Palnadu District is an administrative district in the Coastal Andhra region of Andhra Pradesh, India, officially formed on April 4, 2022, by bifurcating the Guntur district.
Key Details
- Headquarters: Narasaraopet
- Area: Approximately 7,298 to 7,301 sq. km (official portal updates list up to 10,863 sq. km in recent administrative data)
- Population: Around 2,041,723 (per 2011 census baseline)
- Administrative Setup: Comprises 3 revenue divisions and 28 mandals
- Major Languages: Telugu and Urdu
History & Culture
- Battle of Palnadu: The region is historically famous for the 12th-century Palnadu War (Palnadu Poru or Battle of Palnadu in 1182), a major socio-political and dynastic conflict within the Haihaya dynasty.
- Landmarks & Attractions:
-
- Kotappakonda (sacred hill shrine of Lord Shiva)
- Ethipothala Falls (scenic waterfall near Nagarjuna Sagar)
- Kondaveedu Fort (historical hilltop fort of the Reddy kings)
- Guttikonda Bilam (ancient natural cave system)
-
Economy & Geography
- Agriculture: The economy is heavily agrarian. Major crops include cotton, chillies, tobacco, paddy, and pulses, supported by irrigation from the Krishna River, Prakasam Barrage, and Nagarjuna Sagar.
- Industry & Minerals: The district is a major hub for limestone, Napa slabs, granite, copper, and lead mining, with extensive cement manufacturing plants centered around areas like Piduguralla.
- Climate: Known for a warm climate with severe summer heat, particularly in places like Rentachintala.