Excursions

Nagari is a small town located on the banks of Kusasthali River in Chittoor district. Known for Nagari Hills, the town has become a popular picnic spot in the region. The highest cliff amongst the hills is referred as 'Nagari Nose', since it resembles with a human nose. With an elevation of 855 meters, the cliff can be seen from the distance of 100 km. Earlier, it used to serve as the lighthouse and today, it is available for mountaineering and range expeditions.

Horsley Hills is a mesmerizing place where lofty peaks appear to be conversing with the blue skies. Perched at an elevation of 1,265 meters, this hill station would certainly tempt you with its beguiling beauty. Sited in Chittoor district, Horsley is the one of the three hill-stations in Andhra Pradesh. Its name has been derived from W.D. Horsley, who was the collector of Cuddapah district and an admirer of the hamlet's beauty.

Sited at a distance of 18 km from Chittoor, Guntipalle is a small village on the Chitoor-Penumuru Road. The village is known for embracing Puligunda, which literally means Tiger Hill. It hill is a rock-pillar with height of 213.36 meters and makes an important place to see in the village.

Parnasala is a village situated in Andhra Pradesh, India. The village is accessible by road and boats and is situated 32 km from the temple town of Bhadrachalam. According to legend, it is said the Lord Sri Ram spent some of the 14 years of exile at this location. This is supposed to be the exact spot where Rama, during his vanavasa in Dandakaranya, constructed a hermitage and spent his exile with his consort Sita and brother Laxmana. Agastya had selected this spot for Rama and is about 35km from Bhadrachalam.

Margherita is a wonderful place located 14 km east of Digboi. It is a land of tea Gardens, Plywood factories and coal mines.

Located 120 km from Anantapur, Thimmamma Marrimanu has the distinction of being the world's largest banyan tree. This huge tree covers an area of 5.2 acres. In 1989, it secured a place in the Guinness Book of World Records, owing to its enormous size. Thimmamma Marrimanu is said be approximately 550 years old.

Tadipatri is a hamlet that boasts of many interesting religious monuments. To be found 90 kms from Ananthapur, Chintala Venkataramana Temple is known for its gigantic spire. Bugga Ramalingeshwara Temple is another shrine beside Pennar River that is notable for a lingam, set on a pedestal and perpetually sprinkled with water from a small brook.

Located about 160 kms from Anantapur, Hemavathi once served as the capital of Pallavas. The place has a remarkable collection of Pallava and Chola architecture. It boasts of the ruins of an ancient fort, the Hemavathi Fort. Doddeswara Swamy Temple is another structure that was built during the Pallava reign. Some other renowned temples situated here are Siddeshwara Swamy, Mallikarjuna Swamy and Gorantla.

Dharmavaram is eminent throughout the country for its elegant silk sarees. Situated at a distance of approximately 47 km from Anantapur city, Dharmavaram has been named after 'Dharmamba', who was the mother of Sri Kriyasakthi Odeyar (person, who built the first tank in the region). Its cotton and silk weaving industry has made the city renowned not only in India, but throughout the world.

Inundated with impressive waterfalls, Alur is a small village about 70 kms from Ananthapur. It is the perfect destination for picnics, amidst lush greens, lofty hills and small rivulets. The famous Ranganatha Swamy Temple is also located here. The annual car festival celebration draws people from all parts within and outside the state.