In 1925, Godavari District was split into West and East Godavari districts. West Godavari of
Andhra Pradesh covers an area of 7,742 sq km of land. It has a population of over 3 million. The literacy rate is second in the state, being next to
Hyderabad District.
Eluru is the district headquarters. The climate is very hot in summer. Summer lasts from February to June, and with the arrival of the south-west monsoon, it rains till September. From October to February, it is pleasant. The rainfall received averages to 1,076 mm.
Forests occupy about 10 percent of land of West Godavari District and they are found in the northern part only. Papi hills have a good reserve of timber and bamboo.
Fishing industry is prosperous here. The Godavari,
Kolleru Lake and the upper dam areas have fishing ponds.
Tourist destinations include
Dwaraka Tirumala, Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Sri Veerabhadra Temple,
Palakollu, Bhimavaram, Kolleru bird sanctuary and Kovvur. The best season to visit is October to May.
