30 Best Tourist Places in Kurnool

Kurnool is a tiny Andhra Pradesh town with a beautiful history and surroundings. The city is also known as The Gateway of Rayalaseema.

Kurnool is home to the remnants of Gopal Raju's palace, the last Hindu king, the summer palace that Kurnool kings built in the sixteenth century and the ruins of a Vijaynagar Empire fort with old Persian and Arabic inscriptions.

Kurnool is taken from the name Kandanavlu or Kandanlu, a former crossing point across the Tungabadra River. The Paleolithic-era Ketavaram rock paintings and the Belum Caves have historical significance for the city. Here refer some popular tourist places in Kurnool.

1. Yaganti

Yaganti is located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district. The historic Sri Yagantiswamy temple was built in the fifth and sixth centuries. The Ardhanareeswara idol, representing Shiva and Parvathi, is placed in the temple.

Perhaps Yaganti is the only temple where Lord Shiva is worshipped as an idol rather than as the Shiva Linga. Water flows from the base of the hill into the Agastya Pushkarni at the temple all year.

In Yaganti, there are numerous cave temples close to the main temple. Caves contain the location where saint Agastya underwent penance to obtain Lord Shiva's blessings.

• Time: 6:00 AM-1:00 PM and 3:00 PM-8:00 PM

2. Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary

The 614 sq km Rollapadu wildlife sanctuary is located in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district. The region is home to two rare species, the Great Indian Bustard and the Lesser Florican.

Numerous birds and reptiles are housed in the vast wildlife sanctuary. From Indian rollers, Russell's vipers, and Indian cobras to Blackbucks, sparrows, bonnets, and mynas. Here, a variety of rare species can be seen. An artificial water reservoir is kept for animal consumption and serves as a second reservoir for rainfall gathering.

• Hours: 7 AM to 6 PM
• Price: Paid entrance fee

3. Belum Caves

After the Krem Liat Prah in Meghalaya, Belum Caves are the largest cave in India. The caves, well-known for their unusual forms, including stalactite and stalagmite (stalagmites grow upward from the cave floor, stalactites grow downward from the cave roof), were created millions of years ago.

The cave features numerous long passages, galleries, sizable freshwater cavities, and water tunnels. Three magnificent sinkholes can be found. A massive statue of Lord Buddha was erected forty feet above the caves.

• Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Price: Foreigners pay INR 300; Indians pay INR 50 as an entry fee.

4. Konda Reddy Fort Or Kondareddy Buruju

The Konda Reddy Fort, often referred to as Kurnool Fort or Kondareddy Buruju, is the most significant attraction in Kurnool and is located about two kilometres from the railway station. Although the fort has significantly suffered from ruins, it remains one of the town's top attractions and has long served as a landmark for Kurnool.

The Vijayanagar Empire's kings constructed the structure. The unassuming building, which formerly contained a tunnel that crossed the Tungabhadra River below, still has a magnificent watchtower that overlooks the city that has grown up around it.

• Time: 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

5. Gandikota

The charming town of Gandikota is located in the Kadapa region of Andhra Pradesh and is affectionately referred to as the "Grand Canyon of India." The city, bordered by River Pennar on the right, is well-known for the breathtaking canyons the river has carved into the Erramala Hills.

The towering stone walls and narrow valleys with streams symbolize Arizona's well-known Grand Canyon. The 13th-century Gandikota Fort ruins, the village's primary attraction, are 1.5 hour drive from Belum Caves. The massive fort is surrounded on two sides by the Pennar gorges and a magnificent 5-mile wall.

The interior of the red sandstone fort is decorated with impressive sculptures. Additionally, it provides vast glimpses of the valleys and hills below. Visitors can see several buildings inside the fort, including a garden, a jail, and the remains of a few temples.

6. Mantralayam

A sacred town in Andhra Pradesh called Mantralayam has located 250 km from the state's capital, Hyderabad, and 74 kilometres from the Kurnool district. A short distance from the Karnataka border, it is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.

Mantralayam is named after Sri Guru Raghavendra Swami, a respected figure who attained samadhi in the 17th century while still living in front of his followers. He was a Madhwa saint and is said to be the reincarnation of Prahlada, a daitya king who was saved by Lord Vishnu's Narasimha avatar.

The Temple and Mutt "complex" is this place's principal attraction. The temple elephants and chariots used to transport the deity around the temple on essential occasions are excellent, in addition to the Tungabhadra River being a magnificent sight to view.

7. Venugoplaswami Temple

In Andhra Pradesh, we can find many well-known Hindu temples. Lord Venugopalaswami (Lord Vishnu) and his wives Sathyabhama, Ammavaru and Rukmini, are worshipped at one temple. Many people come to this temple from around Andhra Pradesh every day. Every year, pilgrims come to the Venugopalaswami Temple. It receives heavy foot traffic due to celebrating several festivals, particularly Gokulashtami, Teppotsavam, etc.

