About Eluru

Eluru is located in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. It is a very small and colorful city with a population of 515,000 as per the census of 2011. Male and female population of the city stands at 260,000 and 255,000 respectively. The city had a population of 33521 in 1901 and 312866 in 1991.  Literacy rate of the city stands at 75.98% as per the census of 2011.

Geography of Eluru

Eluru is a small city located at 16.7°N 81.1°E with an average elevation of 22 metres. Krishna-Godavari Canal divides the city into two different parts namely One Town and Two Town. The Tammileru river passes through Eluru. The river originates from the reserve forests near Palvancha in Khammam district and empty itself in Kolleru Lake in Eluru. The river divides itself into two different streams near FCI godown and joins Kolleru at Mondikodu and Pedayadlagadi (two different points). The city is situated on the border of this lake only. Eluru have hot and humid weather throughout the year due to its geographic location. Closeness to Bay of Bengal is the reason behind this harsh temperature of the city. Summer months in particular are very hot here. May is the hottest month of the year while December is the coolest month of the year. Winter months are quite pleasant and are perfect for tourists to roam around Eluru. Temperature of the city  varies between 12.9 degrees Celsius to 51.7 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Best time to visit the city is from December to February. 

Distance From Eluru to Other Major Cities of Andhra Pradesh and India:

• Eluru to Rajahmundry: 100 km
• Eluru to Visakhapatnam: 290 km
• Eluru to Vijayawada: 57 km
• Eluru to Guntur: 95 km
• Eluru to Hyderabad: 329 km
• Eluru to Chennai: 509 km
• Eluru to Bangalore: 717 km
• Eluru to Kolkatta (Howrah): 1160 km
• Eluru to Mumbai: 1050 km
• Eluru to New Delhi: 1839 km

History of Eluru

Eluru has a rich history associated with it. Since the 2nd century till 12th century, it played a very important role in Andhra Pradesh as Vengi, which is located around Eluru, used to be the capital of the state. It was ruled by Salankayanas,Vishnukudinas, and Eastern Chalukyas. Various historical evidences found at Pedavegi and Guntupalli(Jilakarragudem) suggests the prominence of Eluru in the ancient era of Andhra Pradesh.

Eluru in Ancient Times

Eluru was among the prime locations of the state and its ancient history can be divided among four different periods namely, Salankayana Period, Vishukundina Period, Eastern Chalukyas Period and Kakathiya, Kalinga, Vijayanagara, and Golkonda's Period. Let us take a look at some of the main features and events of these eras:

Salankayana Period

Being one of the most ancient dynasties, The Salankayanas ruled parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana from 300 to 440 AD. Their capital used to be Vengi, which is known as Pedavegi in modern times, and is located in West Godavari district of the state. They rule over the regions between Godavari and Krishna. Before Salankayanas rule, it was ruled by the Andhra Ikshvaku dynasty. The region has seen some prominent developments in this era. It was only in this era, when Telugu and Kannada scripts started separating from other languages of not only North India but South India as well.

Vishukundina Period

Vishukundina Period started from 5th century and ended in 7th century. It all started in the late 5th century with the fall of the Salankayana after being conquered by Madhavarma II of the Vishnukundinas. In this era, Vishnukundinas became independent and conquered the coastal Andhra from the Salankayanas. It is also believed that they might have shifted their capital to some place (Eluru) in Coastal Andhra as well. They ruled the region till the rise of the Eastern Chalukyan power in 624 AD.

Eastern Chalukyas Period

Eastern Chalukyas are among the most prominent rulers of South India. Their kingdom was located in present day Andhra Pradesh. Their capital used to be Vengi, which is located near Eluru and is known as Pedavegi in recent times. Eastern Chalukyas are also known as Chalukyas of Vengi (Kannada). They have ruled over the region for more than 500 years from 7th century to almost 12th century. After the 1130 C.E., Vengi kingdom merged with the Chola empire. However, till 1189 C.E., the same was ruled by Eastern Chalukyan rulers under the protection of the Chola Empire. Later it was surrendered to the Yadavas and the Hoysalas. However, after a few days they changed their capital to Rajamahendravaram. Rajamahendravaramis currently known as Rajahmundry and is located in Andhra Pradesh only.

