Quick Facts

Quick Facts

General Overview

• Name: Eluru (historically known as Helapuri)
• State: Andhra Pradesh, India
• District: Eluru District (formed in 2022 after reorganization; earlier part of West Godavari district)
• Coordinates: 16.7107° N, 81.0952° E
• Elevation: ~22 meters (72 feet) above sea level

Historical Significance

• Ancient History:
  • Eluru has a history dating back to the Vengi dynasty (~7th century CE).
  • It served as the capital of the Vengi Chalukyas at various times.
• Medieval and Colonial Era:
  • Later ruled by Kakatiyas, Reddy kings, Vijayanagara Empire, and the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golconda.
  • Came under British control in the late 18th century as part of the Madras Presidency.
• Origin of the Name:
  • Earlier known as Helapuri, gradually evolved into Eluru.
  • The name Helapuri is mentioned in historical and inscriptional records.

Geography

• Location:
  • Lies between the Godavari and Krishna rivers in the fertile Krishna–Godavari delta.
• Terrain:
  • Predominantly flat, highly fertile agricultural land.
• Water Bodies:
  • Tammileru River flows through Eluru.
  • Eluru Canal, originating from the Godavari River, passes through the city.

Demographics

• Population:
  • City: About 250,000 (as per 2011 Census; estimated higher today).
  • Urban Agglomeration: Around 300,000+.
• Languages:
  • Official: Telugu
  • Other languages: English, Hindi (minority understanding)
• Literacy Rate: About 84% — one of the higher literacy rates in Andhra Pradesh.
• Religions:
  • Majority Hindu population, followed by Christians and Muslims.

Culture

• Cultural Blend:
  • Eluru blends traditional Telugu culture with modern urban influences.
• Arts and Crafts:
  • Famous for Eluru Carpets (handwoven woolen pile carpets)—these have GI (Geographical Indication) tag status.
• Festivals:
  • Ugadi, Sankranti, Deepavali, Dasara celebrated grandly.
  • Christmas and Ramzan are also celebrated with community participation.
• Cuisine:
  • Rich Andhra-style cuisine, known for spicy vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

Economy

• Agriculture:
  • Highly fertile area; major crops include paddy, sugarcane, maize, and aquaculture (especially fish and prawns).
• Handicrafts:
  • Woolen carpet weaving is a traditional and important craft.
• Industries:
  • Agro-based industries (rice mills, sugar factories).
  • Growing textile, leather, and furniture manufacturing.
• Emerging Sectors:
  • Real estate growth post-district reorganization.

Transportation

• Road:
  • Well-connected by National Highway 16 (part of the Golden Quadrilateral) and NH 216.
• Rail:
  • Eluru Railway Station is a major stop on the Vijayawada–Visakhapatnam line.
• Air:
  • Nearest Airport: Gannavaram Airport (Vijayawada Airport) (~40–45 km away).
• Public Transport:
  • APSRTC buses connect Eluru to major cities.
  • Auto-rickshaws and taxis operate within the city.

Important Landmarks

• Gaja Vallivari Cheruvu:
  • A huge freshwater tank in the heart of Eluru, dating back to ancient times.
  • Statues of elephants around the pond (hence the name "Gaja Vallivari" meaning "Elephant Wall Tank").
• Eluru Carpets Showrooms:
  • Several outlets sell handwoven carpets, both for domestic and export markets.
• Kolleru Lake:
  • About 15 km from Eluru, it's one of the largest freshwater lakes in India and a designated Ramsar wetland.
  • Famous for migratory birds, especially during winter (Nov–Feb).
• Tangellamudi Park:
  • A family-friendly urban park.
• Vijayrai and Denduluru:
  • Nearby towns known for temples and scenic rural settings.

Education

• Major Institutions:
  • Sir C. R. Reddy College (one of the oldest educational institutions).
  • Eluru College of Engineering and Technology.
  • Medical Colleges: Upcoming projects for healthcare and medical education expansion.
• Focus:
  • Good number of schools, colleges offering education in Telugu and English mediums.
  • Rapidly growing coaching centers for competitive exams.

Climate

• Type: Tropical wet and dry climate (Köppen classification Aw)
• Summer:
  • Very hot and humid (April–June), temperatures can reach up to 42°C.
• Monsoon:
  • Heavy rainfall from June to October due to southwest monsoon.
• Winter:
  • Mild and pleasant (November–February).

Modern Developments

• District Formation:
  • Became the headquarters of the new Eluru District in April 2022.
• Urban Expansion:
  • Improved roads, beautification projects, drainage systems.
• Smart Initiatives:
  • Waste management, drinking water supply, and green spaces are being developed.
• Kolleru Conservation:
  • Efforts are underway to protect the ecological health of nearby Kolleru Lake.

Trivia

• Elephant Tank:
  • The Gaja Vallivari Cheruvu is a rare example of an ancient water system that still exists within an urban setting.
• Carpet Fame:
  • Eluru’s carpet weaving tradition dates back to the Mughal era and is recognized internationally.
• Wildlife:
  • Kolleru Lake attracts thousands of migratory birds like painted storks, flamingos, and pelicans.
• Nicknames:
  • Sometimes called the "Carpet City of India" due to its traditional handwoven carpet industry.