Andhra Pradesh · 8 destinations & hidden spots
Gandikota, Jammalamadugu, YSR Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh
Known as the Grand Canyon of India, Gandikota features stunning red granite cliffs that plunge 300 feet into the meandering Pennar River. Within the dramatic 13th-century fort walls lie the ornate Madhavaraya Temple, Raghunatha Swamy Temple, the grand Jamia Masjid, and panoramic cliffside camp sites.
Belum Village, Kolimigundla, Nandyal District, Andhra Pradesh
Formed over millions of years by the underground Chitravathi River, Belum Caves descend to a depth of 151 feet at Pataalaganga. With 3.2 km of subterranean passageways, dramatic limestone sinkholes, musical banyan tree stalactites, and ancient Buddhist meditation chambers.
Srisailam, Nandyal District, Andhra Pradesh
Perched atop the Srisailam hills on the banks of Krishna River amidst the lush Nallamala tiger reserve. Lord Mallikarjuna is the 2nd of the twelve Jyotirlingas, while Goddess Bhramaramba is the 18th Maha Shakti Peetha. The majestic fortress-temple dates back to the Satavahanas and Kakatiyas.
Lepakshi, Sri Sathya Sai District, Andhra Pradesh
Built in 1530 CE by the Virupanna brothers under King Achyuta Deva Raya, Lepakshi is an engineering marvel. It features 70 carved stone pillars including the world-famous 'Hanging Pillar' that defies gravity, ceiling frescoes painted with vegetable dyes, and India's largest monolithic Nandi bull.
Hidden Gem
Yaganti, Banaganapalle, Nandyal District, Andhra Pradesh
Built by King Harihara Bukka Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 15th century, Yaganti is set against dramatic sandstone cliffs. Famous for the monolithic Nandi idol verified by the Archaeological Survey of India to grow by 1 inch every 20 years, natural Pushkarini mountain springs, and Sage Agastya's meditation cave.
Hidden Gem
Ahobilam, Allagadda, Nandyal District, Andhra Pradesh
According to legend, Ahobilam is where Lord Narasimha manifested from a pillar to slay the demon Hiranyakashipu. The pilgrimage is split into Diguva (Lower) and Eguva (Upper) Ahobilam, encompassing 9 distinct jungle temples accessible via challenging forest trails along the Bhavanasini river.
Hidden Gem
Rollapadu, Nandikotkur, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh
Spanning 6.14 sq km of semi-arid thorn-scrub grassland in Kurnool, Rollapadu is the only sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh conserving the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard. The open savannah ecosystem supports hundreds of Indian blackbucks, Indian wolves, foxes, and lesser floricans.
Nagarjuna Sagar, Palnadu District, Andhra Pradesh
Standing 124 meters high with 26 massive crest gates, Nagarjuna Sagar is the world's largest and tallest masonry dam. The surrounding valley features Anupu — an meticulously reconstructed 3rd-century Buddhist amphitheater and Mahavihara university saved from reservoir inundation.
