Guntur
Guntur is one of the best destination which satisfy spectrum of interests of tourists and blessed with enormous natural treasures. It is an ancient and archeological city filled with variety of temples and shrines, popular for its nearby hill stations. The mesmerizing beauty of Guntur is enhanced by fabulous streams and Dams makes this fourth largest city of Andra Pradesh, calmly located 64 km from West of Bay of Bengal and 266 km from state capital Hyderabad.
TOURIST PLACES IN GUNTUR
Amaravathi: Amaravathi is a well known historical town of and center for pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhist, located on the south bank of river Krishna in Sattenapalli taluk around 60 km from Guntur. Excellent summer resort to beat the heat. The famous Amareshwara temple, Giant Buddhist Stupa are the prominent attraction. It is richly adorned with carvings which depicts life style, teaching and major events of Buddhist. Tourists can find rich collections of relics, antiques, coins, sculptures, paintings of tribal, handcrafts made of bamboo and terracotta in the nearby museum. It is the perfect place to chill out and relax.
Bhattiprolu: It is the flourishing Buddhist village and a place of historical significance. Many excavations are done here and revealed hidden treasures of ancient India. Buddhist Stupa is among the famous one which is built on 2nd century BC. It holds several forbidden and unrevealed natural splendors. People with archeological interest find this place marvelous and splendid.
Kondaveedu: Ancient Kondaveedu forts were built on 14th century by Reddy Kings provides a glimpse of golden historical days. The remnant of the fort is nestled on the top of the hill made these forts unique and remains major attraction for tourists. One can admire the scenic beauty of the nature and vista visions. An excellent place for trekking. Temples like Gopinatha and Kathulabave are another festoons of Kondaveedu.
Kotappakonda: This tiny village is situated 40 km from Guntur near Narasaraopet. It is popularly known as Trikutaparvatam as three-peaked hills. These hills are believed as forms of Male emdoments Lord Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. Amidst of the hills, one can enjoy misty atmosphere and pleasant environment.
Guthikonda Caves: It is an open cave for tourist exploration, located near Kotappakonda. An enigmatic place and excitement of exploration makes the tourists to fall in love with these caves.
Sitanagaram: It is another place of admiration located on the bank of River Krishna and closely associated with Ramayana. Pleasant walk on the riverbanks is made more lively by the vast stretch of sand beach. It is a place for leisure and recreation.
Nagarjunasagar Dam: It is a beautiful and picturesque Dam, project of irrigation built across the mighty river Krishna, located 100 miles from Guntur. Splashing water force of the dam makes this destination awesome and heart throbbing.
Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary: This wonderful sanctuary houses variety of fascinating wild life species. An undulating sylvan landscape is ranges from 200 m to 900 m in altitude. It is in the midst of well known districts of Andrapradesh such as Prakasam, Karnool and Nalakonda. Best option for school excursions.
Ethipotala Waterfalls: An amazing waterfalls created by mighty river Krishna and sizzling rivulet Chandravanka, located 7 miles from Nagarjunasagar Dam. Turbulent water of this ravishing waterfalls, fall from a height of 21 meters. It is the breeding point of crocodiles makes the journey so thrilling.
Mangalagiri: It is famous among tourists for its temple of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy which features tall tower adorned with beautiful sculptures and has 11 stairs. This hill is one of the active Volcano, located 21 km from Guntur at an altitude of 30m above the sea level. Undavalli caves are another tourist attraction, located near to Mangalagiri.
Other Places: Krishna Barrage which is built on river Krishna, popularly known as Prakasam Barrage. Uppalapadu Nature Conservation shelters number of endangered bird species. Narasingapuram, Pondugala, Nallapadu are other villages to visit for their ancient temples and pollution free environment.
HOW TO REACH GUNTUR
By Air: Nearest airport is Hyderabad international airport. Another nearest airport is Gannavaram.
By Train: The important railway junctions are Macherla, Vijayawada, Machipatnam, Jubli, Tenali and Repalk.
By Road: Several private and government buses are available frequently.
Weather: Average temperature is from 22°C to 28°C. Best visited from March to September.