BELLUM CAVES

Originally discovered in 1854 by H.B.Foote, these subturanean passages were explored by the Department of archealogy and Museums, followed by team of European spalelogist led by Mr Gebaner, Belum Caves are the second largest natural caves in Indian Sub. continent after Meghalaya Caves.

These underground caves are located on a flat agricultural field, have 3 well like cavities with the central one being the main entrance to the caves.

After a descent of 20 meters at the entrance, the cave is horizontal & has a length of 3229 meters. Longer than Borra Caves in Vishakapatnam district Belum Caves have long passages, spacious chambers, fresh water galleries and siphons. All this makes Belum Caves a geological & archeological attraction worldwide.

How to Reach This Place

Road : Belum is located 106 kms from Kurnool. It is well connected by Road.

Rail : Belum is 106 kms from Kurnool Railwaystation.

Air : Hyderabad Airport.

 

CHANDRAGIRI PALACE

Located 11 km from Tirupati, in Chittoor district, Chandragiri was the former capital of the mighty Vijayanagar Empire. The fort here was built on a 180m high rock. The fortifications, 'Raja Mahal' with its romantic lily pond and the 'Rani mahal' are well preserved. The Museum in Raja Mahal contains Chola and Vijayanagara bronzes.

 

CHANDRAGIRI FORT

Chittoor has a rich and diversified history. There are hundreds of monuments, memorial rocks and memorials that remind us of the rich history Chittor had. The Historical Memorials date back to over 1000 years and each of them present the rich cultural diversity and art of sculpture in it.

The Chandragiri Fort is located at Chandragiri which was once upon a time the Capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire and is linked with the Aravidu dynasty. The Chandragiri Fort dates back to 1000 AD ? the year in which Immadi Narasimha Yadavaraya had begun the construction work. Overtime, more and more improvements were made to it to make it more beautiful and elegant to look.

The fort is strategically located over the top of a small 183m hill. The southern side of the hill is enclosed by strong walls, surrounded by a ditch so as to prevent any intruder from entering into the fort. The remains of the lower fort contain the two Mahals, the lower portion of which is built in stone and the upper in brick. The main building known as the 'Raj (Chandragiri) Mahal' is majestic in appearance and with the modern colorful lighting system introduced, the Mahal is a delight to the eyes and gives a nice view to the eyes during night. The modern town of Chandragiri lies to the east of the hill on which the fort stands.

 

SILATHORANAM (RARE ROCK ARCH)

About 1km from Tirumala Temple is a rare naturally formed arch. Believed to be the source of Lord Venkateswara's idol, the rocks resemble hood of a serpent, a conch and a discus. It is a rare natural geological Phenomenon.

 

TIRUPATI : TIRULAMA TIRUPATI DEVESTHANAM

Tirupati/Tirumala is a pilgrimage center of great significance and is visited by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. Venkateswara, or Srinivasa or Balaji as the presiding deity Vishnu is known, is enshrined in this temple, located on a range of the Eastern Ghats, called the Seven Hills.It is an ancient temple and its glory has been sung by the saints of the yesteryears.

One of the most important pilgrimage centers in India, the temple draws millions of pilgrims and is believed to be the busiest pilgrimage centre in the world. Tirupati town itself has several temples and is famous for its red wooden toys, copper and brass idols. Said to be the richest temple in India, this temple is a vibrant cultural and philanthropic institution with a grand history spanning several centuries. It attracts pilgrims from all over the country and it is not unusual for pilgrims to stand in line for hours together to obtain a glimpse of the presiding deity for a few fleeting seconds. References to Tiruvenkatam abound in early Tamil literature(Tolkappiam and Silappadikaram) . Explicit reference to the Lord of Tiruvenkatam is found in the works of the early Tamil Saint Poets Poigai Alwar, Bhuthathu Alwar and Pay Alwar as well as in the poems of the later Alwars. The great religious leader Ramanuja Acharya is said to have visited here in the 11th - 12th century AD. The temple town of Tirupati came into existence in the 12th century, when the Govindarajaswamy temple was founded. Sri Venkateshwara temple, the abode of Lord Venkateshwara, also known as Balaji in the north and Srinivasa in southern parts of India, is one of the most famous temples in India and is located at Tirumala, 18 km. northwest of Tirupati at a height of 874 mt. above sea level amidst the hills known as seven hills of the Eastern Ghats.

Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple : The temple town of Tirupati came into existence in the 12th century, with the founding of Govindarajaswamy temple. Sri Venkateshwara temple, the abode of Lord Venkateshwara, also known as Balaji in the north and Srinivasa in southern parts of India, is one of the most famous temples in India and is located at Tirumala, 18 km. northwest of Tirupati at a height of 874 mt. above sea level amidst the hills known as seven hills of the Eastern Ghats. It is believed that Lord Vishnu (Balaji) enchanted by the charm of the hill Seshachalam, settled down here to meditate and in course of time his body was transformed into stone. Also, according to the Puranas, the hills represent the body of Adisesha on which Lord Vishnu, the protector of the world, is said to rest. The seven hills denote the seven hoods of Adisesha on which Venkatachalapati resides. The origin of the temple is shrouded in antiquity and is regarded as one of the most ancient temples in India.

Govindaraja Swami Temple : One of the most important temples in the heart of Tirupati is Sri Govindaraja Swami Temple, which was consecrated by Saint Ramanujacharya in 1130 AD. It is built by the Nayakas, the successors to the Vijayanagar empire. The temple has an impressive outer gopuram. The inner most gopuram is the earliest dating from the 14th-15th centuries. The main shrines are dedicated to Vishnu and Krishna

 

TALAKONA FOREST & WATERFALLS

This place is located in the Nagari Valley 45 km from Tirupati in the Nallamalai Ranges. This 60 Metre waterfall is a picturesque site and the water is known to contain several minerals vital for human health. The view is breathtaking and the protected forest are lush green. The waterfall is perineal. This place was called the seat of the sages.

 

HORSLEY HILLS

The place was discovered by W.D Horsley, the then collector of Cuddapah district who came here to escape from the blistering heat. He was so enchanted by the dense forest and exotic birds that he made it his summer residence. Later, British officers followed suit and an elegant villa was built for the governor. The climate of the hills is absolutely perfect. It lies at an altitude of 4300ft and experience maximum of 32 degree in summer and minimum 20 degrees Celsius in winter.

Although a small place but it offers plenty of rewarding viewpoints. From the Valley View Point just behind the tourist bungalow, you get a breathtaking view of the lush valley below and the surrounding landscape of miles of paddy fields, rural settlements and small towns of Andhra Pradesh. It is such a small place that you can experience everything within a couple of days. If you like nothing more than days spent in quiet contemplation or some time to oneself for writing or reading, then Horsley Hills is the perfect destination for you.

KANIPAKAM TEMPLE : CHITTOOR

"Kani" means wetland and "Pakam" means flow of water into wetland. Kanipakam is home to a popular Hindu temple of Lord Ganesha called as Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple. It was constructed in the early 11th century CE by the Chola king Kulothunga Chola I and was expanded further in 1336 by the Emperors of Vijayanagara dynasty. Local legends claim that the idol of Ganesha continuously grows in size. The temple was too small to be patronized by Chola and Vijayanagara kings. The temples of Cholas and Vijayanagaras are normally magnificent in size and grandeur. Most of the present structures are of recent origin and the present major developmental and construction activities of the temple are well supported by offerings given to the temple by the devotees. Ganesha is popular.

This temple became widely known only in the past 10-15 years. Prior to this it was popular only in and around the Chittoor district, but the AP government has been promoting tourism. In addition, the number of buses which run between Tirupati and the local temples allows pilgrims greater transportation flexibility.

