Chittoor district is an administrative district located in the southern part of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It lies in the Rayalaseema region and shares borders with the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The district headquarters is the town of Chittoor. The district is historically and culturally significant, being home to the temple town of Tirupati before the reorganisation of districts in Andhra Pradesh in 2022.
Key facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| Region | Rayalaseema |
| Headquarters | Chittoor |
| Neighbouring states | Tamil Nadu, Karnataka |
| Official language | Telugu |
Geography
Chittoor district occupies the southernmost part of Andhra Pradesh. The terrain is largely characterised by undulating plains broken by ranges of hills, including parts of the Eastern Ghats and the Seshachalam Hills. Major rivers and streams that drain the district include the Ponnai, Bahuda, Swarnamukhi, and parts of the Palar basin. The climate is generally semi-arid, with the district forming part of the rain-shadow region of the Eastern Ghats.
Administration
The district is administered by a District Collector and Magistrate, supported by Revenue Divisional Officers and Mandal Revenue Officers at lower tiers. Following the reorganisation of districts in Andhra Pradesh in April 2022, parts of the erstwhile Chittoor district were carved out to form the new Tirupati district and Annamayya district. The reorganised Chittoor district retains the town of Chittoor as its headquarters.
History
The region that comprises present-day Chittoor district has been ruled at various times by the Pallavas, Cholas, the Vijayanagara Empire, and later the Nawabs of Arcot before coming under British administration as part of the Madras Presidency. After Indian independence and the formation of Andhra State in 1953, and subsequently Andhra Pradesh in 1956, Chittoor became one of the constituent districts of the state.
Economy
The economy of the district is predominantly agrarian, with mango cultivation being especially prominent; Chittoor is among the major mango-producing belts in India and hosts a number of mango pulp processing units. Other agricultural produce includes groundnut, sugarcane, and paddy. Dairy farming is also widespread, supported by cooperative networks. Industrial activity is concentrated around towns such as Chittoor, with manufacturing and food-processing units forming a notable share of the industrial base.
Culture and notable places
The district is closely associated with Telugu cultural traditions and has several historic temples and pilgrimage sites. Kanipakam, known for the Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple, lies within the district. Horsley Hills, a hill station in the Eastern Ghats, is a notable tourist destination. The district also contains forested zones that are part of broader wildlife conservation areas in the region.
Transport
Chittoor is connected by national highways linking Bengaluru, Tirupati, and Chennai, and is served by the Indian Railways through stations on routes connecting these cities. The proximity to Tirupati Airport and Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport provides air connectivity to the region.
Related topics
- Andhra Pradesh
- Rayalaseema
- Tirupati district
- Annamayya district
- Districts of Andhra Pradesh
- Kanipakam
- Horsley Hills
References
- Wikidata entity: Q15213
- Government of Andhra Pradesh — official district portal