16 Notable Architectures to Explore in Andhra Pradesh

Bavikonda is one of the prominent attractions, located in the Sankaram village of Anakapalli. Being a popular Buddhist excavation site, the place is known as a Buddhist heritage spot, which reveals history, of before 2,000 years. The architectural remnants of the Buddhist period are earliest of its kind in South India and are prime attraction of the place.

During 1953, ASI did an excavation in Adurru village and it discovered numerous historical remains, including stupas, chaityas (Buddhist shrines or prayer halls), and viharas. Among these remains, the most remarkable one is the Mahastupa, which is also known as Adurru Buddhist Stupa. Historians believe that the Adurru Buddhist Stupa was constructed during the reign of the Indian emperor Ashoka, whose empire covered much of the Indian subcontinent.

Also known as Kondareddy Buruju, is an imposing structure located in the heart of Kurnool city. The fort has different gateways and bastions. The fort has three levels and it was used as watch tower in 17th and 18th centuries.

Gandikota is a historical village and fort on the bank of Penna river. The fort was the central power for various dynasties. Pemmasani Ramalinga Nayaka constructed the huge fort at Gandikota with 101 towers replacing the previous sand fort constructed by Kaka Raja.

Kondaveedu Fort is a historically significant ancient hill fortress located in Kondaveedu . Constructed during the time of Telugu Chodas and was occupied by Kakatiya Ganapati Deva during his campaign in the coastal Andhra. After the capture of Prataparudra by Tughlaq in 1323 AD, his subordinate Prolaya Vema Reddy became independent and shifted his capital from Addanki to Kondaveedu.

Penna Ahobilam is renowned for its Lord Narasimha Swamy Temple. This shrine was constructed on the footprints of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy that measured 5 ft 3 inches. The shrine also serves as the prominent venue for marriage ceremonies. Within the temple complex, tourists can see Adi Lakshmi Devi Temple and Chenchu Lakshmi Devi Temple.

The Penukonda Fort is one of the main attractions of Anantapur. Located at a distance of nearly 70-km from Anantapur, the fort derived its name from the word Penukonda, which literally means big hill.

Prakasam Barrage was constructed by Sir Arthur Cotton in 1957. It is also used as road and connects the Kolkata-Chennai highway. The barrage provides water for the irrigation purpose and over 1.2 million acre of land is irrigated by the dams water.The Barrage is built in a venetian style and consists of around 160 pillars.

Salihundam, a historically important Buddhist monument and a major tourist attraction. There are numerous Buddhist stupas, idols and etc at the archaeological museum. Salihundam is one of the main Buddhist excavation sites, due to its status as showing evidence that Buddhism thrived in the local area during the 2nd and 3rd centuries.

Siddavatam Fort, constructed in 1303 CE, lies on the banks of the Pennar River. The fort extends over an area of 30 acres (12 ha). Visitors can view gateways and decorated pillars at the two ends of the fort. Top of the fort has been adorned with carvings of Gajalakshmi.

This was a Shiva temple in the Srimukahlingam village. which was built by Kamarnava–II in 8th century AD of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. Every year famous Chakratirtha snanam(holy bath) is taken by pilgrims . Lakhs of pilgrims visit from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh on the auspicious day to take the holy bath and take blessings of Lord Shiva.

This is a 7th century AD sun temple. It is believed that the temple was built by king Devendra Varma. The temple is still being visited today and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the town. This temple is considered as one of the oldest sun temples in India

Thotlakonda buddhist complex is situated near Bheeemunipatanam. this was well within the influence of ancient Kalinga, which was an important source of dissemination of buddhism to Sri Lanka and various parts of Southeast Asia. It provides an insight into the process of transoceanic diffusion of Indic culture, especially Buddhism.

Tirumala Venkateswara temple is one of the richest temples in the world which is dedicated to Lord Shri Venkateshwara. It is also one of the most visited temples by the Hindus. The architecture of the temple is its star attraction which leaves one spellbound. The temple features Dravidian style of architecture all around, right from the intricately carved doorways to Mandap.

A monolithic example of Indian rock-cut architecture, the Undavalli Caves are located in the city of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. Carved out of a solid sandstone on a hillside, these caves date back to the 4th to 5th centuries and is a paradise for history lovers. One of the preserved monuments of national importance, this attraction was originally the Jain caves and was later converted into a Hindu temple.

This is an early 18th century fort in the City of Vizianagaram. It was built by Vijaya Rama Raju, the Maharaja of Vizianagaram in 1713. The formal ceremony, while laying the foundation for the fort, was very auspicious as it represented five signs of victory. The square-shaped fort has two main gates, of which the main entry gate (the "Nagar khana") has elaborate architectural features. There are many temples and palaces within the fort and a victory tower.