Kurnool District - 2 | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

Srisailam Tourism

• Srisailam is situated around 180 km from Kurnool and 210 km from Hyderabad, nestled at an elevation of over 1500 ft. above sea level within the scenic natural setting of the Nallamalas hill range.
• The Srisailam temple holds immense historical and religious significance in South India, dedicated to Brahmaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy, represented by a natural stone Lingam, recognized as one of the twelve Jyotirlingams in the country.
• The temple, constructed in the 14th century, features intricate carvings depicting hunting scenes with elephants and various manifestations of Lord Shiva.
• Aside from the main temple, Srisailam boasts several other attractions such as Sikhareswaram, Hatakeswaram, PalaDhara – PanchaDhara, Sakshi Ganapathi, Sivaji spurthikendra, Pathala Ganga, Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal Museum, and Rajeev Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, all offering a rich cultural and natural experience.

Important Tourism Places in Kurnool District

Achyutha Devarayala Buruzu (Konda Reddy Buruzu)

• Achyutha Devarayala Buruzu (Konda Reddy Buruzu) is a historic site situated in the heart of Kurnool. It is believed to have been constructed between 1529-1542 AD by Achyutha Devaraya, the brother of Sri Krishnadevaraya, the ruler of Vijayanagaram. 
• Originally part of the Kurnool fort, this structure was used as a prison. Notably, the revolutionary Konda Reddy met his martyrdom here, leading to the place being known as Konda Reddy Buruju.

Manthralayam

• Mantralayam is located along the banks of the Tungabhadra River, approximately 90 kilometers from Kurnool. The town is famous for the Jeevasamadhi of Madhva Saint Sri Raghavendra Swamy. 
• It is a significant pilgrimage site attracting numerous devotees, particularly Madhvas from South India. Key attractions include the Raghavendra Swamy Brindavan, the Panchamuki Anjaneya Swamy Temple, and the Venkateswara Swamy Temple.

Orvakallu Rock Garden: A Magical Place - Amidst the Wonder of Nature

• Orvakallu Rock Garden stands out as an adventurous destination in Andhra Pradesh. Spanning 1000 acres, this park showcases stunning igneous rock formations, drawing visitors to its natural beauty. 
• Situated just 20 kilometers from Kurnool on National Highway 18, the park offers hiking trails that have been carefully developed by Andhra Pradesh Tourism for an enhanced experience. It is a favored location for film shoots, making it a unique spot for nature enthusiasts and filmmakers alike.

Culture & Heritage

• Konda Reddy Buruju stands in the heart of Kurnool and is traditionally attributed to the rulers of Vijayanagaram. 
• Originally part of the Kurnool fort, it served as a prison where the revolutionary Konda Reddy met his martyrdom. 
• Following this event, the site came to be known as Konda Reddy Buruju.

Abdul Wahab Khan Tomb (Golgumbaz), Kurnool

• The impressive Abdul Wahab Khan Tomb, also known as Golgumbaz, in Kurnool is the resting place of Abdul Wahab Khan, the inaugural Governor of Bijapur in Kurnool. 
• Positioned elegantly along the banks of the Hundri River, this structure was erected in the year 1028 Hijri (1618 A.D.). The construction of this magnificent edifice involved the use of stone beams, chiseled stones, and a special lime-jaggery mixture. 
• Arches were employed to support the weight of the upper structure, showcasing a fine example of Mughal architecture.
• The Golgumbaz is a dome structure that offers valuable insights into Mughal architectural techniques and is worthy of study by enthusiasts in the field.

Sri Rupalasangameswara Jagannatha Gattu Temple

• The Sri Rupalasangameswara Swamy Temple, originally built in the 8th century at Sangameswaram by the Chalukyas, underwent reconstruction after the submersion of Sangameswaram in the waters of the Srisailam project in 1984. 
• Perched atop the hills near G. Pulla Reddy Engineering College on NH-18, this Siva temple boasts remarkable sculptures. Constructed by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna, it mirrors the architectural style of the Kailasanatha Temple in the Ellora Caves. 
• The temple draws numerous pilgrims and tourists, with a recent addition of a 50-foot Abhayanjaneya statue on the hill. Festivals like Sivarathri and Karthikamasam are celebrated with great fervor by devotees.

Sri Lakshmi Jagannadha Gattu Cave Temple, Lakshmipuram Village

• Located 10 kilometers from Kurnool on NH-7 and 3 kilometers from the highway, the Jagannatha Gattu Temple is nestled amidst hills and a lush green forest valley. The serene and unpolluted environment of the cave attracts tourists and pilgrims alike.
• Constructed and supported by the Vijayanagara Kings, this temple is dedicated to Jagannatha Swamy along with Sridevi and Bhudevi in the form of a Lingam (Phallus).
• At the base of the hill, there is a Koneru. Recently, the Tourism Department has added amenities such as Dormitory Blocks, a Children's park, Water facilities, Cafeteria, C.C Road, Ferro Cement Structures, etc.
• The Chariot festival held in this area is well-known for its cultural significance.

