The temples in Andhra Pradesh are famous for their rich history, beautiful architecture, and spiritual significance. This Indian state is home to many renowned temples. Each temple offers a unique glimpse into its cultural heritage and an architectural beauty unlike anything you have ever seen. From ancient times, these temples have attracted devotees and tourists alike. In this blog, we will read about the 10 temples you should visit when you are in Andhra Pradesh.
Top 10 Temples In Andhra Pradesh
Here is a list of temples in Andhra Pradesh that you must visit on your next trip:
1. Tirupati Balaji Temple
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The Tirupati Balaji Temple, also known as Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, is one of the most famous temples in Andhra Pradesh. Located in the town of Tirupati, this temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu. It is one of the richest temples in the world and attracts millions of pilgrims each year. People come from all over to see the big golden temple and pray to the king Lord Venkateswara.
Major Attractions: Tirumala Hills, Sri Venkateswara Museum, Kapila Theertham
Nearest Airport: Tirupati Airport (TIR)
Nearest Airport: Chennai Port
2. Kanaka Durga Temple
Photo: Srikar Kashyap / Wikimedia Commons
Kanaka Durga Temple is situated in Vijayawada and is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. The temple is located on the Indrakeeladri hill, offering a beautiful view of the Krishna River. The festival of Dussehra especially draws a large crowd to this temple. Many people come to see the bright lights and decorations during this time. Goddess Durga is a powerful and kind mother who listens to everyone’s prayers. It is also a must-visit for young people who like hills.
Major Attractions: Indrakeeladri Hill, Krishna River, Bhavani Island
Nearest Airport: Vijayawada Airport (VGA)
Nearest Airport: Machilipatnam Port
3. Srisailam Temple
Photo: Srinivas Chidumalla / Wikimedia Commons
Srisailam Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. One of the famous Andhra Pradesh temples, it is located in the Nallamala Hills of Andhra Pradesh. The temple complex is also home to a shrine dedicated to Goddess Bhramaramba. Lush green forests surround the temple and a river flows nearby, making it a peaceful place to visit. People believe that Lord Shiva blesses everyone who comes here. The temple is considered to be the oldest temple in Andhra Pradesh and tells stories of the ancient times.
Major Attractions: Nallamala Hills, Pathala Ganga, Akka Mahadevi Caves
Nearest Airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD)
Nearest Airport: No seaport, landlocked area
4. Simhachalam Temple
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Simhachalam Temple, dedicated to Lord Varaha Narasimha, is located near Visakhapatnam. The temple is known for its unique architecture, combining both Chola and Chalukya styles. It is a prominent pilgrimage site in Andhra Pradesh. The temple sits on a hill covered with trees, and you can see the city below. Lord Varaha Narasimha is a strong and kind protector. Inside the temple, there are beautiful carvings on the walls and ceilings. People come here to pray for happiness and protection.
Major Attractions: Simhachalam Hill, Kailasagiri, Ramakrishna Beach
Nearest Airport: Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ)
Nearest Airport: Visakhapatnam Port
5. Lepakshi Temple
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Lepakshi Temple, located in the Anantapur district, is famous for its stunning Vijayanagara-style architecture. The temple is dedicated to Veerabhadra, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. The hanging pillar and the large Nandi statue are the main attractions here. The temple has many beautiful paintings on the walls, telling stories from the past. The hanging pillar is very special because it doesn’t touch the ground, and many people come to see this wonder. The big Nandi statue sits outside the temple and looks very majestic. It’s a great place to learn about history and enjoy the beauty of art.
Major Attractions: Hanging Pillar, Nandi Statue, Veerabhadra Temple murals
Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Nearest Airport: No seaport, landlocked area
6. Ahobilam Temple
Photo: P. Madhusudan / Wikimedia Commons
Ahobilam Temple is a group of nine temples dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Vishnu. It is located in the Nallamala Hills of Andhra Pradesh. The temples are spread over a large area, making it a significant pilgrimage site. Each temple has its own special story and charm. People often take a long walk to visit all nine temples, enjoying the beauty of nature along the way. Lord Narasimha is very powerful and protects his devotees. Forests and waterfalls surround the temples, making it a peaceful and adventurous place to visit.
Major Attractions: Nine Narasimha Temples, Ugra Stambham, Prahlada Mettu
Nearest Airport: Tirupati Airport (TIR)
7. Sri Kalahasti Temple
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Sri Kalahasti Temple, located in Chittoor district, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is famous for its Vayu Lingam, which represents the wind element. Among Shiva devotees, they highly revere it as one of the Panchabhoota Sthalams. The temple is built in a special way that makes it look like a giant sculpture. Inside, there are many beautiful carvings and paintings. People come here to pray for good health and happiness. The temple is very peaceful, and you can hear the sound of the wind blowing gently, which makes it feel very magical.
Major Attractions: Vayu Lingam, Sahasra Lingas, Pathala Ganapathi Temple
Nearest Airport: Tirupati Airport (TIR)
Nearest Airport: Chennai Port
8. Mangalagiri Temple
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Mangalagiri Temple, dedicated to Lord Narasimha, is located in the Guntur district. The temple is built on a hill and is known for its unique feature of offering jaggery water to the deity. The temple complex also includes a shrine dedicated to Lakshmi Narasimha. The hill offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area. People climb the stairs to reach the temple, which is very exciting. Lord Narasimha is very kind and listens to everyone’s prayers. The jaggery water is very sweet, and people believe it makes their wishes come true. It’s a joyful place full of sweet memories.
Major Attractions: Panakala Narasimha Swamy Temple, Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
Nearest Airport: Vijayawada Airport (VGA)
Nearest Airport: Machilipatnam Port
9. Mantralayam Temple
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Mantralayam Temple, located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, is dedicated to Raghavendra Swamy, a prominent Hindu saint. Devotees visit this temple to seek the blessings of the saint, who is believed to grant wishes and provide spiritual guidance. Beautiful gardens and a calm river surround the temple. People sit by the river and feel very peaceful. Everyone who has prayed to Raghavendra Swamy has felt the blessings. The temple has many big halls where people gather to sing and pray together. It’s a place full of love and kindness.
Major Attractions: Raghavendra Swamy Brindavan, Tungabhadra River, Panchamukhi Anjaneya Swamy Temple
Nearest Airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD)
Nearest Airport: No seaport, landlocked area
10. Annavaram Temple
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Annavaram Temple, dedicated to Lord Satyanarayana Swamy, is located in the East Godavari district. The is one of the best temples in Andhra Pradesh is situated on Ratnagiri hill. It is known for performing Satyanarayana Vratham, a popular ritual among devotees. The temple has many steps to climb, and at the top, you can see a beautiful view of the green fields and the river below. People believe that Lord Satyanarayana Swamy brings happiness and prosperity. The Satyanarayana Vratham is a special prayer that many people perform to ask for blessings. The temple is a place of joy and celebration.
Major Attractions: Ratnagiri Hill, Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, Pampa River
Nearest Airport: Rajahmundry Airport (RJA)
Nearest Airport: Kakinada Port
These temples in Andhra Pradesh are not just places of worship but also showcase the rich cultural heritage and architectural brilliance of the region. Visiting these temples is a spiritual journey that offers a deep connection with the divine. These temples are rich in history and architectural beauty. Plan your trip today with TripXL and explore these magnificent temples for a spiritually enriching experience. Hurry up and get packing today!
Cover Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only