Located in Andhra Pradesh, Guntur is the largest city in the district and is the civil centre of the state. It is situated 64 Kms from Bay of Bengal and is easily approachable to the big cities of the state. There are many astounding places such as the Bhattiprolu, Sitanagaram and Amravati that can be viewed in Guntur.
Guntur is historically famous for the Buddhism religion and it is said that Buddha himself featured the first Kalachakra at this location. Guntur Travel Guide is incomplete without a mention of its religious destinations, serene spots and rich heritage. Mangalagiri, Kondaveedu, Krishna Barrage, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and Ethipothala Falls are the famous tourist pearls of the city.
Guntur experience diversified culture and has influences from all religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. It is also famous as the major center for Textiles, Cotton, tobacco and chilli products that are exported to different parts of the world from Guntur. The city also organizes the largest Asian market for red chilies.
HOW TO REACH
By Air:-
The nearest International Airport from Guntur is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, roughly five hour drive from Guntur. The Airport is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Goa, Indore, Jaipur, Jammu, Kochi, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Madurai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai via Air India, Indigo, Jet Airways , Jet Konnect and Spice Jet airlines .
By Road:-
Guntur is 24 Kms from Duggirala, 28 Kms from Tenali, 37 Kms from Vijayawada, 76 Kms from Gudivada, 135 Kms from Kodad, 111 Kms from Ongole, 268 Kms from Hyderabad, 278 Kms from Nandyal, 347 Kms from Kadapa and is linked via Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) and some private travel services. Direct buses from Guntur to Bangalore, Chennai, Chittor, Hyderabad, Anantapur etc.
By Train:-
It has its own railway station named as Guntur railway which serves as a transit point for many important trains. It is well connected to the cities like New Delhi, Chennai, Howrah, Mumbai and Vishakhapatnam.
WHAT TO SEE
Amaravathi:-
Located at a distance of around 16 miles from the city of Guntur, Amaravathi is named after its famous temple of Amareswara Swamy, which enshrines the Swayambhu linga. Amaravathi also houses the Mahachaitya Stupa, which was built in the 2nd Century B.C. The stupa is richly admired with carvings showcasing the life and teachings of Buddha. The stupa also has a museum, containing a collection of old monuments, terracotta antiquities and a pictographic depiction of Buddha’s life and teachings.
Mangalagiri:-
Mangalagiri is located 13 miles northeast of Guntur city. The place is famous for housing the temple of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. At this temple, devotees offer jiggery water to the lord. The ancient scriptures suggest that the Lord is being worshipped since the Satya Yuga, the first of the four yugas. There is another temple in the downhill devoted to Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. It is believed that Yudhistira (the eldest of the Pandavas) established the main deity in this shrine. The temple features a tall tower adorned with beautiful sculpture and has 11 stairs.
Downtown:-
The city of Guntur has its own downtown, midtown or city centres and residential areas. Some of the most popular places of the destination are Jinnah Tower Centre, Centre of Brodipet and ArundelPet, Old Guntur, Naaz Center, Brindavan Gardens and Inner and Outer Ringroads. Another notable attraction is the Manasa Sarovar, a man made park, located on the eastern part of Guntur. The park is managed by GMC and UDA together.
Uppalapadu Nature Conservation:-
Uppalapadu is situated in the southern part of the Guntur City. The water tanks in the region provide shelter to a number of endangered species of birds, which include Painted Storks and Spot-Billed Pelicans. The populations of bird in these tanks were around 12,000, which have lately diminished to 7000.
Kondaveedu:-
Kondaveedu is located around 17 miles from Guntur City. This historical fort, admired with 21 structures was built in the 14th century A.D. by Reddy kings. The remnant of the fort nestled on the hilltop is one of the major tourist attractions. This place admired for its natural beauty is also an ideal place for trekking. The Gopinatha temple and Kathulabave located at the foot of the hillock along with pillared halls and numerous other temples are the major attractions at Kondaveedu.
Viswa Nagar:-
Viswa Nagar is located to the South – West of the city close to Chowdavaram. The place is easily accessible by GNT – Chennai Express way (NH5). This is the place of Viswayogi Viswamji and the Universal Integration Pillar. The VIMS / Viswayogi Institute of medical Sciences, is also located here.
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam & Ethipothala Falls:-
Nagarjuna Sagar is a huge irrigation project on the River Krishna, around 100 miles from Guntur City. The Ethipothala Falls is located 7 miles from Nagarjunasagar and the water of the falls is used for breeding crocodiles.
Krishna Barrage:-
Krishna Barrage, popularly known as Prakasam Barrage, is located around 18 miles away from the city of Guntur, built on River Krishna connecting Guntur and Krishna districts. On the other bank of River Krishna, is Bezwada, which is a twin city to Guntur. Both the cities provide major educational and medical facilities in the state. This region is also the prime transportation hub in the country.
Kotappakonda Trikutaparvatam:-
Guthikonda Caves Kotappakonda is a village, located 25 miles southwest of the Guntur City near Narasaraopet. Though the original name of the place is Kondakavuru, but it is popularly called Kotappakonda or Trikutaparvatam, a three-peaked hill nearby. Though bordered by many other hills, the Trikutaparvatam, also popularly known as Trikutadri or Trikutachalam can be clearly seen from any direction from a distance.
The three peaks are named after the Hindu Triumvirate, Vishnu, Brahma and Maheswara. The Guthikonda Cave is an enigmatic place, which is of great excitement to explore. Sitanagaram is situated 16 miles North East of the Guntur City on the banks of River Krishna. The place is renowned for the famous Someswara Swamy temple.
SHOPPING:-
There are numerous markets selling vegetables, fruits, flowers and other commodities throughout the city. Also, many Super Markets and malls are opening due to the rapidly expanding middle and upper classes. The ‘Patnam Bazar’ area of the city is famous for its wholesale market of many consumer goods. The traditional method of selling vegetables, flowers and other consumer goods using push-carts is still very common and effective. There are special Rythu Bazaars in every corner of the city to sell fresh produce. Locally famous fruits and vegetables include Sapodilla(sapota/chikoo), Mango, Custard apple, and Cucumber. Big Bazaar, Reliance Market and Global retail chains Nmart and Walmart have opened stores in the city.
FOOD:-
Local cuisine includes typical south indian style varieties namely Idli, dosa, vada etc. Other famous items in the city are pickles namely Roselle leaves (gongura) pickle, mirchi bajji, Mango (aavakaaya) pickle, with traditional Andhra style meals.[32] There are many top quality restaurants that offer varieties of food items (from several regions of India). The common masala stands, jilebi push-carts, and sugar cane juice sellers can be noticed in every corner of the city. The city has many star inns and hotels.