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Kadapa (also spelt as Cuddapah) is a popular district in Andhra Pradesh that is home to a series of unique temples, museums, caves and natural wonders. Given the diverse geography and cultural heritage, adding it to your travel plans will surely enrich your vacation experience. There are numerous places to visit in Kadapa, each catering to the interests of different travellers. From the spiritual significance of the Pushpagiri Temple to the history behind Gandikota Fort, there are a lot of unique places to explore.
10 Places To Visit In Kadapa
Be it the majestic Gandikota Canyon to the serene Pushpagiri Hills, there are many unique places to visit in Kadapa and experiences waiting to be unfurled.
1. Gandikota
Photo: Venki cenation / Unsplash
Undoubtedly, one of the most popular tourist places in Kadapa is Gandikota, aka the Grand Canyon of India. With the depth of the gorge and the dense lush green vegetation, the beauty of this place doesn’t await any introductions. The towering cliffs, formed over millions of years, create a dramatic backdrop for the winding river below. You can trek through the canyon to reach scenic viewpoints for unobstructed views of the gorge and the surrounding hills. To immerse yourself in history, you can visit the nearby Gandikota Fort, which houses a mosque and a temple inside, despite being in ruins for the most part.
Location: Gandikota Village, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24*7
2. Ameen Peer Dargah
Photo: యర్రా రామారావు / Wikimedia Commons
Also known as Pedda Dargah, Ameen Peer Dargah is a significant spiritual site in Kadapa, attracting devotees from all over the country. The mosque is dedicated to the Sufi saints Peerullah Hussaini and Arufulla Hussaini. According to historical evidence, the mosque is reportedly 300+ years old. While Muslims mostly visit this shrine, it is open to everyone, without any religious bias. The dargah features stunning architecture and interiors, which add to the charm of this religious spot. Also, its peaceful aura doesn’t require a separate introduction, making it one of the top places for Kadapa trip.
Location: Ameen Peer Rd, YV Street, Ganagapeta, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh 516001
Timings: 5:30 AM – 10 AM and 5 PM – 10 PM
3. Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: David Rama / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary is a 525.97 sq km sanctuary and national park in the Chittoor and Cuddapah districts of Andhra Pradesh. The sanctuary is primarily around the outskirts of Tirupati, making it an accessible tourist spot from the Tirumala temple. It is home to many rare and endangered animals and plants, including some that are endemic to the region. Coming to the flora and vegetation, the sanctuary is home to southern tropical dry deciduous forests and dry mixed deciduous forests. Some of the animals you can spot are black buck, spotted deer, jungle fowl, and flying lizards.
Location: Seshachalam Hills, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 for adults and ₹30 for children
4. Pushpagiri Temple
Photo: P. Madhusudan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Pushpagiri Temple, also known as Pushpagiri Mutt, is an ancient temple complex located on the banks of the Pennar River. The main attraction of this temple is its unique architectural designs. The historical significance of this temple is that it dates back to the 7th century. Inside the temple lies multiple shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Parvati. There are several legends and folklore associated with this temple. Some depict that it is associated with the Satya Yuga while other folklore depict that it is associated with the Treta Yuga. Either way, while inside the temple, ensure to explore the majestic gopurams.
Location: Pushpagiri, near Khajipet, Pushpagiri Rd, Kotluru, Andhra Pradesh 516162
Timings: 8 AM – 1 PM and 4 PM – 6 PM
5. Belum Caves
Photo: Hkotra / Wikimedia Commons
Besides being the second-longest cave system in India, Belum Caves is also one of the best places to visit in Kadapa. This is a natural wonder that features a combination of long passages, special caverns and galleries. Some parts of the caves have natural lighting while some are illuminated using artificial lighting. The caves were discovered in the 1880s by a British surveyor, and since then, they have been a popular tourist attraction. Despite the numerous narrow passages and the depth of the caves, the natural ventilation system of the caves makes it a popular attraction among tourists.
Location: 1/1, Opposite Indian Oil Petrol Pump, Kolimigundla, Andhra Pradesh 518123
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹65 for adults and ₹45 for children
6. Devuni Kadapa
Photo: Bimal Ranabhat / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Another one of the places to visit in Kadapa Andhra Pradesh is Devuni Kadapa, which is a renowned historical site. It is alternatively known as Tirumala Devuni Kadapa and is a significant pilgrimage site among Hindu devotees. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and is believed to be the gateway to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati. It is believed that visiting this temple first while on your way to the Tirupati Balaji Temple is considered auspicious. The temple features a common blend of Dravidian and Vijayanagara styles with intricate carvings on the walls and pillars.
Location: Devuni Kadapa, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh 516002
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM – 8 PM
7. Kodandarama Swamy Temple
Photo: PJeganathan / Wikimedia Commons
If you want to get a closer and real-time look into the beauty and intricacies of Vijayanagara architecture, consider visiting the Kodandarama Swamy Temple at Vontimitta. Beyond the spiritual and religious significance, the temple holds a lot of cultural significance too. The temple complex houses two shrines dedicated to Rama and Lakshmana, and it attracts tourists from across the country. According to legends, Vontudu and Mittudu were the ones who built the temple. They were initially robbers and later turned into devotees of Lord Rama and wanted a place to be able to offer their prayers.
Location: Vontimitta, Salabad, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh 516001
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
8. Tallapaka Sri Annamacharya Temple
Photo: Balraj Tarun Raju / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most unique tourist attractions in Kadapa is Tallapaka Sri Annamacharya Temple. The temple is dedicated to saint-poet Annamacharya, who is considered one of the greatest composers of devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateswara. The temple is located in the remote village of Tallapaka and is a popular spiritual centre in Kadapa. It is believed to be the birthplace of Annamacharya, and the temple complex includes his samadhi as well. Throughout the year, you can take part in the cultural and religious events that celebrate the life and the works of the saint.
Location: Tallapaka, Andhra Pradesh 516126
Timings: 24*7
9. Palkonda Falls
Photo: Girma Nigusse / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Another place to add to your Kadapa tourist places list is the Palkonda Falls. The main reason why this waterfall is named Palkonda is because the high cascade of the waterfall makes it look similar to milk. Beyond the beauty of the waterfall and the cascade, the surrounding lush green vegetation and dense forest add to its charm. Due to its offbeat location, you have to embark on a moderate trekking journey to reach these falls. Also, there are nature trails around the falls, which you can explore at your convenience. If lucky, you might get to encounter local flora and fauna too.
Location: Palkonda, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24*7
10. Soumyanatha Temple
Photo: Itsmyworld / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Nandalur mandal of Kadapa district, Soumyanatha Temple is another ancient temple that you must visit. The temple is dedicated to Lord Soumyanatha and the main attraction inside the temple is a 7-foot-tall idol of the deity. Beyond that, there are surrounding sculptures and inscriptions of the temple, which add to its architectural marvels. The origins of the temple date back to the 11th century when Matli kings commissioned the construction of this temple. Inside the temple, you can also find stunning images of Sri Soumyanantha Swamy and Sri Maha Lakshmi Ammavaru. The best time to visit is during the Lord Kalyanotsavam festival.
Location: Nandalur, Andhra Pradesh 516150
Timings: 6:30 AM – 2 PM and 4 PM – 7:30 PM
Planning your trip with the best places to visit in Kadapa assures that the travel experience is enriching and memorable. There are so many unique spots to explore and popular activities to indulge in. As you finish curating the travel plans, ensure that you book every aspect of your vacation with TripXL so you can explore Kadapa without a hitch.
Cover Photo: Rajaraman sundaram / Wikimedia Commons
