Sricity

Sri City
—  town  —
Sri City Aerial View
Sri City Location of Sri City in Andhra Pradesh and India
Coordinates
Country	India
State	Andhra Pradesh
District(s)	Chittoor
Subdistrict(s)	Satyavedu
Population	90,536
Literacy	78%
Official languages	Telugu, Tamil, English,
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Codes • Pincode • AP-517588 • Telephone • +91-8623

Sricity or Sri City is a Planned Integrated Business City (Township) located 55 km North of Chennai on NH 5 along the border of Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Tamil Nadu (TN) States of India. Much of Sricity area is in Chittoor District and a smaller area along the NH5^[1] is in Nellore District of AP, adjacent to Tiruvallur District of TN.

The Satish Dhawan Space Centre (aka SHAR), India’s Satellite/Rocket launching centre is located at Sriharikota, on the eastern side of the Pulicat Lake which separates Sricity and the Satellite launching station.^{[2] [3]}

Contents 1 Etymology 2 Location 3 History 4 Languages 5 Demographics 6 Economy 6.1 Operational Companies 7 SEZ 8 Distances[17] 9 Transportation 9.1 Air 9.2 Rail 9.3 Sea 9.4 Road 10 Geography & Climate 10.1 Geography 10.2 Climate 10.3 Soils 10.4 Flora 10.5 Fauna 11 Places of interest 11.1 Tirumala Venkateswara Temple 11.2 Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple 11.3 Sri Padmavathi Ammavari, Thiruchanoor (Alamelumangai) 11.4 Srikalahasti temple 11.5 Narayanavanam 11.6 Parshwanatha Jain Temple, Chandragiri 11.7 Hare Rama Hare Krishna Mandir, Tirupati 11.8 Kanipakam Vinayak Temple, Kanipakam 12 Recreation 12.1 Pulicat Lake 12.2 Satish Dhawan Space Center, SHAR 12.3 Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary 12.4 Chengalamma Temple 12.5 Ubbalamadugu Falls 12.6 Chandragiri Fort 12.7 Madanapalle 12.8 Sanitarium 12.9 Oneness Temple 12.10 Rishi Valley School 12.11 Nagari, Andhra Pradesh 13 External links 14 References

Etymology

The Name Sricity is inspired by the title SRI Telugu:శ్రీ, Tamil:ஸ்ரீ derived from Sanskrit. Sri is the sacred sound of cosmic auspiciousness and abundance in Hindu religion. Written as Sri or Shree or Sree or Shri, it stands for abundance, auspiciousness, affluence, grace, wealth, light, luster, splendor, beauty, loveliness and authority.^[4] The symbol has been used since Vedic times. Holiness is attached to the word when written or spoken. It is also added before a name to show respect.

Sri is mentioned largely in all renowned temple towns in the region, Srikalahasti, Sriperumbudur and Sriharikota. The famous Tirumala - Tirupati the abode of Lord Sri Venkateshwara (aka Srinivasa, Balaji) is also located in same district.

After the symbol Aum (ॐ) and Swastika, Sri is the most popular symbol used in Hinduism. Sri is also the sacred of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Location

Sricity is situated between North Latitudes of 13°29’50” & 13°34’40” and East Longitudes of 79°57’30” & 80°02’50”,^[5] at an average elevation of about 20 metres above MSL (66 ft) covering parts of Chittoor district and Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. It is alongside NH 5 which forms part of the Golden Quadrilateral.^[3]

History

The District has hundreds of monuments, memorial rocks and memorials. The Historical Memorials date back to over 1000 years.

The history of the district, which was carved out in 1905 from then Cuddapah, Nellore and North Arcot districts, has been shaped by the ups and downs of several Dravidian kingdoms. It was a British military post until 1884. Back to 1000 years when the region was dominated by Vijayanagara Empire^[6] and is linked with the Aravidu dynasty.^[7]

Languages

Being the border town, both Telugu and Tamil are spoken. Telugu is official language of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil is the official language in Tamil Nadu.^[8] Most of the educated populace speak English and are bi or tri-lingual.

Demographics

Sricity forms part of Satyavedu and Varadaiahpalem mandals of Chittoor District. It is part of the Satyavedu constituency and Tirupati MP constituency. The population of the constituency is estimated over 90536, with a literacy rate of 78.98, well over national rate of Literacy in India which stand at 61%. SOURCE: Demographics of India, 2001 Census

Economy

Moving with times, Sricity is on its way to becoming a hub^[9] for large and medium scale industries, such as Engineering, Electronics, Automotive, Aerospace, Apparel, Renewable Energy, Biotech/Pharma, Sporting Equipment & Toys, Logistics and Warehousing, IT/ITES/BPO, Education & Training Institutes, other Eco-Friendly Industries.

