Chittoor
Chittoor is famous town for the temples, enlightening scriptures, excellent agrarian products and lush green vegetation. It is the southern most part of Andra Pradesh, situated in the valley of river Ponni on the Bangalore-Chennai highway. Chittoor attracts number of tourists as the location is very convenient on the highway junction and well connected with major cities. One can enjoy the combination of Tamil and Telugu culture because of its proximity to Tamilnadu border. It is an ideal place for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. A huge, tall rock located at Bodikonda will satisfy rock climbers. For hunters, Yelampalli forest is the best destination. Kongareddypalli is a camping and trekking area which has lake on a hill. Turtle Neck Hill is another attraction adds the beauty of this place. World famous temple Tirupathi and Kalahasthi, 1000Years old ancient Lakshminarayana temple are adorns the outskirts of Chittoor. It was once the archaic hub of principal dynasties. Architectural temples, cultural festivals and striking monuments assures mystical experience to tourists. Andra Pradesh Tourism is never completes without adding Chittoor.
TOURIST PLACES IN CHITTOOR
Tirupati: It is one of the richest and ancient temple of South India. Lord Vebkateshwara is the dietary of this temple, built on 12th century. Gold plated temple dome is one of the major highlight here. An amazing temple architecture is a blend of Chola, Pandya and Pallavas. It is beautifully located on a hilly region, at an altitude of 853 m from the sea level and devotees can see seven sacred hills in the vicinity of temple. The curvy road are attractively fringed with trees and takes gradual ascent. One can enjoy the cool herbal breeze and unwind themselves from the tension. A deer park and breathtaking Papanasam waterfalls makes the travel more interesting and memorable.
Sri Lakshminarayana Swamy Temple: It is one of the ancient temple, built on 12th century, in the period of Kulottunga dynasty, located at Vepenjeri village around 15 km from Chittoor. It is dedicated to Lord Narayana. The ancient architecture of this temple draws many tourists and devotees.
Brahmotsavam is the festival celebrated every year in a grand manner, makes this temple more gaiety.
Pulicat Lake: It is the second largest lake of South India, located on the Coromandel Coast. It is a wonderful sightseeing and perfect place for fishing and bird watching as this lake is rich in flora and fauna. Bird sanctuary is center of attraction of this lagoon. Many migratory shore birds pass through Pulicat lake is an eye catching, scenic beauty.
Horsley Hills: This popular summer resort and scenic hill station is expressed as 'Ooty of Andra Pradesh' entirely wrapped by dense eucalyptus and gulmohar trees, located at an altitude of 1,265 m. It is one of the few places offers Zorbing and Rappelling. Mallamma temple and Rishi valley School are the major highlights along with excellent sublime climate, frisky wind makes the tourists fond of this hill station. It is 160 km from Bangalore and 140 km from Tirupati. Horsley Hills Museum, Environmental park Kaundinya wildlife sanctuary, Gangothri Lake and Gaalibandaare the prominent are other mesmerizing attributes of this hill station.
Nagari: Nagari was once served as Lighthouse and now it is the place for expedition, picnic and mountaineering, popular for its Nagari hills. Located beautifully on the bank of river Kusasthali at an altitude of 855 m above the sea level. Nagari Nose is one of the highest cliff, can be seen from the distance of 100 km is a major attraction among tourists. It houses one of the famous temple Sri Desamma Vari, the holy water from this temple is believed to cure eye ailments.
Other Places: Mogili, Guntepalli, Kalavangunta, Ramagii and Kanipakkam are the famous villges, known for their ancient temples. Gurramkonda forts are popular historical place of 500 years old. Kailasakonda and Talakona are spectacular waterfalls, known for their clear, mineral rich water which is believed to have medicinal properties. There are many other small villages in Chittoor are worth to visit for their enchanting natural splendor and pristine atmosphere.
HOW TO REACH CHITTOOR
By Air: Tirupati Airport is the nearest one. Chennai Airport is the major International airport located 154 km from Chittoor.
By Train : Chittoor and Tirupati railway stations are nearest to Chittoor.
By Road: Chittoor is well connected by roads. Several private and state owned bus facilities are available frequently.
Weather: Temperature ranges from 20°C to 26°C . February to September is the best time to visit Chittoor.