Anantapur: An Arresting Town Cradled In The Eastern Ghats Of Andhra Pradesh

1. Penukonda

P.C: Chittichanu

Penukonda, locally referred to as Ghangari, is home to near around to 365 temples, most of which are sanctified to the mythological Hindu deity, Lord Hanuman. Boasting of a rich reserve of magnificent temples, Penukonda is also well known for its impregnable Penukonda Fort, built by Vira Virupanna Udaiyar of Vijayanagar. The fort attracts a lot of attention with its stunning architectural brilliance dotted with magnificent sculptures and detailed engravings on the fort walls.

2. Hemavathi

P.C: Srividyabajgur Srividya Bajgur - Srividya Bajgur

Hemavathi is of immense historical significance, as it was once the glorified regal capital of the Pallava kings. The place exists from a time of around 9th and 10th centuries and is a must-see when in Anantapur. Hemavathi puts you in a time warp with that timeless old-world charm of the historical marvels. The Hemavathi Fort is touted as one of the most ancient forts in Andhra Pradesh but today it somehow survives in ruins and relics. Home to some antiquated and beautiful temples, like the Doddeswara Swamy Temple, Siddeshswara Swamy Temple and Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Hemavathi stands proof of the brilliant architectural artisanship of the Chola and the Pallava kings.

3. Thimmamma Marrimanu

P.C: Abdulkaleem md

In the midst of all the human excellence of architectural brilliance, stands the majestic Thimmamma Marrimanu, one of the many wonders, Mother Nature has bestowed us with. The Thimmamma Marrimanu is a humongous banyan tree, sprawling across an area of 5 acres of land. Stories have it that the tree is named after a woman called Thimmamma, who has supposedly committed sati (an obsolete practice in which a widow immolates herself on her husband's pyre) after her husband's death. Several myths and stories are associated with the tree's subsistence, one of which is that a childless couple is believed to be blessed with offsprings once they have paid their visits to the place.

4. Raidurga Fort

P.C: Martin Zangerl

Flanked by many forts and fortresses of historical significance, Anantapur is also home to the famous Raidurga Fort. The once invincible and impregnable Raidurga Fort is now in shambles and ruins due to significant negligence and lack of maintenance. The fort houses many temples of splendid architecture and craftsmanship. These temples are mostly sanctified to the Hindu mythological figures of Lord Hanuman, Narasimhan and Jambukeswara. Travel in time and witness the glorious architecture of the Pallava and the Chola kings.

Also read:Enchanting Hill Stations Of The Western Ghats