Operational Companies

• Kobelco^[10]
• VRV India Cryogenic Equipment^[11]
• Venture Automotive Tooling India Pvt. Ltd.
• BFG International Private Limited
• Kobelco Construction Equipment India Pvt.Ltd.
• Amphenol Mobile Communication Products India Private Limited
• Lovepac Converting Private Limited
• Tablets India Limited^[12]
• Rockworth Systems Furniture (India) Private Limited
• Saakar Printing Design and Engineering Private Limited

SEZ

The Integrated Township includes various Zones: Industrial, Residential, Educational, Commercial and Recreational.

The Industrial Zone includes a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for Export Oriented Industry and Domestic Tariff Zone (DTZ) for Domestic Industry. It is a business destination for global companies to establish Manufacturing, Services and Trading operations in India.^[13]

The SEZ is administered by Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC)^[14] & Industrial Area Local Authority (IALA). The Government appointed officer controls the planning and building approval processes. A Commissioner appointed by the Government of India, Ministry of Commerce, administers the (SEZ) area.

One of India's largest multi product Special Economic Zone Sricity (SEZ) is in functional partnership with the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) which is the premier organization in the state of Andhra Pradesh and equivalent to TIDCO. Its vested with the objective of providing industrial infrastructure through the development of industrial areas.

The SEZ is master-planned and designed by Jurong Consultants, Singapore,^[15] provides for a well-planned development schedule taking into account future dimensions of expansion.^[16]

Distances^[17]

Transportation

Air

Chennai International Airport (MAS) is 90 minute drive from/to Sricity, and Tirupati Airport (TIR) is also 90 minute drive.^[1][17]

Chennai International Airport is the third largest international gateway into the country and the third busiest airport in India after Mumbai and Delhi. It is the main air hub for south India, currently handling over 10 million passengers and serving more than 50 different airlines. It is also an important cargo terminus for the country, after Mumbai. The international cargo-handling facilities at Chennai have a turnaround time of 24 hours. ^[17]

Rail

Sricity is in between two Railway Stations, Tada on the North and Arambakkam on the South. Express Trains connecting Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkota, and Delhi stop at Sullurpeta which is 12 km (7.5 mi) away from Sricity. Mumbai bound trains stop at Renigunta. Nearly 30 suburban trains operate between Sullurpeta^[18] and Chennai every day passing via Sricity (Tada & Arambakkam).

Sea

Chennai Port on the Coromandal Coast. 65 km (40 mi) from Sricity. Strategically located and well connected with major parts of the world, it is today a major Indian Port. It has direct services to Singapore, China, Europe and US.^[19]

Ennore Port, is about 24 km (15 mi) north of Chennai Port and 40 km south of Sricity. Currently this port handles mainly bulk cargo. Container handling facility is under development.^[19]

Krishnapatnam Port is located 100 km (62 mi) to the north of Sricity, on the east coast of India in Nellore District of Andhra Pradesh. ^[19]

Road

Travelling to Sricity is made possible by number of buses (TNSTC, APSRTC) and other private transport providers, and taxis.

Geography & Climate

Geography

Sricity is about (70 km²) in Size, though all the area within does not belong to Sricity IALA. The area includes the neighboring villages, water bodies and state forest lands. The terrain slopes gradually from an elevation of about 30 meters above MSL at the South West corner to about 7 meters towards the North East corner of Sricity. A Creek (Karipeti Kalava) flows through Sricity passing through a number of Lakes on the way before joining Pulicat Lake North of Tada. There is a state forest on the western boundary. Telugu Ganga project carrying Krishna River water to Chennai City passes along the western boundary of Sricity.

Climate

The area experiences both the Southwest monsoon & Northeast monsoon. In between there are lull periods. The average rainfall per annum as recorded at rain gauge stations at Satyavedu is 1305mm.

• mid May to mid August – Southwest monsoon
• mid August to mid October – Transition / calm period
• mid October to mid January – Northeast monsoon
• mid January to mid May – Transition / calm period

Soils

The soils of the area can be broadly classified as

• Latosolic developed on the coastal Laterite
• Yellow Podzolic soils formed on the sandy sheet of alluvium and
• The transition located at the contact of Laterite and Alluvium is Podozolic – Latosolic soil.