It Is Famous For

• The architecture of the Venugopalaswami Temple is renowned, and it immediately draws visitors' attention.
• Lord Venugopalaswami's aarti is performed four times each day.
• The festivals of Janmashtami, Kalyanotsava, Sankranti Mahotsavam, Vaikuntha Ekadasi, Gokulashtami, Teppotsavam, and Garuda Vahana Seva are all enthusiastically observed here by the pilgrims.

8. Nagareswarasawami

One of Kurnool's most important religious places is the temple of Nagareswarasawami. Throughout the year, tourists and people visit the temple, and the people of Kurnool have greatly respected this location since ancient times. Every day, many worshippers express their respect, and the residents have a lot of faith in this historic temple.

9. Ahobilam Temple

The only temple where worshippers can see the deity in all nine of its incarnations is Ahobilam Temple, which is devoted to Lord Narasimha Swami. Ahobilam is supposed to be the centre of Adishesha, which spreads throughout the Nalmalla Hills. The temple, constructed in the Vijayanagara architectural style, contains images of all nine avatars of Lord Narasimha Swami.

10. Oravakallu Rock Garden

Kurnool contains a few familiar landscapes. One fascinating stretch is an area with igneous rock formations (derived from the Latin for fire, when molten rock starts to cool and crystallize). There is a restaurant, a cave museum, a small pond, and boating facilities here. This region in Kurnool is a must-visit because it is a less specific hiking area and a more exciting picnic location.

• Timings: From sunrise till sunset

11. Tomb of Abdul Wahab

On the River Handri, the 17th-century structure known as the Tomb of Abdul Wahab is situated. When Abdul Wahab Khan, the first Nawab of Kurnool, died, the tomb was built. It features beautiful craftsmanship, two magnificent domes, verandahs, arches, and more.

The tomb has just completed renovations and is currently in much better shape. This monument is close to Osmania College and is called Gol Gummaz since it resembles Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur.

12. Buddha Statue

The Buddha Statue represents some of the best Buddhist and Jain monuments. The Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh is where it is situated. The statue is a stunning and alluring depiction of the contributions made by the priests to these caves.

The 40-foot-tall Buddha Statue in Kurnool was built by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC). The statue cost about ten lakh rupees and was presented to the public in 2005.

Since it is a well-known sight, passing tourists pause to take pictures of the attraction. The statue is 60 feet tall when measured, including the pedestal height and the lotus that surrounds the monument's base.

13. Saibaba Temple

A star-shaped temple on the banks of the Tungabhadra is one of Kurnool's most well-known religious sites, and it seems to be very active during the monsoon season. Inside are 16 magnificent rooms and a statue of Shri Sai Baba made of sparkling white marble.

14. SRS Matha Mantralayam

Many knowledgeable individuals in India adorn the SRS Matha Mantralayam, descended from Hamsa Naamaka Paramatma, and Sri Mahwacharya of Dwaita Vedanta launched the matha. Sri Padmanabha Teertha, one of his pupils, was chosen as the primary instructor. Today, it is an important holy place where visitors can learn about customary rituals.

15. Mahanandi

The fascinating Nallamala Hills are situated to its west, and Mahanandi is a picturesque village in the district surrounded by thick forestation. The town contains one of the nine shrines to Lord Nandi, also known as Nava Nandulu. The Mahanandi Swara Swami temple, a historic temple from the 10th century, is what makes the city famous. Every year during Mahashivratri, the village attracts pilgrims.

16. Sakshi Ganapati Temple

A little, modest Ganesha shrine located in a beautiful location is called the Sakshi Ganapati Temple. According to devotees, Lord Ganesha knows every visitor to the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga.

He keeps a record and offers Lord Shiva the information. Therefore, worshipers come to this temple first to register their visit before going to any other temple in Srisailam. This temple's sanctum is reachable after a quick 10-step ascent. The most appealing aspect of the temple is its location in the middle of a dense forest.

17. Nava Narsimha Temple

The Nava Narsimha Temples are of great religious significance in the area and are situated in picturesque hills covered in dense forestation. The temples worship Lord Narasimha in his nine incarnations and are located across the mountain.

The temples can find stone idols of the deity in each of their forms. Most followers visit all the temples in the area in a single journey.

18. Raghvendra Swamy Brindavana

On the banks of the beautiful River Tungabhadra, visitors can find Raghvendra Swamy Brindavana. Swamiji Sri Mula Ramadevara frequently visits it for his blessings. The Brindavan is only accessible to followers while Swamiji is at the matha, and swami delivers Mantrakshata to the followers while on his journey.

At the Brindavan, there is also Guru Raghavendra Swami's Samadhi, which is accessible to followers during the darshan hours.

19. Shivaji Spoorthy Kendra

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj worshipped at the Shivaji Spoorthy Kendra before getting to the king. When historians Vadlamudi Ram Mohan Rao and Meero Panth Pingle visited Srisailam and witnessed the area's deteriorating condition, they decided to construct the Kendra.

