Kurnool city is the administrative headquarters of Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. It was the former capital of Andhra State from the year 1953 to 1956. Kurnool city lies on the south banks of the Rivers Handri and Tungabhadra. This ancient city which is more than 2,000 years old is home to several historical monuments, temples and palaces. This place served as a fort under the rule of Vijayanagar emperors. The ruins of this medieval fort along with many other ancient monuments stand as testimony to the glory of the place during the bygone era. The city which was earlier known as Kandenavolu changed to Kurnool when the British took over the place.
Attractions & Tourist Places in Kurnool
Kurnool has several places of tourist’s interest.
Kondareddy Burz
The Kondareddy Buruz popularly known as the Kurnool Fort is protected under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act. It was constructed in the 16th century by Achyuta Devarayalu who was the brother of the king of Vijayanagar, Krishna Devaraya. Part of the fort was once used as a prison.
Birla Mandir
Birla Mandir is situated on a hill called Naubath Paha. This beautiful temple constructed using white marble is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara. One can get a spectacular view of the twin cities of Secunderabad and Hyderabad from here.
Srisailam
Srisailam is a town situated in Nallamala hills of Kurnool district. The temple Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjunaswamy temple in this holy town on the banks of River Krishna is one among the 12 Jyothirlingam of India. Mallikarjuna Swami temple is situated on the Rishabhagiri Hill is a highly revered shrine. The hill is also known by the name of Sri Giri, Sriparvata, Rudra Parvata and Seshachalam. River Krishna flows by the side of the temple and it is called as 'Pataalganga'. The 512 metre long Srisailam Dam constructed across the Krishna River, at an elevation of about 300 m. is another attraction here.
Mahanandi
Mahanandi Village is situated to the east of Nallamala Hills amidst dense forests about 80 km from Kurnool. This is a famous pilgrimage centre known for its Mahanandishwara temple that dates back to the 7th Century. Pushkarni temple tank known for its crystal clear water is another attraction here.
Ahobilam
Ahobilam is a major centre of pilgrimage at a distance of 74 km from Nandyal. The place is famous for the temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha. It is an important place of worship for Vaishnavas and one of the 108 Vaishnava Divyadesams. The shrine in the foothills is known as Prahlada Varada Laxminarasimha Temple and the shrine on the top of hill is dedicated to Nava Narasimha.
Adoni
Adoni is renowned for a ruined fort which belongs to the erstwhile Vijayanagar Empire. The fort now in ruins stands upon five rocky granite hills. Jamma Masjid which is a finest example of Muslim architecture is another attraction here.
Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary
Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary located in Kurnool district covers an area of around 614 sq. km. The sanctuary covered with dry thorny forests along with cotton, castor, dry cereal crops and groundnut is home to many animals like jackals, Bonnet Macaque, Indian foxes, wolves, Indian cobras, Russell’s Viper, Mynas, Indian Roller, etc. The wildlife sanctuary is also home to the Great Indian Bustard which is an endangered bird. The sanctuary is located nearly 60 km from Kurnool.
How to reach Kurnool
Hyderabad Airport is the nearest airport which is at a distance of 213 km from Kurnool. Since Kurnool Railway Station is on the Secunderabad-Bangalore railway line it is connected with all the stations falling on this line. Kurnool is well connected by road to all major cities and towns in the state besides other important cities like Bangalore and Chennai. Regular buses run by the State Road Transport Corporation and also several private buses ply from Kurnool to the neighbouring cities and towns.
Accommodation
Kurnool is a major financial and banking hub and so this place is frequented by many business travellers. There are few mid-range and budget hotels in Kurnool that offer comfortable stay to the tourists.