Sricity

Native name	Sri City
Type	Town
Locator position	right
Skyline	Sricity_Sez.JPG‎
Skyline caption	Sri City Aerial View
Official languages	Telugu, Tamil, English,
Population year	2001
Population total	90536
Languages	Telegu, Tamil & English
Literacy	78
State name	Andhra Pradesh
District	Chittoor
Taluk names	Satyavedu
Area telephone	91-8623
Postal code	AP-517588

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

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.

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, , beauty, loveliness and authority. 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”, at an average elevation of about 20 metres above MSL (66 ft) covering parts of Chittoor district and Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh, adjoining Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu state. It is alongside NH 5 which forms part of the Golden Quadrilateral. and is linked with the Aravidu dynasty.

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. 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 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.

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.

The SEZ is administered by Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) & 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, provides for a well-planned development schedule taking into account future dimensions of expansion.

Distances

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. and Chennai every day passing via Sricity (Tada & Arambakkam).

Sea

Chennai Port on the Coromandal Coast. 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.

Ennore Port, is about north of Chennai Port and 40 km south of Sricity. Currently this port handles mainly bulk cargo. Container handling facility is under development. 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 is at Srinivasa Mangapuram situated 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 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 is related with the Bhagwan Parshwanatha(11 C AD). The Idol of the Bhagwan in the Padmasana posture is about 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 from the Chennai metropolis. Accessible via a number of means of transportation, it is a well-known travel destination among domestic and foreign tourists. The archaeological treasures unearthed from the town and its adjoining areas occupy the pride of place at different museums. The Chandragiri Fort, the erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, is also a historical site near the town. Its is also 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- 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. The barrier island of Sriharikota separates the lake from the Bay of Bengal. The island is home to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

Chandragiri Fort - 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.

The town of Madanapalle is at a short distance. This town houses the Horsley Hill Station, 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 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

Ubbalamadugu Falls-(Tada Falls or Kambakam Falls) 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.

Sanitarium: Sanitarium is at a distance of 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: Oneness Temple part of the Oneness University in Battallavallam, Chilamatur Post, Varadaihapalem Mandal, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh – 517541

Rishi Valley School: Rishi Valley is 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.

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 radius around Sricity, there are approximately 71 clinics and 26 hospitals with 214 bed facilities.

External links

Sri City Official Website

SEZ INDIA - List of SEZs in India

Export Promotion Council for EOUs & SEZ Units, Min of Commerce and Industry-Source-Government of India

Chittoor Online, Official Website of Chitoor District - Sri City(SEZ) Ground-breaking Ceremony 08-08-08

Work on the SEZ, coming up in Tada, to begin from Aug 9-Source-Business Standard

An SEZ that will have the best of TN and AP-Source-The Hindu Business Line

Multi-product SEZ at Nellore-Source-The Financial Express

Sri City launches SEZ-The Hindu

Sri City announces launch of SEZ-Source-The Hindu Business Line

Sri City announces South India‘s largest multi-product SEZ-Source-SEZ Times

Sricity on YouTube

References

Category:Cities and towns in Chittoor district Category:Special Economic Zones Industrial Park Category:International trade Category:Tax resistance