Bobbili, town in Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh, India
Bobbili is a small town in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. At its center sits a palace surrounded by narrow streets, and an industrial area called APIDC lies just outside the town limits.
Bobbili was founded in the 17th century as a place of local rulers and fortifications. The Battle of Bobbili in 1757 is famous for the courage of local warriors who fought against a force backed by the French.
The name comes from Sher Muhammad Khan and originally meant the great tiger. The craft of making the Bobbili Veena, a traditional stringed instrument, has shaped the town's cultural identity for three centuries.
You can reach the town easily from Vizianagaram or Visakhapatnam by bus, train, or taxi. It helps to visit the old town center and temples early, then explore craft workshops and surrounding villages at a leisurely pace.
Some parts of the palace are locked and shown only with special permission. Inside, vintage cars are kept in garages, telling stories of the past.
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