Guntakal

Geography

Guntakal is located at 15.17°N 77.38°E / 15.17; 77.38. It has an average elevation of 432 metres (1,417 ft).

Demographics

As per provisional data of 2011 census, Guntakal municipality had a population of 126,479, out of which males were 62,695 and females were 63,784. The literacy rate was 75.70 per cent. Telugu is the official and widely spoken language and other languages spoken include Urdu, Hindi, Kannada, etc.

Culture

Chippagiri is a tomb of eminent Sufi saint Hazrat Sattar Haji Rehmatullahi Alaih, which is visible from the main cross roads and also the Dargah of Sufi saint Hazrat Syed Sultan Mohiyuddin Khadri, also known as Bham Bham Saheb.

Using granites of Chippagiri the cluster of temples was built. Chippagiri is also a place known for Vijayadasa (1682–1755) famous for his Daasa Saahitya who lived here for sometime at the Sri Anjaneya Swamy temple consecrated by Sri Vyasaraja, and reached the Haripada (to reach God or pass away) here famously known as Vijayadasara Katte. The Nettikallu or Nettikanti Anjaneya Swamy temple idol at Kasapuram on outskirts of Guntakal was also installed by Sri Vyasaraja. The Gunthakallappa Swamy Temple at Beerappa street of old Guntakal at the heart of the town, was established long ago. This temple mainly depends on the Kurubas.

Transport

The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation operates bus services from Guntakal bus station. The National Highway 63 passes through the town. State Highway 26 connects Guntakal with Uravakonda.

Railways

Guntakal is a 5 point junction and divisional HQ since from 1953 and is one of the most profitable division in Indian Railways. It has lines branching out to Mumbai, Vascodagama, Howrah, Bangalore and Chennai. It is the second largest division in SCR in route km. It is an 'A' category railway station and numerous trains pass through it daily. Starting from Rajadhani express to Duronto express, all the trains stop at Guntakal and it is a serving station for Bellary. Diesel Loco Shed, Guntakal & Electric Loco Shed is located near by railway station

Education

The primary and secondary school education is imparted by the government, aided and private schools, under the School Education Department of the state. The medium of instruction followed by different schools are English, Telugu.

Penguin Montessori International Preschool & Learning Center is located in Mandy Bazaar, Guntakal, which is specialized in Early childhood Education & Development. Penguin Montessori is managed by young edupreneur Mr. Nagarjun Karnatakam.