Kurnool Travel Guide
Explore the culturally rich land of Kurnool, India with this comprehensive travel guide describing the best places to visit, the food and drink scene, where to stay, safety and health tips, and much more.
- Introduction to Kurnool
- List of Places to Visit in Kurnool
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Kurnool
- Kurnool-Balachukki Bike Ride
- Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary Trek
- Best Things to Do in Kurnool: Activities and Tours
- Heritage Walk
- Tungabhadra River Rafting
- Week-Long Itinerary for Kurnool
- Food and Drink Scene of Kurnool
- Where to Stay in Kurnool: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Kurnool: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Kurnool
- Best Time to Visit Kurnool
- Do’s and Don’ts of Kurnool
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Kurnool: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Kurnool
- Where to Go Next from Kurnool: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Hampi
- Mahbubnagar
- Conclusion
Introduction to Kurnool
Kurnool is a city located in the state of Andhra Pradesh in Southern India. The city is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River and is part of the Rayalaseema region. Kurnool has a rich history, and it was originally the capital of Andhra Pradesh before the capital was shifted to Hyderabad. The city is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse cultures, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a food lover, Kurnool has something to offer everyone.
List of Places to Visit in Kurnool
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Kurnool Fort
Kurnool Fort is an ancient fort that was once the center of power during the medieval period. The fort was built during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire, and it has various structures including the palace, mosque, and temple. Kurnool Fort is a great place to explore history, and visitors can get a better insight into the heritage and architecture of South India.
Belum Caves
Belum Caves is a natural underground cave system that is around 3200 million years old. The caves are located in the village of Kolimigundla, and they are the longest cave system in India. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves, enjoy the picturesque views, and learn about the history and formation of the caves.
Kondareddy Burz
Kondareddy Burz is a tower-like structure located in the heart of the city. It is named after Kondereddy, a local leader who stood up against British rule. The structure has a statue of Kondereddy at its entrance, and visitors can climb up to the top to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Natural Attractions of Kurnool: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Mahanandi Temple
Mahanandi Temple is located in the Mahanandi village, and it is famous for its natural springs. The temple is surrounded by hills and lush green forests, and visitors can take a dip in the natural springs for rejuvenation.
Orvakal Rock Garden
Orvakal Rock Garden is a scenic park located around 20 kilometers from Kurnool. The park has various rock formations that have been naturally formed over the years. Visitors can take a walk through the park, enjoy the scenic views, and capture stunning photographs.
Ahobilam
Ahobilam is a mountain range located around 140 kilometers from Kurnool. It is a popular trekking destination, and visitors can explore the various temples and waterfalls during the trek. The mountain range is also home to various rare species of flora and fauna.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Kurnool
Kurnool-Balachukki Bike Ride
The Kurnool to Balachukki bike ride is a popular route that covers around 200 kilometers. The route takes riders through the scenic countryside, hills, and forests, and it offers a challenging terrain for adventure seekers.
Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary Trek
The Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary Trek is a popular trekking route that covers around 10 kilometers. The trek takes visitors through the sanctuary, and they can spot various wildlife species such as blackbucks, Indian bustards, and pelicans. The trek also offers a great opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
Best Things to Do in Kurnool: Activities and Tours
Heritage Walk
Kurnool’s heritage walk is a great way to explore the city’s rich history and culture. The walk covers various historical monuments and landmarks, including the Kurnool Fort, Kondareddy Burz, and the Alampur Temples. Visitors can also enjoy street food and interact with the locals during the walk.
Tungabhadra River Rafting
Tungabhadra River Rafting is a thrilling adventure activity enjoyed by many visitors to Kurnool. The activity takes visitors along the Tungabhadra River, and it offers a chance to enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding landscape while also experiencing the adrenaline rush of rafting.
Week-Long Itinerary for Kurnool
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit Kurnool Fort and Kondareddy Burz |
| Day 2 | Explore the Belum Caves and Mahanandi Temple |
| Day 3 | Trek to Ahobilam |
| Day 4 | Take the Kurnool to Balachukki bike ride |
| Day 5 | Enjoy the Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary Trek |
| Day 6 | Visit Orvakal Rock Garden and do some paragliding |
| Day 7 | Take the heritage walk and enjoy the local street food |
Food and Drink Scene of Kurnool
Must-Try Dishes
Ulava Charu
Ulava Charu is a traditional Andhra lentil soup made with horse gram lentils. The dish is famous for its unique flavor, and it is usually served with rice or roti.
Royyala Vepudu
Royyala Vepudu is a spicy shrimp fry dish that is a popular street food in Kurnool. The dish is made with a blend of spices and herbs and is usually served with chutney.
Local Beverages
Filter Coffee
Filter coffee is a popular beverage in Kurnool, and it is usually served with breakfast. The coffee is made with freshly ground coffee beans and is usually served with milk and sugar.
Badam Milk
Badam Milk is a sweet and creamy almond milk beverage that is popular in Kurnool. The drink is made with ground almonds, milk, sugar, and saffron.
Where to Stay in Kurnool: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
There are several accommodation options in Kurnool, catering to different budgets and preferences. Some of the popular hotels in Kurnool include the Haritha Hotel, Hotel Rajaveer Palace, and Vivera Grand.
What to Buy in Kurnool: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Kurnool is famous for its handicrafts, and visitors can take home some unique souvenirs such as Kondapalli toys, Kalamkari paintings, and Banjara embroidery.
Local Culture and Customs of Kurnool
Kurnool is a culturally rich city that follows various customs and traditions. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and visitors are expected to respect their religious rituals and beliefs. It is advised to dress modestly while visiting the temples and other religious places.
Best Time to Visit Kurnool
The best time to visit Kurnool is between October and February when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.
Do’s and Don’ts of Kurnool
Do:
- Respect the locals’ religious rituals and beliefs
- Explore the natural beauty of Kurnool
- Try the local cuisine and street food
- Shop for handicrafts and souvenirs
Don’t:
- Disrespect the religious places and rituals
- Litter around the city
- Scream or shout in public places
- Dress inappropriately while visiting religious places
Safety and Health
Safety in Kurnool
While Kurnool is generally a safe city, it is advised to avoid traveling alone at night or in isolated areas. Visitors should also be cautious of pickpockets and avoid carrying expensive items with them.
Health in Kurnool
Visitors should ensure that they are up to date with their routine vaccinations, including the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. They should also take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue and malaria, by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing.
Getting to Kurnool: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Kurnool
The nearest airport to Kurnool is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, which is around 213 kilometers away.
Bus Stations Near Kurnool
Kurnool has a well-connected bus network, and visitors can take buses from major cities such as Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai.
Other Options
Visitors can also take trains to the Kurnool Railway Station or hire a private car to reach the city.
How to Get Around in Kurnool
Visitors can get around Kurnool by taking local buses, auto-rickshaws, or taxis. It is advised to negotiate the fares before boarding to avoid any misunderstandings.
Where to Go Next from Kurnool: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Hampi
Hampi is an ancient city located around 188 kilometers from Kurnool. The city is famous for its ruins and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mahbubnagar
Mahbubnagar is a city located around 110 kilometers from Kurnool. The city is famous for its ancient temples, including the Pillalamarri temple and the Sri Ranganayaka Swamy temple.
Conclusion
Kurnool is a beautiful city that offers visitors an opportunity to explore history, culture, and the natural beauty of South India. The city’s warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and various adventure activities make it an ideal destination for travelers looking for a unique experience. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan their trip to Kurnool with confidence, making the most of their time in the city.
