Kadapa - Puttaparthi

Kadapa District is virtually a paradise for the avid tourist. Kadapa, which means `threshold’ in the local language, derived its name from being a convenient camping place for the pilgrims who were on their way to the holy temple of Lord Venkateswara at Tirupati. Kadapa is about 405 km, south of Hyderabad. Apart from its strategic location, this land has also been blessed by mother nature. Five big rivers, picturesque valleys, dense forests, undulating hills, shimmering waterfalls and deep mysterious caves, all give the nature lover much to fall in love with. Besides, it is also a repository of some of the finest architectural and building masterpieces that are eloquent testimonials to a man’s dexterity and ingenuity.

Devuni Kadapa Near Kadapa city, Devuni Kadapa is a place that is believed to be the doorstep of Tirupati. Before proceeding towards Tirumala Tirupati, pilgrims stop at this place to pay their homage to the presiding deity. The famous Venkateswara Temple here, features a unique idol of the Lord which has on its reverse, an image of Anjaneya. Built in the Vijayanagara style of architecture, it has an impressive sculpture of the dancing Vigneswara in the Mukha Mandapam, which is much admired.

Masjid-E-Azam This impressive mosque has a Persian inscription in it, which identifies it as being built in 1691 A.D, during the reign of Aurangazeb.

Chand Phira Gumbadh This mausoleum of Syed Shah Mohammed Hussian is situated in the heart of Kadapa town. Built in a square building, it has a large dome in the center bounded by tall walls. The parapets of the building are decorated with arabesque panels in plaster.

Vontimitta Vontimitta is one of the mandal head quarters of Kadapa district situated at a distance of 28 km on the Kadapa-Chennai main road. The temple of Sri Kodandarama situated here has a spacious courtyard and three Gopura gateways. Developed by the Cholas and Vijayanagara kings, a unique feature of the temple is the absence of the Hanuman idol, which makes it a one-of-its kind in India. East of the eastern Gopura of this temple is the temple of Sanjeevaraya (Sri Hanuman) facing west to the main temple. The Vontimitta temple is famous for its architecture and art. Vontimitta is associated with the Telugu poet Bammera Pothana (AD.1405-1470), a great Ramabhaktha, who translated Bhagavatham from Sanskrit to Telugu.

Brahmamgari Matham It is the place where Sri Potuluri Veerabrahmam who was famous for his preachings and mainly for his predictions about the future of the world, stayed in Kandimallayapalli. Veerabrahmam is the only futurologist that the East has produced. He entered Jeeva Samadhi in the year 1693. Brahmamgari Matham was built in Kandimallayapalli after the death of Veerabrahmam. The Matham does not look like temple but has beautifully carved statues and its walls are full of Veerabrahmendra Swamy's preaching and his predictions. Places of interest in and around the Matham: Siddaiah Jeeva Samadhi Eswaramma Temple Poleramma Temple Veerabrahmam Reservoir (Telugu Ganga Project). Brahmasagaram (Telugu Ganga Reservoir with boating facility). Kandimallayapalli is located 60 km from Kadapa. It is well connected by road. Preferable route is Kadapa > Mydukur > Kandimallayapalli. From Mydukur the distance is 37 km. Nearest railway station is Kadapa.

Gandikota Fort The famous fort of Gandikota, which acquired its name due to the gorge formed between the Erramalai range of hills, is believed to have been built during the later half of the 13th century A.D. It also played a significant role during the Chalukya, Kakatiya, Vijayanagara and Qutub Shahi periods. Within the fort, there are many interesting places worth seeing. The Ranganatha and Madhavaswamy temples, built during the 15th - 16th centuries, are adorned with sculptures in an architectural style reminiscent of the Vijayanagara period. The Juma Masjid, covering a huge area, stands next to a large granary, used to stock food during the time of a siege. An impressive 'Pigeon Tower' and a palace with plastered decorations are also interesting structures. Gandikota is located 77 km from Kadapa and 219 km from Tirupati. Gandikota is located 15 km from Jammalamadugu and 77 km from Kadapa by road. Preferable route is Kadapa > Mydukur > Proddatur > Jammalamadugu > Gandikota. If you are travelling by train, then the nearest railway station is Kadapa, Yerraguntla.

Tallapaka Tallapaka is a village in Rajampet mandal of Kadapa district. The village has the distinction of being the birthplace of Saint Annamacharya. He was the famous composer of devotional songs on Lord Venkateswara, who made invaluable contributions to music and literature during the 15th century. Dhyana Mandiram was constructed in memory of great Saint Annamacharya, at Tallapaka. The Chennakesavaswamy temple located near the Annamacharya temple has many temples located within the premises. A unique temple here is that of the Sudarashanachakra containing the idol of the Sudarashanachakra of Lord Vishnu as well as that of Lord Santanagopalakrishna together. The temple is the only one of its kind in South India. Another temple is that of Lord Hanuman, the loyal devotee of Lord Rama. The rare temple of Lord Garuthmantha also located in the premises of the Chennakesavaswamy temple. The Siddheswaraswamy temple with Lord Siva as its presiding deity is also located in Tallapaka. Tallpaka is located 58.8 km from Kadapa, 91 km from Tirupati and 4 km from Rajampeta. Nearest Railway Stations are Rajampeta (4 km), Kadapa (60 km), Renigunta (83 km).

Lankamalleswaram Wildlife Sanctuary One of Andhra Pradesh’s reserved forests, it covers an area of 464 sq km. The main habitat of the rare and endangered species of bird called Jerdon's Courser, Lankamalleswaram is a verdant paradise with its thick tree cover, deep valleys, steep slopes and picturesque waterfalls adding to the scenic beauty of the place. Red Sanders, an endemic species of timber, grows in this area. To get a better glimpse of the abundant wildlife, watch towers have been built to provide nature lovers a spectacular view. The animals found here include Panther, Sloth Bear, Wild Board, Chital, Sambar, Chowsingha, Chinkara, Nilgai and Fox.

Sangameswara Temple One of the most famous temples in the district, built in the 14th – 15th Century A.D, it is at the confluence of three rivers Vahini, Papagani and Pavani. It stands in a serene valley surrounded by hills and forests which lend it a calm and peaceful ambience. The sheer scenic beauty of the place leaves an indelible impression on your mind. An interesting feature is the fact that while in front of the temple, the river Vahini flows in an easterly direction, at the rear, the Papagani and Pavani flow towards the west. The temple has beautiful Gopurams, Mantapas and resting rooms and is adorned with wonderful sculptures of Shiva, Ganesha, Nataraja, Rama, Anjaneya, the chariot of God, and many more dating back to the time of the Vijayanagara rulers.