Kethavaram Rock Paintings

• Scattered along the rocks at Kethavaram near Orvakallu, these paintings date back to the Paleolithic age. The drawings depict a historical journey, starting from realistic portrayals of large deer by ancient hunter-gatherers to symbolic human figures from the Iron Age and handprints of recent pilgrims.
• This collection of rock art is considered one of the most extensive sequences globally, showcasing the evolution of artistic expression over time.

Nawab Bungalow (Summer Palace), Pathapadu Village

• Originally built in 1908 by Mirfazal Ali Khan, the Pathapadu Bungalow served as a summer rest house. Made primarily of limestone sourced from nearby areas, the summer palace exudes historical charm.
• The architectural beauty of the building has made it a popular filming location for the entertainment industry, adding to its allure.
• Situated en route to Yaganti Kshetram, the Nawab Bungalow captivates tourists with its rich historical and heritage significance.

Adoni Fort, Adoni Town

• The Adoni Fort, located in Adoni Town, is a significant stronghold of the Vijayanagar Kings, situated on the Rocky Granite Hills.
• During the reign of Krishnadevaraya, various temples, including Sri Veerabhadra Swamy, Yogini Lakshmamma, Sri Venkateswara Swamy, and Mangaraya Swamy, were constructed at this site.
• Notable Muslim monuments in the area, such as Syed Aminuddin Ali's Syed Masoom Peer Husaini Urs and Syed Shagulu Husaini Saheb Urs, may have been built during Muslim occupation.
• Key locations within the town include the Kaman Bhavi, the Jumma Masjid, and the Venkanna Bhavi, each with historical significance.

Thomos Munro Statue, Pattikonda

• In 1800, Major Munro was appointed as the principal Collector over the ceded districts by the Government of Madras.
• Facing resistance from the palegars in Rayalaseema who refused to acknowledge British authority, Munro employed forces to subdue them.
• After a long career in the English East Indian company, Munro passed away in Pattikonda in 1827.

Munro Statue and Inscription at M.R.O Office Pathikonda

• A statue of Sir Thomas Munro on a stone slab in the office of M.R.O at Pathikonda commemorates his death in 1827 due to cholera. 
• Sir Thomas Munro served as the Governor of Madras Presidency from 1820 to 1827.

Four Pillar Mantapa at M.R.O Office, Pathikonda

• In front of the M.R.O office in Pathikonda, there is a Four Pillar Mantapa that attracts many visitors eager to learn about the historical significance of the place.

Emperor Asoka Rock Edicts in Jonnagiri Village

• Jonnagiri Village in Kurnool District is home to a significant granite hill rock with inscriptions attributed to Emperor Ashoka. 
• These ancient tablets are recognized as a monument of Andhra Pradesh and are under the purview of the Archeological Survey of India.

Significance of the Edicts

• The rock edicts bear inscriptions in Pali language, indicating the wealth of diamonds, gemstones, and gold in the region, all belonging to Emperor Ashoka.

Historical Evolution of Jonnagiri

• The name "Jonnagiri" evolved from "Sonnagiri," a distorted form of "Suvarnagiri," meaning "Mountain of Gold," which was the southern capital of the Ashokan Empire. Over time, the name transformed from Suvarnagiri to Sonnagiri and later to Jonnagiri.

Location and Preservation

• Jonnagiri is located approximately 13 km away from Gooty railway station. The rock edicts are inscribed in Brahmi script and Prakrit language, showcasing the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region.

Handicraft

Yemmiganur: A Hub for Handloom Weaving

• Yemmiganur, a town renowned for its handloom weaving industry, stands as a testament to the artistry and dedication of its weavers. These artisans, despite facing financial hardships, pour their efforts into creating exquisite handloom products.
• The majority of Yemmiganur's population relies on handloom weaving as their primary occupation. This art form not only sustains livelihoods but also preserves a rich cultural heritage.
• Within each weaver's household, families collectively operate looms, showcasing a deep-rooted tradition of hard work and unity. Despite the toil involved, these weavers take pride in crafting high-quality sarees, ranging from cotton prints to silk zari, with lengths varying from 5 to 7 meters.
• The weavers of Yemmiganur produce a diverse range of sarees, catering to various tastes and occasions. From elegant wedding saris priced between 5000 to 15000 rupees to everyday cotton prints, the town offers a spectrum of choices to its customers.
• Handloom weaving in Yemmiganur extends beyond sarees, encompassing the production of bed sheets and shirts. The utilization of pit looms and frame looms underscores the craftsmanship and versatility of the artisans, with weavers earning between 250 to 350 rupees.
• While the handloom industry faces challenges from mechanized production, the artistry and tradition of handloom weaving remain integral to Yemmiganur's identity. Encouragingly, efforts are being made to sustain this rich heritage amidst evolving preferences and economic shifts.