About Guntur Tourist Places List

About Guntur is one of the district of Andhra where Buddhism flourished. Numerous Buddhist Stupas and Viharas bear testimony to this. The historic cities of the district has been the stage of a number of religious activities of the Buddhism and sequel to this are the ancient monuments and relics which form a weir to the past. The Mahastupa at Amaravathi has massive dimensions. The archaeological museum displays tremendous articles of the profound Buddhist faith. Nagarjunasagar and Nagarjunakonda interest people of varied tastes. The beautiful dam across the mighty river Krishna makes use of its benevolent waters in as many ways as possible probably well aware that Guntur is one of the fortunate districts nourished by the serene waters.  This region has some real and touching tales to tell since the region known as Vijayapuri in the antiquity was consumed by the earth beneath.  As deciphered from the ancient inscriptions.

An ancient historical region ruled by the Satavahanas and Ikswakus.  The famous Kohinoor diamond is reputed to have been found in Kollur diamond mines in this area.  Marco Polo appears to have visited these diamond mines according to his records.  There are many interesting places of tourist in this region.

Amaravathi

Amaravathi  is about 32km from Guntur District. Situated on the south bank of the river Krishna, it is famed for its Buddhist influence that attained glorious heights during the reign of the Satavahanas and Ikswakus.  The old remnants of the Buddhist cult can be seen in many of the sculptures, panels, and Chaityas around this place.  the ancient Buddhist Vihara has been preserved in the form of a model at the museum recently opened at this place. Very near at jaggayyapet, the remains of a Buddhist Stupa can be seen.  The ancient temple of Amareshwara with the tall Linga on the banks of river Krishna is a popular religious centre.  Many such Buddhist and Jain relics are found at Gudivada also.

Bellamkonda

Bellamkonda is about 56km from Guntur District.  This is a hill fortress near Sattenapalle. It is a single stone wall with bastions.  The highest point is 520m above sea level.  The fort is said to have been constructed by the Reddy kings of Kondavidu. At the close of the 18th century, the British had stationed their troops at this place.  A fine place for excursion and picnic.

Chebrolu

Chebrolu  is about 19km from Guntur City.   Situated near Tenali, it has a very rare temple of Brahma.  Perhaps this is the only temple in the state.

Ethipothala

Ethipothala  is about 132km from Guntur District.  This is a popular waterfall in the beautiful valley situated near Tallapalle.  The river Chandravanka cascades from a height of about 25m into a lagoon below. Although the water is not much, yet it is very picturesque.  This is a place very much frequented by tourists even from Hyderabad. Ethipothala is one of the imporant tourist places in Guntur India.

Kondaveedu

Kondaveedu is about 28km from Guntur City.  A hill fortress once capital of Reddy kingdom.  Krishnadeva Raya held it for some time and later it was taken over by the Sultans of Golconda.  The name was changed as Murtazanagar.  The fortifications cover an extensive area at the height of 900m above sea level and as such, it was once used as a health sanatorium.  A historical palace worth a visit.

Macherla

Macherla  is about 120km from Guntur District.   A historical place connected with the excavations of Nagarjunakonda. The ancient temple of Chenna Keshava on the banks of river Chandravanka is full of fine sculpture.

Mangalagiri

Mangalagiri is about 25km from Guntur City.   Known as the Auspicious Hill, it has the famous Panakala Narasimha Swamy temple on the top of a nearby hill.  The offering of Jaggery water (which is called panaka) is poured into the mouth of the deity with a conch. The spacious temple at the bottom, also dedicated to Lakshmi Narasimha, has a stupendous tower, the only one of its kind in the state.

Nagarjuna Sagar

Nagarjuna Sagar  is about 144km from Guntur District.   Known as Vijayapuri in the ancient times, it was an important Buddhist site.  The huge reservoir built across river Krishna, submerging the old Nagarjunakonda Buddhist area, is named after the Buddhist saint Acharya Nagarjuna. Themancient relics of Buddhist civilization dating back to the 3rd century have been preserved in a newly built museum on the island picturesquely situated in the middle of the river.  Visitors are taken to this museum in a motor launch by the tourist department.  The excavated Buddhist university has been re-erected on the same lines as the Abu Simbel effort in Egypt, at Anupu on the eastern bank of the reservoir.  The museum has a model of the valley, which has now been submerged.

Tenali

Tenali is about 30km from Guntur City.  The Rameshwara Swamy temple after the great Vikatakavi Tenali Ramakrishna, who adorned the royal court of Krishnadeva Raya is situated here attracting many visitors.  The procession idol of the deity bears his name on it.

Vinukonda

Vinukonda is about 88km from Guntur City.  A hill fort, popularly called as the Hill of Hearing because of the tradition that Sri Rama first heard of the abduction of sita at this place.  The Striking summit consists of two peaks, one of which is almost inaccessible. The British army was; situated here in 1790with a huge depot of ammunitions. An excellent place for picnic.