Lepakshi, a famous village in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, attracts tourists with its rich tapestry of culture, architectural marvels and history. According to Hindu Mythology, this place is where Jatayu from the Ramayana fell, giving rise to its name “Lepakshi “, which means “Rise, O Bird” in Telugu. Places to visit in Lepakshi include the magnificent Veerabhadra Temple, which is well known for its intricate carvings, colossal monolithic Nandi statue, and hanging pillar. Besides this, Lepakshi attracts many tourists during its annual Lepakshi festival, which is celebrated with music, crafts, and traditional dance. This place offers a glimpse into ancient India’s cultural and architectural grandeur.
Best Places To Visit In Lepakshi
Lepakshi boasts a wide array of attractive tourist destinations. Glimpse the rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels that await your attention. Experience a blissful journey by exploring the top places listed below.
1. Veerabhadra Temple
Image Credit: Narasimha Prakash for Wikipedia
The first on the list of best places to visit in Lepakshi is Veerabhadra temple, also known as Lepakshi temple. This masterpiece was built during the Vijayanagara period and is dedicated to Veerabhadra, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. Showcasing Vijayanagara architectural style, this Veerabhadra Swamy Temple Lepakshi is decked up with impressive sculptures depicting various dancers, musicians, mythological scenes and celestial beings. The most remarkable feature of this temple is the hanging pillar, which is deemed unsupported and does not touch the ground completely. It also comprises fresco paintings dating back to the 16th century. Significant for their artistic and historical value, these ancient frescoes represent scenes from Hindu mythology, cultural motifs and artistic value of the Vijayanagara era. These paintings add to the temple’s allure, providing a perfect glimpse of the vibrant artistic heritage of that period.
Timings: 6.00 am to 6.00 pm
Entry fee: No entry fees
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
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2. Nandi Bull And Paintings
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Nandi Bull is located just a stone’s throw away (about 500 metres) from Lepakshi Temple and is dedicated to Veerabhadra, a form of Lord Shiva. The Nandi Bull statue in Lepakshi is an attractive monolith carved out of stone and stands as a tribute to religious reverence and ancient craftsmanship. According to Hindu mythology, this statue is 4.5 metres tall in height and 8.23 metres long exuding a sense of power and serenity. Deemed to be the largest statue in India, this place attracts tourists in large numbers. You will definitely be impressed with the architecture and design of this place. The finely carved ornaments, perfectly proportioned body and smooth contours make this one of the best places to visit in Lepakshi.
Timings: 6:00 am to 12:00 noon and 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Entry fee: No entry fees
Duration: 10 to 15 minutes
3. Papanasheshwara Temple
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Consecrated to Lord Shiva, this Papanasheshwara Temple is well known for its architecture and history. Showcasing its religious devotion and artistic skill, this temple features intricate carvings and sculptures that depict mythological narratives and deities. It is a place of worship and pilgrimage, drawing the attention of thousands of tourists. For those seeking alleviation of sins and spiritual blessings, this is one of the best places to visit in Lepakshi. As a spiritual and cultural hub, the Papanasheshwara Temple invites visitors to explore its rich architectural heritage and immerse in its spiritual ambience.
Timings: 5:00 am to 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Entry fee: No entry fees
Duration: 10 to 15 minutes
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4. Jatayu Theme Park
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Jatayu Theme Park boasts a statue of a giant bird named Jatayu perched on a huge rock. Jatayu, a mythological character from the epic Ramayana, tries to rescue Sita, Lord Rama’s wife from being kidnapped by the demon named Ravana. In the fight, Ravana had chopped off Jatayu’s one wing. The bird had fallen on the rock and remained alive to narrate the incident to Lord Rama. Later, Lord Rama blessed Jatayu with moksha. This park is one of the excellent places to visit in Lepakshi, for its scenic beauty and serene ambiance.
