subject: Rajahmundry: The Cultural Capital Of Andhra Pradesh [print this page] Rajahmundry is where the Telugu script was born, courtesy poet Nannayya. One of the oldest cities of India, it is well known for its Vedic culture and intellect. In the east and west Godavari districts, it is the biggest city. Some of the notable people of this city, making it so culture rich besides poet Nannayya, include:
- Sri Kandukuri Veeresalingam who was a well known social reformer. He played a crucial part in the making important changes in the lives of Telugu people and bringing about a renaissance in Telugu literature.
- Voleti Venkatesvaralu was one of the most prominent south Indian classical musicians in the 1900s.
- Sri Adurthi Subba Rao was a well known director and producer who made many Telugu and Hindi films.
- Jaya Prada is a popular actor turned politician.
The residence of Sri Kandukuri Veeresalingam is now a research library and an ancient monument as declared by the state archaeology department and contains his personal belongings.
While it is the cultural capital, there are many sights to see in Rajahmundry that are fitting for a tourist:
1. The Chitrangi Palace - Named after Raja Raja Narendhras second wife, this is the royal residence.
2. Kambala park - Now a boating club and amusement park, it was constructed as the choultry where death ceremonies took place.
3. Swami Vivekananda statue - One of the biggest statues of Swami Vivekananda in village Kathipudi can be seen from the hilltops of the city.
4. Aalaya Nritya Kalavanam - Also known as The Temple Dance Park, this was built to retain the tradition of dance over the centuries to come.
5. Freedom Fighters Park.
6. Damerla Rama Rao Art Gallery - Dedicated to the well known painter, Damerla Rama Rao.
7. Rallabandi Subbarao Archaeological museum - For interesting artifacts and collections that speak volumes about the citys cultural heritage.
8. P.V. Narasimha Rao Park.
9. Gowthami Park.
These are among the many sights to see in this city. This is surely incentive to take one of the Rajahmundry flights and pay it a visit!
