Tourist Places in Prakasam District

Pretext

The coastal Andhra area of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh has twelve districts, with Prakasam being one of them.

Founded in 1970, it underwent a reorganization on April 4, 2022. The district's administrative center is at Ongole. It is situated on the western side of the Bay of Bengal and is bordered by the districts of Kadapa and Nellore in the south, Bapatla and Palnadu in the north, and Nandyal district in the west.

A portion of the northwest area borders Telangana's Nagarkurnool district.

It is hot in the district's non-coastal sections, while the coastal areas have a temperate climate. The district typically has maximum and lowest temperatures of 40.20 �C and 20.30 �C, respectively. Typically, April through June is the months when the highest temperatures are measured. The South West & North-East monsoons mostly bring in rainfall in the area. In both cases, 366.2 mm, as well as 384.7 mm of rain, are considered typical.

The entire woodland area is 4,42,073 Ha, or 30.86% of the overall geographic area. In the coastal regions, cashew, casuarina, and orchid plantations are widespread. Tigers and other animals may be found in the Nallamala forest. The granite resources at Chimakurthy are renowned. The primary town for making slate in India is Markapur. Iron ore, quartz, silica sand, and baryte are the minerals that may be found in the area.

Prakasam's Top Tourist Attractions

Kothapatnam Beach

A tiny coastal village named Kothapatnam may be found in the Andhra Pradesh state of India's Prakasam district. It is situated in the Ongole revenue division's Kothapatnam Mandal. One of Ongole's biggest attractions is Kothapatnam Beach.

The beach, 18 kilometers from the city, offers locals and visitors much fun. You become enthralled by the ocean's crystal-clear blue seas, the wide lengths of beach, and the soft wind. Here, boating is possible. The beach is less crowded during the residents' Karthika Purnima festival, where thousands of people gather.

The picturesque beach in Kothapatnam is a refreshing change from the busy village surroundings. It is a major fishing hub, so you will undoubtedly witness hordes of boats bobbing in the water or lined up along the coast.

Around midday, the fisherman returns with their catch after leaving early in the morning. A few shacks are located along the beach promenade, where guests can get sunshades. Here, a number of hawkers and booths provide a selection of munchies.

A resort was under construction near the beach at the time of the research. Since Kothapatnam may get fairly crowded on weekends, scheduling a vacation here during the week is advisable.

Chirala Beach (Vodarevu Beach)

On the Bay of Bengal's eastern shore, Vodarevu Beach is about 6 kilometers from Chirala. It is located in Andhra Pradesh's Bapatla district. On the coast are coconut trees. The closest beach to Hyderabad and Telangana is Vodarevu Beach. There are several visitors here every weekend, mostly from Telangana and Hyderabad.

On the Bay of Bengal's shore, Vodarevu Beach is 8 kilometers from Chirala, 28 kilometers from Suryalanka Beach, 103 kilometers from Vijayawada, and 72 kilometers from Guntur. It is in the Prakasam district, 6 kilometers from Ramapuram Beach.

One of the most renowned and frequented beaches around Vijayawada is Vodarevu Beach. This beach is stunning and receives a steady stream of visitors who come to relax on the weekends. The beach's serene environment may help visitors lose track of time, and the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets only enhance the beach's allure.

Adventure may be had at Vodarevu Beach with thrilling water sports, swimming, and fishing. There are local boats accessible, making ocean sailing easier. A neighboring lighthouse is also accessible for tours.

The Vodarevu beach is close to a number of lodging options. All necessary utilities are provided at the Sip & Dip Cottages on Vodarevu Beach Road.

The adjacent Ramapuram Beach Resort and Jolley Home Resort are both excellent choices. Alternatively, Chirala town offers a variety of lodging choices. From Chirala town, Vodarevu is accessible via bus and automobile. Chirala has excellent train and bus connections to the major Andhra Pradesh cities.

