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Over the years, Lepakshi has been known for the mystery of the hanging pillar at the Shri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple. Being of such religious importance, millions of travellers visit Lepakshi to witness the wonders of the Lepakshi Temple in real-time. Beyond the boundaries of Anantapur district where Lepakshi is located, you can explore various nearby destinations to further enrich your travel experience. There are several fascinating places to visit near Lepakshi, enabling you to soak in the history and culture of the area.
10 Places To Visit Near Lepakshi
Be it for immersing in the cultural heritage or the natural wonders around, there are quite a few majestic places to visit near Lepakshi.
1. Penukonda Fort
Photo: Maxmad007 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Built on a hill, Penukonda Fort is one of the top attractions near Lepakshi. Back in the day, the fort served as the “second capital” of the Vijayanagar Empire, which explains why the origins of this fort date back to the 14th century. During his reign, Sri Krishnadevaraya commissioned the construction of this fort. The structure and architecture of this fort feature a blend of Indo-Islamic influence. Inside, you can find numerous temples and mosques, explaining the religious significance of the fort. The fort was used as a military base and as protection against the enemies.
Distance From Lepakshi: 55 km
Major Attractions: Ancient temples, mosques, ruins and vantage points
2. Nandi Hills
For a charming getaway in the lap of nature, Nandi Hills is one of the best places to see near Lepakshi. The hills are located near Nandi town and it is believed to be the origin site for numerous rivers including the Arkavathy River, Ponnaiyar River, Palar River, Papagni River and Penna River. It is said that the forts that exist around the hills were constructed by the Paleyagars of Chikkaballapura. Also, you should explore the two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva on the hills. There is a small two-storey building that was used by Tipu Sultan as well.
Distance From Lepakshi: 92 km
Major Attractions: Tipu Sultan’s Summer Residence, Nandi Temple, Sunrise Point, and Amrita Sarovar Lake
3. Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple
Photo: Kamakshi subramani / Unsplash
The Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple is located beside the twin temple, Arunachaleswara Temple. The main charm of this temple comes from the intricate architecture, especially with the carved sabha-mandapa and the carvings and inscriptions that you can witness on the pillars and the walls of the temple. The temple itself is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it dates back to the 9th or 10th century. There are significant contributions to the temple from the Cholas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara rulers. Inside the temple, there are three main shrines – Arunachaleswara, Bhoga Nandeeshwara, and Uma Maheshwara.
Distance From Lepakshi: 76 km
Major Attractions: Arunachaleswara Shrine, Bhoga Nandeeshwara Shrine, and Uma Maheshwara Shrine
4. Chintamani
Photo: Vinayanand94 / Wikimedia Commons
To immerse yourself in the natural wonders and historical significance, Chintamani is another popular destination to visit near Kakinada. There are numerous sightseeing spots around that you can explore including M Visweswaraya Museum, Antara Gange or even Skanda Giri. Depending on the kind of travel plans you have sorted, you can go around and explore the nearby tourist attractions in this quaint town. Even the Antharagange caves are located nearby, enabling you to indulge in an adventurous exploration. For a religious experience, consider visiting the Kolaramma Temple and Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple, which are located nearby.
Distance From Lepakshi: 81 km
Major Attractions: M Visweswaraya Museum, Antara Gange, Skanda Giri, Kolaramma Temple and Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple
5. Gudibanda Fort
Photo: Fargone / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Gudibanda Fort is located in the Chikkaballapur district in Karnataka and was reportedly constructed around 400 years in the past. One of the most exhilarating reasons behind the popularity of this fort is the trekking expedition that you get to embark on. It allows you to explore the surrounding nature, rugged terrains and the panoramic views of the landscape around. There is a lake nearby called Bhairasagara Lake, which you can consider visiting as well. During the trek, there is a very narrow alley that leads to the fort, so keep an eye out for that.
Distance From Lepakshi: 23 km
Major Attractions: Trekking trail, hilltop views, fort ruins, and local temples
6. Avani
Photo: Darshanavenugopal / Wikimedia Commons
Avani is another nearest village to Lepakshi that must be on your itinerary. Renowned for its natural rock formations and ancient temples, exploring Avani truly takes you back in time. One of the main attractions is the Shri Ramalingeshwara Swami Temple, which features the staple Dravidian style architecture and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. You can also explore Avani Betta, which is renowned as the Sita Temple. Legends suggest that during her exile, Maa Sita along with her sons, Luv and Kush, resided in the Avani Betta. Also, explore the ruins around the Ancient Shri Virupaksha Devalaya as well.
Distance From Lepakshi: 138 km
Major Attractions: Ramalingeshwara Temple and Avani Betta Trek
7. Skandagiri Hills
Photo: Tirth Jivani / Unsplash
If you are an adventure enthusiast and would love to embark on extensive trekking experiences, you have to visit Skandagiri Hills in Karnataka. These account for one of the good places to visit near Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh. The main charm of exploring these hills is that you get to indulge in nighttime trekking, which is quite rare. Also known as Kalavara Durga or Kalavara Betta, these hills are located at an elevation of 1,450 metres and are surrounded by Nandi Hills. Also, on your trek to the summit, you will come across a fort, which adds to the experience and the adventure.
Distance From Lepakshi: 69 km
Major Attractions: Night time trekking, camping, and exploring ruined forts
8. Muddenahalli
Photo: SuchitraPmitta / Wikimedia Commons
An often less explored village near Lepakshi, Muddenahalli is perfect for travellers who want an escape from the fast-paced life of the city. The main attraction in this village is the M. Visvesvarayya Museum. Also, getting to witness the beauty of the Nandi Hills in the background adds to the charm of the place. You can also find the ancestral home that belonged to M. Visvesvarayya. The entire experience of exploring this quaint village is dedicated to learning more about M. Visvesvarayya, his life history and the work he had done while he was alive.
Distance From Lepakshi: 71 km
Major Attractions: M. Visvesvarayya Museum, M. Visvesvarayya Residence, and Bhoganandishwara Temple
9. Kaivara
Photo: Saileshkiran / Wikimedia Commons
Kaivara is one of the popular tourist attractions near Lepakshi, which is a famous pilgrimage site too. The town is located in the Chikkaballapura district and legends suggest that this place has direct associations with the Mahabharata. The town often experiences heavy downpours, so you need to plan your visit accordingly. Mythological evidence depicts that the Pandavas stayed in this town during their exile. Additionally, during their stay there, one of the five brothers, Bheema, killed the demon Bakasura in this particular spot. You can roam around and explore the serenity of this town while you are visiting.
Distance From Lepakshi: 97 km
Major Attractions: Learning about the mythological significance, exploring the town, and visiting the local markets
10. Devarayanadurga
Photo: Fargone / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Devarayanadurga is a small hill station located near Lepakshi that is perfect for tourists looking for a peaceful getaway. If you want to steer clear of the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the ideal spot. Renowned for its natural beauty and ancient temples, the hill station allows you to unwind and truly soak in the beauty of the lush greenery. There are several hiking trails around Devarayanadurga that you can explore with a local guide. The hill station is located at an elevation of 4000 feet offering panoramic views.
Distance From Lepakshi: 93 km
Major Attractions: Historical temples, natural beauty, and trekking
With so many different places to visit near Lepakshi, having a proper travel plan makes it easier for you to execute them in accordance. Be it historical spots or peaceful getaways, there are amazing destinations around Lepakshi, each catering to the interests of every traveller. Ensure that you get all your bookings sorted with TripXL to plan an unforgettable trip.
Cover Photo: Vinod Pattar / Pexels