SRIKALAHASTI TEMPLE: CHITTOOR

Srikalahasti Temple is located in the town of Srikalahasti, Chittoor District in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is one of the most famous Shiva temples in South India, and is said to be the site where Kannappa, one of the 63 Saivite Nayanars, was ready to offer both his eyes to cover blood flowing from the Siva linga before the Lord Siva stopped him and granted him mukti.

Sri Kalahasti temple, situated 36 km away from Tirupati is famous for its Vayu deva temple, which is the only shrine for the God of Wind in India. Constructed in the 12th century by the Chola king, Rajendra Chola, Vayu is incarnated as Lord Shiva and worshipped as Kalahasteeswara.

The temple is also associated with Rahu and Kethu (of the nine grahams or celestial bodies in the Indian astrological scheme). The river Suvarnamukhi takes the northerly course at Sri Kalahasthi almost washing the west wall of the famous Sri Kalahasthi temple in the Chittor district of Andhra Pradesh. Inside this very large temple, situated between two steep hills Sripuram and Mummidi-cholapuram, is the Sivalinga set to represent the element of Vayu. This temple is considered as the Kailash of the South or Dakshin Kailash. Saivaite saints of the first century sang about this temple.

This temple is one of the most impressive Siva temples in India. Vishwakarma brahmin Sthapthis who sculpted this temple need to be eulogized for their excellent architectural cognizance. This temple features an enormous, ancient gopuram (entrance tower) over the main gate. The tower is 36.5m (120 ft) high. The entire temple is carved out of the side of a huge stone hill.

The initial structure of this temple was constructed by the Pallava dynasty. The Chola kings and the Vijayanagara kings also gave great help for the temple development. Like other great temples, the construction period of Sri Kalahasthi temple lasted centuries. Around the tenth century, the Chola kings renovated the temple and constructed the main structure.

The outer walls and the four gopurams were constructed in the period of Sri Veera Narasimharayar in twelfth century. The 120 feet (37 m) high main gopuram and the 100 pillar mandapam were constructed by Krishnadevaraya, the Vijayanagara king in 1516. Tamil saints Nayanars like Appar , Sundarar and Sambanthar praised the deity in their hymns-the tevaram.

MANTRALAYAM: KURNOOL

Mantralayam, is a town in Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh, India. It lies on the banks of the Tungabhadra river on the border with neighbouring Karnataka state. It is also called as Manchale.

This town is noted for the holy presence of the Vrindavana of Guru Raghavendra Swami, a Madhwa saint and follower of Sri Madhwacharya. It is believed that Guru Raghavendra Swami is in the Vrindavana from the past 339 years and is believed to be in the Vrindavana for another 361 years. While entering the Vrindavana, Guru Raghavendra Swami stated that he would be there (in the Vrindavana) for 700 years.

The nearest railway station is Mantralayam Road, 13 kilometres away. This station is on the Guntakal - Raichur railway route. There are frequent bus services from Raichur and Bellary in Karnataka and from Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh. Mantralayam is about 35 km from Raichur and 120 km from Bellary, 100 km from Kurnool and 250 km from the state capital Hyderabad.

Thousands of devotees come here to have a glimpse of the Brindavana or Vrindavana every year.

MAHANANDI TEMPLE: NANDIYAL KURNOOL

Mahanandi Temple is located in Nandyal of Kurnool. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple also has a legend associated with it. The temple is also known for the architecture and the famous celebration of Mahashivratri is also an integral part of the temple.

Architecture of Mahanandi Temple : The temple is at the foothill where a mineral spring flows into the fields from underneath the linga, into the tank in front of the temple. The temple is surrounded by mantapas on all sides. The Vimana over the sanctum is in Nagara style. It has a Shikara at the top. The architectural peculiarities show that the temple dates back to ancient times and it was repaired and rebuilt through the ages by many kings. This temple is famous for its curative powers found in the warm tepid mineral water found in the tank in front of the temple. It is a sixty feet square with a mandapa in the centre. The inlets and outlets of the tank are so arranged that the depth of the water remains constant at five feet for the devotees to swim in. The source of this water has never been traced. The water is said to come from five springs called Srisailadhara, Narasimhadhara, Daivodhinidhara, Nanditirtha and Kailasatirtha.

