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Kurnool lies in the west-central part of
Andhra Pradesh State, southern banks of
the Tungabhadra and Handri rivers. It was the capital of Andhra Pradesh
from 1953 until 1956. It is the headquarters of the district.
In
12th century AD, the Odders, who carted stones for the construction of the
temple Alampur, used the site on which the town now stands as a halting
place before crossing the Tungabhadra and greased their cart wheels with
oil locally supplied by some of the oil mongers, and called the place
'Kandanavolu' which in course of time came to be known as Kurnool.
Historical Significance
Of historical interest are the ruins of a royal fort dating back to the
medieval kingdom of Vijayanagar, which flourished from the 14th to the
16th century. Several Persian and Arabic inscriptions, which throw light
on various aspects of historical interests, are noted at the place.
Kurnool does not have much to offer to the tourists there are only few places, which are worth watching. The Kondareddy Buruz protected under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act. The Tomb of Abdul Wahab on the bank of Hindri, Built in AD 1618. The remains of the palace of Gopal Raju, the last Hindu rulers of Kurnool. Few important temples are of 'Nagareswarasawami', 'Peta Anjaneyaswami', 'Venugoplaswami', 'Iswaraswami', 'Saibab', and 'Birla Mandir' or 'Stayanarayaswami'.
Adoni
It has a fort, once a stronghold of Vijayanagar Empire stands in ruins
upon five rocky granite hills. There are two of hills are each about 800ft
in height. Jamma
Masjid is a fine piece of Muslim architecture located in Adoni.
Ahobilam
Ahobilam, is a great religious centre of considerable antiquity, it is
located 74-km from Nandyal and 26-km from Allagaddal. It is a reputed
Hindu pilgrim centre, especially for Vishnavites. The temple is divided
into two parts- the lower Ahobilam and the upper Ahobilam. The upper
Ahobilam is a plateau 2,800' above sea level.
Madhavaram
Another important place of tourist attraction is a village called
Madhavaram, which has an ancient gateway in ruins. The resemblance of the
gateway of India in Mumbai is however noticeable.
Sangameswaram
Sangameswaram also known as Sapta Nandi Sangam is located 55-km from
Kurnool. It is this the sacred confluence of the Bhavanasi and Krishna
Rivers. This scenic spot has a temple with a wooden Lingam. Thousands of
pilgrims congregate here on Maha Shivaratri day.
Srisailam
Srisailam is situated in the thick and inaccessible forests of the
Nallamalai hills, in the northeastern portion of the Nandikotkur Taluk of
Kurnool District. It is one of the most ancient and sacred places in South
India, and this important religious shrine stands on the Rishabhagiri
hill, on the southern bank of the sacred river Krishna. Srisailam is
referred to as 'Sri Giri', 'Sriparvata', 'Rudra Parvata' and 'Seshachalam'
in several texts and Puranas.
Thimmapuram
A great scenic spot owing to its location to the east of Nallamala hill
ranges in a natural gorge of ravishing beauty surrounded on all sides by
thick forests. The shrine of 'Mahanandiswara' and the surrounding temples
attract pilgrims and admires of architectural beauty. The annual temple
festival is in February-March.
Mahanandi
Mahanandi is located 16-km from Nandyal. It is a reputed pilgrim centre
in the State and a scenic spot owing to its location to the east of the
Nallamalla hill ranges in a natural gorge of ravishing beauty surrounded
on all sides by thick forests.
Air:
The nearest airport is at
Hyderabad at a
distance of 219-km from Kurnool.
Rail:
It is a railway station on the Secunderabad-Bangalore
railway line.
Road:
Kurnool is well connected by bus with all the important places in the
district as well as Cuddapah,
Anantapur,
Chittoor, and Hyderabad. Tourists
can take autos, rickshaws and taxis for local transportation.
Hotel Rajashri
The car festival of Sri Ajaneyaswami, celebrated for eight days from Margasira Suddha Triodasi during November-December is most important and well attended.
Hospitals:
Vishwabharathi Super Speciality Hospital
Kurnool - 518 004
Apollo Medical Centre
Kurnool
Climate: Tropical
Temperature Range
Summer: Max 44°C and Min 31°C
Winter: Max 32°C and Min 19°C
Rainfall: Seasonal
Clothing: Light Cottons
STD Code: 08518
Sangameswaram: 55-km
Rolapadu Reserve Forest: 45-km
Srisailam: 178-km
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OF KURNOOL
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NETWORK MAP OF KURNOOL