Best Tourist Attractions to Visit in Anantapur District

Anantapur District is located in the southwest area of Andhra Pradesh in India, bordering Karnataka. Anantapur serves as the district's administrative headquarters.

Anantapur is a simple yet charming place where history meets natural beauty. Its famous spots and peaceful scenery attract visitors from across the country, making it a place worth exploring till the very end.

Here are some of the must-visit tourist spots in Anantapur District:

• 🔆 Gooty Fort
• 🔆 Gandikota Fort
• 🔆 Madhavaraya Temple, Gandikota                     
• 🔆 Ahobilam Narasimha Swamy Temple
• 🔆 Lepakshi Veerabhadra Temple
• 🔆 Bugga Ramalingeswara Swami Temple
• 🔆 Thimmamma Marrimanu
• 🔆 Mounagiri Hanuman Temple
• 🔆 Lakshmi Narasimha swamy temple, Penna Ahobilam    
• 🔆 Rayadurgam Fort
• 🔆 Chintala Venkataramana Swamy Temple
• 🔆 Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple, Tadipatri
• 🔆 Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
• 🔆 Batrepalli Waterfalls near Kadiri
• 🔆 Madhavaraya Temple in Gorantla
• 🔆 Ramalingeswara Swamy Devasthanam, Dharmavaram
• 🔆 Aluru Kona Ranganatha Swamy Temple

Gooty Fort

Gooty Fort, also called Ravadurg, is an ancient hilltop fort located in Gooty town of Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, now standing as a beautiful ruin with a rich past.

This well-known fort holds great importance in the country’s heritage and is officially recognized as a centrally protected monument of national significance.

Gooty Fort is a popular tourist destination, admired for its scenic views, rich history, and striking architectural remains. It’s also a great place for adventure lovers, offering exciting opportunities for rock climbing and hiking.

The fort was originally built by the Nolamba dynasty in the 10th century. Over time, it came under the rule of several powerful dynasties, including the Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara Empire, Qutb Shahi dynasty, Mughal Empire, and the Maratha Empire. It was finally taken over by the British East India Company in 1786.

Once proudly known as the “King of Forts,” this grand fortress witnessed many important battles. One of the most notable was the Battle of Gooty, fought between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire.

The architecture of Gooty Fort reflects a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic styles, showcasing its diverse cultural past. There is also a popular local belief that the spirit of Murarirao Ghorpade, a noted Maratha general, still haunts the fort.

Major Attractions:

👉 Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

👉 Nageswara Swami Temple

👉 Hanuman Temple

Useful Information:

• 🔆 Fort Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• 🔆 🡅 From base to top: approx. 3–4 hours hike.
• 🔆 There is no entry ticket for this fort.
• 🔆 🥪💧 Bring snacks & water—climb the fort without running out of steam! 🏰.
• 🔆 🪨 Gooty Fort houses temples and intricate carvings carved from solid granite.

Route Map:

🌷 Read Also

👉 Sarva Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

👉 Yadagirigutta Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

👉 Mangalagiri Panakala Swamy Temple

Chintala Venkataramana Swamy Temple

The Chintala Venkataramana Swamy Temple, also called Chintalarayaswamy Temple, is a famous Hindu Vaishnavite temple located in Tadipatri, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh.

This temple is home to Venkateswara Swamy, a divine form of Lord Vishnu known as Chintala Venkataramana—where faith, history, and stunning architecture come alive! 🙏

Legend says Lord Venkateswara Swamy was found in a tamarind tree (Chinta in Telugu)🌳 , giving him the unique name Chintala Venkataramana—where nature and divinity meet!

Brief History:

The temple was built in the mid-16th century by Pemmasani Timmanayudu II, a contemporary of Vira Narasimharaya and Krishnadevaraya, during the glorious era of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Timmanayudu II built the temple after Lord Vishnu appeared to him in a dream, asking for a shrine in Tadipatri. Today, this iconic temple graces the banks of the scenic Penna River, right in the heart of the town.

Chintalarayaswamy Temple is a stunning example of Vijayanagara architecture, adorned with intricate granite sculptures. It’s recognized as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

🚩🛕 The temple boasts a Garuda Mandapa designed as a chariot with rotating granite wheels, echoing the iconic style of the Vithala Temple in Hampi.

Route Map:

🌷 Read Also

👉 Sri Venkateshwara Stotram

👉 Venkateshwara Vajra Kavacha Stotram

👉 Devuni Kadapa Temple

👉 Prati Balaji Temple, Pune

👉 Tirumala Lord Balaji Temple

Batrepalli Waterfalls (Kadiri)

Batrepalli Waterfalls, located in Talupula Mandal near Kadiri, Anantapur, are a seasonal treat. From September to December, visitors flock here to witness the cascading beauty.

The waterfalls originate near the Mallalamma Temple in the Nilgiri forest, flowing down to merge with the serene Batrepalli Pond.

Batrepalli Waterfalls is located along the Kadiri–Pulivendula Highway. Visitors can reach it by taking a bus from Kadiri to Talupula or Pulivendula.

The falls are situated close to the YSR Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh and near Karnataka. With a height of 80 feet, Batrepalli Waterfalls are the tallest in the region.

