desirable features of a sea shore. It has all the facilities for stay and entertainment of visitors.

Transportation
Main Bus Station
The city is the regional head quarters of State Road Transport System. It is connected to all the major cities across the country through various major and local highways. There are couple of major highways such as Madras-Guntur-Kolkata HighWay, Guntur-Hyderabad-Mumbai Highway. Within the city the traffic primarily flows using the so-called ring-roads, inner and outer ring-roads. Common modes of road transport within the city are city buses and auto-rikshaws; antique manual rikshaws can still be seen. The city is also part of the Golden Quadrilateral system, a major transportation project under progress.

New Guntur Station

Guntur City is the host of one of the Divisional headquarters and a major transit point in the Indian Railways System. Almost all the 4 metro cities and state capitals can be accessed through this transit point. It composed of few Stations: the Central/Main Station (near Arundel Pet and Railpet) and the others at Nallapadu, University-Center(Namburu), New Guntur(Reddipalem). Two other major transit points closer to Guntur are: Tenali and Vijayawada with a future plan of running suburban trains in the suburban region. The Indian Railways is one of the most convenient and efficient system of commute for the people throughout India.

Railway Station

Air travel
The closest Airport is located at Hyderabad(4.5 hours travel) with limited international connections. A major International Airport is located at Chennai (8.5 hour travel from Guntur) operating various airlines across the world. The local airport at Gannavaram is mid sized airport with daily flights to Hyderabad and Chennai. There is a request to build a more practical airport to the South-West of Guntur City near Chilkaluripeta. Academics/education and research

College Transport
Guntur is one of the early cities to provide higher education and graduate programs in India. The Acharya Nagarjuna University is one of the largest universities in the country, covers various institutes from 3 districts. There are a number of graduate schools, colleges, and high schools providing basic and higher education (agricultural, arts, bio-med, engineering, management, medical, nursing, pharmaceutical, sciences, technology) in the region. The Guntur Institute of Medical Sciences is one of many premier institutes in the city region. The Vedic University near Guntur specializes in the teaching of Vedic Sciences, related philosophies and the Eternal Knowledge (Vedanta).

Sunny day
The weather in Guntur City is more tropical in nature, but gets bit dry during winter season, Current Temperature@City. The average whether is warmer throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 60F to 110F. The summer season (especially during May) could see the highest temperatures. Winter season is the most enjoyable with decent temperatures. Summer clothing should be good enough for throughout the year. Local Time at Guntur

Main Market
The city offers star hotels, inns and motels for the stay and accommodation. It has many Restaurants and Hotels offering varieties of food items (of various regions of India). It is famous for the food items such as mirchi bajji, Gongura pickle, with traditional Andhra style meal and common breakfast items such as Idli , Pesara-RavvaAttu/Dosa, Puri etc [15]. The common masala, jilebi bandlu (vehicles), fruit juice/sugar cane juice sellers can be noticed in every corner of the city. There are also fast food and pizza corners. Locally available famous fruits and vegetables Stay & Eatery include oval shaped-(unique of honey taste)sapota, mango, seethaphalam, dosakai.

News and media

The city's infrastructure utilitzes state-of-the-art technologies such as high-speed Internet and multimedia for applications such as news, education, etc. Telugu news sources include English are in heavy usage. Their corporate offices located within the city, and cable TV news has become another common mode of news exchange.

eService
Both the Indian administrative staff and elected officials manage the city and its issues in general. The commissioner and district collector are from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). The MP's, mayor, councilmen constitute the local elected officials. Corruption has been a commonplace in all parts of the country/world, E Seva Centre and Guntur is no exception. But various latest initiatives such as E-Governance are being put in place to reduce bureaucracy, enabling transparency and reducing corruption. The Guntur Municipal Corporation is among the selected four cities across the world where an eco-budget is under implementation. And recently it started conducting Job Fairs.

City Court
Guntur Range (Guntur Police Department) is the regional headquarters of state police with its own Inspector General rank covering three nearby districts. Guntur had the original High Court under Madras state, which was later moved to the current state capital after the formation of AP. There is a Court Complex pending plan to bring back (or make another) High Court bench to Guntur, covering many AP coastal districts.

