Palnadu is a district located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It was carved out of Guntur district and became a separate administrative unit on 4 April 2022 as part of the state's reorganisation. Narasaraopet serves as the district headquarters.[1]
Palnadu is historically significant as the site of the Battle of Palnadu, which took place in the 12th century between rival factions of the Haihaya dynasty. The conflict is noted in regional folklore and literature, including the Palnati Vira Charitra.[2]
Geography
The district is located in western Andhra Pradesh and features a mix of low hills, rocky terrain, and agricultural plains. It has deposits of minerals such as limestone and granite, particularly in the Macherla and Dachepalli areas. The Krishna River and its canal systems provide irrigation to much of the region.[1]
Demographics
According to data adapted from the 2011 Census of India, the district has a population of approximately 2,041,723.
The population is mostly rural, with agriculture being the primary source of livelihood. Telugu is the most widely spoken language, followed by Urdu and Lambadi in certain areas.[5]
Culture
The district has religious and cultural sites of significance. Amaravathi is a site of religious importance for both Hindu and Buddhist communities. The Amareswara Temple attracts devotees during Maha Shivaratri, while the nearby Amaravati Stupa and Dhyana Buddha statue represent the area's Buddhist heritage.[6][7]
Other notable locations include the hill shrine of Kotappakonda, which hosts the annual Tirunalla festival. Traditional martial arts such as karra-samu (staff fighting) and kathi-samu (swordplay) are performed during some rural festivals.[8][9]
Economy
Agriculture forms the basis of the district's economy. Main crops include cotton, chillies, tobacco, and paddy. Irrigation is largely sourced from the Krishna River. Mining, particularly of limestone and granite, is present in mandals such as Dachepalli and Macherla.[10]
Transportation
Road
Palnadu is served by National Highway 167A and other state highways. The Vadarevu-Piduguralla stretch (approximately 85 km) has been upgraded to four lanes at a cost of ₹1,064 crore to improve port access and local connectivity.[11]
In addition, the Kondamodu-Perecherla section (~49.9 km) has received ₹881.6 crore for a four-lane expansion, with work initiated in 2025.[12]
The broader Guntur-Hyderabad corridor, which passes through Palnadu, has also been upgraded with a ₹881 crore investment.[13]
Rail
The district is served by the Guntur-Guntakal railway line. The Palnadu Express connects Guntur with Vikarabad in Telangana, passing through key towns in the district.[14]
Tourism
Palnadu offers several natural and cultural attractions:
Kotappakonda - A famous hill temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
Amaravati - Known for its ancient Buddhist heritage and Shiva temple.[6]
Kondaveedu Fort - A historic 13th-century hill fort
Ethipothala Falls - A picturesque waterfall near Macherla
Guttikonda Bilam - A sacred cave site visited by pilgrims and trekkers
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
