Prakasam tourist places

Tourist Attractions in Prakasam District

Prakasam District’s past stretches back to the days when it was ruled by the Mauryas from 250 B.C. The rise of the Satavahanas saw Buddhism flourish in the region and the construction of several stupas. The Ikshvaku and Vijayanagar Kings, the Qutub Shahis and the Mughals later followed these rulers. Each of them left a distinct imprint on the cultural landscape of the distirct.

Singarayakonda 200 years ago, at the time of erection of “Dwajastambam” in Varaha Narasimha Swamy temple, a saint installed Prasannajaneya swamy statue. Here, in 1918 a bridge was constructed over ‘Bhasanti’ river. The grand Brahmotsavalu celebrations held in June every year attracts a large number of devotees.

Chirala Located 16 kms from Bapatla and 60 kms from Ongole, Chirala is well known for its textile. Bed spreads, curtains, tapestry fabrics and sarees are popular offerings of the place. It’s also popularly known as Mini Bombay.

Motupalli Motupalli is located 12 km from Chirala and 45 km from Ongole. An ancient seaport, Motupalli flourished under various dynasties from the 1st century A.D. onwards. It is also the site of Buddhist stupas and sculptures. An ancient temple of Sri Rama is also situated here.

Chandavaram Located at 75 km from Ongole, a major Buddhist site has been excavated here on a hillock known locally as Singarakonda, beside the Gundlakamma rivulet. A unique double terraced stupa on the hilltop, perhaps the only one of its kind in South India, is reminiscent of the famous Dharajaka stupa. A museum at the site houses important sculptures and other relics such as coins, black and red ware and inscriptions in the Brahmi script dating back to the 2nd century B.C.

Tripurantakam Located at 40 km from Markapur and 93 km from Ongole, it’s a well known place of pilgrimage. This is the site of the Tripuranta Keswara Swamy temple situated on a hilltop. The main idol is in the form of a linga with 5 faces, including the image of Ganga Bhavani. According to mythology, Agasthya Maharaj built a cave here that leads to Srisailam, Rameswaram and Kashi.

Markapur Located at 94 km from Ongole, and situated on the banks of the Gundlakamma river, this bustling town caters to 80% of the country’s demand for slates and slate pencils. It is also a popular pilgrim destination because of the Sri Lakshmi Chennakesava Swamy temple, built by the Vijayanagar rulers between 1405-1459 A.D. Apart from magnificently sculptured gopurams, the temple has a beautiful 40-pillared Mandapam with carvings of Krishna, Anjaneya, Garuda, Lakshmi & Vigneswara with their respective vahanas. In the Kalayana Mandapam there are 6 musical pillars that produce the 7 musical notes when tapped.

Vodarevu Located at 6 km from Chirala & 35 km from Guntur, with a charming and scenic beach, it is a popular weekend get away for those wanting a break from the mundane city life. A great escape to the golden sands and sparkling waters. Yet another interesting beach is Ramapuram located 6 km from Vodarevu Beach. Private accommodation is available.

Bhairavakona Located 64 km from Kanigiri & 150 km from Ongole, the remains of several rock-cut temples dedicated to Shiva and other Hindu deities, dating back to the 7th & 8th centuries A.D., can be seen here. The shrines have lingas and small images of Shiva as well as other Gods. The architectural style is similar to that of the Pallavas, which flourished further south in Tamil Nadu.

Kothapatnam Beach The beach is located 25 km away from Ongole. During Karthika Powrnami thousands of people visit the beach to take a holy dip. APSRTC has regular buses from Ongole to the Beach.

Adilabad

Adilabad

Saraswati Temple
Basara, abode to Gnana Saraswati, is a small village near Nizamabad city that comes under Adilabad district of Andhra Pradesh. Here is located the ancient temple of Gnana Sarasvati - the Goddess of Knowledge.

Kuntala Waterfall
Kuntala Waterfall, set amidst the Sahayadri mountain range in Andhra Pradesh, presents a wonderful vista with its gushing waters. Identified as the highest waterfalls of the state, the cascade attracts visitors from far and wide.

Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary
Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary is the prefect destination to look out multiplicity of flora and fauna in India. Located in Adilabad district of Andhra Pradesh, the sanctuary is situated at a distance of 50 kms from Mancherila and 260 kms from Hyderabad.

Shivaram Wildlife Sanctuary
Shivaram Wildlife Sanctuary of Andhra Pradesh is a total delight for nature lovers. Sited on the banks of River Godavari, the sanctuary is known for its population of fresh water crocodiles.

Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary
In the vein of Kawal and Shivaram wildlife sanctuaries, Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary is another place that is famous for dry deciduous forests. It has derived its name from Pranahita River, which flows through its expanse. The sanctuary falls under the Chinnur-Mancherial forest division in Adilabad district.

Pochera Waterfalls
Pochera Waterfalls presents a striking vista with gushing waters of Godavari River. Sited near National Highway No. 7, the cascade lies about 50 kms from Adilabad. The place attracts numerous tourists and visitors throughout the year. During winters, the falls becomes all more attractive with heavy waters.

Jainath Temple
Jainath is a small township, lying at a distance of 21kms from Adilabad city. The place is famous for Jainath Temple, an ancient temple built by Pallava chiefs. Being a striking specimen of Jain style of architecture, it attracts tourists from all parts of the world.

Somalingeswara Swami Temple
This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Someshwara and Lord Nandishwara. To be found near Kuntala village, the temple is renowned for its exquisite sculptures. Somalingeswara Swami Temple is visited by thousands of tourists and devotees every year.

Nagoba Temple
Dedicated to Sheshanag (The Serpent God), Nagoba Temple is a unique shrine in the whole world. It is located in Keslapur, which is about 32 Kms from Adilabad. During the month of Pushya (December-January), the temple attracts a large number of devotees from within and outside the state.

Nirmal
To be found aside National Highway No.7, Nirmal is a small town known for its paintings, toys and handicrafts. It produces some of the best miniature paintings and toys of the country. Apart from its handicrafts, the place is also eminent for prehistoric forts that were built during the reign of different rulers.

Other Places
Basar is a small village, which is renowned for housing one of the two ancient temples of Goddess Saraswati in India. If you are looking for some sport, then you can move towards enthralling waterfalls like Kuntala and Pochera. For the lovers of flora and fauna, the wildlife sanctuaries in the region offer the best deals. Nirmal is another great place, where you can see the ethnic paintings, curios and handicrafts.