This park encompasses small and large boulders. Attracting a wide range of people, the statue of Jatayu is placed on the largest boulder, representing the legendary bird of Ramayana. To reach this place, one has to climb the iron steps built into the gaps of the boulders.
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Entry fee: Rs 600 per person for foreign nationals and Rs 400 per person for Indian nationals
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
5. Kalyana Mandapa
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Another best Places To Visit In Lepakshi, Kalyana Mandapa is located in the interior complex of the Veerabhadra temple. This mandapa is decked up with the finest artwork done on an elevated platform. At the time of the Vijayanagara Empire, this temple was constructed to perform the Kalyana ceremony of Lord Shiva and Parvathi. On the structures, you can find beautiful carvings of saints and Gods attending the wedding. This mandap comprises 38 pillars and is carved out of granite stone. This place reflects the finest artwork that is very rare to find.
Timings: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Entry fee: No entry fees
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
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6. Jain Heritage Center
Jain Heritage Center is the most reputed centre located 14km from Lepakshi in the Hindupur city. The prime attraction here is the idol of Lord Parshwanath in Kayotsarga posture. This statue is 14 feet tall and looks stunning with other deities in the vicinity. Another notable feature here is the famous affordable silk sarees. These silk sarees look identical to the famous Kancheevaram sarees. Don’t forget to purchase these sarees, renowned for their vibrant colours and beautiful designs. This is one of the most visited places to visit in Lepakshi for Jainism people.
Timings: 8:00 – 5.00 pm
Entry fee: No entry fees
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Shopping In Lepakshi
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The last thing on anyone’s bucket list is of course shopping. You can shop all the handicraft items present here, which are crafted with lots of love. Firstly, go to Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium, where you will find traditional fabrics, exquisite handloom sarees, and unique handicrafts. Lepakshi is well known for its banjara embroidery, brassart ware, cotton and jute durries. You will definitely appreciate the Kalamkari paintings with its colourful depictions of the epics and landscapes. Besides this, the Kondapalli toys carved out of softwood, Cherial scroll paintings and the Bidri Craft are the best things to collect as souvenirs.
Timings: No specific timings
Entry fee: No entry fees
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
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Places To Visit In Lepakshi: Nearby Hotels To Stay
A few hotels listed below provide comfortable accommodations and excellent amenities for tourists visiting Lepakshi. You will be satisfied with the welcoming ambience and services provided here.
1. Haritha Hotel Lepakshi
Haritha Hotel is a government-operated accommodation located near the Lepakshi temple. This hotel provides all the basic amenities for travellers visiting this historical place. You can find affordable lodging options amidst its serene ambience. With its perfect blend of affordability, comfort, and convenience, this hotel stands out as a perfect choice for travellers seeking a day out with family or friends.
Address: Haritha Hotel Lepakshi, Lepakshi, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Facilities: Comfortable rooms, parking, 24-hour front desk, Wi-Fi and room service.
2. Hotel Sulochana Gardens
Hotel Sulochana Gardens is located in Hindupur, near Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh. This hotel boasts well-appointed rooms equipped with modern amenities. Tantalise your tastebuds by visiting the on-site restaurant, which serves local and regional cuisines. Ample parking space is available for those travelling by car. Besides this, the hotel is well-equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity. This hotel provides a 24-hour front desk, round-the-clock assistance, and room service, ensuring that tourists have everything they need for a convenient stay.
Address: Hotel Sulochana Gardens Hindupur Road, Hindupur, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Facilities: Restaurant, 24-hour front desk, room service and laundry service.
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3. Hotel Ramakrishna
Are you looking for budget-friendly accommodation near Lepakshi temple? Then yes, this is a perfect place for you to halt. This hotel has all the amenities and is within your budget. The welcoming atmosphere of the hotel ensures a relaxing experience. This hotel is a perfect choice for those who want to explore the Veerabhadra Temple and its surroundings.
