Places to Visit Near Anantapur

Penna Ahobilam is renowned for its Lord Narasimha Swamy Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. The temple complex has temples of Adi Lakshmi Devi Temple and Chenchu Lakshmi Devi. The temple was built on the footprint of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy measuring 5 feet 3 inches. It is believed that a marriage ceremony performed here leads to a happy and fulfilling marriage. Lord Narasimha is the half man, half lion form of Lord Krishna, when he came to save his devotee Prahlad, from his own father.

Distance from Anantapur: 40 km

The Penukonda Fort is one of the main attractions of Anantapur. Located at a distance of nearly 70-km from Anantapur, the fort derived its name from the word Penukonda, which literally means big hill. After having studied the ancient inscriptions that the Penukonda Fort, archeologists have concluded that the fort was built Vira Virupanna Udaiyar's rule, the son of king-Bukka I of Vijayanagar.

Distance from Anantapur: 73 km

Situated 300 meters above the ground level, overlooking the small town of Gooty, the Gooty Fort has long been a significant strategic position for the rulers that have seen their kingdoms flourish in this part of the country. The fort is named after the view of the town it commands. The name Gooty is derived from the town's previous original name, Gowthampuri. Gooty Fort is one of the oldest hill forts in the state and also the country, having witnessed centuries of different rulers, empires and regimes.

Distance from Anantapur: 54 km

Built at a height of 2,727 feet above the sea level, Rayadurg is a town packed to the brim with monuments harbouring rich cultural heritage. Located in western Andhra Pradesh at the Karnataka border, this small town draws tourists from all over the country and beyond to its majestic yet ruinous forts and temples as well as the many centres of exceptional artisanship. If you are a history lover or have been fascinated by the adventures described in Tenali Raman folklore, then you may recognize this town as a prominent seat of the ancient Vijayanagar Empire.

Distance from Anantapur: 97 km

Ancient temples with relics from centuries back in await you within the temples of Tadipatri. Built during the golden years of the Vijaynagar Empire, this retreat situated on the Western side of Andhra Pradesh is guaranteed to leave any visitor enchanted. If you’re someone fascinated with history or interested in architecture, then Tadipatri should be your holiday destination. Here, you can get a chance to glimpse at sculptures and artworks hailing all the way back from the Vijaynagar Empire.

Distance from Anantapur: 56 km

Known For : Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Vithala Temple Lotus Palace

Hampi, the city of ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the shadowed depth of hills and valleys in the state of Karnataka, this place is a historical delight for travellers. Surrounded by 500 ancient monuments, beautiful temples, bustling street markets, bastions, treasury building and captivating remains of Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi is a backpacker's delight. Hampi is an open museum with 100+ locations to explore and a favourite way to see the city from the perspective of its history.

Distance from Anantapur: 160 km

Best Time: October to March

31 Hampi Attractions

Known For : Cubbon Park Lalbagh Bangalore Palace

Having evolved gradually from being the Garden city to the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore is India's third-largest city. Bangalore is loved for its pleasant weather, beautiful parks and lakes all around the town. When in Bangalore, one can choose to take a long, stroll through the greenery of Cubbon Park, shop in many modern malls or street side markets or hop into one of the several acclaimed craft breweries in the city for a cold and refreshing drink.

Distance from Anantapur: 214 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

104 Bangalore Attractions

Known For : Yaganti Belum Caves Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary

A place of much historical value with beautiful surrounding areas, Kurnool, is a small town in Andhra Pradesh where much of history left its imprints. The city also is known as The Gateway of Rayalaseema. Kurnool has in its domain remains of the palace of Gopal Raju (the last Hindu king), ruins of a medieval fort built by Vijaynagar Empire having ancient Persian and Arabic inscriptions and the summer palace built by Kurnool rulers during the 16th century.

Distance from Anantapur: 148 km

Best Time: December to February

30 Kurnool Attractions

Known For : The Borra Hills and Caves Araku Tribal Museum Musi River

Set amid the Eastern Ghats, Ananthagiri Hills is a beautiful retreat 90km away from Hyderabad city. One of the earliest human habitat areas, Ananthagiri is a hill town of ancient caves, temples, medieval fort palaces that showcases the history of the area. The place offers some of the best trekking trails and thus serves as a trekker's paradise. Breathtakingly gorgeous and absolutely scintillating, the town oozes out charm mixed with the whiff of coffee aroma and beauty of exotic flora.

Distance from Anantapur: 955 km

Best Time: October to March

10 Ananthagiri Attractions

Known For : Veerabhadra Temple Lepakshi Temple Nandi Bull and Paintings

Lepakshi is a small quaint village with a trail of several great kingdoms that once ruled the area. Located in the Anantpur district of Andhra Pradesh, Lepakshi is located at a distance of 120 km from Bangalore making it a great choice for one day trip. Founded in 1535 AD by Maharaja Aliya Rama Raya of the Vijayanagara empire, Lepakshi is a trove of several fascinating archaeological sites, beautiful ancient temples and rich culture.

Distance from Anantapur: 119 km

Best Time: September to February

4 Lepakshi Attractions

Known For : Raghavendra Swami Temple Panchamukhi Anjaneya Temple

Mantralayam is a holy town situated 74 km from Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh and 250 km from its state capital, Hyderabad. It is located near the border of Karnataka and on the banks of the river Tungabhadra. Mantralayam is known for Sri Guru Raghavendra Swami, a saint who entered into a samadhi alive in front of his disciples in 17th Century. He was a Madhwa saint who is considered to be a reincarnation of Prahlada (A daitya king who was saved by Lord Vishnu's Narasimha avatar).

Distance from Anantapur: 172 km

Best Time: October to March

2 Mantralayam Attractions