Anantapur District, also known as Anantapuram District, is the largest of the 13 districts in Andhra Pradesh. It is currently a part of the Red Corridor.
Anantapur lies at the westernmost part of Andhra Pradesh, about 356 kilometres from Hyderabad. It is located along the National Highway 7. The town of Anantapur has embraced modernity, but has not forgotten its historical past. The town is home to many ancient temples, monuments and forts that give a glimpse into the rich historical past of the region. At every corner of Anantapur and its surroundings, there is something to stop and admire.
Some of the major attractions in Anantapur and its surroundings are the beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Lepakshi, the birthplace of Sri Satya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi, the ancient and massive banyan tree at Gutibayalu, Chintala Venkataramana Temple at Tadipatri and the popular Lakshmi Narasimha Temple in Kadri. The region is also well-known for its booming silk and cotton weaving industry. The ancient religious legacies left behind are visible in Penna Ahobilam, Gugudu and Alurkona.
Dharmavaram
Dharmavaram is well-known for its silk and cotton weaving industry. It is about 47 kilometres from Anantapur and is world famous for its intricate and exquisite silk sarees. The place is also renowned for making puppets out of leather. The beauty of the silk sarees from Dharmavaram is renowned. They have broad borders that are adorned by gold brocade designs. The sarees are heavy and do not follow any colour contrast. Each creation is a masterpiece and people will never find two of a kind.
ISKCON Temple
The beautiful ISKCON Temple is located at Somuladoddi. The vibrant pink-coloured temple is amazing. It is constructed in the shape of a chariot and was inaugurated in 2008 by the then governor of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N.D. Tiwari. This spiritual centre is the second biggest ISKCON Temple after the one in Bengaluru, in Karnataka. The well-landscaped gardens and the serene ambience are a major attraction for the devotees. The interiors of the temple are adorned by eye-catching painting of Lord Krishna, with the Sri Sri Radha Parthasarthi being the main deity of the temple.
Lepakshi
The village of Lepakshi is located in the district of Anantapur, about 13 kilometres from Hindupur. The village is famous for its three shrines, which are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Veerabhadra. The Veerabhadra Temple was constructed by two brothers, Viranna and Virupanna. The temple is built in the Vijayanagar architectural style and has beautiful sculptures adorning the walls.
There is a huge Nandi bull made from a single granite stone. Lepakshi has many murals from the Vijayanagar era and the famous sculpture of the snake on the Nagalinga. Local legend claims that the naga was carved from a single block of stone while the sculptors were waiting for their mother to cook lunch for them!
Tadipatri
The town of Tadipatri is renowned for its two temples. One, the Sri Chintala Venkata Ramana Swamy Temple and the second, Sri Bugga Rama Lingeswara Swamy Temple. According to local legends, the two temples were constructed by two brothers in a single day. Legends also claim that while the former temple was completed, the second was not. Had the temple been completed, it would have turned the place into Kaashi of the South.
The architecture of these temples are influenced by the Vijayanagar architectural style. Besides these two temples, Tadipatri is renowned for its granite industry. Granite mining and polishing are popular occupations. This town boasts of about 350 granite factories.
Puttaparthi
Puttaparthi is a small town located in the Ananthapur District of Andhra Pradesh. It was the home of spiritual guru, Sathya Sai Baba. The town is located on the banks or Chitravathi River and is surrounded by undulating hills. While the small town does not have much to offer in terms of natural splendour and beauty, it is a popular religious destination. The main attraction of the town is Prasanthi Nilayam, or the abode of peace, which was constructed in 1950. The beautiful architecture of the structure and the tranquility can leave visitors spellbound.
Accommodation
Sai Aramam Tourist Complex, Puttaparthi
Rediscover your spirituality when you stay at this serene and tranquil tourist complex. It has 2 air-conditioned suites, 4 standard air-conditioned rooms and 6 deluxe rooms without air-conditioning.
