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About Tanuku

Tanuku is a town in West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh. It is a municipality and serves as the head of Tanuku mandal. It was first constituted as 2nd grade municipality in 1979, but was upgraded as first grade municipality in September 2002. According to mythology, the Tarakapuri kingdom, ruled by the Asura king Tarakasena, often referred to as Tarakasura, had his capital in Tanuku. The place was names after him and was called Taraksura.

Geography and Location of Tanuku

Tanuku is located at 16.75°N 81.7°E. It has an average elevation of 13 meters. It covers a total area of about 16.7 sq. km. Tanuku lies in Godavari delta region. Gosthani River runs through the town. The region predominantly has black soil which is very fertile. It is in fact one of the most fertile regions of the country. Given below is the location guide of Tanuku.

About Tanuku

Demographics of Tanuku

According to 2011 census Tanuku had a total population of 1, 40, 000 of which 77,340 are males and 66,651 are females. The population density of Tanuku was 4, 300 per sq. km. The average literacy rate was recorded to be 91.4%, which us much higher than the national average of 74.04%. Male literacy rate was 94% and female literacy rate was 86%.

Economy of Tanuku

The major sources of income in the region are agriculture, real estate, pharmaceutical companies and industries. The high literacy rate has been a driving force for the rapid economic growth in the region. Because of the highly fertile soil agriculture flourishes in the region. The main products cultivated in Tanuku region include – paddy, sugarcane, banana and various other garden crops. There are several industries located in the town viz., The Andhra Sugars limited, Costal Agro Industries etc. Sugarcane, Jaggery, Rocket Fuel, Medicine, Cotton oils, paper, fiber goods and it's by products are the most important commodities, which are manufactured and exported from this town.

Tanuku is one of the few places in India that has an abundance of UDMH-MMH (monomethylhydrazine), an important liquid rocket fuel very commonly used in the orbital maneuvering system (OMS) engines of NASA’s Space Shuttle.

A large number of retail biggies of the textile industry like Bombay Dyeing, Raymond, Peter England and Reliance have made their presence felt in Tanuku in the recent years. Apart from these many other FMCG companies are eyeing Tanuku as a lucrative industry.

Culture of Tanuku

About TanukuTanuku is known for Butta Bommalu, which is a popular dance form of the region. In this particular dance form dancers wear masks of different characters and entertain people with their delicate movements accompanied by non-verbal music. The dance form is a way of expressing emotions. It combines spontaneous and free expression of the dancer’s ecstasy and abundant joy. It requires negligible professional training and can be seen at venues of social gatherings, community events and celebration of various festivals.
The proud legacy of Telugu language and culture is well preserved in the town through Nannayya Bhattaraka Peetham. This organization conducts different events for school children, elders, prose poets and Avadhanis during festivals and other important days.

Tourist Attractions in and around Tanuku

There are numerous tourist attractions in and around Tanuku. Some of the most popular ones in the city are -
  • Pydipuram Church
  • Shivalayam Temple
  • Ganesh Chowk Temple
  • Bala Venketeswara Temple
  • Narendra Temple

Weekend Getaways from Tanuku

Tanuku is a fast growing city. It is a quaint and clam city which is known for its rich heritage and glorious past. There are various scenic places that one can visit as weekend getaways that are like a breath of fresh air. These attractions are loved by domestic as well as international tourists. So the next time you are in or around Tanuku consider the below mentioned destinations in your travel plans.

Bhimavaram Temple

Bhimavaram Temple is located in Bhimavaram in Andhra Pradesh. It is Panchrama Kshetra and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.  It was built during the 3rd century and is known for its beautiful architecture. The specialty of the temple is the Shiv Lingam which is believed to change color as per the lunar months – black during amavasya and white during poornima.
Bhimavaram is located at a distance of 44 km from Tanuku. One can easily reach the town by both public and private transport. Bhimavarm has its own railway station and trains connect this pilgrimage to Tirupathi.