Ramayapatnam Beach

Ramayapatnam Beach is located on the Bay of Bengal coast in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh. The state's tourism agency, APTDC, is building the beach to attract tourists. It is 20 kilometers from Kavali, 61 kilometers from Ongole, and 80 kilometers from the capital of Nellore.

In the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh's Prakasam district, five kilometers off NH-5, lies a little village called Ramayapatnam on the Bay of Bengal. It is a tourist destination. Originally known as "Ramapatnam," this beach was then given the name "Ramayapatnam" once again.

A resort called Haritha Resort is run by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC). These resorts operate under the Haritha Resorts brand, providing visitors with excellent facilities and pleasant lodging.

Over a century ago, the American Baptist Mission built a lighthouse here. Lighthouse has seven stories. Although there is no elevator, the steps are easy, and every level offers lovely sea views. The last few stairs are the most challenging; they lead to a cottage with an iron ladder that climbs to the highest point of the lighthouse via a trap door.

Malakonda Temple

Malakonda is a hamlet in the Andhra Pradesh state of India's Valetivari Palem, Nellore district. Here is where Sri Malyadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Vari Devasthanam, a temple dedicated to the Hindu Narasimha (avatar of Vishnu), is located. Another name for this temple is Malakonda Temple.

Invoked by Sri Malyadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. Narasimha Swamy (Sri Maha Vishnu's avatar) is Vari Devasthanam. He is Malyadri's (Malakonda) Swamy. Many worshipers come to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha's hallowed temple to offer their respects to him. One of the nine Narasimhas, known as the NavaNarasimhas, is Malyadri.

Hills grouped in a garland (mala) are called "Malyadri." It might be related to Malaya, which is spelled as "Hill" in many Southern Indian languages. Malayadri, which translates to "Range of Hills," refers to the South Eastern Deccan Plateau's normally flat plains' geologically dominant character.

The Nalla Mala, or "beautiful hills," range is another name for these hills. North to south, the range. Beginning at Vijayapuri in the far north (Nagarjunakonda Dam) and ending in Tirupati in the southernmost portion.

Malyadri's Ahobhila Narasimha Swamy is located on its western border. Sri Sailam is located in Malyadri's northwest. South of Malyadri is Vrushabhachala Kshetram, east is the Singarayakonda Narasimha Swamy, and west is the Penna River (Pinakini).

The Krishna River is on the Malyadri's northern flank. All of Malyadri's followers name their offspring after either Sri Mahalakshmi or Sri Malyadri Narasimha, depending on whether they are male or female.

Tripuranthakam

Tripuranthakam Temple (Tripurantakeswara Swamy & Bala Tripurasundari) is situated in the Prakasam District of Tripuranthakam in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

Markapur and Vinukonda, the nearest cities, are 40 kilometers from Tripurantakam. Ongole is 93 kilometers away, while Vijayawada is around 150 kilometers away. On the route from Guntur to Srisailam, it is located.

A well-known temple honoring Sri Tripurantakeswara Swamy may be found here. On the summit of a mountain stands the temple.

A tale surrounds the Tripurantakam temple. Lord Shiva slew Thripurasura demons at this place with the help of Goddess Sri Bala Tripura Sundari. People come to this temple from neighboring cities during the Shivaratri and Navaratri celebrations, which are immensely popular.

Shiva Purana claims he defeated the Tripurasuras (demons in control of three cities) here. Shiva was bestowed with the name "Tripuranthakeswara," the location was named "Tripuranthakam" when he vanquished the three cities the demons called home. On top of the hill is a temple called Sri Parvathi Sahita Tripurantakeswara Swamy, which has a hidden passageway leading to Srisailam. The Bala Thripura Sundari temple is located inside a pond beneath the hill.

In her initial manifestation, Adiparasakthi takes the form of Tripurantaka Bala Tripurasundari Devi (swayambhu). It's thought that she lived there as a little girl.

