Westgodavari

Head Quarters:

Eluru

Area:

Temperature:

Rainfall:

Seasonal,

District Boundaries:

East Godavari district in the East and North, Krishna district and Bay of Bengal in the South and Krishna and Khammam districts in the West.

Rivers:

Godavari, Yerrakaluva, Bineru

Important Places:

 Narasapuram, Eluru, Tanuku, Bhimavaram, Thadepalligudem

 Sugar Factories, Andhra Pradesh Strawboard ltd., Ambica Durbar Agarbathi, Fish and Hatcheries.

Places to Visit:

Kolleru Lake, Papikonda & Kolleru Sanctuaries and Guntupally Buddist site.

Holy Places:

 Dwaraka Thirumala, Natta Rameswaram, Pattisam, Soma Ramam and Kshera Ramam.

Handicrafts:

 Nidudavolu Bags, eluru Woolen piled Carpets and Narasapur Laces.

The region was ruled by the Satavahanas, Chalukyans, Vijayanagara kings, Nizam Nawabs and the British. During the ancient period this region used to be a part of Vengi Country. Legend says that Pedavegi near Eluru was the capital of Vengi Country.

The West Godavari district was formed in 1925 with Eluru is its headquarters. Forest area occupies only 11% of the total region of the district. Natural gas reserves are available in near Narasapuram region of the district.
 
The Andhra Sugar Factory at Tanuku though a private establishment is coined as the major industry in the district. The Andhra Pradesh Straw Boards Limited at Bheemavaram, the Incandescent or Agarbathi Industry and a Jute mill at Eluru are some of the major industries of the district. Coir and Carpets industries flourish as small scale industries in the district.

Dhavaleswaram Barrage on River Godavari near Rajahmudry supplies irrigation  water to the district. Machkand hydro power project and Natural gas power plant at Vijjeswaram in East Godavari district fulfill the electricity needs of the district. All Degree Colleges are affiliated to Andhra University - Vishakapatnam.

Eluru is well connected by rail, road and air (Nearest airport at Vijayawada).

Guntupalli:

 Located at a distance of 60 kms from Eluru, at a hamlet of Guntupalli, is a historic Buddhist site. The rock-cut caves at the region host a dozen stupas with heights reaching up to 10 feet. Dating back to the 3rd century B.C., the structures include a circular rock cut temple containing a monolithic stupa, a huge monastery, a brick chaitya, remains of a large pillared hall and 6 feet tall marble idols of Lord Buddha. The caves are more intricate in thier entrance ways with arch resembling the Ajanta Caves.

Gunupudi Someswara Temple:

The Gunupudi Someswara temple at Bhimavaram is considered to be one of the holy Pancharamas. Built during the 3rd century AD., the Shivalinga in the temple is believed to assume a black-cum-brown colour on no-moon day and turns white on full-moon day. At this place the temple of Goddess Annapurna was built on top of the Shiva temple, a unique feature that cannot be seen anywhere in the country. Surprisingly, the Goddess has the sacred thread around her neck and a baby near her feet.

Natta Rameswaram Temple:

The Natta Rameswara temple, is a famous pilgrim centre in the district. The Shiva Linga at this temple is made of shells and conches. Thousands of devotees congregate here on the Maha Shivaratri day to take a dip in the Gosthani River.

Sri Dwaraka Tirumala (Chinna Tirupati):

Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple also Known as Chinna Tirupati or Second Tirupati is situated here in Dwaraka Tirumala. According to a legend, the temple dates back to the rein of Raja Dasaratha and Lord Srirama and Sidha Nagarjuna. The temple is unique with two idols under one Vimana Sikharam. The temple gives a glimpse of south Indian architecture with 5-storey Gopuram. The prakara of the temple is adorned with idols of various deities.

Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple is located on a hill known as Devakuta Parvatha, picturesquely in the middle of the Godavari River. Considered to be one of the Panchakasi Kshetrams for Shivaites, the temple has a beautiful Nandi Vigraha. Carved images of dancing people adorn the walls and a life size sculpture of Devi Bhadrakali with lot of ornaments and a sword, catches the eye. A temple dedicated to Sri Bhavanarayalla Swamy can also be visited.