Kurnool Travel Guide & Andhra Pradesh Tourism (Belum & Yaganti)
Hotels · Packages · Sightseeing

Kurnool (universally celebrated as the 'Gateway of Rayalaseema', the historic first capital of Andhra State from 1953 to 1956, and the jewel of the Tungabhadra and Handri river confluence, situated in southwestern Andhra Pradesh at an elevation of 273 meters (896 ft) above sea level), is an unmatched heritage, cave, and culinary haven.

Konda Reddy Buruju — Iconic 16th-Century Vijayanagara Watchtower and Kurnool Fort Citadel

Seamlessly uniting the formidable 16th-century stone bastions, secret tunnels, and heroic watchtower of Konda Reddy Buruju (the legendary circular fort tower built during the Vijayanagara Empire by King Achyuta Deva Raya, where chieftain Konda Reddy was imprisoned) with the 3.2-kilometer subterranean limestone labyrinth, 150-foot deep sinkholes, and stalactite formations of Belum Caves (celebrated as the second largest and longest cave system in the Indian subcontinent), the mystical 15th-century Vijayanagara rock shrine, perennial Pushkarini springs, and ever-growing stone bull of Sri Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple, the dramatic natural quartz and silica igneous canyons of Oravakallu Rock Garden (a 1,000-acre geological wonder dubbed Andhra's miniature Grand Canyon), the rare grassland savannah protecting endangered Great Indian Bustards, blackbucks, and Indian wolves at Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, the historic Tungabhadra River coracle rides and Sunkesula barrage, authentic fiery Rayalaseema culinary feasts featuring world famous Uggani Bajji (seasoned puffed rice tempered with turmeric, onions, and lemon paired with piping hot gram flour battered green chili bajjis), Rayalaseema Ragi Mudde with spicy Natukodi Pulusu (country chicken curry), Gongura Mutton, spicy Pachi Pulusu, Vepudu, and sweet Bellam Jalebi, and 4 lane national highway NH-44 and electrified railway trunk line connectivity directly linking cyber capital Hyderabad (215 km via NH-44), world heritage wonder Hampi (150 km via NH-67), silicon hub Bangalore (360 km via NH-44), temple city Tirupati (280 km via NH-40), and coastal metropolis Vijayawada (340 km via NH-65 / NH-40), Kurnool provides an extraordinary sanctuary of Vijayanagara martial heritage, prehistoric caves, and fiery Rayalaseema gastronomy.

The city is famous globally for its Vijayanagara watchtowers, prehistoric subterranean caves, unique growing Nandi shrines, and mouthwatering street food: the historic city landmark Konda Reddy Buruju (City Centre) (the iconic 16th-century circular watchtower fortress of the Vijayanagara rulers), the colossal cave marvel Belum Caves (105 km south in Kolimigundla) (Asia's second largest underground cave system with natural stalactite pillars and meditation chambers), the mystical cave temple Sri Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple (85 km south in Banaganapalle) (famous for its continuously expanding monolithic Nandi idol and Agastya Cave), the striking geological canyon Oravakallu Rock Garden (20 km south on NH-40) (picturesque igneous rock sculptures, boating lake, and movie shooting spot), the rare bird habitat Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary (45 km east) (sheltering the endangered Great Indian Bustard and blackbuck herds), the historic river confluence Tungabhadra-Handri Sangam & Sunkesula Dam, the buzzing street food hub of Kurnool Town Hall & Raj Vihar Circle (Uggani Bajji), and Kurnool's seamless connectivity along NH-44 to Hyderabad (215 km) and Bangalore (360 km).

Serving as the cultural and historic gateway to Rayalaseema, Kurnool is an indispensable destination for cave explorers, heritage buffs, geological enthusiasts, and food lovers.

Kurnool features monumental Vijayanagara citadels, subterranean limestone caves, mystical rock temples, and wildlife savannahs:

1. Konda Reddy Buruju & Kurnool Fort (16th-Century Vijayanagara Citadel - City Centre)

The majestic circular bastion of Kurnool Fort constructed in the 16th century by Vijayanagara ruler Achyuta Deva Raya. Named after the brave local rebel leader Konda Reddy who fought the Golconda Sultans, featuring subterranean prison cells, cannon ramps, and panoramic views of Kurnool city.

Konda Reddy Buruju — 16th-Century Vijayanagara Circular Watchtower and Historic Fort Citadel

2. Belum Caves (Asia's 2nd Largest Subterranean Limestone Labyrinth - 105 km)

A mesmerizing 3.22 km natural underground cave system formed millions of years ago by the underground flow of River Chitravathi. Features illuminated limestone passages, towering stalactites and stalagmites, the 150 foot deep *Pataalaganga* spring, and meditation chambers used by ancient Buddhist monks.

Belum Caves — Asia's 2nd Largest Underground Cave Network, Stalactite Chambers, and Pataalaganga

3. Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple & Growing Nandi (15th-Century Rock Shrine - 85 km)

An ancient temple built in the 15th century by King Harihara Bukka Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire in Banaganapalle. Renowned worldwide for its monolithic stone Nandi statue that continuously grows in size according to geological and archaeological surveys, the holy Pushkarini with sweet flowing mountain water, and the natural Agastya and Venkateswara caves.

Yaganti Temple — 15th-Century Vijayanagara Cave Shrine, Growing Stone Nandi, and Agastya Cave

4. Oravakallu Rock Garden (Miniature Grand Canyon Igneous Formations - 20 km)

A spectacular 1,000 acre geological park along NH-40 featuring naturally sculpted quartz and silica igneous rock formations rising out of a peaceful reservoir. A popular adventure retreat offering trekking trails, boating, a children's park, and iconic filming backdrops.

Oravakallu Rock Garden — Natural Quartz Igneous Canyon Formations and Boating Reservoir

5. Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary & Tungabhadra Basin (Great Indian Bustard Reserve - 45 km)

A vital 6.14 sq km tropical grassland savannah sanctuary establishing a prime breeding habitat for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (*Ardeotis nigriceps*), blackbucks, Indian foxes, and Russell's vipers.

Rollapadu Sanctuary — Endangered Great Indian Bustard Grassland Savannah and Blackbuck Habitat

6. Mahanandi Temple & Crystal Clear Mineral Springs (Nallamala Foothills - 80 km)

A sacred 1,500 year old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva surrounded by dense Nallamala forests, famous for its two crystal clear freshwater bathing tanks (*Kalyani*) where mineral water bubbles up continuously from beneath the Shivalinga.

7. Ahobilam Nava Narasimha Temples & Nallamala Forest Trek (Nine Shrines - 120 km)

The sacred spiritual epicenter where Lord Narasimha manifested from a pillar to protect Prahlada, featuring nine separate rock cut shrines scattered across dense Nallamala mountain gorges.

8. Tomb of Abdul Wahab Khan & Gol Gumbaz Style Heritage (Handri Riverbank - 2 km)

An imposing 17th century octagonal mausoleum built on the banks of River Handri for the first Muslim governor of Kurnool, featuring grand domes and carved minarets.

9. Sunkesula Barrage & Tungabhadra Riverfront Parks (Scenic Waterways - 25 km)

A historic 19th century British barrage built by Sir Arthur Cotton across the Tungabhadra River, offering scenic views, angling, and peaceful boating corridors.