Heritage Tourism

Tower Clock Ananthapuramu (M & D):

The clock tower is a structure located in the heart of Anantapur in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It was built in memory of the martyrs of the Indian independence movement. In 1945, under the leadership of M. Ramachandra Naidu, the district judge and other persons took the initiative and constructed the building. Its radius is 15 feet, which indicates the 15th date. It consists of 8 faces representing the eighth month of the year i.e. August. The height of the clock tower is 47 feet, which represents the year 1947.

Padmasri Kalluru Subbarao District Archaeological Museum, Ananthapuramu:

District Archaeological Museum, Ananthapuramu was first started on 28-10-1992 as “Padmashri Kalluru Subbarao District Archaeological Museum” in the name of Padmasri Kalluru Subbarao garu of Ananthapuramu district who was a great freedom fighter, donor and outstanding personality. As this museum building is getting dilapidated over time, the State Department of Archeology and Museums has taken up the construction of a new building with more modern features in place of this old museum building and made it available to the public of this district on 10-03-2024. Both the central and state governments have provided their financial assistance for the construction of this museum.

MUSEUM TIMINGS: 10:30 A.M TO 5:00 P.M., HOLIDAY: FRIDAY (ALL GOVT. HOLIDAYS) ENTRY FEE: Adult: ₹30, Child: ₹20.

Peace Memorial Hall, Ananthapuramu (M & D):

The ‘Peace Memorial Hall’ is located on a high-rise ground opposite the district court building complex in the Newtown area. It is a great structure spread over an area of nearly 2 acres. Built by Indian engineer Shri V.S.S.S. Raghavan during the British era, the foundation stone of this elegant structure was laid on 13-12-1919 by the Hon’ble C.C. Todunder, ICS and a senior member of St. George’s Fort Council, Madras.

The main purpose of this massive structure was to recover the amount of public subscription given by the top brass of the town, including the British, at the end of The First World War (1914-1918). It took two years for the completion of the ‘Peace Memorial Hall’ building, which was inaugurated by the Honorable Khan Bahadur Muhammad Habibullah Sahib Bahadur on 7-11-1921. Since then, it has served as the center of community programs and a reading hall.

Kundurpi Fort, Kundurpi (V & M), Ananthapuramu (D):

Kundurpi is approximately 94 km away from the Anantapuramu District Headquarters. It is one of the important historical places and a Palygar hill fort of Anantapuramu District. Kundurpi is named after a local goddess Kundrupamma. A good number of living and non-living temples including Sri Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple, Narasimha Swamy Temple, Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Ballepalli Mutt and fort area are maintained by the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Andhra Pradesh. Many post-Vijayanagara period monuments, sculptures, inscriptions, and bronze idols reflect the glorious past of Kundurpi.

Rayadurgam Fort, Rayadurgam (M), Ananthapuramu Dist:

Rayadurgam is approximately 98 km away from Anantapuramu. This area was once under the rule of Vijayanagara kings, and later the Palegars. Rayadurgam is a prominent Jain center. Monuments include a 10-foot Dashabhuja Ganapati statue, temples, and a Shiva temple with an emerald lingam. Nearby is Veerapuram, home to an incredible ancient stone rock bed, and Ashoka Siddapuram with a 3rd-century BC Ashokan inscription.

Rasasiddula Gutta (Jaina Site), Konakondla (V), Vajrakarur (M), Ananthapuramu (D):

Konakondla is around 80 km from Anantapuramu and 8 km from Guntakal. It is the birthplace of Jaina Acharya Kundakunda (48 B.C.E – 40 C.E). The hillock known as Rasasiddula Gutta features Jaina sculptures, Nishidi stones, caves with rock beds, and unique carvings like Jambu Dweepa depicting Jain cosmology—rare in South India.

Gooty Fort (Protected Monument, ASI), Gooty Town, Guntakal (M), Ananthapuramu Dist.

Located 50 km from Anantapuramu, Gooty Fort is one of the major hill forts and historically significant from the 7th century CE. It was ruled by the Badami Chalukyas, Vijayanagara kings, Shivaji’s commanders, Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, and the British. With inscriptions, gateways, bastions, and structures, it showcases centuries of history. British officer Sir Thomas Munro, the first District Collector, is closely linked to Gooty Fort.

Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple (Protected Monument, ASI), Tadipatri (V & M), Ananthapuramu (D):

This temple, 4 km from Tadipatri railway station and 56 km from Anantapuramu, was built in the 16th century by Pemmasani Ramalinga Nayudu. It features Dravidian architecture and a Shiva Linga continuously bathed by a natural spring. The richly sculpted mandapa and vimana make it spiritually and artistically significant.

Chintala Venkataramana Swamy Temple (Protected Monument, ASI), Tadipatri (V & M), Ananthapuramu (D):

This temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara was built in the 16th century by Pemmasani Timmanayudu II. Known for its architectural excellence, the temple features a grand gopuram and intricately carved mandapa. Major festivals such as Vaikuntha Ekadashi and Brahmotsavam are celebrated here, drawing many devotees and tourists.