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Known as the “Land of Chillies,” Guntur is a lot more than being a spice hub in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. There are numerous temples, forts, historical spots and natural wonders that make Guntur one of the best spots to explore in the state. There are several places to visit in Guntur that offer tourists access to a unique blend of experiences. You can reel back in history at Kondaveedu Fort or embrace the beauty of nature at Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary. With so many unique experiences waiting to be explored, Guntur is a must-visit spot the next time you are planning your vacation to Andhra Pradesh.
10 Top Places To Visit In Guntur
These places to visit in Guntur are bound to surprise you with a variety of unique spots and experiences, including forts, museums and temples:
1. Amaravati
Photo: iMahesh / Wikimedia Commons
The capital city of Andhra Pradesh, visiting Amaravati is a must when you are in Guntur district. It is a combination of historical and spiritual gem that is located on the banks of the Krishna River. It is an ancient city, which once served as the capital of the Satavahana dynasty. Undoubtedly, one of the major attractions in the city is the Amaravati Stupa, which draws in Buddhist pilgrims from around the country. The stupa, also known as the Mahachaitya, is a significant Buddhist monument that showcases the life and teachings of Buddha through intricate carvings and sculptures.
Location: Amaravati, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24 hours
2. Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Arnab Dey / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
If you are a nature and bird enthusiast, one of the major tourist attractions in Guntur is the Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to a wide range of native and migratory birds, adding to the significance of this tourist spot. Getting to witness a large population of painted storks and spot-billed pelicans is truly the highlight of anyone’s visit. The unique ecosystem of the sanctuary is supported by numerous small water bodies, adding to the charm of the place.
Location: Bird Protection Center Rd, Uppalapadu, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 10 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹10 per person
3. Kondaveedu Fort
Photo: Abdaal / Wikimedia Commons
To immerse yourself in history and unique archaeological findings, visit Kondaveedu Fort. It is another one of the popular Guntur tourist places. The historical fortress dates back to the 14th century wherein it was constructed by Prolaya Vema Reddy from the Reddy dynasty. The fort complex includes numerous structures such as palaces, temples, and granaries, all surrounded by a massive stone wall. Since the fort is located at an elevation of 1700 feet, the trek to the top of the fort is quite exhilarating too.
Location: Edlapadu Mandal, Kondaveedu, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
4. Mangalagiri Temple
Photo: Gautam Totapalli / Wikimedia Commons
More commonly known as the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Narasimha and is one of the oldest Vaishnavite temples in India. The best part of this temple is its location, which is on top of a hill. Not only does it add to the strategic location, but it also offers a blend of adventure and unfiltered views from the top. It is believed that Lord Narasimha visited this hill during his incarnation, making it a sacred site for devotees. The temple’s unique feature is that the deity only accepts half of the panakam offered by devotees, which signifies the deity’s presence in the temple.
Location: Main Bazar Rd, Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 5 AM to 1 PM and 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM
5. Suryalanka Beach
Photo: RC SRIKANTH / Wikimedia Commons
To relax and unwind, one of the best places to visit in Guntur is Suryalanka Beach. The beach is located near Bapatla, which explains why it is also known as Bapatla beach. The highlight of your visit to the beach is the calm waters and gentle waves, which make it safe for swimming. It is a popular sightseeing spot among individuals travelling with their families. With its golden sandy beaches and the gushing waves, you can sunbathe, relax, have a picnic or take a walk around the coast of the beach too.
Location: Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24 hours
6. Buddhist Caves At Bhattiprolu
Photo: Snehrashmi / Wikimedia Commons/ Image For Representation Only
A fairly offbeat and less explored tourist attraction, Bhattiprolu is often visited by Buddhist devotees. It is an ancient network of rock-cut caves that hold immense historical and archaeological significance. Some of the historical evidence depicts that these caves date back to the 3rd century BCE. It is of national importance and the place’s name was originally “Pratipalapura” during the reign of the ancient Sala kingdom. During the excavations that took place in the late 1800s, they found three inscribed stone relic caskets containing scriptures and jewels.
Location: Bhattiprolu, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM
7. Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
Photo: Robert Stokoe / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Another one of the places to visit in Guntur Andhra Pradesh without fail is the Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences where you might get to encounter Bengal tigers, up close and personal. It is the largest tiger reserve in India. Besides tigers, you can also spot several other wild animals including leopards and elephants. The place has equal importance with the flora that flourishes there. The lush green forests add to the charm of the wildlife safari that you can embark on.
Location: Pedachama, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24 hours
8. Kotappakonda
Photo: యర్రా రామారావు / Wikimedia Commons
Another important Hindu pilgrimage site that you have to visit when exploring Guntur in Andhra Pradesh is Kotappakonda. This is a hilltop pilgrimage destination and is alternatively called Kondakavuru. The temple is roughly 25 miles from the main centre of Guntur and the three peaks hill is what adds to the religious significance of this spot. It is believed that the three peaks of the hill symbolises Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma.
Location: Kotappakonda Rd, Narasaraopeta, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 8 PM
9. Guthikonda Caves
Photo: Joanna Zduńczyk / Wikimedia Commons/ Image For Representation Only
If you are interested in indulging in some history and adventure, Guthikonda Caves is another one of the popular tourist places in Guntur. These are a series of natural caves located in a remote area of Guntur, offering a unique adventure for explorers and spelunkers. Also known as Guttikonda Bilam, these caves were reportedly used by Buddhist monks in the days for meditation. Surrounding the caves, there are dense forests and lush greenery, which adds to the beauty.
Location: 9RWH+237, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
10. Ethipothala Falls
Photo: Tejashwini3101995 / Wikimedia Commons
Last on the Guntur tourist places list is the Ethipothala Falls, which is nothing short of nature’s marvel. The height of this waterfall is around 70 feet and it falls in multiple cascades, which adds to the beauty of the waterfalls further. The falls are located on the Chandravanka River and are surrounded by dense forests and lush greenery. If you are considering exploring the nearby trails, ensure that you have a local guide.
Location: Palnadu district, Andhra Pradesh, India
Timings: 6:30 AM to 9 PM
Entry Fees: ₹20 for adults and ₹5 for children
When exploring the places to visit in Guntur, there are quite a few different spots that are non-negotiable. Depending on your travel taste and your likes and dislikes, you can curate a travel plan that best aligns with your interests. Once that is out of the way, you can confirm all the bookings for your next vacation with TripXL to avail the best discounts and have a seamless travel experience.
Cover Photo: Abhinaba Basu / Wikimedia Commons
