Anantapur

A city pacing towards modernity and development, while continuing to guard its age-old traditions and the rich heritage of its momentous history, Anantapur forms a perfect meeting point of the past and the present. This ancient city has witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties, from the mighty Vijayanagar Empire to the Nawabs, Nizams and the British. Each of them has left their marks on the city, gifting it with a vibrant cultural legacy. Located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, it is today, emerging as a technological hub characterized with rapid development. This brilliant convergence of the ancient and the modern gives the city a charm that makes it irresistible to any traveler.

The place subsequently came under Qutub Shahis, Mughals, and the Nawabs of Kadapa, although the Hande chiefs continued to rule as their subordinates. Later it came into the possession of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. Tipu hanged all the male members of Hande rulers except Siddappa who escaped from his confinement at Srirangapatnam. After Tipu's death, it was once again taken back by Siddappa. The British took control of Anantapur as part of their treaty with the Nizams. Anantapur district was formed in 1882 when it was separated from Bellary district. Sir Thomas Munro was the first Collector.

Anantapur is home to many ancient temples, monuments and forts that give a glimpse into the rich history of the region. Lepakshi is renowned for grand architecture and repository of mural paintings of the Vijayanagar Kings. Puttaparthi, Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple famous for the idol sweating, Chintala Venkataramana Swamy Temple and Bugga Ramalingheswara Swamy Temple in Tadipatri some of the well known tourist spots in the district. The region is also well-known for its booming silk and cotton weaving industry in Dharmavaram. Penukonda Fort, Hemavathi, Rayadurgam fort and Gooty fort are the other attractions here.

Bangalore airport is the nearest airport, located 198 km from Anantapur. Anantapur has direct train connectivity with Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Pune, Vishakhapatnam, etc. It is well connected with major cities in India by the National Highways 7 and 205. Anantapur is also well connected by buses with Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Kurnool, Tirupati, Kadapa, Bangalore, Chennai, Hosur and Chitradurg.