Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city. [Updated-2025]

Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city.

Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh – The Gateway to Rayalaseema 

Kurnool is a historic city in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh, known for its rich heritage, ancient temples, and stunning landscapes. It served as the first capital of Andhra Pradesh (1953-1956) before the formation of Hyderabad as the capital. Situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, Kurnool is famous for Belum Caves, Konda Reddy Fort, and Ahobilam Temple.

📍 Key Highlights of Kurnool

• State: Andhra Pradesh 🇮🇳
• Location: Banks of Tungabhadra River, in the Rayalaseema region
• Famous For:
  • Belum Caves – India’s second-largest cave system.
  • Konda Reddy Fort – A majestic 16th-century fort.
  • Ahobilam Temple – A sacred shrine of Lord Narasimha.
  • Yaganti Temple – A mystical Shiva temple with a growing Nandi idol.
  • Oravakallu Rock Garden – Unique rock formations and scenic views.
  • Mahanandi Temple – An ancient Lord Shiva temple known for its holy water pools.

🏛 Top Attractions in Kurnool

1. Belum Caves 🕳️

• India’s second-longest caves, formed by limestone deposits.
• Features stalactites, stalagmites, and underground water streams.
• A must-visit for adventure lovers and history enthusiasts.

2. Konda Reddy Fort 🏰

• A 16th-century fort, also called Kurnool Fort.
• Built by the Vijayanagara Empire and later used by the Bijapur Sultanate.
• Offers panoramic views of the city.

3. Ahobilam Temple 🛕

• One of the 108 Divya Desams, dedicated to Lord Narasimha.
• Located in the Nallamala Hills, offering a divine trekking experience.
• Comprises nine Narasimha shrines scattered across the hills.

4. Yaganti Temple 🛕

• A unique Shiva temple, known for its mystical growing Nandi idol.
• Has a natural cave where sage Agastya meditated.
• Water in the temple pond never dries up, regardless of the season.

5. Oravakallu Rock Garden 🏞️

• A stunning landscape of natural rock formations.
• Ideal for picnics, photography, and nature walks.

6. Mahanandi Temple 🛕

• A famous Lord Shiva temple surrounded by nine Nandi shrines.
• The temple’s holy water tanks are believed to have medicinal properties.

7. Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary 🐦

• A wildlife sanctuary home to the Great Indian Bustard.
• Also shelters blackbucks, foxes, and migratory birds.

8. Tomb of Abdul Wahab ⛩️

• A historical monument built in Indo-Saracenic style.
• Represents Kurnool’s Islamic architectural heritage.

🍛 Local Food – What to Eat in Kurnool?

• Ragi Sangati with Natukodi Pulusu 🍛 – A traditional Rayalaseema dish.
• Uggani Bajji 🍲 – A famous breakfast dish made with puffed rice.
• Gongura Pachadi 🌿 – A tangy Andhra-style chutney.
• Kurnool Biryani 🍗 – Spicy and flavorful, unique to the region.
• Jonna Roti 🌾 – Made from sorghum, a healthy local delicacy.

🚆 How to Reach Kurnool?

• By Air ✈️:
  • Orvakal Airport (Kurnool Airport) – 18 km from the city.
  • Nearest major airport: Hyderabad International Airport (210 km).
• By Train 🚆:
  • Kurnool City Railway Station (KRNT) – Well-connected to major cities.
• By Road 🛣️:
  • Located on NH 44 (Bengaluru-Hyderabad Highway).
  • Buses available to Hyderabad (210 km), Bengaluru (360 km), and Vijayawada (350 km).

🌦 Best Time to Visit Kurnool

• Winter (October–February) ❄️ – The best time for sightseeing.
• Monsoon (June–September) 🌧️ – Lush greenery, but some sites may be inaccessible.
• Summer (March–May) ☀️ – Very hot, best avoided.

🏕 Nearby Attractions

• Srisailam (180 km) – A major Lord Shiva pilgrimage site.
• Mantralayam (100 km) – The famous Raghavendra Swamy Temple.
• Gandikota (225 km) – Known as the Grand Canyon of India.
• Lepakshi (200 km) – Famous for its Veerabhadra Temple with hanging pillars.