Eluru district is a district in coastal Andhra Region in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Eluru is its administrative headquarters. It is formed from erstwhile West Godavari and Krishna districts on 4 April 2022. It was restructured on 16 February 2023 with the transfer of Ganapavaram mandal to West Godavari district

History

Eluru District history has shared common history with West Godavari district, The Eastern Chalukyas ruled coastal Andhra from 700 to 1200, with Vengi, near Pedavegi village, as their capital. Historical pieces of evidence are found at the villages, Pedavegi and Guntupalli (Jilakarragudem). Eluru then became a part of the Kalinga Empire until 1471. Later it fell into the hands of the Gajapati Empire. In 1515, Krishnadevaraya captured it. After the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, it was taken by the Sultan of Golconda Fort, Kutub Shah. Eluru District was formed with Eluru as its headquarters on 4 April 2022. Ganapavaram mandal was shifted to West godavari district on 16 February 2023.

Geography

The district occupies an area of 6,579 square kilometres (2,540sqmi). The district is bounded by Khammam district and Polavaram district on the north, West Godavari district and Konnasemma District on the south. The Godavari River separates East Godavari district on east and Tammileru River and Kolleru Lake separates it from Krishna district and NTR district on the west.[citation needed]

Topography

Rivers and waterbodies

The district is primarily served by the major river Godavari and three tributaries: Yerrakaluva, Tammileru, and Ramileru. Additionally, a freshwater lake flows through the district, serving as a crucial water source. Recently, the Government of India initiated the Polavaram Project, a water reservoir with the potential to store up to 194.6 TMC of water. This project aims to provide a significant water source for other parts of Andhra Pradesh, with the capacity to divert water to drought-prone areas such as Rayalaseema and other districts through the Buckingham Canal. Originally constructed by the British, the Buckingham Canal is now part of India's Inland Waterway project, designed to facilitate civilian and goods transportation, potentially reducing transportation costs and improving connectivity through waterways.

Climate

The region has a tropical climate similar to the rest of the Coastal Andhra region. The summers (March–June) are hot and dry while the winters are fairly cold. The rainy season (July–December) is often the best time for tourist visits, as fields are brilliantly green with paddy crops, rivers flowing with monsoon water, and a relatively cool climate. The region has long been home to the Indian nobles due to its climate and fertile soil, and several zamindar large mansions are scattered around the Godavari area.[citation needed]

Demographics

Religions in Eluru district as of 2025 based on 2011 census
ReligionPercent
Hinduism93.09%
Christianity3.35%
Islam3.21%
Other or not stated0.35%
Distribution of religions

At the time of its establishment in 2022, based on 2011 census, the district has a population of 1,937,695. Women number 969,945, making up 50.05% of the district's population. About 1,618,288 people (80.70%) live in rural areas. The urban population is 384,370 (19.84%), spread across four towns. Scheduled Castes number 424,446 (21.90% of the district), while Scheduled Tribes total 121,311 (6.26% of the district).

  1. Telugu (93.6%)
  2. Koya (2.77%)
  3. Urdu (2.65%)
  4. Others (0.95%)

Politics

There are one parliamentary and seven assembly constituencies in Eluru district. The parliamentary constituencies are

The assembly constituencies are

Constituency Serial No.NameReserved for Status
63UnguturuNone
64DenduluruNone
65EluruNone
67PolavaramST
68ChintalapudiSC
70NuzvidNone
73KaikalurNone

Administrative divisions

The district is divided into 3 revenue divisions: Eluru, Jangareddygudem, and Nuzividu, which are further subdivided into a total of 27 mandals, each headed by a sub-collector.

Mandals

The list of 27 mandals in Eluru district, divided into 3 revenue divisions, is given below.

  1. Eluru revenue division Bhimadole Denduluru Eluru Kaikalur Kalidindi Mandavalli Mudinepalli Nidamarru Pedapadu Pedavegi
  2. Jangareddygudem revenue division Buttayagudem Dwaraka Tirumala Jangareddygudem Jeelugu Milli Kamavarapukota Koyyalagudem Kukunuru Polavaram T. Narasapuram Velairpadu
  3. Nuzvid revenue division Agiripalli Chatrai Chintalapudi Lingapalem Musunuru Nuzvid

Cities and towns

Largest cities or towns in Eluru District As per the 2011 Census
Name of the CityRevenue Division2011 Census Population
EluruEluru231,250
NuzviduNuzvidu Division58,590
JangareddygudemJangareddygudem Division48,994
ChintalapudiNuzvidu Division25,952
KaikaluruEluru Division21,292
Unguturu14,280
Bhimadole13,669
Mudinepalli6463
ChatraiNuzvidu Division4613
Municipal Bodies in Eluru District
Municipal BodyCivic Status of townEstablishment year
EluruMunicipal Corporation2005
NuzvidMunicipality Grade – 31983
JangareddygudemMunicipality Grade – 32011

Economy

The woolen pile carpet industry in Eluru produces eco-friendly carpets.

Culture and tourism

Buddha Park at Eluru

There are many landmarks and tourism destinations in the district. Eluru is the largest city of the district with many destinations related to Buddhists and Archeological importance such as Guntupalli Caves near the city. Eluru city hosts a 74-foot high Buddha statue in the heart of the city. Some of the religious destinations include, Dwaraka Tirumala known with the name as Chinna Tirumala, and Veerabhadra Temple, Pattiseema.

Dwaraka Tirumala Temple devotees
Caves on Dhammalingesvarasvami Hill at Guntupalle

Notable people

Bibliography

External links