Latosols: Soils formed due to lateralization are called as ‘Latosols’ or ‘Latosolic soils’. This will have local accumulation of ‘iron’ and ‘alumina’ pockets. In fact, it is the iron rich pockets that contribute to the building material. This becomes hard and compact on exposure to drying. A thin regolith forms on the laterite. Latosols with the characteristic red color are seen on the laterite in the area under study. This covers nearly 30% of the area.

Yellow Pedozolic (Podsol) soils: These are developed on the sandy parent material, as noticed on the eastern part of the area under report. As the name indicates, the color of the soil is yellowish. This occupies nearly 40% of the area.

Pedozolic – Latsolic soils: This is the transition between the Latosols and Pedozolic soil. It is mostly observed in the vicinity of the contact between the laterite and the alluvium. This accounts to 30% coverage.

Flora

Trees – Red Sanders Wood (Pterocarpus santalinus) is the specialty of this area. Red sanders wood is the heartwood of Pterocarpus santalinus, Linne filius (N.O. Leguminosoe), a small tree indigenous to Southern India^[20] and the Philippine Islands. During the Middle Ages it was classed as a spice and used for culinary purposes, and at one time it was supposed to possess medicinal properties. It’s also called Raktachandan. The literal meaning of Raktachandan is blood colored sandalwood. This kind of wood has a special and unique rust red color and it is used to carve out a number of products. The red sandalwood is also used for carving panels, framework and traditional dolls.

Mesophytic type of flora like Syzygium cumini (Neredu), Pongamia ghaira (Kanuga) & large trees of Terminalia arjuna (Erramaddi and Tellamaddi) are found. Large trees of mango, Phoenix sylvestris (lta) & different types of grass along water courses are also seen.

Fauna

A number of species among birds exist in this district. Among the birds, the Large Grey Babbler (Turdoides malcolmi), the Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor), the king crows, mynas and crows, bee-eaters, hoopoes, swifts, vultures, eagles, kites, owls, sand grouse, quails, partridges, green pigeons, pigeons and peacock are also found in the district. The commonly found herbivora present in the district include Sambar (deer) (Rusa unicolor), Blackbuck (Antelope cervicapse), Chital (Axis Axis), wild sheep - (Civis cycloceros), mouse deer (Memina indica), hare (Lapium finidus) and rabbit.

Places of interest

The district boasts few of the finest ancient/modern temples of the country.

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

Tirumala Temple of Lord Sri Venkateshwara (Balaji). The abode of the 'Kaliyuga' deity Lord Venkateswara popularly known as Balaji, Tirupati has for centuries remained a destination divine and this feeling grows on one as one goes round the various temples and spots of natural beauty surrounding this major town. In fact, the government has proposed to give special status to the town on the lines of the Vatican City. Lying at the southern tip of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh, the district has a number of perennial water falls and vast forest cover.

Nestled among high Eastern Ghats, Tirumala can be reached only after covering the range of hills. The presiding deity Lord Venkateswara is also referred to as Lord of the Seven Hills. Patronized by Pallavas, Pandyas, Cholas, Vijayanagar kings and later by the king of Mysore, the temple finds a mention in the Sastras and Puranas. The main temple is a magnificent example of the fine Indian temple architecture. Both the Vimana over the sanctum sanctorum and the Dhwajasthambam (temple flag-post) are plated with gold.

Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple

Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami temple^[21] is at Srinivasa Mangapuram situated 12 km (7.5 mi) to the west of Tirupati. According to legend, Lord Venkateswara stayed here after his marriage with Sri Padmavathi Devi, before proceeding to Tirumala. Annual Brahmotsavam and Sakshatkara Vaibhavam are celebrated in grand manner.

Sri Padmavathi Ammavari, Thiruchanoor (Alamelumangai)

The Temple of Sri Padmavathi Ammavari is located at Thiruchanoor is also called Alamelumangapuram after the local deity. Thiruchanoor is a 5 km (3.1 mi) drive from Tirupati.

Alamelumangamma is actually the incarnation of Lord Mahalakshmi. Alamelumangamma came the river banks of River Swarnamukhi when Lord Mahavishnu, in the avatar of Sri Venkateswara showed his reverence towards the sage Bhrigu Maharshi who kicked Vishnu with his leg. Alamelumangamma stayed in the Paatala lokam for 12 years and came out in the 13th year in a Golden Lotus.