About two kilometers downhill separates the sacred site of Tripurantakeshwara from the shrine of Bala Tripurasundari. When it rains, water surrounds the center of the tank where the Devi temple is located.

Bhairavakona

The holy site of Bhairavakona is located in the Prakasam region of the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh, in the middle of the Nallamala Hills.

The fact that there is a temple dedicated to Sri Trimukha Durgamba Mahadevi there, coupled with a temple dedicated to Sri Barguleshwari Swamy and that Bala Bhairava Swamy protects the area, gave rise to the name Bhairavakona.

Udayagiri is a city in the Nellore district, approximately 43 miles from Bhairavakona. Bus service to Seetharamapuram, located 15 kilometers from Bhairavakona, is offered by the APSRTC's Udayagiri depot.

The temple is a haven for nature enthusiasts in the center of the Nallamala Hills. Some distinctive characteristics of Bhairavakona Temple include being mesmerized by the splendor of roaring falls and surrounded by picturesque mountains and lush green woods. The falls provide A stunning perspective, which plunges 200 meters below the ground.

Some tourists compare it to Niagara Falls in terms of beauty and call it Chota Niagara. Beginning in Lingala Penta, the water from the falls travels over 5 kilometers before approaching the lakes of Lakshmi, Parvathi, and Saraswathi.

It continues to flow until it reaches the lakes of Triveni Sangamam and Chitrakota, after which it flows before the deity. For the most enjoyable experience of the falls, monsoon is undoubtedly the ideal season to visit the temple.

But regardless of the weather, you may always enjoy the splendor of the falls and their calming melody. A site where reverence, old-world architecture, and the beauty of nature all come together is Bhairavakona Temple.

An important warning to pilgrims: those who visit there outside of prime tourist months should be cautious about their food supplies as local tourism officials have lately developed the region. Despite having Panchayat guest rooms, it isn't easy to remain there at night.

The Bhairavakona Temple History, according to historians and archaeologists, began in the seventh century. According to the most popular mythology connected to the temple, Bhairavakona Temple was formerly known as Kaala Bhairav Temple before that name was changed. The tale of a shepherd named Bhairava Kondiah is another well-known fable. According to the legend, a shepherd traveled to this area in the distant past to feed his cattle. Bhairava Kondiah saw that there wasn't enough water as the flocks grew.

The shepherd Bhairava Kondiah prayed at a spring nearby, pleading with God to provide his herds enough water to quench their thirst, or he would offer his head. He was shocked to see that water started to spring up where the flocks drank to alleviate their thirst. As soon as he arrived in his hamlet, the appreciative shepherd informed the locals about the miracle.

The following day, Kondiah and other villagers traveled to the same area with all the sacrifices they had prepared to worship the deity. Although thankful, Kondiah stayed and offered his head as a sacrifice, and all the people returned. When his family began looking for him, they discovered Kondiah's body nearby. In honor of him, they held a burial there.

Chandavaram Buddhist site

An ancient Buddhist site has been found at Chandavaram village, Prakasam district, in Andhra Pradesh. The location is on the Gundlakamma River's bank, approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) northwest of Donakonda Railway Station.

The Buddhist site at Chandavaram was created between the second century BCE and the second century CE under the Satavahana dynasty and was founded in 1964 by Veluri Venkata Krishna Sastry.

Most of the sculpture has been taken from the location, and the Telangana State Archaeology Museum in Hyderabad has the greatest collection. Thieves have stolen some of the site museum's finest artwork in recent decades. It has an Amaravati-inspired design.

The Buddhist site at Chandavaram was built between the second century BCE and the second century CE and was the first of its sort in Andhra Pradesh. It was inhabited then and was a busy hub for Buddhist religious activity.

The carbon dating of objects uncovered during excavation helped establish the site's age. Since the site's sculptures are from the Amaravati school, they date between the second century BCE and the second century CE.

