Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh

Anantapur is the largest district of Andhra Pradesh and the second largest district in India after Ladakh valley of Jammu & Kashmir. Known throughout the country for its silk trade industry, Anantpur also shares its name with the headquarters of the district. It is said that Anantapur derived its name from 'Anaatasagaram' (means Endless Ocean), a huge tank in the vicinity.

In the past few years, tourism has been growing in the region, owing to the presence of several tourist attractions. Located in the westernmost part of the Andhra Pradesh, Ananthapur city makes the headquarters as well as the financial centre of the district. Reminiscent of other parts of the state, the city too has abundance of foliage and agrarian blessing. Though it has imbibed modern beliefs, it has not compromised its primeval charm. 

Anantapur district has many tourist places worth-visiting. The district, infact, appears 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 its 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.

Transport

Places to See:

Penna Ahobilam

Situated near Anantapur, Penna Ahobilam is renowned for its Lord Narasimha Swamy Temple. The shrine presents a beautiful vista of the bubbling rivulet of Pennar. According to the legends, the temple was constructed on the footprints of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy that measured 5 feet 3 inches. Prominent place for marriage ceremonies, this temple observes an ostentatious car festival every year. Adi Laxmi Devi Temple and Chenchu Laxmi Devi Temple are two other temples in the complex. 

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.

Excursions...........
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Anantapur Excursions

Lepakshi Temple

Lepakshi is actually a small village that is situated in the east of Hindupur, which falls under the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. This settlement is famous for its artistic temples, which date back to the 16th century. A striking specimen of the Vijayanagar style of architecture is the Lepakshi Temple. More Pictures

Dharmavaram

Dharmavaram is eminent throughout the country for its elegant silk sarees. Situated at a distance of approximately 47 km from Anantapur city, Dharmavaram has been named after 'Dharmamba', who was the mother of Sri Kriyasakthi Odeyar. 

Penukonda Fort

Penukonda Fort is a colossal structure, whose each and every stone boasts of the royalty of the erstwhile era. 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. 

Gooty Fort

Gooty is a small town, known for embracing one of the oldest forts of Andhra Pradesh. At a distance of 52 kms 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 is a small settlement situated at a distance of 90 kms from Anantapur. It is known for Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple, a shrine where the presiding deity 'Swayambhu' emerged from the roots of Khadri tree. The main attraction here is that the idol sweats. Rathothsavam (Car Festival) is the major event observed here every year, summoning many pilgrims from all over the state. 

Thimmamma Marrimanu 

Located 120 km from Anantapur, Thimmamma Marrimanu has the distinction of being the world's largest banyan tree. This huge tree covers an area of 5.2 acres. In 1989, it secured a place in the Guinness Book of World Records, owing to its enormous size. Thimmamma Marrimanu is said be approximately 550 years old. 

Tadipatri

Tadipatri is a hamlet that boasts of many interesting religious monuments. To be found 90 kms from Ananthapur, Chintala Venkataramana Temple 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.

Alur 

Inundated with impressive waterfalls, Alur is a small village about 70 kms from Ananthapur. It is the perfect destination for picnics, amidst lush greens, lofty hills and small rivulets. The famous Ranganatha Swamy Temple is also located here. The annual car festival celebration draws people from all parts within and outside the state. 

Hemavathi

Located about 160 kms 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 small forts and temples. The shrines dedicated to Narashimhaswamy, Hanuman, Prasanna Venkatesvara, Jambukeswara, Kanyakaparameswari and Elamma are the prominent ones. Though now mostly in ruins, the fort would take you back to the royal splendor. It also offers a breathtaking view of the town below............
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How to Reach Anantapur

Air

The airports at Bangalore and Puttaparthi serve the needs of air-passengers for getting to Anantapur. Bangalore airport is well-connected to all the major cities of the country, while Puttaparthi airport is connected with some limited cities.

Rail

Anantapur is connected to the cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Pune, Vishakapatnam and other major cities. 

Road 

The National Highways 7 and 205 pass through and connect Anantapur with all the major cities of India............
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How to Reach Dausa

Rail

It is well connected by rail. It is on Delhi - Jaipur train route, which gives it great connectivity.

Road

Dausa is 55 km from Jaipur on NH-11 and well connected with Agra, Delhi and other surrounding districts viz. Karauli, Sawai Madhopur and Bharatpur by road............
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Sawai Madhopur Excursions

Siwad

Siwad village is known for the dusmeshwar mahadeo tempole dedicated to lord shiva. Hundreds of people come here to seek blessing of lord shiva for prosperity. An imposing fort perched on a small hill is an added attractrion of the place. siwad is just 3 kms from the isarda railway station.

Rameshwaram

60 kms from sawai madhopur on the onfluence of banas and chambal river is rameshwaram. It has a beautiful shiva temple where a fari is held annually on shiv ratri.

Amareshwar Mahadeo

On the way to ranthambhor national park, nestled amidst high hills is the sacred amareshwar mahadeo temple.

Khandar Fort

The imposing khandar fort about 45 kms. From sawai madhopur is worthy visiting.

Chauth Mata Temple

25 kms from sawai madhopur and situated on a hill near chauth ka barware town is the famous temple of mother goddess.

Chamatkar Temple

The temple is dedicated to Rikhabdeo the jain tirtankar

Others

Surwal lake, mansarovar dam & bhuri pahadi village river area (for migatory birds) deopura village area for balck bugs sighting.Bhagwatgarh shiv kunds, khandar for chambal river............
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How to Reach Banswara

Air

The nearest airport is at Udaipur (192 km), where there is a helipad, and runways for charter planes to Talwara around 13 kilometers from Banswara city.

Road

Road transport is the only mode of goods and passengers movement from and to the district. The district head quarter has direct road connection with Ratlam, Dungarpur, Dohad and Jaipur.

Rail

Rail transport facility is not available in the district. However, the nearest railway station is at Ratlam (85 km) which is on meter gauge and broad gauge............
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