The other temples in the temple compound are: Sri Krishnaswamy Temple, Sri Sundara Rajaswamivari Temple and Sri Suryanarayana Swamivari Temple.

Srikalahasti temple

Srikalahasti temple in South India, occupies a place of eminence among the holy Siva kshetras. The temple is called as Dakshina Kailasam located on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi. The architecture of Srikalahasti Temple is extraordinary; it has three massive Gopurams which are breathtaking. Another striking feature of the temple is its huge Mantapam with hundred pillars.

The deities worshiped in Srikalahasti Temple are Srikalahastiswara and his spouse Gnanaprasunambika. The Chola rulers constructed the main temple. In 11th century A.D., the Chola king Kuluthungal built the Caligopuram. While in the 12th century AD Veeranarashimha Yadavaraya contributed to the construction of the temple by constructing the compound wall or Prakara and the four Gopurams. In 1516 A. D., the great Chola King Krishnadevaraya built the hige 100 pillared Mandapa. The inscriptions on the temple inform that it was built by the great Pallava kings and followed by the Tondaman Chakravarthi (Pandyam Kings).

Narayanavanam

Narayanavanam is one of the holy villages in Andhra Pradesh. There is a famous temple of god of Kaliyuga, Venkateswara Swamy. Narayanavanam is the place where lord Venkateswara swamy married goddess Padmavati. The proof is also available in the temple. There are some more famous temples in Narayanavanam like Sorakaya Swami temple, Parasareswara swamy temple, Renuka parameswari temple, Aghastheswarswamy temple, Avanakshamma temple, Lord Narasimha swamy in singiri perumal kona and more. Narayanavanam is a temple town.

Parshwanatha Jain Temple, Chandragiri

The ancient Parshwanatha Jain Temple^[22] is related with the Bhagwan Parshwanatha(11 C AD). The Idol of the Bhagwan in the Padmasana posture is about 4 feet (1.2 m) high. Another idol of Bhagwan Parshwanatha dating to 12 C AD in the Kayotsarga posture flanked with Daranendra Yaksha and Padmavathi Yakshi is seen at this place.

Hare Rama Hare Krishna Mandir, Tirupati

The Hare Rama Hare Krishna temple is one of the modern temples in the Temple town of Tirupati. The temple is the best place in the town to learn about regions and get spiritual understanding about India with a special focus on Shri Krishna. Recital and discussions on Bhagavad-Gita tells us how one should live as according to Lord Krishna. Poojas and Bhajans are regularly held at the temple.

Kanipakam Vinayak Temple, Kanipakam

Many visitors to this temple say that this 11th century temple is truly a classical Hindu temple as well as a tourist location that any tourist visiting this part of the country can miss visiting. The Kanipakam Vinayak Temple has the swayam-bhu idol of Lord Vinayaka (Ganesh).

Recreation

As a small town it is steeped in history and culture. The town is located at a distance of 55 km (34 mi) from the Chennai metropolis. Accessible via a number of means of transportation, it is a well-known travel destination among domestic and foreign tourists.^[23] The archaeological treasures unearthed from the town and its adjoining areas occupy the pride of place at different museums. The Chandragiri Fort is known for its architectural marvels including the Srikalahasti Temple, the Kanipakam Temple and so on. The ancient temples dedicated to Lakshminarayan and Mukkantisvara are also located at Kalavagunta village.

Pulicat Lake

Pilicat Lake ^[24] is the second largest brackish – water lake or lagoon in India. It straddles the border of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh states on the Coromandal Coast in South India. The lake encompasses the Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary.

Satish Dhawan Space Center, SHAR

The barrier island of Sriharikota separates the lake from the Bay of Bengal. The island is home to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. India's spaceport - Satish Dhawan Space Center, SHAR, Sriharikota High Altitude Range, which is 27 km (17 mi) from Sricity.^[3] It called SHAR (Sriharikota range) by the local people. There is also a forest inside Sriharikota which is wonderful to view. The Sriharikota rocket launch station itself is located in the Sriharikota forest itself.

Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary

At a distance of is another major attraction close to Sricity.^[25] Nelapattu Bird sanctuary is one of the largest pelican resting places with more than 1,500 pelicans visiting annually. The sanctuary is also a breeding ground for rare and endangered species like grey pelicans, little cormorants, open bill storks and spoon bills. The sanctuary is located near Nelapattu village in between Sullurpeta and Naidupeta and is maintained by the Wild Life Division of the Forest Department.

