Anakapalli District | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

History

Anakapalle

• Anakapalle, situated as a suburb of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, India, was incorporated into the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation. Notably, it hosts the country's second-largest jaggery market.
• Historically, Anakapalle was governed by various dynasties including the Kalinga Empire, Chedi Kingdom, Eastern Ganga dynasty, Gajapati Kingdom, Kakatiya, and Qutub Shahi empires. Around 1755, Kakarlapudi Appala Raju Payakarao established control over the region under the Nawab of Arcot, with Anakapalle serving as his fortified headquarters. Its history was brought to light by historian Tallapragada, evidenced by findings at Bojjana Konda, showcasing rule by Satavahanas, Vishnukundina, Gajapathis, Vijayanagara Samrats, and Golkonda Samanta Rajulu.
• Anakapalle goes by several aliases including Aniankapalli, Anekaphalle, Vijaypuri, Veniapalii, Kanakapuri, Bellampatnam, Anakapally, and Anakapalli, situated beside the holy Sarada River. During India's Independence struggle, significant figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar visited Anakapalle. It is located approximately 34 km away from Visakhapatnam.

Buddhist area

• Sankaram, located approximately 3.5 km from Anakapalle and 41 km from Visakhapatnam on the Sabbavaram bypass road, stands out as a significant Buddhist site in Andhra Pradesh. The name "Sankaram" is derived from "Sangharama". Renowned for its numerous votive stupas, rock-cut caves, brick-built structures, early historic pottery, and Satavahana coins dating back to the 1st century AD, it holds a special place in history. The primary stupa, initially carved from rock and later covered with bricks, is a prominent feature.
• The site boasts numerous Buddha images carved into the rock faces of caves, notably at Lingalametta, where hundreds of rock-cut monolithic stupas adorn the hillside. Other Buddhist attractions include relic caskets, three chaitya halls, votive platforms, stupas, and Vajrayana sculptures. The Vihara remained operational for nearly a millennium, witnessing the evolution not only of Theravada Buddhism but also Mahayana and Vajrayana forms.

Culture Tourism

Sri Nookambica Ammavari Temple

• Sri Nookambica Ammavari Temple is a renowned temple located in Visakhapatnam.
• It attracts a large number of devotees on specific days for seeking the blessings of the goddess.
• The temple conducts daily regular poojas, archanas, and deeparadhanas.

Significance of Specific Days

• Devotees consider Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays as auspicious days for performing poojas to Ammavaru.

Annual Nookalamma Jathara Festival

• The Nookalamma Jathara is the major festival celebrated annually on Kottha Amavasya before Ugadi.
• This month-long festival commences on Kottha Amavasya, a day prior to the Telugu New Year.
• Thousands of pilgrims from neighboring states like Orissa, Telangana, and West Bengal, as well as nearby villages, visit this Jathara to worship Nookambika Devi.

Eco-Tourism

Anakapalli and Kondakarla Ava Bird Sanctuary

• Anakapalli: A Coastal Gem
• Kondakarla Ava Bird Sanctuary: A Natural Haven

Discovering Kondakarla Ava Bird Sanctuary

• Location along the Bay of Bengal
• Abundant natural beauty and activities
• Escape into Nature's Embrace

Exploring the Sanctuary

• Varied vegetation and bird species
• Tranquil hills and fresh air
• Perfect Spot for Day Outings

Activities at Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary

• Picnics amidst nature
• Short and refreshing treks
• Therapeutic Experience

Anakapalli's Kondakarla Ava Bird Sanctuary 

• Anakapalli's Kondakarla Ava Bird Sanctuary offers a serene escape into nature, with diverse flora, fauna, and activities to enjoy. It's the perfect destination for a rejuvenating day trip with loved ones.

Religious Tourism

Panchadarla Village

• Panchadarla village is located around 10 kilometers northeast of Yelamanchili and 24 kilometers from Anakapalli.
• The name "Panchadarla" comes from five jets of water that emerge from five fountains fed by a natural spring.
• Nearby, there is a lingam with carvings of numerous lingams in 12 rows, totaling 85 each, known as Kotilingam or the Crore of lingams.
• The temple in the village has inscriptions on its pillars, with some dating back to AD 1407 and 1428, detailing the genealogy of chiefs claiming Eastern Chalukya ancestry.

Baligattam

• Baligattam is situated approximately 3 kilometers southwest of Narsipatnam along the Varaha River.
• The Brahma Lingeswara Temple at the base of a small hill on the river's western bank is noteworthy, facing west.
• Legend suggests that Lord Brahma built this temple, and the river was created by Lord Vishnu in his Varaha incarnation, hence named Varahanadi.
• The white clay deposits on the riverbank are believed to be the remnants of a sacrifice conducted by Bali, the demon king after whom the village is named.
• The river flows north to south briefly at this spot, making it a sacred place where the annual Shivaratri festival attracts a large crowd of devotees.