Kurnool, a city that has been around for almost two thousand years, gets its name, Kandanavolu, from the fact that it was formerly known as the “Town of Grease”. Locals in Kurnool reportedly provided oil for the carts that carried stones to Alampur in the 11th century. Tourists and history buffs from all over the globe flock here because of the abundance of exciting things to see and do. Paleolithic cave paintings may be seen, and the city’s many historic sites, including forts, temples, caverns, gardens, etc., provide their unique perspectives and experiences.
Kurnool is a great spot to cool down since four major rivers—the Tungabhadra and its tributary Hundri, as well as the Krishna and the Kunderu rivers—flow through its borders. Kurnool has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday, from diverse flora and wildlife to famous historical landmarks and delicious regional specialties. In this article, we’ll discuss the top attractions in Kurnool and why you should visit them.
In Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, Here Are 5 Popular Tourist Attractions:
1. Yaganti
Yaganti is a town in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, and it is famous for the Sri Yagantiswamy temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The exquisite idol of Shiva and Parwati, depicting the deities in all their grandeur, was carved from a single stone. Maha Shiv Ratri, which comes every year in October or November, is celebrated with much pomp and circumstance at the temple. Visitors and devotees of the temple crowd the grounds at this time.
The magnificent temple is revered not just for the importance it has in religious practice but also for the many outstanding and unusual features it displays. The Agastya Pushkarni, a temple fixture, keeps water flowing reliably through dry and wet seasons. It rests down at the foot of the hill. Taking a dip in the holy water is a spiritual act of devotion.
The Best Time to Visit: Regarding weather, September through November in Yaganti is often the best time to go.
2. Konda Reddy Buruju / Konda Reddy Fort
The city of Kurnool served as a staging area for travellers waiting to cross the Tungabhadra River, which led to the fort being built there in the 12th century. Devaraya II, the monarch of Vijayanagar, conquered Kurnool between 1530 and 1542, and Achyutaraya, Krishnadevaraya’s successor, constructed the original fort.
Several entrances and bastions may be found at the fort. Talikota Vijayanagara ruler Gopal Raja, the grandson of Rama Raja, built the fort’s entrances in the 17th century. The three-story fort was built as a lookout tower in the 17th and 18th centuries. While the basement is off-limits, guests may explore the building’s history on the first and second levels. There are a few rooms and a big entrance on the ground floor. A big viewing tower may be seen on the second floor.
Konda Reddy, the last king of Alampur, was imprisoned there by the Kurnool Nawab in the 17th century, thus the fort’s name. Konda Reddy had to give up his area to the Golconda Nawabs to get out of the fort.
The Best Time to Visit: You are welcome to drop by anytime Monday through Friday between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm.
3. Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary
Traveling sixty kilometers from Kurnool will bring you to Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary. For birdwatchers, this spot is heaven on earth due to the incredible variety of avian life that can be witnessed. Other than birds, one could encounter wild animals and reptiles.
The 614 square kilometers of thorny woodland and open grassland that make up the sanctuary provide the ideal environment for various avian species. Visitors come to see the Great Indian Bustard, which is the area’s best-known landmark. Foxes, wolves, jackals, and cobras are just a few wild species living here.
The Best Time to Visit: This bird is most often seen during July and December. The best months to go looking are August and September.
4. Belum Caves
There is no bad time to explore the Belum Caves since they are India’s most extensive and well-known cave system. The unique stalagmite and stalactite formations formed over ages as limestone dissolved make these caves, the second largest in India, very interesting to explore. An example of a nationally conserved site is the Belum Caves.
It’s impossible not to be in awe of the grandeur and force of nature after exploring the caverns, which have various pathways and intricate patterns of water flowing over limestone. The whole cave has been explored, but just the first kilometer and a half are open to visitors.
Belum Caves’ deepest point, at a depth of 46 meters, is known as Pataalaganga. This is an isolated part of the cave. A year-round underground stream flows here, briefly emerging to skim over the rocks before vanishing again. Long hallways, chambers, large caverns with freshwater resources, and passages filled with water make up the cave’s many diverse sections.
These caves are a geologist’s dream since the movement of subsurface water flow generated three stunning sinkholes. A 40-foot-tall statue of Gautama Buddha was constructed outside the caves as a memorial to the monks.
The Best Time to Visit: September through February is ideal for a trip to Belum Caves. The moment has come to go into the underground caverns.
Read More Andhra Pradesh Details:
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5. Mahanandi
There is a beautiful hamlet called Mahanandi to the east of the Nallamala Hills, completely engulfed by lush, verdant forest. Nine Nandis (Bulls) are located within a 15-kilometer radius of Mahanandi, and they are collectively referred to as the Nava Nandis. The Mahanandiswara Temple and other major temples dedicated to the Nava Nandis have made Mahanandi renowned. Mahanandi, Shivanandi, Vinayakanandi, Somanandi, Prathamanandi, Garudanandi, Suryanandi, Krishnanandi, Nagaland, and the other eight Nandi temples are all located in India.
The Mahanandiswara Temple, built in devotion to Shiva in the seventh century, is an important religious and cultural landmark. While the Chalukyas are credited with constructing the original tower in the 7th century, it underwent significant expansion in the 10th and 15th centuries. The temple is mostly constructed in the Vijayanagara style, except for the gopuram that towers above the central shrine, which was built in the Badami Chalukyan style. The local Nandas are said to have governed in the 10th century AD when they constructed several temples dedicated to their ancestor god Nandi.
Throughout the year, pure crystal water pours from Pushkarini, making it a unique and worthwhile attraction. There is such a high concentration of pure oxygen in the water that a needle lying at the bottom is easily visible. The ponds in Mahanandi Temple are roughly the size of three. At the temple’s entrance, you’ll find two ponds.
The third pool, located on the temple grounds, receives a constant water supply from the Garbha Gruha, the underground chamber housing the temple’s principal deity (Shiva Ling). This 60-square-foot tank is centered on a Mandapam, and its inlet and exit are designed so that the tank’s water level never rises over five feet. In this way, believers can take a plunge into the sacred pool. Devotees may come here and worship Shiva Ling and touch the water underneath the Lingam in the main Sanctum Sanctorum. In front of the Mahanandiswara Temple stands a massive statue of the lion-like Nandi.
The Best Time to Visit: The months of November through March are Mahanandi’s peak tourist season.
Conclusion
Kurnool’s winter season, which spans the months of November and February, is often regarded as the best time to visit the city. The beautiful weather makes it the perfect time for camping trips and other outdoor pursuits. In that case, why delay any longer? Kurnool is a great vacation destination since it has many lovely and fascinating locations.
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