Eluru

India · Asia

About Eluru

Eluru ( AY-loo-roo) is a city and the district headquarters of Eluru district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, Historically known as Ellore". It is one of the 14 municipal corporations in the state and the mandal headquarters of Eluru mandal in the Eluru revenue division. Situated on the banks of the Tammileru River, Eluru is strategically positioned in the southeastern part of Andhra Pradesh. It was historically known as Helapuri. As of 2011 Census of India, the city had a population of 214,414, where as Eluru Urban Development Authority has a population around 2,760,160, reflecting its status as a major urban centre. The city's historical significance dates back to the second century CE, with evidence of its ancient roots found in various archaeological sites and historical records. Eluru was a prominent town under the rule of the Qutub Shahis, who governed the region in the 16th century. It came under the control of the Mughal Empire in the 17th century as the empire expanded its influence across South India. The town later became part of the Nawab of Hyderabad's dominions in the 18th century. During British India, Eluru was incorporated into the Madras Presidency and made capital for Northern Circars in the early 19th century. The British established administrative and infrastructural developments in the town, shaping its modern identity.

The city came into headlines after the outbreak in 2020, which was a significant event that drew national attention. The incident involved a mysterious illness that affected hundreds of people, leading to widespread concern and a major public health response. It is situated in the Krishna River Delta region, and is known for its fertile agricultural lands. The city is intersected by various rivers and canals. Kolleru Lake, one of the largest inland freshwater lakes in India is located within a few kilometers from the city.

Eluru has made significant contributions to Indian film and arts through several notable personalities like L. V. Prasad, Silk Smitha, Sekhar Kammula etc. The city plays a crucial role in regional commerce, Eluru is renowned primarily for its pile carpets, though it also manufactures textiles and leather goods. Additionally, the city serves as a key trade hub for fresh water fish, lemon, rice, oilseeds, tobacco, and sugar. Located on the Golden Quadrilateral, the city is well-connected by road, rail, and airways. Alluri Sitarama Raju Stadium, situated in Eluru, is a prominent sports venue named after the celebrated Indian freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju. Eluru's educational landscape includes several notable institutions, such as ASRAM Medical college, Sir C.R. Reddy Educational Institutions, etc, which contribute to the city's reputation as a centre for learning.

Eluru travel guide

Getting there

By plane The nearest airport is Vijayawada (VGA IATA), which is a less than an hour of bus ride away.

By train

1 Eluru SCoR (EE). Eluru has a halt from every train passing through it. Local trains are available between Eluru, Rajahmundry and Vijayawada. (updated May 2026)

By bus APS RTC buses travel to longer distances with in the state as well outside the state, for example to Hyderabad and Bangalore. Private buses -- many private buses travel across the region covering both center city, suburban and rural areas. Parking in the city is improving. It may be easy to park two wheelers, but finding parking for Cars bit harder. Generally parking is provided by the city government as well as the business owners.

Getting around

On foot Almost all the locations in the city can be accessed by foot, all the roads are pedestrian friendly as most of them contains footpaths.

By bus There are two functional bus stations in the city. Eluru New bus station and Eluru Old bus station. Buses ply from these stations based on destinations. Frequent intermediate buses are available in-between them.

By taxi All the roads in Eluru had a minimum width of 3.7 metres which makes travel ease with cars and other four wheelers. Taxi services are also available in the city.

By auto Auto-rikshaw is one of the major transportation modes available in the city. Over 10,000 autos are registered within the city and its suburban areas

Motorbike/Bicycle Motorbiking or cycling in downtown and busy areas can often be quicker than taking the auto-rickshaw or a taxi.

See

1 Eluru Buddha Park. 74 feet statue of Abhaya Buddha in a pond. (updated Feb 2026) 2 Brundavan Park, Pathebad. Recreational park with walking track. (updated Feb 2026) R.R.Pet Park, R.R.Pet. Children park. Janmabhoomi Park, N.R.Pet. Recreational park on the banks of Tammileru river. Holy Land, Sanivarapupeta. Only two of its type in India, present at a distance of 7km from bus station and railway station. DwarakaTirumala. Also known as Chinna Tirupathi, is located at a distance of 40km from the city, is home from Lord Venkateswara. Guntupalli Buddhist Monuments. Located at a distance of 40km from the city. caves carved in ancient period by Buddhists are located here. 3 Kolleru Bird Sanctuary. A bird sanctuary based on one of the largest freshwater lakes in India (updated May 2026)

Do

It is well known for its Traffic Congestion. One should have a look at shopping fest of R.R.Pet Market, 1 Town Fish Market, Jute Mill Industry and 1 Town Market areas on Sunday.

Buy

Central Plaza, R.R.Pet. Only shopping mall in Eluru. CMR Shopping Mall, Trinath Fashions, R.R.Pet. Chandana Brothers, 1 Town. R9000, R.R.Pet. Main Bazar, 1 Town. Sunday Market, R.R, Pet. Opened only on Sundays on R.R.Pet Main Road.

Eat

Appalaraju Military Hotel near Old bus stand Very delicious food. Banana Leaf, ☏ +91 8812-552345. A Multi Cuisine Restaurant in Manya Guestline - A Star Hotel Dosa (a kind of crape). Definitely make sure to eat dosa- a kind of crape at Vasanthamahal center, Hai tea center, or Fire station center. Hotel Grand Aarya, N R Pet. Madhulatha, R. R. Pet.. (updated Jan 2016) Akarsh Pride, R.R. Pet. Biryani House, R.R. Pet. Hotel Athidi International, R.R. Pet. Adithya Central, 1 Town. One of the star hotels in Eluru. Ravi Sweets, R.R.Pet. Sweet Magic, R.R.Pet Ibaco Ice Cream Parlour, R.R.Pet.

Drink & nightlife

Kaju Juice (R.R Pet). Sugandhi Soda (near old bus stand). Friends Fruit Juice (R.R.Pet)

Sleep

Athidi, R. R. Pet. Three-star hotel. Manya Guestline, ☏ +91 8812-226922. One of the star hotels in Eluru. (updated Oct 2016) Surya Residency. Valentino. , R.R.Pet. Vasanth Mahal. , Jute Mill Center. Hotel Usha Valentine, R.R. Pet. Haritha Resort Gudivakalanka, Gudivadalanaka. Kolleru lake resort hotel. Aditya Ceentral, 1-Town. (updated Nov 2017)

Go next

Palakollu Amaravati Dwarakatirumala Guntur Vijayawada

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.