Known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, Kurnool is an enchanting holiday destination in Andhra Pradesh. Dotted with several temples and historical landmarks, this idyllic town attracts a large number of visitors from all parts of the country. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the fascinating history, need a unique spiritual experience, or want to indulge in adventurous activities, this place has something for everyone. From Belum Caves to Oravakallu Rock Garden, Konda Reddy Fort to Yaganti Temple, the list of attractions in Kurnool goes on.  

Located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, Kurnool is a beautiful city nestled in the heart of Andhra Pradesh. It is often referred to as the "Gateway of Rayalaseema" because of its strategic location as an entry point into the region. Just like many other destinations in southern India, Kurnool is also known for its abundance of beauty, but this is not the only reason for its immense popularity among tourists. Being home to several iconic historical landmarks, this city also gives a glimpse into the glorious past of the country. Apart from this, it is also dotted with several temples that enthral a large number of devotees throughout the year. In short, Kurnool gives a vacation experience that very few places in the country can offer. From history buffs to nature enthusiasts, thrill seekers to spiritual seekers, there are several exciting things to do in Kurnool for everyone. 

Best Time to Visit Kurnool 

Kurnool is a year-round destination that can be visited in any season, and you’ll always find plenty of things to do there. However, the peak tourism season starts in October and ends in February. During these months, the weather remains pleasant enough for all kinds of activities. You can step out for sightseeing without having to worry about scorching heat. Additionally, this is also the best time to indulge in adventurous activities like trekking, hiking, etc. In March, the temperature starts rising slightly, and the level of humidity in the air also increases at this time. So this is not considered an ideal time to visit this place. Monsoons (July to September) are the shoulder season for Kurnool tourism. During these months, you get to witness the rain-washed beauty of this town with lush greenery all around. Additionally, you can also find accommodation at budget-friendly rates at this time, and tourist spots will be less crowded as well. 

How to Reach Kurnool 

Another major factor that contributes to Kurnool’s huge popularity as a holiday destination is its seamless connectivity to other parts of the country. Here’s how you can reach here: 

• By Train: Kurnool is well connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, etc., through the railway network. The city has a railway station of its own (Kurnool City Railway Station or KRNT). You can find several regular passenger and express trains to this station.

• By Flight: The nearest airport to Kurnool is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad at an approximate distance of 180 kilometres. You can find direct flights to this airport from most of the Indian cities. After arriving in Hyderabad, taking a bus or hiring a private taxi is the best way to reach Kurnool.

• By Road: With a well-maintained network of roads, Kurnool is well-connected to various cities of Andhra Pradesh as well as other neighbouring states. National Highway 44 (NH-44) is the major highway passing through the city. You can either take a public/private bus or hire a taxi to reach here. Or, you can also choose to drive in your own car. 

Places to See in Kurnool 

Before you start exploring options for Kurnool tour packages, it is important to have an idea about all the must-visit places in the city. This will help you create an itinerary as per your preferences. 

For your convenience, here is a list of the top 6 places to visit in Kurnool:

• Konda Reddy Fort 

• Belum Caves 

• Oravakallu Rock Garden 

• Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary 

• Yaganti Temple 

• Mahanandi Temple 

Konda Reddy Fort 

Also known as Kondareddy Buruju, this magnificent fort is one of the most popular attractions in Kurnool. Dating back to the 16th century, this structure is known for its intricate architecture, strategic location and historical significance. Konda Reddy Fort played a crucial role during the Vijayanagara Empire. In the present time, it serves as a popular tourist spot. A large number of visitors come here to delve into its glorious past while enjoying stunning panoramic views of the city. 

Belum Caves 

Being the second-longest cave system in India, Belum Caves is another addition to this list of popular places to see in Kurnool. Formed over millions of years, this natural wonder will definitely leave you mesmerised. Each cave is home to several stunning stalactites and stalagmites that elevate the overall charm of this place. The best thing is that these caves get plenty of natural light during the day and have walkways. This makes it easy for tourists to explore the entire cave system. 