Kakathiya, Kalinga, Vijayanagara, and Golkonda's Period (13th Century to 16th Century)

Just like other parts of Andhra Pradesh, Eluru was ruled by Kakatiyas from 13th century to 14th century. After that the city was ruled by the Kalinga Dynasty till 1471. Gajapathis were the next one to rule the city and later it was captured by Srikrishnadevaraya in 1515. With the fall of the Vijaynagar Empire, the Sultan of Golkonda, reigned the region. It was the end of the ancient time period of Eluru.

Eluru in Modern Times

In British Era, Eluru was one of the five Northern Circurs, which used to be a former division of British India’s Madras Presidency. Northern Circurs were granted by Salabat Jang, the son of the Nizam al Mulk to French East India Company and the same were transferred later from French to British. Eluru and its neighboring areas were merged in to the Madras Presidency after the British gained control over South India.

It has not always been part of the West Godavari district as after the division of Northern Circurs into districts, it became a part of Machlipatnam district initially. In 1859, the same was shifted to Godavari district and later Eluru became a part of Krishna district. It was in 1925, that the city became a part of the West Godavari district. Eluru was the head quarter of this district and all regional and district offices were located here only. In April 2005, the city became a corporation from a municipality. As the city was becoming more developed, several neighbouring villages were merged into the city.

Culture and Festivals of Eluru

Eluru, earlier known as Herapuri, has a beautiful and vibrant culture associated with it. People of this city believes in living in harmony and peace with each other and are generally of helping nature. The city enjoys all major festivals including Diwali, Holi, Dasara, Pongal, Ugadi, Eid, Moharram, Christmas and many more along with the local festivals as well.

Architecture and Languages of Eluru

Architecture of this city showcase the impact of various rulers of the same including Salankayanas, Vishnukudinas, Eastern Chalukyas, Kakathiyas, British and many more. Many important buildings and religious places were built in different eras of history and all of them resembles to their own architectural style.

Telugu is the official language in most of the parts of Andhra Pradesh and Eluru is no exception to the same. A huge part of population also prefer Urdu and Hindi in their day to day activities. English is the emerging language of the city and with the fast development many people are leaning towards the usage of this language. Young generation converse in English language generally with some use of other prominent languages of the city.

NGOs and Orphanages in Eluru

There are numerous needy people in our society. To help these needy and poor people, various NGOs, orphanages, old age homes and charitable trusts exist in our world. Every city is full of such organizations and Eluru is no exception to the same. Here are the details of some of the best NGOs and orphanages of the city:

Annie Owe Memorial Orphanage
13-99, Vidya Nagar Near Inter Mess, Eluru, Eluru - 534001
+(91)-8812-249282

Navajyothy Harijana Yuvajana Sangham
Near Ambedkar Statue, 10th Division, Eluru, Eluru, Eluru - 534001
+(91)-8812-232820

Awakening Charitable Trust
Subamadevi School Street, Eluru Ho, Eluru - 534001, Opp State Bank Of Hyderabad, R R Pet
+(91)-9490979444
+(91)-8812-232424

Association Of Positive People Living Excellence
D No. 3b-10-7/1, Gandhi Maidanam, Eluru Ho, Eluru - 534001, Padmara Veedhi
+(91)-9394706831
+(91)-8812-246385

Sahaya
Sri Apartments, Flat No 406, Panuganti Vari Street, Eluru Ho, Eluru - 534001
+(91)-9000584637, 9492400748, 8099025416

Social Tectonolgy Action For Ruraldevelopment Society
Door No-6-70, Samisragudem, Eluru Ho, Eluru - 534001
+(91)-9347025880
+(91)-8812-221867

SMT Mahalakshmi Yashoda Love Everyone Society
Door No15-91 Yashoda Nilayam, Eluru Ho, Eluru - 534001, Besides Water Tank, Near SAI Baba Temple, Vidya Nagar
+(91)-8812-239677

Facts and Figures of Eluru

State: Andhra Pradesh
District: West Godavari
Elevation: 22 Meters
Latitude: 16.7°N
Longitude: 81.1°E
Population: 214414
Literacy rate: 75.9%
Average Temperature: 28 degrees Celsius
Average Rainfall: 110–115 centimeters
Languages: Telugu, English, Hindi, Urdu
Religions: Hindu, Muslim,
Best Time to Visit: December to February
STD Code: 8812
Postal Code: 534***