The sanctum contains a linga and is made from a rough uncut rock, with two sockets. Here the linga is seen just above the earth`s surface without the three Peethams underneath. All can touch and worship the Lord. A huge Nandi is at the front of the shrine and hence it is called Mahanandi Tirtha. The tank that lies behind is known as Rudra gundam and there are two more tanks called Vishnu gundam and Brahma gundam. Close to the main shrine is a shrine dedicated to the Goddess. The Srichakra in front of the deity is said to have been installed by Adisankara himself. The popular belief is that if one meditates upon the God then he will receive a darshan befitting his status in front of the mother. The mukhamandapa of the goddess is a recent construction.

Behind the main shrine there are three small shrines containing a Shivalinga each. It is stated that if these are worshipped, they will take one beyond the Sthoola, Sookshma and Karana Dehas to the Turiya stage.

Festivals of Mahanandi Temple : The Shivaratri is the most important festival. In the Kartika masa, pilgrims worship in the shrine of Mallikarjunaswamy and then at the shrine of Padma Nandi, which is two miles further ahead. They then go to the Naga Nandi that is a mile to the west, and then proceed to Brahma Nandi, Soma Nandi, and Shiva Nandi, which are all nearby. They move on to Krishna or Vishnu Nandi, three miles to the northeast and from there complete the pilgrimage by worshipping Vinayaka Nandi, Maha Nandi, and Surya Nandi. The traditional belief is that the worship of these Nava Nandis should be finished in a day before sunset. The other festivals like Dasara, Ugadi etc. are also important.

VEERABHADRA TEMPLE, LEPAKSHI

Veerabhadra temple in Lepakshi is located near Anantapur which is 15 km east of Hindupur in the Anantapur district in the state of Andhra Pradesh . The temple, a wonderful example of the Vijayanagara Architectural style and art and a master piece of art work done by the Vishwakarma Brahmin Stapathis who sculpted this temple. This was built in the 16th century and sits on a mount. The presiding deity is Veerabhadra.

In the exquisite shrine is a wealth of magnificent sculpture in the intricate mandapams. One mandapam has pillars with life-sized images of dancers, musicians and other sculptures, created by the artisans of the Vijayanagar empire. The huge granite Nandi Bull is carved out of a single stone. The ceilings have breathtakingly beautiful mural paintings.

MALLIKARJUNA SWAMY TEMPLE SRISAILAM

The shrine of Lord Mallikarjuna picturesquely situated on a flat top of Nallamalai Hills, Srisailam is reputed to be one of the most ancient kshetras in India. It is on the right side of the River Krishna in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. This celebrated mountain is also named as Siridhan, Srigiri, Sirigiri, Sriparvatha and Srinagam. It has been a popular centre of Saivite pilgrimage for centuries.

The prominence of this Divya Kshetram is highlighted by the fact that while performing our daily household rituals we specify place of location of our existence with reference to Srisailam. The presiding Deities of this kshetram Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy is one of the twelve Jyothirlingas and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi is one of the eighteen Mahasakthis and both are self-manifested. The unique feature of this kshetram is the combination of Jyothirlingam and Mahasakthi in one campus, which is very rare and only one of its kind.

There is a common belief in vogue that this Holy Kshetram exists from times immemorial. The antiquity and origin of God Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi is not known.

PUTTAPARTHI ANANTHAPUR

Puttaparthi is a town situated in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, South India. It is also the residence of the notable spiritual teacher Sathya Sai Baba.

The town's main attraction is the Baba's Prasanthi Nilayam ashram, the presence of which has given a huge boost to the local economy, in the form of hotels, lodges, restaurants and shops which are largely frequented by visitors to Prasanthi Nilayam.

"The common languages spoken in Puttaparthi are Telugu, Kannada, English and Hindi.