Oravakallu Rock Garden 

Known for its unique rock formations and tranquil environment, Oravakallu Rock Garden is a popular hangout place in Kurnool. This natural rock garden is one of those places that are equally popular among tourists and locals. Some people come here for early morning or late evening strolls, while others consider it an ideal spot for a day picnic. The beautiful surroundings of this place also offer the perfect setting for photography. 

Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary 

Boasting a variety of flora and fauna, Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary is no less than a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. If you love spotting animals and birds in their natural habitat, this is one of the best places to visit near Kurnool. While the main highlight of this sanctuary is the endangered Great Indian Bustard, you can find several other animals as well. Some of these include blackbuck, Indian wolf, golden jackal, chinkara, etc. Apart from this, it is home to a number of bird species as well. For a more immersive experience, you can book a guided tour, and the best time for wildlife spotting is early morning or late afternoon. 

Yaganti Temple 

This is an ancient Hindu temple in Kurnool that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built in the 15th century by King Harihara Bukka Raya of the Sangama Dynasty. After all these years, this temple still has the same religious significance. Surrounded by lush greenery on all sides, Yaganti Temple is known for its serene environment. It is also famous for its growing Nandi statue. According to the Archaeological Survey of India, this monolithic idol increases by about 1 inch every 20 years. 

Mahanandi Temple 

Nestled amidst the Nallamala Hills, this is another highly revered Hindu temple in Kurnool. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple houses the world's biggest Nandi statue. This is also the reason why it is called the Mahanandi Temple. Another highlight of this place are three sacred water bodies known as pushkarinis. They have a constant flow of pure, crystal-clear water from an underground spring. Many people who come to this temple also take a dip in any of these sacred pools, as they are believed to have healing properties. Known for its ancient architecture and serene surroundings, this temple attracts a large number of devotees every day. 

With so much to offer, Kurnool is a treasure trove of experiences. No matter what your age or interests are, you’ll always find plenty of places to explore and activities to experience here. With this list of must-visit Kurnool attractions, you can easily plan your trip. Or, you can also choose Veena World as your travel partner and book one of our Andhra Pradesh tour packages. These packages come with a well-crafted itinerary, so you will not only explore the city but also get a chance to visit popular places around Kurnool. 

FAQs 

Q1. What’s remarkable about the cave system near Kurnool that many tourists miss? 

The Belum Caves near Kurnool are the second longest natural underground caves in India, with intricate fossil and stalactite formations. They served as meditation halls for ancient Jain and Buddhist monks long ago. Visiting early morning gives you a cooler, mystical experience away from the usual heat. 

Q3. Which festival in Kurnool is unusually violent yet culturally rooted? 

The Devaragutta Dasara, which is celebrated in the village of Devaragutta (Kurnool district), involves men from neighbouring villages fighting with long bamboo sticks as a ritual. Legend says this commemorates a demon-slaying by a deity on Vijayadashami night. If you visit during Dussehra, you’ll see something unlike the usual flower-and-light festival. 

Q3. What natural wonder near Kurnool feels like an outdoor rock-art gallery? 

The Orvakal Rock Garden features vast igneous rock formations surrounded by water ponds and hiking paths, about 20 km from Kurnool city.  

It’s less crowded than major tourist spots and offers a surreal landscape for photography and quiet walks. Wear rough and sturdy shoes since some trails are rocky and uneven, especially near dusk. 

Q4. What is one little-known myth tied to a lake in the Kurnool district? 

In Kurnool’s Ramjala Lake near Adoni, local legend says that the lake was formed when Lord Rama shot an arrow into the ground to obtain water for Sita during exile.  

So besides its natural beauty and bird-life, there’s a divine back-story you might not hear at first glance. It’s a quiet spot to sit and reflect, away from the usual crowd. 

Q5. Which fort in Kurnool hides an intriguing prison-and-martyr story? 

The Konda Reddy Fort (also called Kondareddy Buruju) in Kurnool city was part of a 12th-century fortification and later used as a jail; the local revolutionary Konda Reddy was imprisoned there. Walking its ramparts gives you views over the old city and gives a sense of layered history. Go just before sunset; the light on its semi-circular bastion is quite striking.