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Kadapa

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Kadapa is a significant city located in the southern part of Andhra Pradesh, India.

Palkonda Hills
Palkonda Hills

It serves as the district headquarters for the YSR Kadapa district within the Rayalaseema region. Geographically, the city sits south of the Penna River. It is nestled within a tectonic landscape between the Eastern and Western Ghats. The city is physically framed by the Nallamala and Palkonda Hills on three sides.

Palkonda Hills
Palkonda Hills

The local ground consists of black and red ferrous soils. This unique setting has shaped the city's development for centuries.

The name Kadapa is deeply connected to its physical role as a gateway. It originates from the Telugu word "Gadapa," which means a threshold or a gate. In the past, travelers had to pass through this city to reach the Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala. Because of this connection, the city earned the nickname "Gadapa." While it was once spelled "Cuddapah," the spelling was officially changed on 19 August 2005. This change was made to better reflect the local pronunciation. Some historical records even refer to the area as Hiranyanagaram or Nekanamabad.

The history of Kadapa spans over two thousand years. Archaeological evidence suggests the area was home to the Maurya and Satavahana dynasties as early as the second century BC. The Pallava dynasty was the first to rule the city during the fifth century. Following the Pallavas, the Cholas ruled until the eighth century. Many other groups held power, including the Banas, Rashtrakutas, and the Telugu Cholas. King Indra III, who ruled around 915 AD, brought great power and influence to the region.

Siddhout Fort near Kadapa
Siddhout Fort near Kadapa

Later, the Vijayanagara Empire ruled for about two centuries. One notable figure was Pemmasani Thimma Nayudu, who built many temples and tanks in 1422 CE.

Vijayanagara 1450s
Vijayanagara 1450s

Political control of the region shifted frequently through the centuries. The Golkonda Muslims conquered the area in 1594 after a raid on Gandikota fort. By 1740, the Marathas had taken control from the Nawab of Kurnool and Cuddapah. The city was also ruled by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan between 1784 and 1792. Following the Treaty of Seringapatam, the area fell to the Nizam. The British eventually took control of the Kadapa District in 1800 CE.

Siddhout Fort near Kadapa
Siddhout Fort near Kadapa

Under British rule, it became a subordinate collectorate. In 2004, the city's status was upgraded to a municipal corporation.

Kadapa experiences a hot semi-arid climate, classified as BSh under the Köppen system. This means temperatures remain high throughout the year. Summer months can be particularly difficult due to heat and humidity. Temperatures have been recorded as high as 45 degrees Celsius. During these months, humidity levels can reach around 75%. The city receives rainfall from both the southwest and northeast monsoons. Most of the annual rain falls between June and October.

Service road Kadapa
Service road Kadapa

Winters are much milder and offer a drier climate. This makes winter the best season for visitors to explore the area.

The city is a growing economic center with a GDP of $2.038 billion as of 2020. The economy relies heavily on mining and agriculture. Local farmers grow crops such as cotton, groundnut, red gram, and Bengal gram. Many residents work in government or private sector jobs. The city is also recognized as one of 49 growth hotspots in India by McKinsey & Company.

EPFO,Kadapa
EPFO,Kadapa

Culturally, the city is diverse, with traditions from Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and Jainism. Visitors can explore historic sites like the Ameen Peer Dargah or the Shilparamam crafts village. The local cuisine is famous for being spicy, featuring dishes like Ragi Sangati with chicken curry.

Kadapa is well-connected to the rest of India through multiple transport systems. The railway station is one of the oldest in the state, having opened around 1866.

Long View of Station Building
Long View of Station Building

It sits on the busy Mumbai–Chennai line. For air travel, the Kadapa Airport opened on 7 June 2015.

Kadapa Airport terminal
Kadapa Airport terminal

This airport allows travelers to reach cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. The city also has an extensive road network totaling 803.84 km.

These roads, including major 4-lane routes, connect the city to many important destinations across South India.

Kadapa Bus Station
Kadapa Bus Station
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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:Vijayanagara_1450s.png
Vijayanagara_1450s.png
File:Siddhout Fort near Kadapa.jpg
Siddhout Fort near Kadapa.jpg
File:Palkonda Hills.jpg
Palkonda Hills.jpg
File:Service road Kadapa.jpg
Service road Kadapa.jpg
File:EPFO,Kadapa.jpg
EPFO,Kadapa.jpg
File:RIMS Medical college entrance.jpg
RIMS Medical college entrance.jpg
File:Plvd-Kdp road.jpg
Plvd-Kdp road.jpg
File:Kadapa Bus Station.jpg
Kadapa Bus Station.jpg
File:Long View of Station Building.jpg
Long View of Station Building.jpg
File:Kadapa Airport terminal.jpeg
Kadapa Airport terminal.jpeg
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