Guntur district is an amazing place to visit for a peaceful and relaxing vacation. This is one of the six districts of Andhra Pradesh, located in the Coastal Andhra region, making it a perfect choice for people looking for a great vacation. Since this is one of the largest places in terms of area, it is full of natural wonders. So, if you are planning a trip to Andhra Pradesh, visiting here can be a rewarding experience. In this blog, we’ll discuss everything about this place like its history, how to visit and the things you can explore in Guntur district.
About Guntur District
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Guntur was ruled by various famous dynasties such as the Satavahanas, Andhra Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Ananda Gotrikas, etc. This place has been a witness to the famous battle of Palnadu in 1180. Back in 1687, this place became a part of the Mughal empire when the emperor Aurangzeb conquered the Qutb Shahi sultanate of Golconda. The British East India Company got total control of this place in 1788 and this became a district of Madras Presidency.
Guntur District was formed in 1904 after the bifurcation of Krishna and Nellore districts. This place serves as a major hub for the export of chilli, cotton and tobacco, which means it has a very important significance in terms of commercial growth of the state. Apart from this, it is also a major hub of transport, education, medicine and commercial activities in the state. Many ancient temples and sites are located in the region, which is why Guntur is essential from a tourism point of view.
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Places To Visit In Guntur
The Guntur region played a significant role in India’s struggle for independence. However, this is not only what attracts many tourists to this region as there are many historical temples and sites located in the region. Some of them include:
1. Panakala Swamy Mangalagiri Temple
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One of the most famous places in Guntur is Panakala Swamy Mangalagiri Temple, located on the Vijayawada-Madras trunk road at about 10 Km. from Vijayawada. This is one of the 8 most important Mahakshethram (sacred places) in India, where Lord Vishnu manifested himself. According to mythology, Lakshmi Devi has done tapas on this hill, hence it got the name; The Auspicious Hill. On the mountain, there are three Narasimha Swamy temples located; Panakala Narasimha Swamy, Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy and Gandala Narasimha Swamy. This hill looks like the shape of an elephant from almost every direction. According to legends, an ancient king had a son, Hrasva Srungi, who visited all holy and sacred places to regain average bodily stature. When he visited Mangalagiri, he stayed there for three years performing penance.
Entry Fee: NA
Address: Panakala Narasimha Swamy Temple Rd, Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh 522503, India
2. Sri Sahasra Lingeshwara Temple
Another very famous tourist attraction and pilgrimage is the Sri Sahasra Lingeshwara Temple, which is located in Ponnur at a distance of 29 Kms. This temple is situated on the Guntur- Chirala state highway and it attracts a large number of devotees. The best part about this temple is the rare statues of the duties about 30’ in height. The idol of lord Shiva is situated along with the 24 feet Hanuman Idol 12 feet width.
Entry Fee: NA
Address: Ponnur Town and Mandalam, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
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3. Kondaveedu Fort
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If you are a history lover and would like to explore the historic sites in Guntur, In that case, Kondaveedu Fort can be a perfect choice as this is a historical fortification in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. This fort was first built during the 14th century and sits atop a hill, which also offers a great panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. Since this place has been ruled by many rulers, this fort exhibits the influences of various dynasties such as the Reddy Dynasty and the Qutb Shahi dynasty. Talking about the architecture of this fort displays a fine blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. Inside the fort, one can explore the ruins of several structures including granaries, stables, magazines, and a court hall. For history lovers, this site can serve as a treasure trove as this offers a glimpse into India’s rich past.
Entry Fee: INR 50 onwards
Address: Edlapadu Mandal, Kondaveedu, Andhra Pradesh 522549, India
4. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
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One of the very famous tourist attractions located in Guntur is Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, which is a masonry dam across the Krishna River at Nagarjuna Sagar. This is known as the world’s largest masonry dam protected with 26 gates measuring 124.663m in height. The prime role of this dam is to provide irrigation water to the districts of Krishna, Guntur, Palnadu, Prakasam and parts of West Godavari districts. This dam was constructed between 1955 and 1967 and has created a water reservoir with a gross storage capacity of 11.472 billion cubic metres. So, if you are planning to visit Guntur, do not miss a chance to experience this massive dam from your own eyes.
Entry Fee: NA
Address: Nagarjuna Sagar Dam Rd, Andhra Pradesh, India
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5. Ethipothala Falls
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Are you a nature lover and would like to explore the natural wonders on your trip to Andhra Pradesh? If yes, then Ethipothala Falls is a must-visit place for you as it is a massive 70-foot (21 m) high river cascade in the Palnadu district. This waterfall is a combination of three streams, and you can enjoy a great view from the strategic viewpoint created by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department from the adjacent hillock. An interesting thing about this waterfall is that there is also a crocodile breeding centre in the pond formed by the waterfall.
Entry Fee: NA
Address: Thallapalle, Andhra Pradesh 522426, India
How To Reach Guntur
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Guntur District is well connected to the other parts of India via rail, road and air transportation. Here are some easy ways to reach Guntur:
By Air – The nearest airport in Guntur is Gannavaram Airport. This airport is located at a distance of 17.9 km from the city of Vijayawada. Once you reach this airport, there are many options to reach Guntur like road transport and taxi from Vijayawada to Guntur.
By Rail – Another way to reach Guntur is by train. There are many trains running from Vijayawada Railway Station to Guntur Railway Station. There is a distance of around 35 kilometres between Guntur railway station and Vijayawada Railway Station.
By Road – Guntur, as already mentioned, is well connected to the road, and there are many public transport and taxis available to take you from Vijayawada to Guntur.
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So, when planning a trip to Andhra Pradesh, choose Guntur as an option to stay where you can enjoy various things to do in Guntur. Checking weather updates before planning your trip is highly recommended, as monsoon here can be tricky.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Guntur
Which is the best time to visit Guntur?
While the weather remains pleasant throughout the year, it is highly recommended to plan a trip during October to March as the weather is ideal for exploring the tourist attractions in the region.
Are there good hotels to stay in Guntur?
Since Guntur is a very famous tourist attraction, there are many hotels and restaurants available to offer you a comfortable stay in the region. You can choose from a wide range of options such as affordable hotels to budget and luxury ones, according to your needs and budget.
How to reach Guntur?
Guntur is well connected to other parts of the country via rail, road and air transport. The nearest airport here is Gannavaram Airport while there is a railway station located here named Guntur Railway Station.
Is Guntur the ideal place for a honeymoon?
Yes, there are many romantic places where you can visit to spend your time on your honeymoon. The Ethipothala Falls is very famous among newlywed couples as this also offers great photography opportunities.
Are there religious places in Guntur?
Guntur holds a very important significance when it comes to religious activities. There are many temples located in the region; some of the most famous ones include Sri Sahasra Lingeshwara Temple and Panakala Swamy Mangalagiri Temple.
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