The main destination is the twin bird sanctuaries - Pulicat and Nelapattu, where one can sight flamingos, grey pelicans, open billed storks, painted storks, white ibis, coots, black winged stilts, cormorants, egrets, herons, garganey teals, pin-tailed ducks, dabchicks and Indian moorhen. While pelicans, painted and open-billed storks, egrets and herons breed here, other birds are only winter visitors.

Chengalamma Temple

The Chengalamma Temple is at a distance of 12km from Sricity. Goddess Chengalamma Parameswari manifested herself in the village of Sullurpeta on the Kolkata-Chennai highway and the temple for her was built on the bank of the Kanlangi river. History tells us that it was established during the fourth and fifth centuries. People also refer to her as the village goddess “Tenkali”. With the passage of time, she is being worshipped regularly by devotees as Chengalamma. Devotees turn up in large number to witness “Chengalamma Jatara” (fair).^[26]

The Village goddess who was called Tankali gained reputation as Sullurpeta Chengalamma Thalli and her idol in the temple faces the sea. Devotees from different parts of the State visit the place and fulfil their vows, referring the goddess as the mother who grants boons liberally. The naturally-formed image of the goddess adorning the hanging roots (vooda) of the banyan tree is really an awe-inspiring spectacle.

Ubbalamadugu Falls

(Tada Falls or Kambakam Falls)^[27] is a very beautiful waterfall. Its a relatively little known tourist destination and locally called as Ubbalamadugu Falls, hillocks and greenery. Ideal place for hiking, trekking and picnics.

Chandragiri Fort

The Chandragiri Fort, the erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, is also a historical site near the town. The Rangini Mahal, the palace of the Sultan, is also one of the tourist attractions among visitors. The town can also serve as a center for touring all adjoining areas like Chandragiri, Gurramkonda historical site, Ardhagiri and so on. All places of interest are well connected via road.

Madanapalle

The town of Madanapalle is at a short distance. This town houses the Horsley Hill Station,^[28] a favorite hill resort among tourists. Horsley Hills is at an altitude of 1266 meters. An English Civil officer called Horsily made this place his summer resort in 1870. The guest houses built by him are still here. There is a 7 km (4.3 mi) ghat road.

A trip to this hill station is sure to be a pleasant experience for all. Vacationers can also explore the Yelampalli forest or arrange for a picnic near the waterfalls at Kailashnath Kona. The district offers an emerald landscape with fields of grains and mango trees, peanut plantations and sugarcane fields. The town is also in close proximity to the wildlife sanctuaries of South India, so it is also a favorite spot among nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts

Sanitarium

Sanitarium is at a distance of 13 km (8.1 mi) from Madanapalli. It is at a height of 7–10 meters from sea level. It is a health resort. The TB Sanitarium is one of the biggest of such centers in the State.

Oneness Temple

The Oneness Temple^[29] Oneness Temple part of the Oneness University in Battallavallam, Chilamatur Post, Varadaihapalem Mandal, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh – 517541

Rishi Valley School

Rishi Valley is 6 km (3.7 mi) away from Madanapalli. Established in 1950 the valley is adjacent to Rishikonda and a residential school is established here. It is recognized by the Government of India.^[30]

Nagari, Andhra Pradesh

It is on the River of Kusaphali banks. Once upon a time kusa or Darbha was plenty here. So the river got the name Kusaphali.

In the 55 km (34 mi) radius around Sricity, there are approximately 71 clinics and 26 hospitals with 214 bed facilities.

External links

• [24] Sri City Official Website
• [25] SEZ INDIA - List of SEZs in India
• [26] Export Promotion Council for EOUs & SEZ Units, Min of Commerce and Industry-Source-Government of India
• [27] Chittoor Online, Official Website of Chitoor District - Sri City(SEZ) Ground-breaking Ceremony 08-08-08
• [28] Work on the SEZ, coming up in Tada, to begin from Aug 9-Source-Business Standard
• [29] An SEZ that will have the best of TN and AP-Source-The Hindu Business Line
• [30] Multi-product SEZ at Nellore-Source-The Financial Express
• [31] Sri City launches SEZ-The Hindu
• [32] Sri City announces launch of SEZ-Source-The Hindu Business Line
• [33] Sri City announces South India‘s largest multi-product SEZ-Source-SEZ Times
• [34] Sricity on YouTube

References