This spot is perfect for a family picnic, where you can enjoy the waterfalls cascading over the rocks during the summer months.

Batrepalli Falls is a popular stop for devotees visiting the Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy Temple, thanks to its open, green surroundings.

Sri Yogi Vemana Samadhi, located in Katarupalli village, is another notable destination near Batrepalli Waterfalls.

Distance:

Kadiri is the nearest town to Batrepalli Waterfalls. Distance from Batrepalli Waterfalls to nearby cities/towns:

• 🔆 Kadiri – 15 km
• 🔆 Pulivendula – 25 km
• 🔆 Kadapa – 93 km
• 🔆 Anantapur – 105 km
• 🔆 Kurnool – 250 km
• 🔆 Hyderabad – 467 km
• 🔆 Bangalore – 187 km
• 🔆 Chennai – 344 km

Route Map:

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👉 Horsley Hills Mallamma Temple

👉 Rangaswamy Gundam Waterfalls (Giddalur)

Thimmamma Marrimanu

One of Anantapur’s must-see wonders is 🌳 Thimmamma Marrimanu, a colossal banyan tree over 550 years old that stretches across nearly five acres—a sight that makes any visit unforgettable.

Thimmamma Marrimanu, located southeast of Kadiri town, is a truly extraordinary natural wonder. According to the 1989 Guinness Book of World Records, it holds the title of the largest banyan tree and ranks among the most remarkable trees on the planet.

In Telugu, the word "Marri" means banyan or fig tree, while "Manu" simply means tree.

The legendary tree is named after the holy woman "Thimmamma", who committed Sati on her husband’s funeral pyre. From the northeastern corner of the pyre, a small banyan sprouted, eventually growing into the massive Thimmamma Marrimanu we see today.

The local community has preserved the tree’s sacred legacy for generations. Every year, a grand "Jatara" is celebrated here during the "Shivratri" festival.

At the base of the banyan tree stands a small temple, attracting devotees from all walks of life who come to offer prayers and seek blessings.

Thimmamma Marrimanu is famed for granting fertility to childless couples, while those who take its leaves are said to face misfortune. Even the birds seem to respect its power, rarely resting on its branches.

A beautifully fenced garden surrounds the site, adding to its charm. From the outside, this enormous banyan tree looks like a small forest all on its own.

Locals and forest officials work tirelessly to preserve and protect the ever-expanding Thimmamma Marrimanu.

Just a tip for your visit: there are no hotels nearby, so pack what you need. The best part? You’ll likely enjoy the massive Thimmamma Marrimanu all to yourself!

Distance:

• 🔆 Kadiri (26km)
• 🔆 Horsely Hills (70 km)
• 🔆 Anantapur (125km)
• 🔆 Kadapa (109km)
• 🔆 Vijayawada (469 km)
• 🔆 Hyderabad (486 km)

Interesting Facts:

Botanical species: Ficus Benghalensis

Banyan or Baragad or Bad is the national tree of India

Route Map:

🌷 Read Also

👉 Pillalamarri Banyan Tree, Telangana

Lepakshi Veerabhadra Temple

Lepakshi Veerabhadra Temple is a famous shrine dedicated to Veerabhadra, a fierce incarnation of Lord Shiva.

Lepakshi Veerabhadra Temple, a renowned South Indian landmark, was built in the 16th century (around 1530 AD) by brothers Viranna and Virupanna Nayaka, loyal officers of the Vijayanagara dynasty.

Perched on a massive granite hill called Kurma Saila, the temple is uniquely shaped like a turtle.

If you’re visiting Lepakshi, don’t miss the Veerabhadra Swamy Temple—it’s a treasure trove of incredible sculptures. Step inside the main sanctum, and you’ll be face-to-face with a life-size statue of Veerabhadra that’s truly breathtaking.

Look up above the deity, and you’ll spot the carved portraits of the temple’s builders, Viranna and Virupanna Nayaka, right on the roof—a cool glimpse into history!

This temple is famous for its hanging pillars, the Natya Mantapam, the Naga Linga, the massive bull sculpture, and vibrant mural paintings. In total, 72 pillars support this architectural marvel.

One of the 72 pillars is a famous Hanging Pillar—it doesn’t touch the ground! Visitors often slide cloth underneath it, a unique feature that has made this temple famous not just in India, but worldwide.

One more must-see here is the gigantic Nandi (bull), sculpted from a single stone block—an impressive masterpiece of craftsmanship!

Temple Timings:

Morning 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

How To Reach:

📍Lepakshi Temple sits on the southern edge of Lepakshi town, close to Hindupur.

  ➡️ Distance from Bengaluru – 140 km (easy day trip!).

Lepakshi Temple is easily accessible by road, with a scenic drive that takes just a few hours, depending on traffic and your mode of transport.

By Air: ✈️

Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru is the nearest airport at a distance of almost 94 kilometers from Veerabhadra Temple.

By Train: 🚂

Hindupur Railway Station (Station Code:HUP) is the nearest railway station at a distance of about 14 km from Lepakshi Temple.

Temple Distance:

🔆 Bengaluru 140 km

🔆 Penukonda 35 km

Author Note:

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