Anantapur: Explore The Historic Town Of Andhra Pradesh!

Anantapur is an urban area located in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Hence it belongs to the south Indian region. This city can be easily spotted while you are traveling through the national highway of the route.

Anantapur is a district in the state of Andhra Pradesh. During colonial rule, the British Indian Army had stayed in the city and thus it had due prominence during those times. Below we have mentioned a few best places to visit in Anantapur.

It was during that time the Second World War was gaining momentum. The city has also got a few cultural and historic landmarks of tourism importance. Let’s have a look at them in detail. 

Penukonda Fort

Penukonda Fort is a fort usually visited by tourists coming to the city of Anantapur. However, the exact location of the fort is quite distant from the city center of Anantapur. From the city, you will be required to cover a distance of around 70km to reach the destination of this particular fort.

The name of the “Penukonda” when translated into the English language, the meaning comes as a “big hill”. This fort has also got a major relationship with the Vijayanagara Empire. During their reign in the city, this fort and its surroundings were its capital in the second position.

Located some 70 kms from Anantpur district in #AndhraPradesh, the mighty #Penukonda Fort was once the second capital of the Vijayanagar empire. Multiple palaces inside it will take you on a historical journey worth-remembering. When are you visiting? pic.twitter.com/E5No2GtxZ0

— Amrit Mahotsav (@AmritMahotsav) March 22, 2022

According to the historic records available, the fort’s older name is “Ghanagiri”. The inscriptions and engravings of the fort are also quite impressive. 

Gooty Fort

Another fort in the city is known for its elegance and altitude. This particular fort is constructed with an elevation of 300m from the ground level. The ancientness of the fort is also quite remarkable.

It is not only significantly ancient considering the state of Andhra Pradesh but also considering the entire territory of India. The fort has also come across a lot of rulers and empires that were in the city of Anantapur including the Vijayanagar Empire.

During the older days, the city of Anantapur was known by the name, “Gowthampuri”. It is from that name, “Gowthampuri” the name of the fort, “Gooty Fort” took its name. You can explore and observe a lot of historic ruins and facts by visiting the fort in the city. 

Rayadurg

This is a small town located in the territory of the city of Anantapur. This particular town gained its popularity for being the hub of the textile industry. The manufacturing and commercial transactions of textile goods happen from the same town center in Rayadurg.

You must travel to the destination of the town if you would like to explore the culture and lifestyle of people living in the town of Rayadurg. You can also visit the popular fort in the town. Moreover, there are a lot of temples both in the functional and ruined state of the city of Rayadurg.

You can also come across a lot of products and artworks testifying to the craftsmanship of the locals in the town. 

Iskcon Temple, Anantapur

Iskcon temple is one of the most visually appealing temples you will be able to locate in the territory of Anantapur. This particular temple is built in the form of a chariot drawn by horses. The grandeur of Indian temple architecture can be enjoyed in the temple and its surroundings.

The statues of 4 royal horses built at the entrance of the temple are quite attractive and capable to give the best impression while you are visiting the temple for the first time. Unlike the other constructions in the town of Anantapur, this temple is a recent construction which got inaugurated in the year of 2008.

However, this particular temple is not situated in the heart of the city and you need to travel to the outskirts of the city to reach the destination of the same. 

Veerabhadra Temple

Veerabhadra Temple is one of the most significant Hindu pilgrim destinations when you are traveling to the city of Anantapur. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu God, Veerabhadra. This form is considered an incarnation of ‘Lord Shiva’ with several fierce characteristics.

Lepakshi is the exact location of the temple in the city of Anantapur. If you are an admirer of aesthetic sculptures particular to Hindu mythology, you will fall for the experience you can have from visiting this particular temple. Moreover, the beauty and elegance of the architecture are also commendable.

Ahobilam Temple

Ahobilam temple is a must-visit destination if you are a devotee of Lord Krishna. There are a lot of Hindu mythological connections between this particular temple and the entire town of Ahobilam temple. The number of temples you can find in the territory of Ahobilam is also interesting and exciting.

This makes the town of Ahobilam a hub of temples in the city of Anantapur. You are not allowed to wear western outfits inside the temple premises so make sure you carry traditional while visiting the temple. This temple is precisely located in the district of Kurnool in the state of Andhra Pradesh. 

Anantapur Clock Tower

This is one of the most notable landmarks in the city of Anantapur. You can see this structure in the heart of the city itself. This is a political landmark in the city reminding the martyrs and soldiers who fought against the British imperialist rule that was carving the Indian soul during those time.

Hence it has got a proud and reputed history of the Indian Freedom Movement inside it. It was during the year 1945, that the ministry planned to construct a structure like this for the purpose mentioned above. The elevation of this particular clock tower is measured as 47m.

The tower has got a total of 8 faces testifying to the architectural brilliance and efforts behind the construction of the same. This is also the perfect location if you would like to take some pictures of your Anantapur vacation. 

Thimmamma Marrimanu

This is one of the best suitable tourist attractions for nature lovers and biodiversity enthusiasts planning their vacation to the city of Anantapur. You need to travel a distance of around 120km from the town center of Anantapur if you would like to visit the destination of Thimmamma Marrimanu.

A banyan tree having a huge size is the specialty of this particular place. This is a tree of the ancientness of more than 5 centuries. According to the environmental records available, this tree is almost 550 years old.

This particular tree has also been enlisted in the Guinness Book of World Records for its peculiar characteristics and size in 1989. You can also see a community of organisms and creatures living harmoniously in and around the banyan tree setting up a comfortable habitat. 

Bugga Ramalingeswara Swami Temple

This is another popular Hindu pilgrim spot you can consider visiting when you are in the city of Anantapur. The exact location of this particular temple is Sunkulammapalem, Tadipatri. This temple is located on the banks of the river known as Penna.

The construction of this temple got completed in a period between 1490-1509. Hence this particular temple has been called ancientness for around 5 centuries and more. The construction credit for this temple goes to a person known as ‘Ramalinga Nayidu’.

He was a member of the royal dynasty known as the ‘Vijayanagara Empire’. The stone statue of Lord Shiva in a great size that can be seen in the surrounding of the temple is quite attractive for the tourists visiting the place. 

Hanuman Statue at Mounagiri

This is yet another location of interest for the Hindu pilgrims visiting the city of Anantapur. You can spend a total of around 3 hours in the location of this Hanuman statue. The elevation and size of this particular statue are quite high so you can spot this even from a far-away location.

You can also visit the temple set nearby the statue and pay respects according to the rituals and customs there. People also visit this place to enjoy the great size and visual beauty of the statue even if they are not much interested in the pilgrim aspect of it. 

Tadipatri

This is another town neighboring the city of Anantapur. You can see several temples in the location of this particular town. If you want to try the local delicacies of the city of Anantapur, this is a place you must not miss out on at any cost.

There are a lot of restaurants and street food joints in the location town. Moreover, the cultural history of the place is also great and worthy to indulge in.

During the prime time of the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire, this particular city was quite popular and enjoyed a reputed position among the rest of the cities. Architecture enthusiasts would also find this city quite interesting in all aspects. 

Best Time To Visit Anantapur

October – February

How to reach Anantapur?

Nearest airport: Kempagowda International Airport, Bengaluru

Nearest railway station: Anantapur Railway Station (ATP)

Conclusion 

A city of temples with a golden past of royal reign and British colonialism.

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