Ongole, India

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Ongole, India

Region: Andhra Pradesh

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Geographic Coordinates: 15.506000, 80.049000

Climate: Hot and dry summers, monsoon season from June to September, and mild winters characterize the climate and weather patterns in Ongole, India.

Population: 204746

Language: Telugu

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Ongole is a picturesque city located in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is situated on the banks of Gundlakamma river and boasts a rich history, Culture and natural beauty. With a population of over 2 lakh people, Ongole is one of the major cities in Andhra Pradesh. The name Ongole comes from Telugu words Ooru meaning village and Kallu meaning stone. The city was famous for its unique black granite stone which was used to construct many historical structures including temples, Statues and monuments.

Kothapatnam Beach is one of the main attractions in Ongole which lies around 18 km away from the city center. This beach offers stunning views of Bay of Bengal and attracts tourists from all over India. Another popular tourist spot in Ongole is Chennakesava Swamy Temple which dates back to 17th century AD. The temple’s architecture showcases intricate carvings, Sculptures and paintings that depict Hindu mythology.

Apart from tourism, Agriculture plays a significant role in driving Ongole’s economy forward by producing high-quality rice, Tobacco, Cotton, Chillies and groundnuts that are exported to various parts of India as well as other countries. Education also holds great importance in Ongole with numerous schools, Colleges, And universities offering quality education across various disciplines like engineering or medicine etc. In recent years, Ongle has emerged as an industrial hub with several small-scale industries manufacturing products like cement pipes, Textiles etc. The people residing here are known for their warm hospitality towards tourists visiting their city.

They celebrate many festivals throughout the year including Ugadi (New Year), Diwali (Festival Of Lights)and Pongal (Harvest Festival). Overall, Ongle has something for everyone- be it history enthusiasts or nature lovers or foodies. The city’s rich cultural heritage, Natural beauty, And warm hospitality make it an ideal destination to visit in Andhra Pradesh.

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1. Kothapatnam Beach
2. Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir
3. Chennakesava Swamy Temple
4. Tanguturu Anjaneya Swamy Temple
5. Kasi Visweswara Swamy Temple
6. Vodarevu Beach
7. Kothapeta Reservoir
8. Singarayakonda Hill
9. Ongole Bull Statue
10. Ponduru Cotton Sarees

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• The major industries and businesses in Ongole, India include:
1. Agriculture
2. Dairy farming
3. Granite mining and processing
4. Textile manufacturing
5. Fishing
• The city is known for its production of:
1. Tobacco
2. Cotton
3. Chili peppers
4. Oilseeds
• Additionally, there are several small-scale industries such as:
1. Handloom weaving
2. Handicrafts
• Ongole is also home to a number of educational institutions including:
1. Engineering colleges
2. Medical schools

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Noteable History

1. The Satavahana dynasty governed Ongole for over a century, from the 2nd century BCE until the 3rd century CE.
2. Ongole was ruled by the Kakatiya dynasty during the 12th and 13th centuries.
3. From the 14th to the 15th centuries, Ongole was under the control of the Vijayanagara Empire.
4. In the late 18th century, Ongole became a part of Nizam’s Hyderabad State.
5. Mahatma Gandhi visited Ongole in January of 1929 as part of his campaign for civil disobedience against British rule during India’s struggle for independence.
6. Kandukuri Veeresalingam Pantulu was born in Rajahmundry but spent most of his life living and working in Ongole as a social reformer who fought against child marriage, caste discrimination and worked towards improving women’s education.
7. Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu was an Indian lawyer, freedom fighter, and politician who served as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 1950-1954; he was also born near Ongole.
8. Rani Rudrama Devi (also known as Rudramadevi) ruled over parts of present-day Andhra Pradesh during Kakatiya dynasty reign around AD1260 until her death around AD1289; it is believed that she spent some time in or near Ongole during her reign.

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Museums and Things To See

1. Sri Raja Rajeswara Swamy Temple
2. Chennakesava Swamy Temple
3. Kothapatnam Beach
4. Kashi Visweswara Swamy Temple
5. Tangutur Veerabhadra Swamy Temple
6. Ongole Bull Statue
7. Bhagavatha Vahini Sabha Mandapam
8. Venkateshwara Swamy temple
9. St.John’s Church
10. Ongole Municipal Museum

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Cultural Events

1. Brahmotsavam is a 10-day festival celebrated at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Ongole.
2. Ugadi, the Telugu New Year, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and traditional rituals in Ongole.
3. Sankranti, a harvest festival, is celebrated with kite-flying, special foods, and cultural performances.
4. Dussehra celebrates the victory of good over evil with grand processions and colorful decorations.
5. Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by lighting lamps, exchanging sweets and bursting firecrackers.
6. Christians in Ongole celebrate Christmas with carol singing, church services and feasting.
7. Pongal is a Tamil harvest festival also observed in Andhra Pradesh with traditional food and festivities.
8. Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of longer days ahead during winter solstice celebrations.
9. Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva that involves fasting, prayers and night-long vigils at temples.
10. Eid-ul-Fitr & Eid-ul-Adha are Muslim festivals observed in Ongole where people dress up in new clothes to offer prayers at mosques followed by feasting on delicious delicacies.

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Cuisine

• Gongura Chicken – a spicy chicken dish made with gongura leaves, a sour leafy vegetable that is native to Andhra Pradesh. It is available at many local restaurants.
• Pootharekulu – a famous sweet made from rice flour and jaggery, which is rolled into thin layers and dried in the sun. It can be found at Sweet Shops such as Srinivasa Murthy Sweets.
• Royyala Vepudu – a spicy prawn fry dish that is very popular in Ongole, available at many seafood restaurants like Balaji Seafood Restaurant.
• Ulavacharu Biryani – This biryani has horse gram lentils cooked with rice and spices giving it an earthy flavor that sets it apart from other biryanis. Try it out at Ulavacharu Restaurant.
• Idli Sambar – A simple yet delicious breakfast dish made of steamed rice cakes served with sambar (a lentil-based stew) or chutney (a condiment made of coconut or peanuts). You can try this dish at any South Indian restaurant like Sri Sai Sagar Hotel & Restaurant.
• Rayalaseema Ruchulu – A restaurant serving authentic Andhra food including spicy non-vegetarian dishes like mutton fry, chicken curry etc., along with vegetarian dishes like gongura dal etc.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Raja Rajeswara Swamy Park
2. Municipal Corporation Stadium
3. Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park
4. Muttukuru Beach
5. Kothapatnam Beach
6. Chennakesava Swamy Temple Park
7. Kothapeta Reservoir and Bird Sanctuary
8. Ongole Municipal Corporation Indoor Stadium
9. Nellore Tank Grounds
10. Kurnool Road Children’s Park

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Create Memories, Travel Often.

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