Nellore, once known as Vikramasimhapuri, is situated on the south bank of
Pennar River. It is the district headquarters of
Nellore District. The greatest of the Telugu poets, Tikkana Somayaji who translated the
Mahabharata into
Telugu, lived at Nellore.
Nellore is famous for rice, and aquaculture which includes prawn and fish. Over the years Nellore has grown very much, its proximity to the sea as well as its central location in this agricultural heartland, being conducive factors.
The population of Nellore city is approximately 380,000. The summer season begins in the month of March and continues till May. The month of June ushers in the south-west monsoon which provides rain till September. The north-west monsoon period begins in October and lasts till December and the winter season lasts till February. Nellore enjoys a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 42-29°C during summers and 30-18°C during winters.
Nellore is an important market center for products such as cotton and oilseed. The Southern Railways network and
National Highway 5 serve the city. Nellore Railway Station enjoys a signficant position in the Southern Railways network. The nearest airport is at Chennai (170 km).
Places of historical importance include the Ranganayakula temple on the bank of the river Pennar, the Udayagiri Fort, the Narasimha Konda,
Penchalakona, Venkatagiri Fort, Mypadu Beach and the
Krishnapatnam Port.