On their way from Kashi to Kanchi, Buddhist monks halted at the Chandavaram Buddhist shrine for a respite. The Satavahana dynasty is when the site, which was discovered in 1964, was built.

The lack of Ayaka pillars at the site suggests that Chandavaram was a center for the Hinayana school of Buddhism. Only Sanchi Stupa is more significant than the double-terraced Maha Stupa located at this location. The MahaStupa is situated atop a hill known as Singarakonda.

The Chandavaram Buddhist complex was established during the Satavahana era and had a major stupa with two terraces placed on a hilltop. The MahaStupa demonstrates the traits of stupas constructed in accordance with the Hinayana school of Buddhism. The main dome, MahaStupa, has a circumference of 120 feet (37 meters) and a height of 30 feet (9.1 meters).

It includes panels with carvings of the Dharmachakra, a symbol of Dharma, and one of the Ashtamangalas of Indian faiths, including Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. The site also has several viharas, Brahmi inscriptions, and additional stupas in addition to the main stupa. A chaitya that is 60 centimeters (2.0 feet) broad and 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) height may be seen in the MahaStupa.

Like the Dharmarajika stupa in Taxila, Pakistan, the MahaStupa is a Buddhist monument. Limestone is used to construct the main stupa's panels.

The main stupa's panels and drum parts display the footprint of the Buddha, stupas, and Bodhi trees, and narratives in the form of Jataka Tales and other stories. Four times since 1964, the Buddhist site of Chandavaram has been investigated, resulting in the discovery of about 100 little and fifteen regular-sized stupas.

Ista Kameswari Temple

A famous Hindu temple honoring an incarnation of Goddess Parvati named Goddess Istakameswari, is located in Andhra Pradesh, 20 kilometers from Srisailam.

The temple, built between the eighth and the tenth centuries, is situated in the center of a thick forest and has a beautiful setting.

The temple attracts worshippers, history, and architectural aficionados because of its impressive architecture and exquisite embellishments.

The interesting thing about the location is that the idol while being formed of stone, has a forehead that is as delicate as human skin. Although part of the temple is thought to be "lying in ruins," and the Goddess is depicted with a weak smile, the location is nevertheless important to the people.

People who visit here are said to get their desires granted. Take a stroll about the temple before returning to Srisailam, and if you can, take a dip in the adjacent creek, which adds to the area's natural charm.

Its location inside the crevices of a cave makes Ista Kameswari Temple all the more intriguing and distinctive. Aside from the surroundings, the temple's centerpiece is the idol of Goddess Kameswari, which is reportedly to have an incredibly delicate feel despite being constructed of hard steel. If worshippers visit the 'Devi' even once, she is thought to grant them any request.

Wrapping it up

One of the most well-known destinations for travelers seeking a tranquil getaway is Prakasam District. In Prakasam District, one may visit the serene beaches or the revered temples.

The Prakasam area has tremendous potential for tourism because of its proximity to holy sites and wealth in historical or archaeological resources. It is home to ancient buildings, Buddhist monuments, beaches, and sanctuaries. It has everything that makes a destination worthwhile.

The district's history began under the Maurya Dynasty in about 250 BC. The Satvahana Kings assumed control of the area soon after the Mauryas. In the beginning, Buddhism influenced Prakasm as well. The dominion of the Ishkvakus, the Vijayanagar monarchs, the Qutub Sahi Dynasty, and the Mughals came after Buddhism. Many living traditions and fashions have thus impacted the culture of the Prakasam area. Thus, history buffs should visit this location.

The major city in the Prakasam area, Ongole, is a mingling of diverse cultures. The fact that the ancient city was recorded in inscriptions from the third century when the Pallavas governed it indicates a rich history. Currently a thriving town, it is well known for its dairy, legumes, pepper, cereals, and groundnut goods.

You will be astounded by the variety of temples in Ongole and their architectural designs. The scenic surroundings are a feast for weary brains, and for curious minds that want to learn more about the past, the old temples are a joy.