KURNOOL

Location: West-Central Part of Andhra Pradesh
Previously Known As: Kandanavolu
Also Was: Former Capital Of Andhra Pradesh State
Kurnool lies in the west-central part of Andhra Pradesh State, southern banks of the Tungabhadra and Handri rivers. It was the capital of Andhra Pradesh from 1953 until 1956. It is the headquarters of the district.
In 12th century AD, the Odders, who carted stones for the construction of the temple Alampur, used the site on which the town now stands as a halting place before crossing the Tungabhadra and greased their cart wheels with oil locally supplied by some of the oil mongers, and called the place 'Kandanavolu' which in course of time came to be known as Kurnool.

Historical Significance: Of historical interest are the ruins of a royal fort dating back to the medieval kingdom of Vijayanagar, which flourished from the 14th to the 16th century. Several Persian and Arabic inscriptions, which throw light on various aspects of historical interests, are noted at the place.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

Kurnool does not have much to offer to the tourists there are only few places, which are worth watching. The Kondareddy Buruz protected under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act. The Tomb of Abdul Wahab on the bank of Hindri, Built in AD 1618. The remains of the palace of Gopal Raju, the last Hindu rulers of Kurnool. Few important temples are of 'Nagareswarasawami', 'Peta Anjaneyaswami', 'Venugoplaswami', 'Iswaraswami', 'Saibab', and 'Birla Mandir' or 'Stayanarayaswami'.

Adoni: It has a fort, once a stronghold of Vijayanagar Empire stands in ruins upon five rocky granite hills. There are two of hills are each about 800ft in height. Jamma Masjid is a fine piece of Muslim architecture located in Adoni.

Ahobilam: Ahobilam, is a great religious center of considerable antiquity, it is located 74-km from Nandyal and 26-km from Allagaddal. It is a reputed Hindu pilgrim center, especially for Vishnavites. The temple is divided into two parts- the lower Ahobilam and the upper Ahobilam. The upper Ahobilam is a plateau 2,800' above sea level.

Madhavaram: Another important place of tourist attraction is a village called Madhavaram, which has an ancient gateway in ruins. The resemblance of the gateway of India in Mumbai is however noticeable.

Sangameswaram: Sangameswaram also known as Sapta Nandi Sangam is located 55-km from Kurnool. It is this the sacred confluence of the Bhavanasi and Krishna Rivers. This scenic spot has a temple with a wooden Lingam. Thousands of pilgrims congregate here on Maha Shivaratri day.
Srisailam: Srisailam is situated in the thick and inaccessible forests of the Nallamalai hills, in the northeastern portion of the Nandikotkur Taluk of Kurnool District. It is one of the most ancient and sacred places in South India, and this important religious shrine stands on the Rishabhagiri hill, on the southern bank of the sacred river Krishna. Srisailam is referred to as 'Sri Giri', 'Sriparvata', 'Rudra Parvata' and 'Seshachalam' in several texts and Puranas.
Thimmapuram: A great scenic spot owing to its location to the east of Nallamala hill ranges in a natural gorge of ravishing beauty surrounded on all sides by thick forests. The shrine of 'Mahanandiswara' and the surrounding temples attract pilgrims and admires of architectural beauty. The annual temple festival is in February-March.

Mahanandi: Mahanandi is located 16-km from Nandyal. It is a reputed pilgrim center in the State and a scenic spot owing to its location to the east of the Nallamalla hill ranges in a natural gorge of ravishing beauty surrounded on all sides by thick forests.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: The nearest airport is at Hyderabad at a distance of 219-km from Kurnool.

Rail: It is a railway station on the Secunderabad-Bangalore railway line.

Road: Kurnool is well connected by bus with all the important places in the district as well as Cuddapah, Anantapur, Chittoor, and Hyderabad. Tourists can take autos, rickshaws and taxis for local transportation.

FAIRS: The car festival of Sri Ajaneyaswami, celebrated for eight days from Margasira Suddha Triodasi during November-December is most important and well attended.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Climate: Tropical

Summer: Max 44°C and Min 31°C
Winter: Max 32°C and Min 19°C
Rainfall: Seasonal
Clothing: Light Cottons

NEARBY CITIES