Best & Historic Places to Visit in Anantapur and Sri Sathya Sai District
A Mixed Experience Sure to Fill the Hearts of History Lovers, Spiritual Seekers, and Nature Enthusiasts Anantapur and Sri Sathya Sai District offers that perfect mixed experience which can surely be fruitful for history enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and nature lovers alike. Lepakshi is a treasure trove of architectural marvels and Penukonda Fort is a haven of peace especially for the couples. Brindavan Gardens are heaven on earth. Prasanthi Nilayam boasts assured peaceful silence. Silk shoppers’ heaven waits for travellers at Dharmavaram. These tourist destinations align themselves with the cultural and natural heritage of Andhra Pradesh so that it can create its own moment and glimpses into this rich region’s past as well as the present for every type of tourist since there are many places of interest.
Whether you want to visit ancient temples, go trekking on beautiful hills or test out local handicrafts, Anantapur and Sri Sathya Sai District promise a journey full of discovery and tranquil layers. Do not forget to add these destinations to your map of places to visit while traveling through Andhra Pradesh for the exclusive feel of the place.
Some of the best tourist attractions to look out for in Anantapur and Sri Sathya Sai District that would make your tour well-spent are as follows:
1. Lepakshi Temple:
Veerabhadra Temple, also known as Lepakshi Temple, is 15 km distance from the Andhra Pradesh-Karnataka border. This is a 16th-century temple, an architectural wonder of the city of Vijayanagara, mainly in pillar carvings, colourful frescoes, and the gigantic “hanging pillar” which does not touch the ground. Veerabhadra is a fierce incarnation of Lord Shiva, and also shrines to Lord Vishnu and Lord Ganesha are available here. The breathtaking other feature is the huge Nandi bull statue sitting outside the temple, which, by the way, is the tallest monolithic Nandi in India. A melange of legends and mythologies encloses the whole place; hence it gives a mystical charm to the whole experience.
2. Puttaparthi and Prasanthi Nilayam:
Puttaparthi, in Sri Sathya Sai District, is famous all around the globe as the birth place of the great spiritual guru Sri Sathya Sai Baba. His ashram is called Prasanthi Nilayam which means “Abode of Peace”. This ashram is an organisation by the father of devotion inviting devotees from all across the globe within the atmosphere of peaceful and meditation halls, serene gardens, and stunning architecture. The ashram provides residential accommodations to the devotees who come to participate in the daily puja and meditation sessions. The Chaitanya Jyoti Museum in the ashram campus reveals stories of the gospels and historical biographies of Sathya Sai Baba. Prasanthi Nilayam visit would be a highly spiritual experience and open the prospect of knowing what Baba says, which has a core message of love, unity, and compassion.
3. Penukonda Fort:
It is 70 km away from Anantapur town. It is a historian’s heaven. This fort is basically an original fortified stronghold of the Vijayanagara Empire and contains several ancient structures, temples, and inscriptions that would manifest the architectural brilliance of those days. Among one of the more prominent structures within the fort is Gagan Mahal, a palace characterized by Indo-Islamic architecture. The romantic location of the fort surrounded by rocky hills provides spectacular panoramic views, and it would be a great location for photography. Literally meaning “Big Hill”, Penukonda is a place steeped in history, being one of the subsidiary capitals of the Vijayanagara Empire, and trekking through the ruins is a step into the past.
4. Dharmavaram:
Dharmavaram is about 47 km from Anantapur, and this place is known for silk sarees and handloom. One of the small towns that manufacture some of the best silk sarees in India, it’s heaven for those interested in traditional crafts and textiles. So, actually, these sarees are known for bright colours, beautiful designs, and then of course, fine silk usage. You can visit the weaving centre’s here to see the artisans weave their magic, then go shopping for your sarees. The local market provides everything from marriage sarees to getting dailies so purchasing a Dharmavaram saree is a perfect way of bringing with you back home piece of Andhra’s heritage.
5. Gooty Fort:
Gooty Fort lies on a hill in the town of Gooty, commonly known as Gutti, and one of the oldest hill forts of Andhra Pradesh that dates back to 7th century. This fortification was a strategic military place that has witnessed the reigns of many dynasties namely Chalukyas, Vijayanagara kings, and the British. There are 15 structures in the fort different in structure that ranges from bastions, gateways, temples, and so on built across the hill. Though the fort is literally rubble, it will leave the breath of observers; panoramic views at sunset and sunrise are marvelous. This is not exactly a hard climb, but the view and its historical value it affords make this a great trek.
6. Hemavathi:
Hemavathi is a small village, 160 kilometers from the Anantapur district – a district that boasts ancient temples. This is part of one of the oldest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ancient mass of stone construction houses huge pillars with intricate carvings and inscriptions. Ruggedness is such that the drive to visit Andhra Pradesh’s heritage finds more strength from this place. It is a hidden treasure, so to speak, that would be loved by enthusiasts of history and architecture.
7. Thimmamma Marrimanu:
This is one of the world’s biggest banyan trees that spreads across more than 2.5 acres near Kadiri. This tree, according to locals, is held sacred because it is said to have sprouted from the very ground where the legend Thimmamma performed Sati, or a form of ancient ritual in which a widow self-immolates on the funeral pyre of her husband. This tree has made its mark even in the Guinness Book of World Records. More than this, it is a beautiful natural thing and a quiet place for having a picnic or a quiet walk. It is a very unique site that beautifully portrays harmony between nature and spirituality.
8. Kalyandurg Hills:
For all nature lovers and adventure junkies, the Kalyandurg Hills are the idea destination that will offer a huge chance to explore picturesque sceneries of Andhra Pradesh. Situated close to Anantapur, they present a great chance to trek through rugged terrains consisting of boulders, greeneries, and many viewing points. It is relatively untrodden a quiet retreat from the busy city. During the monsoon season, the entire journey becomes more rewarding with beautiful carpet of greenery and waterfalls views.
