Prakasam

Head Quarters: Ongole
Area: 17,626 sq.km
Temperature Range (deg C):
Summer- Max 40, Min 28
Winter- Max 29, Min 19
Rainfall: 1753 m.m

The Boundaries of Prakasam district are Bay of Bengal in the East, Cuddapah and Nellore districts in the South, Kurnool district in the West and Guntur district in the North directions.

Rivers: Gundlakamma and Paleru.

Major Places: Ongole, Markapuram, Chirala, Giddalur, Addanki and Singarayakonda .

Industries: ILTD Company and Cashew nut Industry at Vetapalem.

Tourist Places: Nagarjunasagar - Srisailam sanctuary, Mothupalle, Vodarevu, Chadavaram, Gundla Brahmeswaram Sanctuary and ILTD Company.

Pilgrimage Centers: Singarayakonda Laxmi Narasimha Swamy temple, Markapur Laxmi Chennakesava Swamy temple, Ongole Chennakesava temple, Kasi Visweswara temple, Bhairavakonda, Manikeswaram, Malakonda temples, temples at Tripurantakam and Sri Hanuman Devasthanam at Addanki.

This district was formed In the year 1970. This district is named as Prakasam in remembrance of Andhra Kesari Sri. Tanguturi Prakasam Punthulu who hails from this district in 1972. Some Taluks in this district were added from Guntur, Nellore and Kurnool districts. Forests occupy 25% of the total district area. Under Social forestry scheme Eucalyptus plantations are carried over in the coastal belts. World Bank Aid promotes orchids and Cashew nut farming in some parts of the district. The Stone used in the manufacturing of Slates, Gypsum and small amounts of Copper are the minerals obtained from these lands.

APIDC -Andhra Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation is promoting the young Industrialists from Computer Software, biotechnology and the Non conventional Energy Sources projects. ITC at Cheerala is another major Player in employment generation source in the district. Handlooms of Cheerala that are very much acknowledged by the people of AP. Nagarjuna Sagar's Right canal provide the irrigation to the farming lands of these areas. All Degree Colleges are affiliated to Sri Venkateswara University - Tirupathi.

How to Reach This Place

Road : 138 km from Vijayawada.

Rail : Ongole is an important rail head on Chennai - Waltair line. It is well connected by rail and road.