A 12-foot-tall bronze monument of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was later erected after Kendra's Bhoomi pooja, performed in 1983. To inspire Indian youth with Shivaji Maharaj's ideas and preserve his historic achievement, the Kendra was primarily founded for this goal.

20. Shikaresvara Temple

Shikaresvara Temple, dedicated to Veera Shankara Swami, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, is situated on Srisailam's tallest hill. When Lord Shiva was satisfied with the devotees' enthusiasm to bless them, it is thought that he was revealed as Veera Shankara Swami.

A temple is suitable for photography because it provides a beautiful view of the mountain peaks and the attractive River Krishna.

21. Sri Mahayogi Laxmamma Avva Temple

Sri Mahayogi Laxmamma Avva Temple is the name of the Lakshmamma (sometimes called Avva) temple. She was born into a low-income Dalit family, had little means of support, and was stigmatized as insane since she frequently observed her muttering to herself. However, some did not doubt her abilities and gave her food and clothing till she was alive.

22. Jumma Masjid

Madu Qadiri, a governor who served Adil Shah, constructed the Jumma Masjid, a mosque, in the seventeenth century. The mosque's excellent architecture, which features lovely minarets, spectacular domes, and big prayer halls, makes it a popular tourist destination.

23. Ranamandala Konda

An important religious site in the area is Ranamandala Konda. It is said that Lord Rama discharged an arrow at this location during their exile, creating a lake to supply Goddess Sita with water.

Lord Hanuman is said to have fought demons here to keep Rama from being disturbed. The famous Ranamandala Anjaneya Swamy temple, a shrine without a roof, is another site feature.

24. Iswaraswami Temple

One of the oldest temples in the area is Iswaraswami Temple, which is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The temple's serene environment is ideal for those looking to escape the city's noise.

25. Sri Ranganayaka Swamy Temple

Krishnadvaraya of the Vijayanagara Dynasty built the Sri Ranganayaka Swamy Temple in the 18th century because he desired to build a temple similar to the one at Srirangam.

Later, he had a dream in which Lord Vishnu informed him that an eagle would lead him to the site where the temple was to be completed. All visitors will enjoy the stunning Vijayanagara structure's architectural beauty.

26. Adoni Fort

In the fifteenth century, the Vijayanagara Dynasty erected the historical site, Adoni Fort. Its walls cover over 50 kilometres, making it the largest fort in the nation. The fort served as a military base.

The Bijapur Sultanate held the defence after the Vijayanagara kingdom fell, and later, after Tipu Sultan was defeated, it came under British rule. It is a beautiful sight for visitors.

27. Kolanu Bharathi Saraswathi Temple

A prominent location for Saraswati pilgrims is the Kolanu Bharathi Saraswathi Temple. At this historic temple, the centuries-old Aksharabhyasam ceremony is observed. It is also believed to be the home of the goddess Sri Bharati.

The temple complex also has a monument of the local guardian Kaala Bhairav and a Shivalinga known as the Sapta Linga Kshetram.

28. Nallamala Forest

The Nallamala Forest covers a significant portion of India's Eastern Ghats. Many different plants and animals exist, such as antelopes, nilgai, chinkaras, and leopards. The Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is also part of the forest region.

The location is ideal for environment enthusiasts due to its natural setting, which includes a dense forestation with numerous breathtaking waterfalls and other water sources.

29. Satyanarayana Swamy Temple

The Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, a temple to Lord Satyanarayana built in the 19th century, is well-known for its religious significance. However, it is also a renowned tourist destination because of its superb architecture, which includes a stunning entryway, good service, and sculptural work on the gopuram.

30. Anantapur

Anantapuram, the administrative hub of the Anantapur District, has situated in the Andhra Pradesh state of India. Anantapuram is neither a small town nor a city with a large international population, and this town is one of those in transition where the current and the future meet.

Anantapuram is filled with memories of India's illustrious past and genuine ethnic traditions and values. It's interesting to note that Anantapur has India's second-lowest rainfall.

Numerous empires ruled Anantapur, but the Vijayanagar Empire had a more significant impact. According to legend, the location got its name from a large tank called "Anaatasagaram," which means "Endless Ocean." The towns of Anaatasagaram and Bukkarayasamudram were built by Chikkavodeya, the minister of Vijayanagar King Bukka-I.

How to Reach

By Air

Kurnool's closest airport is Hyderabad Airport. Nearly all airlines offer daily and frequent domestic flights to and from Hyderabad. Additionally, Hyderabad Airport links the state with significant international locations. Travellers can fly to Hyderabad and use a local car to get to Kurnool.

By Road

Kurnool is served by a robust connection of state and district buses. State or public buses can take visitors from cities like Cuddapah, Anantapur, Chittoor, and Hyderabad. Alternatively, travellers can hire private taxis to take them everywhere they need.

By Train

On the railway connecting Secunderabad and Bangalore is Kurnool Railway Station. Because of this, numerous passenger and express trains travel along this route and make a significant stop at Kurnool. Passengers can board trains in Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore to get to Kurnool.