Amalapuram

About TanukuAmalapuram is a picture perfect coastal town in Andhra Pradesh. It is located at a distance of 49 km from Tanuku. The town is also called Panchalingapuram due to the presence of five very important temples of lord Shiva. These five temples are Ramalingeswara, Chandramouleeswara, Sidheswara, Chennamalleswara and Amaleswara. Aduru is a popular Buddhist site near Amalapuram. There are many beautiful beaches in the city which are a hub of adventure sports.  Allavaram beach is the most popular amongst all.

Narasapuram About Tanuku

The city of Narasapuram derives its name from Lord Lakshmi Narsimha temple. It is situated 45 km from Tanuku and can be easily reached by private and public transport. Travelers can take a taxi from Tanuku and reach Narasapuram.

The town is famous for Emmarmannerswamy Kovel, Lutheran church. The town sees many tourists during Godavari Pushkaram, held at Godavari River once every 12 years. The beautiful beaches are a perfect getaway from the chaotic city life.

Kolleru Lake

About Tanuku

Kolleru Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in India. It is located 20 km from Tanuku. Koleru is located between Krishna and Godavari deltas. The lake was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1999. It is covered over an expansive area of 308 sq. km. Many birds migrate in the region during winters – Siberian Crane, painted storks and ibis. Kolleru Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary is paradise for photographers, nature lovers and bird watchers.

Dwarka Tirumal

When in West Godavari district one must not miss visiting the very popular Dwarka Tirumal temple. It is located at a distance of 39 km from Tanuku. The temple is situated on top a hill and a part of the temple has been carved out from the hill itself. It is known for its intricate architecture, especially the five storey gopuram. The annual festival held during April – May attracts a large number of pilgrimages.

Papikondalu

Papikondalu is an ideal weekend getaway from Tanuku. It is situated 66 from Tanuku and can be reached easily by getting a taxi from Tanuku city. Picture perfect hills, lush green fields and beautiful lakes and friendly people would make your stay at Papikondalu a memorable one. It is a favorite destination for nature lovers and honeymooners. The two main places to see in Papikondalu are – Pattisam Veerabhadra Temple and Munivattam Waterfall.

About TanukuKonaseema

Lush green fields, coconut groves, beautiful landscapes and ancient temples await you at Konaseema. It is a great place to relax and take a break from your mundane routine. Konaseema is a splendid location for photographers and nature lovers. Located at a distance of about 52 km from Tanuku is Konaseema. It is a famous tourist attraction in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.

About TanukuThe most popular places to see in and around Konaseema are -
  • Rajahmundary
  • Hope Island
  • Uppada Beach
  • Sri Veereswara Temple
  • Adurru
  • Kakinada Port
  • Coring Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Appanapalli Temple

How to Reach Tanuku

By Road
Tanuku is very well connected via a great road network to all major cities of Andhra Pradesh. NH-16 which is a part of golden quadrilateral runs through Tanuku. APSRTC has frequent bus service from Eluru, Narsapur, Palakollu, Vijaywada.

By Rail
Tanuku has several trains from Mumbai, Shirdi, Tirupathi, Bhubhaneshwar, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Many express trains halt at Tanuku railway station – Lokmanya Tilak Express, Visakha Express, Circar Express, Seshadri Express, Simhadri Link Express, Cocanada AC Express, Puri-Tirupati Express, Bilaspur-Tirupati Express etc.

By Air
Tanuku does not have its own airport. The two nearest airports are Rajahmundary at 47km and Vijaywada at 110 km. The nearest international airport is Hyderabad which is located at a distance of about 352 km.

Fact File of Tanuku

  • Region: Coastal Andhra Pradesh
  • District: West Godavari
  • MLA: Arimilli Radha Krishna
  • Total area: 16.7 sq. km
  • Population Density: 4, 300 per sq. km
  • Official Language: Telugu    
  • PIN Code: 534211
  • STD Code: 08819

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