Anakapalle

Anakapalle is a town and a municipality in the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located approximately 40 kilometers west of Visakhapatnam city. Historically, Anakapalle was known as "Anakapalli" and has a recorded history dating back to the 12th century. It played a significant role during the rule of various dynasties, including the Eastern Chalukyas and the Gajapatis.

The town is situated on the banks of the Sarada River. Anakapalle is renowned for its production of jaggery, earning it the moniker "Jaggery Town of India." The jaggery produced here is exported to various parts of the country and beyond. Agriculture is a dominant sector in the surrounding region, with sugarcane being a primary crop.

Anakapalle is also known for the Bojjannakonda and Lingalakonda rock-cut Buddhist caves, which are ancient archaeological sites dating back to the 4th century CE. These caves offer insights into the history of Buddhism in the region. The town has a well-established market for agricultural produce and is a commercial hub for the surrounding villages. Anakapalle is connected by road and rail, with a railway station on the Howrah-Chennai main line. The local economy is primarily driven by agriculture and related industries, particularly jaggery production.