Kurnool

Located in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, Kurnool is a historic city that serves as the administrative headquarters of the Kurnool district. Often referred to as the Gateway of Rayalaseema, Kurnool connects the culturally rich regions of Anantapur, Chittoor, and Kadapa, making it a prominent hub in South India.

Kurnool is known for its deep historical roots, showcased through its stunning monuments, temples, and ancient structures. It is a must-visit destination for those who appreciate heritage, architecture, and the charm of age-old traditions. The city beautifully blends spiritual significance with natural beauty, offering travelers a wholesome experience.

One of the most fascinating attractions in Kurnool is the Belum Caves, the second-longest cave system in India. These underground caves are a natural wonder, formed over millions of years, with stunning rock formations, stalactites, and a mysterious underground water stream. Visiting Belum Caves is like stepping into nature’s own architectural masterpiece.

Apart from Belum Caves, Kurnool is dotted with famous temples such as the Birla Mandir, Sri Sai Baba Temple, and Yaganti Temple, attracting pilgrims and spiritual seekers from across the country. The city also boasts scenic spots and river views that add to its peaceful and divine charm.
Whether you're a history buff, spiritual traveler, or nature enthusiast, Kurnool offers a rich and varied experience that captures the true essence of Andhra Pradesh. Its easy accessibility, warm hospitality, and unique attractions make it a must-visit destination in South India. 

History of Kurnool

As per the ASI, those rock art and painting on the walls of caves around the Kurnool are about 30-40 thousand years old. This indicates that the Kurnool city was already there even in the Paleolithic Era. Apart from this, it has also been the center during the Vijayanagara Era where several South Indian rulers have ruled. Some of them are the Chola Dynasty and Kakatiya Dynasty. The famous Kurnool Fort was established by King Achyuta Raya during the same era. Several Persian and Arabic inscriptions too are evidence of the Mughal Era during the 17th century when Emperor Aurangzeb was ruling India. 

Major Attractions in and Around Kurnool

Things to Do in Kurnool

• Temple Pilgrimage: Visit Yaganti, Ahobilam, and Mahanandi temples for spiritual experiences.
• Explore the Caves: Belum Caves and Yaganti caves offer fascinating underground adventures.
• Wildlife Spotting: Visit Rollapadu Sanctuary for birdwatching and nature photography.
• Heritage Walk: Explore Konda Reddy Fort and learn about Kurnool’s rich history.
• Trekking & Adventure: Ahobilam and Oravakallu Rock Garden offer great trekking opportunities.

Best Time to Visit Kurnool

The best time to visit Kurnool is during the winter months (October to February) when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

• Winter (October - February): Ideal for exploring caves, temples, and wildlife sanctuaries.
• Summer (March - June): Very hot (temperature can reach 40°C+), not recommended for travel.
• Monsoon (July - September): Lush greenery, but occasional heavy rains may hinder travel.

How to Reach Kurnool

A beautiful small city in the Andhra Pradesh State of India, Kurnool owes a lot of historical evidence to intrigue you. The city is 1,812.8 km via NH 44, 897.8 km via NH65, 1,569.2 km via NH16, 359.2 km via NH 44 away from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Banglore respectively. 

By Air

The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) which is situated at Shamshabad in Hyderabad. The well-established airport is served by renowned airline services with frequent flights spanning the major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Banglore in India. After reaching the airport, one can easily get the local modes of transport to reach Kurnool. 

Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Kurnool

• Mumbai to Hyderabad Flight
• Delhi to Hyderabad Flight
• Bangalore to Hyderabad Flight
• Pune to Hyderabad Flight
• Ahmedabad to Hyderabad Flight
• Kolkata to Hyderabad Flight
• Jaipur to Hyderabad Flight
• Lucknow to Hyderabad Flight
• Chennai to Hyderabad Flight

By Road

The Kurnool is well-connected to neighbor and state regions. It can easily be reached by using state or public buses. Also, if you want to experience a road trip to Kurnool, you can take a rented car from Hyderabad(21.8km via NH44) to Kurnool City. 

By Train

The nearest railway station is Kurnool Railway Station which is well-connected to other major cities of India. The railway station lies on the Secunderabad-Bangalore line. There are direct trains run from Delhi wherein Ashokapuram Sampark Kranti is one of the reliable trains. On the contrary, there is no direct train from Mumbai to Kurnool. For that, first, you need to reach Hyderabad via deboarding at Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station and then you can take express trains to reach Kurnool. Begumpet Railway Station is another option, but you need to deboard at Falaknum Railway Station and take Hundry Express Train to reach Kurnool city.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kurnool

Q1: What is Kurnool famous for?
A1: Kurnool is famous for its historical landmarks, ancient temples, and the Belum Caves, the second-longest cave system in India. It is also known as the Gateway of Rayalaseema and has a rich cultural and architectural heritage.

Q2: Is Kurnool a district?
A2: Kurnool is a district in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is also the headquarters of the Kurnool district and one of the important cities in the Rayalaseema region.

Q3: Which district is small in AP?
A3: As per the latest administrative divisions, Parvathipuram Manyam is considered one of the smallest districts in Andhra Pradesh, both in terms of area and population.

Q4: Which food item is famous in Kurnool?
A4: Ulavacharu (horse gram soup) and Ragi Sangati (finger millet rice) are popular traditional dishes in Kurnool. The region is also known for spicy Rayalaseema cuisine, which includes natukodi pulusu (country chicken curry) and other rich, flavorful foods.

Q5: What is Rayalaseema famous for?
A5: Rayalaseema is famous for its cultural richness, historic temples, hardworking people, and spicy cuisine. It includes four districts: Kurnool, Kadapa, Anantapur, and Chittoor. The region is also known for producing political leaders, stone art, and red soil agriculture.