Guntur, located in Andhra Pradesh, is a district known for its rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and natural beauty. The city and its surroundings offer a variety of attractions ranging from ancient temples to beautiful parks. Here are some of the best places to visit in Guntur.
Top Places to Visit in Guntur
1. Amaravati
Amaravati is an ancient town known for its Buddhist heritage. It is home to the famous Amaravati Stupa and the Amareswara Temple.
- Key Attractions: Amaravati Stupa, Amareswara Temple, and the Archaeological Museum.
- Activities: Exploring the ancient stupa, visiting the temple, and learning about Buddhist history at the museum.
- Location: About 30 km from Guntur city.
2. Undavalli Caves
Undavalli Caves are rock-cut caves dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries. They are known for their intricate carvings and beautiful architecture.
- Visiting Time: Open from 9 AM to 6 PM.
- Activities: Exploring the caves, viewing the sculptures, and enjoying the panoramic views of the Krishna River.
- Location: About 22 km from Guntur city.
3. Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary
Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary is a haven for bird watchers. It is home to a variety of migratory birds, including pelicans and painted storks.
- Visiting Time: Open from 6 AM to 6 PM.
- Activities: Bird watching, photography, and enjoying the natural surroundings.
- Location: About 10 km from Guntur city.
4. Mangalagiri
Mangalagiri is known for the Panakala Narasimha Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Narasimha. The town is also famous for its handloom sarees.
- Visiting Time: Open from 5 AM to 8 PM.
- Activities: Offering prayers, exploring the temple, and shopping for Mangalagiri sarees.
- Location: About 13 km from Guntur city.
5. Kondaveedu Fort
Kondaveedu Fort is a historical fort located on a hilltop. It offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is known for its architectural significance.
- Visiting Time: Open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
- Activities: Trekking, exploring the fort ruins, and photography.
- Location: Approximately 27 km from Guntur city.
6. Prakasam Barrage
Prakasam Barrage is a significant structure built across the Krishna River. It connects Guntur and Krishna districts and is known for its engineering marvel.
- Visiting Time: Open all day.
- Activities: Enjoying the views of the river, walking along the barrage, and photography.
- Location: About 18 km from Guntur city.
7. Ethipothala Falls
Ethipothala Falls is a beautiful waterfall located on the Chandravanka River. It is a popular spot for picnics and nature walks.
- Visiting Time: Open all day.
- Activities: Enjoying the waterfall, picnicking, and exploring the surrounding area.
- Location: About 70 km from Guntur city.
8. Ponnur
Ponnur is known for its ancient temples, including the Anjaneya Swamy Temple and the Sahasralingeswara Temple. It is a significant pilgrimage site.
- Visiting Time: Open from 6 AM to 8 PM.
- Activities: Temple visits, participating in religious rituals, and exploring the temple architecture.
- Location: About 29 km from Guntur city.
9. Bhattiprolu
Bhattiprolu is an ancient Buddhist site known for its stupas and inscriptions. It is an important archaeological site.
- Visiting Time: Open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
- Activities: Exploring the stupas, learning about the history, and visiting the nearby museum.
- Location: Approximately 40 km from Guntur city.
10. Kondapalli
Kondapalli is famous for its fort and the Kondapalli toys. The Kondapalli Fort is a historical site, and the town is known for its traditional wooden toys.
- Visiting Time: Open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
- Activities: Exploring the fort, shopping for Kondapalli toys, and enjoying the scenic views.
- Location: About 25 km from Guntur city.
Summary Table
| Place | Description | Key Attraction | Distance from Guntur |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amaravati | Ancient town with Buddhist heritage | Amaravati Stupa and Amareswara Temple | 30 km |
| Undavalli Caves | Rock-cut caves with intricate carvings | Exploring caves and panoramic views | 22 km |
| Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary | Sanctuary for migratory birds | Bird watching and photography | 10 km |
| Mangalagiri | Known for Panakala Narasimha Swamy Temple | Temple visits and saree shopping | 13 km |
| Kondaveedu Fort | Historical fort on a hilltop | Trekking and fort exploration | 27 km |
| Prakasam Barrage | Significant structure across the Krishna River | Views of the river and photography | 18 km |
| Ethipothala Falls | Beautiful waterfall | Enjoying the waterfall and picnicking | 70 km |
| Ponnur | Known for ancient temples | Anjaneya Swamy Temple and Sahasralingeswara Temple | 29 km |
| Bhattiprolu | Ancient Buddhist site | Exploring stupas and learning history | 40 km |
| Kondapalli | Famous for fort and traditional wooden toys | Kondapalli Fort and toy shopping | 25 km |
How to Reach Guntur
By Flight
The nearest airport to Guntur is Vijayawada Airport, which is about 50 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Guntur.
By Train
Guntur Junction (GNT) is a major railway station in the district, well-connected to major cities across India. Regular trains are available to and from cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore.
By Road
Guntur is well-connected by road. You can reach Guntur by bus or car from nearby cities. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) runs regular bus services to Guntur from major cities in the state.
Best Time to Visit Guntur
The best time to visit Guntur is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The monsoon season (June to September) brings moderate to heavy rainfall, enhancing the natural beauty of the region. However, the summer months (April to June) can be quite hot, so it’s advisable to avoid visiting during this period if you are not comfortable with high temperatures.
