Kurnool Travel Guide

Legend has it that in the 11th century A.D., the Odderas carted stones for construction of a temple at Alampur and halted at the present town of Kurnool before crossing River Tungabhadra. The locals supplied oil for greasing carts here and the place came to be known as Kandenavolu (Town of grease), which subsequently became Kurnool. The temple of Ahobilam, the Jyotirlinga at Srisailam, the large caves of Belum, all stand testimony to the rich heritage of this district.

General Information
Area : 17,658 Sq.Kms
Population : 51,480,37
Rainfall : 675 mm

Access
Kurnool is well connected by rail and road with other parts of the state. The nearest Airport is at Hyderabad.

Places of Interest
Adoni:
The fort, once a strong hold of the Vijayanagar empire, stands in ruins upon the hills. The Jama Masjid in this town is a classic example of Islamic architecture.

Ahobilam
The Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple that dates back to the early 16 th century, is unique in that it is the only temple where all the nine forms of Lord Narasimha are worshipped. Other sites worth seeing are Amrutavalli Tayar Temple; Sannidhi Pushkarini; Bhashyakara Sannidhi and the Upper Ahobilam Narasimha Shrine. Located 160 Kms from Kurnool, it is well connected by road. Best time to visit: July - February

Alampur
Alampur, also known as the Dakshina Kailash, is located on the banks of River Tungabhadra. The nine temples or 'Nava Brahma Temples were built by Chalukyas of Badami. The main deity here is of Lord Shiva. It is also famous for a Dargah of a peer, Shah Ali Pehelwan, located within the temple complex. Both Hindus & Muslims offer their prayers at this dargah. Yet another important temple is the Sangameshwara Temple built on the confluence of Rivers Tungabhadra and Krishna. It is situated 15 Kms from Kurnool.

Belum Caves
Made known in 1982 by a team of European speleologists led by Mr Gebaner, Belum Caves are the second largest natural caves in Indian Sub-continent after Meghalaya Caves. These underground caves are located on a flat agricultural field, have 3 well like cavities with the central one being the main entrance to the caves. After a descent of 20 meters at the entrance, the cave is horizontal & has a length of 3229 meters. Longer than Borra Caves in Vishakapatnam district, Belum Caves have long passages, spacious chambers, fresh water galleries and siphons. All this makes Belum Caves a geological & archaeological attraction worldwide. Located 125 Kms from Kurnool, the place is well connected by road.

Gadwal
Gadwal is internationally renowned for its beautiful saris. While the body of these saris is in cotton, the border and pallu are in silk. Adorned with rich traditional designs, the saris are available in several colors. While in Gadwal do visit the Chenna Keshava Temple. Legend has that 'Chenna Keshava' a Brahmin was offered as sacrifice by the then ruler to build the fort. In recognition of this the temple was named after the Brahmin as Chenna Keshava Temple. Situated 150 Kms from Hyderabad and 40 kms from Kurnool, it is well coneected by road and regular bus service.

Konda Reddy Buruju
Located in the heart of Kurnool & supposedly built by the Rajas of Vijayanagaram, Konda Reddy Buruju was a part of Kurnool fort & was used as a prison. One revolutionary Konda Reddy attained martyrdom in this prison. Since then the place is known as Konda Reddy Buruju. Other interesting places to see in & around Kurnool are the Gol Gumbaz, Church, Shirdi Sai Baba temple and Jagannatha Gutta.

Mahanandi
A noted pilgrimage center, Mahanandi is surrounded by dense forests and is famous for the Mahanandishwara temple that dates back to the 7 th century AD. The remarkable feature here is the crystal clear water which flows throughout the year from perennial springs. Other places of interest are Pushkarini, a pond with water so clear and pure that even a pin at the bottom can be seen, Kodanda Ramalayam, and the Kameswari Devi Temple. Situated at a distance of 14 Kms from Nandyal & 80 Kms from Kurnool, it is well connected by rail and road.

Madhavaram
This village has an ancient gateway in ruins. The resemblance of the gateway of India in Mumbai is however noticeable.

Mantralayam
Situated on the banks of the river Tungabhadra, Mantralayam is famous for the 'Samadhi' of the well-known saint, Sri Raghavendra Teertha. The temple built over 300 years ago, still attracts a large number of followers and devotees. Other places to see include Raghavendra Swamy Brindavan, the tomb that he entered alive; Anjaneya Swamy Temple; Panchamukhi Anjaneya Swamy and Venkateswara Swamy Temple. Lying 90 Kms from Kurnool and 256 Kms from Hyderabad, it is well connected by road and rail.

Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve
Extending over an area of 3568 Sq. kms, rich in flora & fauna, the Reserve is home to wildlife such as Tigers, Panthers, Jackals, Striped Hyenas, Small Indian Civet, as well as various species of Deer and Reptiles. The 'Chenchu' are primitive tribals indigenous to the area. The magnificent Ethipothala falls located 11 kms from Nagarjunasagar Dam are definitely worth seeing.

Rollapadu Sanctuary
Apart from a wide variety of birds and animals, this sanctuary is renowned as one of the last refuges of the endangered Great Indian Bustard, which is a heavy ground bird like a young ostrich or peahen.

Sangameswaram
Also known as Sapta Nandi Sangam, this is the sacred confluence of the Bhavanasi and Krishna Rivers. This scenic spot has a temple with a wooden Lingam. Thousands of pilgrims congregate here on Mahasivaratri day.

Thimmapuram
The shrine of Mahanandiswara and the surrounding temples attract pilgrims, admires of architectural beauty and those who enjoy scenic loveliness. The annual temple festival is in February-March.

Yaganti
It is famous for the temple of Uma Maheshwar, built in the 15th century, which has a splendid Gopura at the entrance and a pond enclosed by animated friezes of court and mythological scenes carved on stone.