BELLUM CAVES

Originally discovered in 1854 by H.B.Foote, these subturanean passages were explored by the Department of archealogy and Museums, followed by team of European spalelogist led by Mr Gebaner, Belum Caves are the second largest natural caves in Indian Sub. continent after Meghalaya Caves.

These underground caves are located on a flat agricultural field, have 3 well like cavities with the central one being the main entrance to the caves.

After a descent of 20 meters at the entrance, the cave is horizontal & has a length of 3229 meters. Longer than Borra Caves in Vishakapatnam district Belum Caves have long passages, spacious chambers, fresh water galleries and siphons. All this makes Belum Caves a geological & archeological attraction worldwide.

How to Reach This Place

Road : Belum is located 106 kms from Kurnool. It is well connected by Road.

Rail : Belum is 106 kms from Kurnool Railwaystation.

Air : Hyderabad Airport.

 

CHANDRAGIRI PALACE

Located 11 km from Tirupati, in Chittoor district, Chandragiri was the former capital of the mighty Vijayanagar Empire. The fort here was built on a 180m high rock. The fortifications, 'Raja Mahal' with its romantic lily pond and the 'Rani mahal' are well preserved. The Museum in Raja Mahal contains Chola and Vijayanagara bronzes.

 

CHANDRAGIRI FORT

Chittoor has a rich and diversified history. There are hundreds of monuments, memorial rocks and memorials that remind us of the rich history Chittor had. The Historical Memorials date back to over 1000 years and each of them present the rich cultural diversity and art of sculpture in it.

The Chandragiri Fort is located at Chandragiri which was once upon a time the Capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire and is linked with the Aravidu dynasty. The Chandragiri Fort dates back to 1000 AD ? the year in which Immadi Narasimha Yadavaraya had begun the construction work. Overtime, more and more improvements were made to it to make it more beautiful and elegant to look.

The fort is strategically located over the top of a small 183m hill. The southern side of the hill is enclosed by strong walls, surrounded by a ditch so as to prevent any intruder from entering into the fort. The remains of the lower fort contain the two Mahals, the lower portion of which is built in stone and the upper in brick. The main building known as the 'Raj (Chandragiri) Mahal' is majestic in appearance and with the modern colorful lighting system introduced, the Mahal is a delight to the eyes and gives a nice view to the eyes during night. The modern town of Chandragiri lies to the east of the hill on which the fort stands.

 

SILATHORANAM (RARE ROCK ARCH)

About 1km from Tirumala Temple is a rare naturally formed arch. Believed to be the source of Lord Venkateswara's idol, the rocks resemble hood of a serpent, a conch and a discus. It is a rare natural geological Phenomenon.

 

TIRUPATI : TIRULAMA TIRUPATI DEVESTHANAM

Tirupati/Tirumala is a pilgrimage center of great significance and is visited by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. Venkateswara, or Srinivasa or Balaji as the presiding deity Vishnu is known, is enshrined in this temple, located on a range of the Eastern Ghats, called the Seven Hills.It is an ancient temple and its glory has been sung by the saints of the yesteryears.

One of the most important pilgrimage centers in India, the temple draws millions of pilgrims and is believed to be the busiest pilgrimage centre in the world. Tirupati town itself has several temples and is famous for its red wooden toys, copper and brass idols. Said to be the richest temple in India, this temple is a vibrant cultural and philanthropic institution with a grand history spanning several centuries. It attracts pilgrims from all over the country and it is not unusual for pilgrims to stand in line for hours together to obtain a glimpse of the presiding deity for a few fleeting seconds. References to Tiruvenkatam abound in early Tamil literature(Tolkappiam and Silappadikaram) . Explicit reference to the Lord of Tiruvenkatam is found in the works of the early Tamil Saint Poets Poigai Alwar, Bhuthathu Alwar and Pay Alwar as well as in the poems of the later Alwars. The great religious leader Ramanuja Acharya is said to have visited here in the 11th - 12th century AD. The temple town of Tirupati came into existence in the 12th century, when the Govindarajaswamy temple was founded. Sri Venkateshwara temple, the abode of Lord Venkateshwara, also known as Balaji in the north and Srinivasa in southern parts of India, is one of the most famous temples in India and is located at Tirumala, 18 km. northwest of Tirupati at a height of 874 mt. above sea level amidst the hills known as seven hills of the Eastern Ghats.

Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple : The temple town of Tirupati came into existence in the 12th century, with the founding of Govindarajaswamy temple. Sri Venkateshwara temple, the abode of Lord Venkateshwara, also known as Balaji in the north and Srinivasa in southern parts of India, is one of the most famous temples in India and is located at Tirumala, 18 km. northwest of Tirupati at a height of 874 mt. above sea level amidst the hills known as seven hills of the Eastern Ghats. It is believed that Lord Vishnu (Balaji) enchanted by the charm of the hill Seshachalam, settled down here to meditate and in course of time his body was transformed into stone. Also, according to the Puranas, the hills represent the body of Adisesha on which Lord Vishnu, the protector of the world, is said to rest. The seven hills denote the seven hoods of Adisesha on which Venkatachalapati resides. The origin of the temple is shrouded in antiquity and is regarded as one of the most ancient temples in India.

Govindaraja Swami Temple : One of the most important temples in the heart of Tirupati is Sri Govindaraja Swami Temple, which was consecrated by Saint Ramanujacharya in 1130 AD. It is built by the Nayakas, the successors to the Vijayanagar empire. The temple has an impressive outer gopuram. The inner most gopuram is the earliest dating from the 14th-15th centuries. The main shrines are dedicated to Vishnu and Krishna

 

TALAKONA FOREST & WATERFALLS

This place is located in the Nagari Valley 45 km from Tirupati in the Nallamalai Ranges. This 60 Metre waterfall is a picturesque site and the water is known to contain several minerals vital for human health. The view is breathtaking and the protected forest are lush green. The waterfall is perineal. This place was called the seat of the sages.

 

HORSLEY HILLS

The place was discovered by W.D Horsley, the then collector of Cuddapah district who came here to escape from the blistering heat. He was so enchanted by the dense forest and exotic birds that he made it his summer residence. Later, British officers followed suit and an elegant villa was built for the governor. The climate of the hills is absolutely perfect. It lies at an altitude of 4300ft and experience maximum of 32 degree in summer and minimum 20 degrees Celsius in winter.

Although a small place but it offers plenty of rewarding viewpoints. From the Valley View Point just behind the tourist bungalow, you get a breathtaking view of the lush valley below and the surrounding landscape of miles of paddy fields, rural settlements and small towns of Andhra Pradesh. It is such a small place that you can experience everything within a couple of days. If you like nothing more than days spent in quiet contemplation or some time to oneself for writing or reading, then Horsley Hills is the perfect destination for you.