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| OTHER PLACES TO VISIT |
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Chittoor has many Places around that add to the sheer charm of this historical region. Ranging from ancient temples to shimmering waterfalls, beautiful hamlets to lush greenery, there are enough interesting places near Chittoor, which can make perfect excursions for people. These places are just great to glimpse the heritage of the erstwhile era. Horsley Hills, the lovely hill station of Andhra Pradesh, is the best of all. Tirupati, with the distinction of embracing the world's richest temple, would take you in the transcendental world of spiritual ecstasy. Here is given further information about the tourist places near Chittoor. |
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| Tirupati |
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| Tirupati is the name which requires no introduction. Known for embracing the world's richest temple, Tirupathi is a revered temple town, situated in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. The city earns a considerable fraction of tourism prospects of only not the state, but the whole of India. |
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| Chandragiri Fort |
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| There are some interesting places in the District. Chandragiri Taluk Head Quarters is located at a distance of 56kms from Chittoor and 11kms from Tirupathi. This is located on the Katpadi railway line. River Swarnamukhi flows in the south of this town. People visit the Fort and palaces. |
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| Horsley Hills |
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Horsley Hills is a mesmerizing place where lofty peaks appear to be conversing with the blue skies. Perched at an elevation of 1,265 meters, this hill station would certainly tempt you with its beguiling beauty. Sited in Chittoor district, Horsley is the one of the three hill-stations in Andhra Pradesh. |
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| Kailasakona Waterfalls |
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A little further from Nagari, Kailasakona is a spectacular waterfall with mineral rich and clear water. The water of the gorge is said to have curative properties. In its close proximity is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Owing to its perennial and medicinal nature, the waterfall is visited by thousands of people throughout the year. |
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Mudipalli |
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Mudipalli is a small village near Nagari. It is famous for Naguteertham, which is a scared water pond. The amazing fact about this pond is that its water doesn't get evaporate by sun light. Due to this reason, this pond remains full of water even in the scorching summers. A temple of Lord Shiva and Nagaraja is also located nearby the pond. |
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Madanapalle |
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At an altitude of 710 meters, Madanapalle is a popular health resort that enjoys pleasant climate throughout the year. Its popularity also lies in the fact that it acts as the gateway to Horsley Hills. Amidst natural beauty, Madanapalle is a nice place to spend some moments in solitude. You can also purchase silk saris at factory costs in Neeruguttu Palle, a famous market. |
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Gurramkonda |
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About 32 km from Madanapalle, Gurramkonda is a historic hill that is often confused with Horsley Hills, since in Telugu 'Gurram' means 'Horse' and 'Konda' suggests 'Hill'. On its top, there is a fort, which offers a picturesque view of the town below. Rangini Mahal that had been the headquarters of Tipu Sultan is also located here. |
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Sompalle |
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Sompalle is a beautiful place about 50 km from Madanapalle. It had been an important region during the Vijayanagar period. A temple representing the elegant architecture is sited in the expanse of town. Other shrines in its proximity boast of excellent rock carvings and monolithic pillars. Here, you can also see Kalyana Mandapam - a huge hall carved out of stone. |
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Puttur |
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Near Chittoor, Puttur is a small village that is renowned for its bone setters. The amazing ability of these bone setters can bewilder anyone, since they can set any type of fracture by using herbs and indigenous plaster. Puttur Railway Station is the very first railway station of Andhra Pradesh. Kalayana Venkateswara Temple is famous temple near the village, dedicated to Lord Balaji. |
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Tiruchanur |
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It is at a distance of 5kms from Tirupathi. There is a legend that Sage Suka spent in meditation near the river. Mother Alivelumanga or Padmavati Temple is here. Pilgrims who visit Tirupathi visit this place also. |
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Sanitarium |
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Sanitarium is at a distance of 13kms from Madanapalli. It is at a height of 7-10 meters from sea level. It is a health resort. The TB Sanitarium is one of the biggest of such centers in the State. |
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| Sri Venkateshwara National Park |
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extends over two districts of Chittoor and Cuddapah of Andhra Pradesh in an area of 353.62 sq.km. The hilly terrain bounded by Seshachalam and Tirumala hills is rugged and beautiful with gorges, steep slopes, plateaus and valleys. The park is also famous for its beautiful waterfalls like Talakona, Gundalakona and Gunjana.
Wildlife
• Flora: It's dry deciduous mixed type of forest with patches of moist deciduous forest. It is famous for plant species like Sandalwood, Redsanders, Shorea, Thumbergiana, Shorea talura, Terminalia pallida, Cycas beddomei, Syzygium alternifolium etc. It has about 1500 plant species belonging to 176 families.
Mammals The sanctuary is famous for very rare slender Lorises and the rare and endangered golden Gecko, Indian Giant Squirrel, Tree Shrew and Flying Lizards. There are other mammal species like the Nilgai, Wildboar, occasional leopard, hyena etc to be seen here as well.
• Birds:: There are more than 100 species of birds in Sri Venkateswaram including Crested Serpant Eagle, Ashy Crowned Finch Lark, Indian Roller, Kingfishers, White bellied Woodpecker etc. So bird watchers can look forward to a busy and happy time. |
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Talakona Waterfal |
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Talakona is a place in Yerravaripalem Mandal of Chittoor District near Tirupati about 49kms away. It is a resort well endowed with waterfalls, dense forests and wildlife. Mostly famous for its waterfalls, Talakona has the most wholesome and serene atmosphere. This area was declared as biosphere reserve during 1989-90 due to the presence of rich variety of flora and fauna.
The Talakona forests host certain rare and endangered species of animals like Slender Loris, Indian Giant Squirrel, Mouse Deer, Golden Gecko, Panther, Porcupine, Chital and Sambar. Endemic species like Red Sander, Cycas beddomeii and Enteda like giant plants are also found in this region. The forest is mostly covered with sandalwood trees with some valuable medicinal plants.
There is a beautiful waterfall falling deep into the valley from solid rock cliff on the upper reaches. According to the local residents, it is said that the origin of water is difficult to be traced out since an underground stream suddenly surfaces here and this water has healing properties since it passes through lot of herbs of medicinal values.
There is a 240 meter long canopy rope walk, about 35 to 40 feet height, giving a thrilling experience to the visitors while walking. There are mighty trees around with birds and monkeys accompanying during the canopy walk. There are number of trek routes in different categories giving an option for you to choose a route that fits you.
You also come across an ancient Siva temple which is flooded with devotees during Shivarathri festival. There are also deep caves scattered over the mountains where it is believed that sages meditate eternally. A stream line flows near canopy walk area where a bathing Ghat is under construction.
Route: There are local transport services available from Tirupati which is just 50kms from here. You can hire a car or a taxi and reach Talakona which takes an hour's journey from Tirupati. The nearest airport is at Tirupati from where you can easily reach Talakona. |
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Rivers |
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There are no big rivers in the district. The rivers in the north flow to north and the rivers on the south flow towards east. Papagni, Pinalba, Koundinya, Palar, Arani, Swaranamukhi, Bahuda and Kalyani are the small rivers, Papagni originate in Karnataka and flows through Chittoor to turn to Anantapur. Pincha is born in Punganur Mandal in Avulapalli forests and flows through Punganur and Vayalpad to join the River Bahuda in Cuddapah. Swarnamukhi is born in Chandragiri Hills and flows through the valley between Chandragiri and Tirupathi and reaches Srikalahasti. From there it enters Nellore District and joins the sea of Siddavaram. River Bahuda flows from Horsily hills and flows through Vayalpad and joins the River Penna in Cuddapah. |
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