TheeraYatra

Quick Overview

Best Time to Visit: October to February
Weather: Very hot summers, mild winters
Budget: ₹1,800–₹6,000/day

Plan Your Trip

Getting There

Nearest Airport: Kurnool Airport
By Train: Kurnool City Railway Station (KRNT)
By Road: On NH44 and NH40; frequent APSRTC buses and private cabs from nearby cities

Where to Stay?

Near Railway Station & RTC Bus Stand (Sampath Nagar/Kallur Road) – budget hotels, quick transit, and easy food options
Prakash Nagar & Nandyal Road – quieter vibe with mid-range stays and better parking for road-trippers

Packing List

• Light, breathable clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Cap/hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
• Reusable water bottle (carry ORS in peak summer)
• A shawl/stole for temple visits

Top Places to Visit

Konda Reddy Fort (Kondareddy Buruju)
The city’s iconic bastion from the Vijayanagara era—great for a short climb and panoramic views.

Orvakal Rock Garden (Oravakallu)
A surreal field of ancient quartzite formations—best at sunrise/sunset, ~20–25 km from town.

Belum Caves
India’s second-longest cave system open to the public—lit pathways, caverns, and cool underground air.

Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary
Grassland sanctuary known for bustards and raptors—prime birding at dawn in winter.

Mahanandi
Ancient Nandi temple with crystal-clear pushkarini tanks amid forested hills.

Ahobilam
Nine shrines of Lord Narasimha spread across rugged hills—mix of pilgrimage and light trekking.

Mantralayam
Renowned Raghavendra Swamy Mutt on the Tungabhadra’s banks; serene spiritual ambience.

Jogulamba–Alampur
A Shakti Peetha with Chalukyan temples just across the river from Kurnool.

Srisailam (Day Trip)
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas amidst Nallamala forests—scenic ghats and dam viewpoints.

Must-Try Experiences

Rayalaseema Thali
Pile on ragi sangati, natukodi (country chicken) pulusu, gongura mamsam, pappu, and spicy chutneys.

Uggani with Mirchi Bajji Breakfast
A fluffy puffed-rice upma paired with hot green-chilli fritters—local, cheap, addictive.

Sunset at Orvakal
Golden light on wind-sculpted rocks—carry water and watch your footing.

Birding at Rollapadu
Scan the grasslands for harriers, floricans (seasonal), and owls—go with a local guide if possible.

Temple Circuit
String together Mahanandi → Ahobilam → Mantralayam for a power-packed spiritual day.

Local Cuisine

Breakfast: Idli, dosa, upma, and uggani with mirchi bajji
Lunch: Ragi sangati with natukodi pulusu, gongura mutton, pappu, sambar
Snacks: Mirchi bajji, punugulu, jonna rotti with peanut chutney

Culture & Local Life

Called the “Gateway to Rayalaseema,” Kurnool briefly served as the capital of Andhra State (1953–56). Life orbits around the Tungabhadra/Handri rivers, bazaars, and temple routes—earthy, no-frills, and proud of its spicy food culture.

Local Insights

Languages: Telugu (official); Urdu widely spoken; English/Hindi understood in markets and hotels
Getting Around: APSRTC buses, auto-rickshaws, and local taxis; app-cab availability can be limited—plan rides in advance
Safety Tips: Summers are brutal—hydrate, use sun protection, and avoid midday hikes; keep valuables secure in crowded markets

Enjoy Your Yatra!