Eluru is a city and a municipal corporation in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is the headquarters of West Godavari district and has the population of 214,414 (including Eluru Metropolitan Areas: Eluru, Eluru (R), Gavaravaram, Komadavole (Part), Sanivarapupeta, Satrampadu, Tangellamudi) according to the Cansus 2011. Eluru is situated on the national highway NH 5 connecting Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam and about 333 kilometres (207 mi) east of state capital, Hyderabad. Eluru was earlier called Helapuri and has a rich cultural and political history. It was believed to have been the capital of Vishnukundinas at one time. Kolleru Lake a big fresh water lake is found near Eluru.