Anantapur - Puttaparthi Anantapur is the largest district of Andhra Pradesh and the second largest district in India, first being the Ladakh Valley of Kashmir. Known throughout the country for its silk trade industry, it is said that Anantapur derived its name from, 'Anantasagaram' (meaning Endless Ocean), a huge tank in the vicinity. 'Hande Anantapuram' is the other name for the place. Anantapur district has many tourist places worth visiting. The district appears to be drenched in a celestial aura with its ancient temples. There are imposing forts in its periphery that conjure up the reminiscences of the royalty. Celebration of fairs and festivals keep it's dwellers in cheerful spirits. Anantapur district also forms part of the Rayalaseema region. Just travel to Ananthapur and be a witness to the cache of asceticism along with the glorious past. Anantapur is connected to cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Pune, Vishakapatnam and other major cities, by a well laid out network of trains by Indian Railways. The National Highways 7 and 205 pass through, and connect Ananthapur with all the major cities of India. Moreover, there are numerous private and government bus services connecting the city with the other parts, both within and outside Andhra Pradesh. Thimmamma Marrimanu Located about 35 km from Kadiri, and 100 km from Anantapur, it is famous for a banyan tree, which is locally called as "Thimmamma Marrimanu''. It is regarded as the biggest of its kind in South India. It's branches spread over nearly 5 acres, named after 'Thimmamma' who was considered to be the representative of the Almighty. A small temple dedicated to Thimmamma lies under the tree. The banyan tree is believed to have sprouted at the place where Thimmamma ascended the funeral pyre, when she committed 'Sati'. The people of this area strongly believe that if a childless couple worship "Thimmamma" they will have a child the very next year. A big 'Jatara' is conducted here on the day of "Shivaratri" when thousands of people flock here to worship 'Thimmamma' on this occasion. To add to the the pride of India, the "Marrimanu" was recorded as the biggest tree in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1989. Puttaparthi India has always been known for its spiritual and cultural roots. This divine land has given birth to numerous blessed souls and mystics. Puttaparthi is a small village that got recognition with the little boy who took birth here and later came to be known as 'Sri Satya Sai Baba'. Puttparthi is today an important religious destination for the devotees of Sri Satya Sai Baba, who are spread all over the world. The Prashanti Nilayam ashram here, with a huge prayer hall where religious discourses are held regularly, and the meditation centre are important places of interest. Penukonda Penukonda is a small town in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. In the ancient times, it used to serve as the second capital to the Vijayanagar kings. The Penukonda Fort that is here, is a colossal structure, whose each and every stone boasts of the royalty of the erstwhile era. Gooty Gooty is a small town, known for one of the oldest forts of Andhra Pradesh. At a distance of 52 km from Anantapur city, the fort is a prime attraction for tourists. Above the plains in Gooty, the impregnable fort is perched at a height of 300 meters, amidst hills. Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple - Kadiri Kadiri is a small settlement situated at a distance of 90 km from Anantapur. It is known for the Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, a shrine where the presiding deity 'Swayambhu' emerged from the roots of Khadri tree. The main attraction here is the idol that sweats. Rathothsavam (Chariot Festival) is the major event observed here every year, summoning many pilgrims from all over the state. Tadipatri Tadipatri is a hamlet that boasts of many interesting religious monuments. To be found 90 km from Ananthapur, the Chintala Venkataramana Temple here is known for its gigantic spire. Bugga Ramalingeshwara Temple is another shrine beside Pennar River that is notable for a Lingam, set on a pedestal and perpetually sprinkled with water from a small brook. Hemavathi Located at a distance of about 160 km from Anantapur, Hemavathi once served as the capital of Pallavas. The place has a remarkable collection of Pallava and Chola architecture. It boasts of the ruins of an ancient fort, the Hemavathi Fort. Doddeswara Swamy Temple is another structure that was built during the Pallava reign. Some other renowned temples situated here are Siddeshwara Swamy, Mallikarjuna Swamy and Gorantla. Raidurga Fort Raidurga Fort is a primeval structure, which had a considerable role in the history of the Vijayanagar Empire. The impregnable fort has many temples. The shrines dedicated to Narashimhaswamy, Hanuman, Prasanna Venkateswara, Jambukeswara, Kanyakaparameswari and Elamma are the prominent ones. Though now mostly in ruins, the fort takes you back to the royal splendour. It also offers a breathtaking view of the town below. Anantasagaram Anantasagaram is an old reservoir in Anantapur. In fact, the city derived its name from the same tank. Acclaimed as one of the biggest reservoirs in the district, Anantasagaram occupies an area of 2,511 acres in Anantapur and Bukkarayasamudram. A fraction of the tank is known as 'Musalammakatta' and it is said to be named after Musalamma (a lady from Bukkarayasamudram), who sacrificed herself to seal the breach in the tank.