Address: Hotel Ramakrishna Hindupur Road, Lepakshi, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Facilities: Wi-Fi, room service, 24-hour front desk and parking
4. Hotel Shanthi Sagar
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Hotel Shanthi Sagar, positioned in Hindupur near Lepakshi, provides affordable accommodation equipped with essential amenities for tourists discovering the historical and cultural attractions of the area. For those concerned about cleanliness, rooms are clean and in hygienic condition. Try out the delicious meals made at the on-site restaurant present here, where you can enjoy a variety of regional and local cuisines prepared to perfection. Also, a comfortable parking facility is available to park your car. Round-the-clock assistance is provided by the hotel’s front desk staff. Besides this, you can enjoy round-the-clock internet as a Wi-Fi facility is available throughout the premises.
Address: Hotel Shanthi Sagar, Hindupur Road, Hindupur, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Facilities: Clean rooms, on-site restaurant, 24X7 front desk service and Wi-Fi facility.
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5. Hotel Punnami Lepakshi
Hotel Punnami Lepakshi provides comfortable accommodations near the historic Lepakshi temple in Andhra Pradesh. Its well-appointed rooms, equipped with essential amenities, allow tourists to enjoy a relaxing stay. The on-site restaurant serves delicious dishes throughout the day. Besides this, ample parking space is available for convenience. With room service options and a 24-hour front desk providing round-the-clock assistance, this hotel is the best place to stay with your friends and family.
Address: Hotel Punnami Lepakshi, Lepakshi, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Facilities: 24-hour front desk, comfortable rooms, room service, parking and restaurant.
How To Reach Lepakshi
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By Rail: Hindupur Railway Station is around 15 km away from Lepakshi. Hindupur is well connected to prime cities in India including Hyderabad and Bangalore. After reaching Hindupur Railway Station, you can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to head towards Lepakshi.
By Road: Lepakshi is easily accessible by road, approximately 120 kilometres from Bangalore. You can take a long drive from NH44 (formerly NH7) towards Hyderabad, which will take 2 to 3 hours.
By Air: Kempegowda International Airport, located in Bangalore, is about 100 kilometres from Lepakshi. After arrival, you can board a taxi to reach Lepakshi. The drive takes around 2 to 3 hours, making Lepakshi a convenient destination for a one-day trip.
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Best Time To Visit Lepakshi
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The weather is quite favourable from October to March, making it an ideal time to visit this place. This is the right time to explore the village’s architectural marvels and historical sites. Providing an escape from the heat of the summer and the monsoon, this place is the best to visit for a spiritual vacation. The temperature ranges from 15 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees celsius during this season.
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Places to visit in Lepakshi offer a glimpse into the rich architecture of exquisite temples, intricate carvings, and historical significance, which stands as an icon of India’s cultural heritage and rich spiritual legacy. A trip to Andhra Pradesh offers a memorable journey and is a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of history and natural beauty in South India.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Lepakshi
What food items can we try out in Lepakshi?
In Lepakshi, you can try Gongura Pachadi (sorrel leaves chutney) and Pulihora (tamarind rice). These dishes reflect Andhra Pradesh's spicy and tangy culinary traditions.
Whose footprint is in Lepakshi?
The footprint in Lepakshi is of Hanuman, a prominent figure in Ramayan. This giant footprint is a significant point of interest for tourists and pilgrims visiting this area.
Are there any other attractions near Lepakshi within 100 km?
You can visit the nearby places along with your visit to Lepakshi, enhancing your travel experience. Lepakshi Nandi Hills, Penukonda Fort, and Devanahalli Fort are the top attractions within 100 km.
Is photography permitted inside the Veerabhadra Temple?
Yes, photography is allowed inside the Veerabhadra Temple. You can capture beautiful pictures with your loved ones and cherish them lifelong.
How far is Lepakshi from Bangalore?
Lepakshi is around 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Bangalore. This journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by road.
Are guided tours available in Lepakshi?
Yes, guided tours are available in Lepakshi. This guided tour can be arranged through travel agencies or local tour operators.
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