Guntur is a city and a municipal corporation in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, located 64 km to the north and west of the Bay of Bengal. It is approximately 266 kilometres south east of state capital, Hyderabad. Guntur is the fourth largest city in Andhra Pradesh.
Guntur is a centre of learning and the administrative capital of Guntur district, which is homing of historically significant Amaravati, Undavalli caves, Kondavid Fort, Nagarjunakonda and Sitanagaram monuments. The city is also a centre for business, industry, and agriculture. The region is identified as a major transportation and textile hub in India. Additionally, the Guntur area economy has an agricultural component that is internationally known for its exports of chilies, cotton, and tobacco.

Guntu History

The Kingdom of Pratipalapura of 500 BCE appears to be the earliest known kingdom in south India. The earliest recorded reference of Guntur comes from the Idern plates of Ammaraja I, the Vengi Chalukyan king. Guntur also appears in two other inscriptions dated 1147 CE and 1158 CE. The original Sanskrit   name for Guntur was Garthapuri  The Nizam and Haidar Ali too ruled the town till it came under the British in 1788. It was made the headquarters of a district named after it that was abolished in 1859, only to be reconstituted in 1904. The city rapidly became a major market for agricultural produce from the hinterland due to the opening of the railway link in 1890.

The 'Agasthyeswara Sivalayam' in the old city is an ancient temple for Lord Siva. There are inscriptions in the temple on stones in 'Naga Lipi'.  It is considered one of the famous temples in the city. It is said that Agastya built the temple in the last Treta yuga around the Swayambhu Linga and hence it has this name. The 'Nagals' were said to have ruled the region at that time. The region has been historically known for Buddhism and the first Kalachakra ceremony performed by Buddha himself. The place of Sitanagaram and the Guthikonda Caves are referred in the ancient texts going back to the Treta yuga and Dwapara yuga. Also check Timeline of Guntur.

Guntu Culture

With the culture and traditions of ageless Sanatana Dharma/Ancient Vedic Civilization   and its principles, the Guntur Region had a place for all religions, castes, sects and creeds. Guntur is known for its diverse culture. One of the purportedly lost tribes of Israel called Been Ephraim, has a presence in Guntur, with even a Jewish synagogue. Religious faiths such as Islam and Christianity lead a harmonious, peaceful existence.

Guntu Weather

Stroms and depression, originating in the Bay of Bengal, cross the east coast of the district causing wide spread heavy rain and strong winds. Thunder-stroms occur during March-October, being more frequent in the post-monsoon season.

Guntu Climate

The district suffers from hot climate, the summer especially being extremely trying. The year may be divided into four sessions.
1) December to February: Dry and Cool Winter Season
2) March to May: Summer Season
3) June to September: South-West Monsoon Season
4) October to November: Post Monsoon or Retreating Monsoon Season

Guntu Tourism 

Tourist places in Guntu
Uppalapadu Nature Conservation   Endangered bird species.
Amaravathi, Bhattiprolu, Chebrolu   Ancient Relics.
Downtown, City:   Parks, city-centers, Theme Parks.
Kondaveedu Fort:   Ancient fort and temple structures.
Kotappakonda:   Ancient temple and mountainous region.
Mangalagiri:   Ancient temple.
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, Ethipothala Falls:   Largest dam and waterfalls. 
Ponnur:  Ancient temples with monolithic statues.
Prakasam Barrage:   Bridge and Barrage across river Krishna.
Sitanagaram:   Very ancient site related to Ramayanam.
Sringeri Mutt:   Spiritual Center, encompasses within its complex many temples.
Undavalli caves:   Ancient Caves.
Viswa Nagar:   Spiritual center.