Prakasam  district General information

Prakasam District  is an administrative district in the state of Andhra Pradesh, in India. The district headquarters is located at Ongole town. The district occupies an area of 17,626 km² and has a population of 3,059,423 of which 15.28% were urban as of 2001


History

Prakasam District's past stretches back to the days when it was ruled by the Mauryas from 250 B.C. the rise of the Satavahanas saw Buddhism flourish in the region and the construction of several stupas. The Ikshvaku and Vijayanagar Kings, the Qutub Shahis and the Mughals later followed these rulers. Each of them leaving a distinct imprint on the culutural landscape of the district.


Geography

The area occupied is 17,600 km. More than a third of the area is cultivated land. The population is approximately 3 million. The 105 km coastline provides ample opportunities for the fishing industry.


Economy
There are other flourishing industries which include seed processing, plantation and floriculture, agro business and food processing, tobacco, beer and beverages, cotton yarn and cotton fabrics, wool, silk and man-made fiber, paper, chemical, drugs and pharmaceuticals, plastics and rubber.


Tourist Place
The important tourist destinations include Tripurantakam, Manikeswaram, Markapur, and Malakonda in addition to Nagarjunasagar - Srisailam Sanctuary, Motupalle, Vodarevu, Chandavaram and Gundla Brahmeswaram Sanctuary. Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Singarayakonda, Lakshmi Chennakesava Swamy Temple, Kasi Visweswara temple and temples at Addanki are significant pilgrim spots.