A city pacing towards modernity and development, while continuing to guard its age-old traditions and the rich heritage of its momentous history, Anantapur forms a perfect meeting point of the past and the present. This ancient city has witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties, from the mighty Vijayanagar Empire to the Nawabs, Nizams and the British. Each of them has left their marks on the city, gifting it with a vibrant cultural legacy. Located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, it is today, emerging as a technological hub characterized with rapid development. This brilliant convergence of the ancient and the modern gives the city a charm that makes it irresistible to any traveler.
An ancient town, Anantapur was once a part of the prosperous Vijayanagar kingdom. The Penukonda Fort, built by the Vijayanagar kings, is an important historical monument of the city. The Ravadurg Gooty Fort and the Rayadurg Fort are the other sites of historical importance. The clock tower of Anantapur, located at the very heart of the city, is yet another prominent landmark of the city. It was built to commemorate India’s independence.
With a number of temples spread across the city, Anantapur is a place of religious importance. Popularly known as the ISKCON temple, the Radha Parthasarathi Temple is renowned for its grand structure resembling a horse-drawn chariot. Built in the 16th century, the Veer Bhadra Temple in Lepakhsi is adorned with intricate carvings and beautiful sculptures of granite. The Narasimha Swamy Temple at Penna Ahobilam and the Ramalingehswara Swamy Temple are among the other noteworthy religious sites.
Plan your visit to Anantapur during one of the many festivals celebrated here. Most of the temples have their respective fairs, where you can witness many rituals and celebrations. You also get a glimpse of various cultural activities including traditional dance and music at festivals such as Kotappakonda Temple fair and Sambhulingeshwara Kalyanotsavam.
There are a number of ways for traveling within Anantapur. City buses are easily available for traveling to the important areas within the city. Auto-rickshaws are also available on the streets and provide a convenient option for moving around the city. You can hire a taxi directly from the road or book a private cab as a more comfortable mode of transport.
On a daily basis there are approximately 273 flights that operate at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.IndiGo, SpiceJet and Air India are the most popular airline brands that fly frequently to this airport.
By road Anantapur is surrounded by Pulivendla, Dhone Dronachalam, Bellary which are 46.48 km, 51.28 km, 54.94 km away respectively. These places are ideal spots for people to plan their short weekend break.