Andhra Pradesh is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. The beautiful state is not only replete with natural abundance but is brimming with abundant historical attractions.
During your tour to Andhra Pradesh, you can explore some famous historical monuments from where you can get an insight into its glorious past.
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The state is home to monuments with diverse architecture and culture.
Magnificent forts, palaces, and architectural marvels represent the ruling dynasties and cultures that existed here over time.
In this article, you will get to know about the following historical monuments in Andhra Pradesh,
Let’s see each of these monuments in detail.
List of famous historical monuments to visit in Andhra Pradesh
1. Belum Caves
| District | Kurnool |
| Timings | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Entry Fee | Rs.50 per person adult (Indians) Rs.300 per person adult (Foreigners) Rs.35 per person Child |
| Official Website | belumcaves.com |
Belum Caves is the largest and longest cave system in India and is a prominent structure of the prehistoric period. It is situated in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.
The caves are the second-largest in India after the Krem Liat Prah in Meghalaya and are renowned for their unusual stalactite and stalagmite formations.
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The Belum Caves is one of the monuments of national significance and has several pathways with intricate patterns of water streams flowing over limestone terrains. This will surely leave you in awe.
Millions of years have passed since the formation of these incredible caves. The ruins and the ancient cave networks date back to 4,500 BC. However, Jain and Buddhist monks later used these caves for meditation.
To honor the roles played by monks in the caves, a massive statue of Lord Buddha measuring 40 feet high was erected outside the caves.
2. Lepakshi Temple
| District | Sri Sathya Sai |
| Constructed in | 1583 |
| Timings | 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Entry Fee | Free |
The Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh is the home to the Lepakshi temple meaning ‘Fly Bird’ in Telugu. It is also known as the Veerbhadra temple. This temple is renowned for its exceptional art and Vijaynagar architecture and has beautiful cave chambers and hanging pillars.
Lepakshi is significant from a cultural and archaeological perspective because it serves as the main Veerabhadra shrine in India.
There are many mythological tales revolving around this historical site. It is said that Sita’s abduction by Ravana in the Ramayana gave rise to Lepakshi. You can visit a footprint here that is believed to be Maa Sita’s.
It is divided into three sections: the assembly hall (Mukha Mandapa), the Antechamber (Arda Mandapa), and the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha).
Famous murals and colorful frescoes can be found in the Lepakshi Temple, a display of timeless art. These arts feature scenes from Shri Ram and Krishna from epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas. The largest fresco in Asia is on the ceiling of Ante-Chamber.
3. Undavalli Caves
| District | Guntur |
| Constructed in | 7th century BCE |
| Timings | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Entry Fee | Rs.5 per person |
The Undavalli Caves are a prime example of rock-cut architecture dating back to the 7th century BCE. The caves have three levels. They are carved from the northern slope of a hill of sandstone.
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These are located close to Vijayawada and provide a unique insight into ancient religious practices. While there are many caves, the largest and most famous is the massive monolith of Lord Vishnu in a reclining posture (Ananta Shayan).
The main cave is an excellent example of Gupta architecture, emphasizing primitive rock-cut monastery cells.
Inscriptions inside the cave complex also date from the 12th to 14th centuries CE, indicating a long period of patronage.
4. Chandragiri Fort
| District | Tirupati |
| Constructed in | 11th century CE |
| Timings | 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM |
| Entry Fee | Rs.25 per person (Indians) Rs.300 per person (Foreigners) |
Chandragiri is the most visited fort in Andhra Pradesh. It is known for its architectural magnificence. The citadel of the fort is divided into two sections, the Lower and Upper Fort, which cover a total of 25 acres.
The Lower Fort stretches to the south of a hill along the plains. It is roughly crescent in shape, hence the name Chandragiri (meaning “moon hill”). Raja Mahal and Rani Mahal are two well-preserved structures here.
The larger of the two, the Raja Mahal, is a three-story stone and mortar structure plastered with stucco decorations. It is crowned with pyramidal towers resembling temple shikhara—a large central tower and smaller ones around the perimeter.
The ramparts, built with cyclopean masonry, a few watch towers, and bastions with arched parapets are the main features of the Upper Fort, located on top of the hill. The strenuous climb to the top is generally avoided by many, but it is worth a visit for the historical ruins and stunning views of the surrounding terrain.
5. Kondapalli Fort
| District | Krishna |
| Constructed in | 14th century CE |
| Timings | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Entry Fee | Rs.30 per person (adult) Rs.10 per person (child) |
Prolaya Vema Reddy of Kondavidu built the historical fort of Kondapalli, also known as Kondapalli Quilla, in the 14th century. It was designed as a recreational and business center, but later it became a military training base for British rulers.
The fort, located on a hillock, provides a scenic view of the Eastern Ghats, and the greenery surrounding it makes it a must-see tourist attraction in Vijayawada.
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It was built as a rock tower with three stories. The fort has three entrances, the main one being Dargah Darwazah, which is made of a single granite block. The Tanish Mahal or Palace is the main attraction of Kondapalli Fort.
There is also a deep reservoir. The fort is also a popular picnic spot that draws tourists and locals. You can buy beautifully carved lightweight Kondapalli toys for your toys near this hill.
6. Amaravati Stupa
| District | Palnadu |
| Constructed in | 3rd Century BCE |
| Timings | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Entry Fee | Rs.20 per person adult (Indians) Rs.250 per person adult (Foreigners) |
The Amaravati Stupa is a heritage monument and an ancient Buddhist stupa in Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh. It is currently under the Archaeological Survey of India. It is Also known as the Mahachaitya.
It was built by a representative of Emporer Ashoka in the 3rd Century BCE. The structure was built in two phases: the first phase included the construction of only plain railings, granite pillars, crossbars, and coping stones. The latter period is thought to have begun around 50 BCE and lasted until 250 BCE.
Aside from the stupa, the premises also have an Archaeological Museum built between the 3rd century BCE and 250 CE. Built by a representative of Emperor Ashoka, it is a brick monument with a circular Vedika with a height of 27 m and a diameter of 50 m, house Lord Buddha in human form seated over an elephant.
It is the most visited site in Amravathi.
These are some of the famous monuments to visit in Andhra Pradesh.
They are beautiful in their way and also make us proud of the empires and dynasties that existed in India.
So visit these historical monuments once in a lifetime to learn more about the history of India.
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