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ECO Tourism

Tallapaka

• A notable figure, Vaggeyakara Annamacharya, was born in 1424 in Tallapaka Village, Rajampet Mandal. He was known for his poetic style and composed thousands of devotional hymns dedicated to Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala.
• His wife, TIMMAKKA, made significant contributions to Telugu literature by composing Subhadrakalyanam. The poetic legacy continued through their descendants, who were also accomplished poets.
• The poets from Tallapaka, associated with Annamacharya, brought fame to Kadapa district through their literary works.

• Chennakesava and Siddeswara temples
• Srichakra, Eka, Tatayya idol
• TTD Dhyanamandir

• Established a Hundi at Tirumala to support the temple financially.

• Tallapaka is situated 55 kilometers from Cuddapah and 6 kilometers from Rajampet on the Cuddapah-Chennai highway.

Religious Tourism

Attirala

• Attirala, previously known as Hatyarala and Yethirevula, is a place of immense sanctity located on the eastern bank of the river Cheyyeru. The Mahabharata narrates the river's sanctity in the tale of Sankha and Likhita. It serves as a hub of Vedic culture and is renowned for its picturesque landscapes.
• Legend has it that the river Cheyyeru absolved Parasurama of the sin of matricide and facilitated the union of Likhita, Sankha's brother, by offering him a bride. The Parasurama temple, believed to have been a Buddhist educational center, was successively occupied by Saivas and then Vaishnavas, who transformed it into Parasurama Kshetra.
• To the temple's south lies a 72-pillared hall, while two prominent temples dedicated to Gadhadara and Thretheswara adorn the eastern hill slope. Notably, Gadhadara is depicted standing on one leg at this site. With the presence of Gadhadara and the holy river Cheyyeru, Attirala is held in as high regard as Gaya Kshetram.
• The sculptural magnificence and imposing presence of Parasurama Kshetra are truly captivating. At a higher elevation beyond the Thretheswara temple, a Jyothistambha (pillar of light) is situated atop a hill, its glow visible up to a distance of 30 kilometers during festivals.
• Accessing Attirala is convenient, situated 8 kilometers from Rajampet and 55 kilometers from Cuddapah.

Nandalur

Sowmyanatha Swamy Temple

• Nandalur is located on the west bank of the river Cheyyeru.
• It was once a renowned Buddhist center in Rayalaseema.
• In 1913, Buddhist caves and viharas were unearthed in the area.

Significance of Sowmyanatha Swamy Temple

• The Sowmyanatha Swamy Temple in Nandalur is a vast temple complex spread across approximately ten acres.
• It is designed as a reflection of the Thiruvannamalai temple and has been supported by various dynasties including the Cholas, Pandyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagara, Pottapi, and Matli Kings.
• Most of the inscriptions found in the temple are in the Tamil language.
• Lord Sowmyanatha is placed on an elevated platform, drawing devotees with his radiant beauty.

Attractions in Nandalur

• The temple and the Buddhist caves in Nandalur are major points of interest.
• The town is easily accessible by both road and rail networks.
• The location is worth visiting due to its historical and architectural significance.

Travel Information

• Location: Nandalur is situated on the Cuddapah-Chennai highway, approximately 38 kilometers from Cuddapah.