Tourism & Places of Interest

Title
Uppalapadu Nature Conservation

Type
Bird Sanctuary

Location
Guntur City Rural

Distanc e

Brief Description

Bird Refuge, endangered 4 Miles S Spot-Billed Pelicans, Painted Storks [22], [23]. Sri Viswayogi Viswamji, Viswa Guntur City (Rural 8 Miles Spiritual the Univ. Integration Nagar/Viswamandiram Chowdavaram) S-W Pillar. Parks(M.Sarovar), Archeo.Museum, BrodiDowntown, City Centers Urban, Parks Guntur City City Arundel, Jinnah-Naaz Center and more. Bridge built on River 18 Miles Prakasam Barrage Bridge Guntur District Krishna connecting GNT E and VIJ/Krishna. Excavated in 4th to 5th Guntur 15 Miles centuries A.D., a huge Undavalli caves Ancient caves Urban/District E reclining statue of Lord Vishnu. Ancient Amareswara Ancient, Guntur 15 Miles temple with swayambhu Amaravathi Archaeological, Rural/District N-W linga, Mahachaitya stupa Spiritual of Buddha(200B.C) [24]. Prati Palaputra, earliest Guntur 20 Miles Bhattiprolu Ancient known kingdom in the Rural/District S-W District [25]. Three-peaked hill Guntur surrounded by other hills Kotappakonda Ancient, 25 Miles District/Narasaraop named after Trimurti: Trikutaparvatam Spiritual S-W Brahma, Vishnu and eta Maheswara. Natural Falls and 100 Nagarjuna Sagar Dam & Irrigation Dam, Nagarjuna Sagar massive Guntur District Miles NEthipothala Falls Water Falls irrigation project. Place W of Acharya Nagarjuna On the banks of river Ancient, 16 Miles Krishna. Rel. to ancient Sitanagaram Guntur District Spiritual N-E history of Ramayana of last Treta Yuga. Famous for chaturmukha Brahma and Lord Ancient, Guntur 10 Miles Chebrole Nageswara Swamy. Has Spiritual Rural/District S a beautiful red stone Nandi.

Sports and stadiums

The city hosts primarily national sporting events for various games. It is one of the places in India to host the International Grandmaster Chess tournaments. With cricket being the common and well followed sporting event, there are other sports such as kabbadi, volleyball, basketball, tennis, badminton, table tennis. The following are the Major sports complexes/clubs in Guntur City. Sports Complex Tennis clubs Police Parade Ground Public Works Department Ground Brahmananda Reddy Stadium Gunta Ground Prakasam Stadium NTR Stadium, Brindavan Gardens

Parade Ground

Countryside
Chilakaluripet is a countryside of Guntur City. The present prosperous place that is developing in education, arts and business was once called "chilakala thota, Rajagari Kota and Purushothama patnam", a big outskirts village of Chilakaluripeta. The British called the area Chick pet. Due to the orchards, a number of parrots used to come here and live on the trees. So that this place was once called Chilakaluri in the time of the Chilakaluripeta jameendars. Namburu, PiduguRalla, Ponnuru, Vadlamudi, Chebrole is a major panchayat comprising three villages Chebrole, patha reddy palem and kotha reddy palem. It is a mandal head-quarters. Buckingham canal passes by which is used for inland transport and irrigation. It was a regional fort for pallavas, chalukyas and kakatiyas. Its ancient name was sambhole (from which 'chebrole' is derived). There are famous Chalukya inscriptions. Chebrole is mentioned in yuddamalluni Vijayawada inscriptions. It became famous in the rule of Kakatiyas as a great general Jayapa ruled the Chebrole fort. Jayapa also wrote a famous book on Indian dance, 'Nrutyaratnavali'.

Medical and Health care

The region of Guntur is one of the best in providing excellent medical and health care facilities on the east coast of India. It boasts of major medical facilities (super specialty hospitals) and related research institutions. The General Hospital provides free health care to people across the coastal districts. The Sankar Eye Hospital, Kugler Hospital (more than a century old), St. Joseph Hospital are few of many premier hospitals in the region. A new medical facility VIMS is currently being setup at Viswanagar to serve the people in the rural areas south-west of the city.

Guntur trivia
Mica (Aubrakam in Telugu/Sanskrit) was first discovered 2200 years ago in Guntur region, happened to be by the Great Philosopher Acharya Nagarjuna.

Pierre Jules Cesar Janssen (1824-1907) discovered the existence of Helium in Guntur, in 1868, while watching a complete solar eclipse. The unusual length of the eclipse, about ten minutes, had attracted many scientists to view it. The only Indian family on the Titanic was from Guntur. Jinnah tower, a commemorative tower for Pakistan's founder Muhammed Ali Jinnah is unique to Guntur in the whole of South Asia, The article on The Hindu talks about the uniqueness. The 30th Kalachakra International Festival took place at Amaravathi of Guntur with the presence of Dalai Lama during January 2006. Guntur is one of the textile hubs and a business districts of India. The name of a dormant volcano near Guntur City is MangalaGiri, which seems to have been kept under control through traditional means.

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