Anantapur: A treasure trove of history

Anantapur: The district is a treasure trove of rich religious and historical heritage buildings and architecturally rich temples of a bygone era beckoning tourists, nature lovers and pilgrims from all over the State and from countries abroad. It entices history lovers to walk through the dusty lanes of history.

As one walks through the dusty lanes of Penukonda, Gooty, Rayadurgam and Lepakshi, history and geography comes alive. The touching tales of emperor Krishnadevaraya also haunt history lovers and makes one nostalgic when looking at the last vestiges of a bygone era and civilisation.

The dilapidated buildings and the missing temple structures would baffle the ghosts of Krishnadevaraya era if they come alive to see the last remains of their civilisation. For tourists, the Gooty, Rayadurgam and Penukonda forts provide a rich feast of history, religious temples and ashrams of international repute.

The Prashanthi Nilayam of Bhagawan Sathya Sai Baba at Puttaparthi is an international tourist religious destination which still attracts devotees from countries overseas. Puttaparthi has taken the district to the world map.

The Thimmamma Marrimanu, the 600 years old botanical marvel which was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records is still attracting tourists and for women pilgrims, several sentiments are involved in visiting the tourist site.

What is called the desert-in-the making district also attracts the painted stocks from Siberia. Veerapuram village is a home to hundreds of Painted Stocks where the Forest department had created conducive climate for the seasonal visit of the lovely birds.

Standing tall in the district are the Lakshminarasimha Swamy temple in Kadiri and the Chintala Venkataramana Swamy temple and Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy temple in Tadipatri are known for their architectural beauty and uniqueness of its stone sculptures and carvings.

Art lovers can peep into its pristine beauties of the sculpture art. Lepakshi temple has an epic historical significance. The tale of Lepakshi and how it had derived its name from Lord Rama's directive to a wounded bird which fought Ravana and fell to his enemy attack was 'Le Pakshi' meaning 'Arise Bird'.

The Peace Memorial Hall which was renovated of late stands as a testimony to the memoirs of the second world war after which the Great Britain erected the war memorial in the 100-year-old town. Dharmavaram Handloom saris have placed the district on the world map as well as the pilgrim town of Puttaparthi.

Fr. Vincent Ferrer, founder of the RDT, also has carried the fame of the district to Europe by highlighting the plight of the drought prone poor of the district and bringing in charity to the district. Tourist attractions of the district are unique in nature and therefore beckons tourists from far and wide.

The rugged district provokes interest in history lovers. Regional Tourism Director Gopal told The Hans India that Rayalaseema has a rich historical and cultural heritage and taking advantage of it, the Tourism department is planning to develop a Rayalaseema Tourism Circuit to take tourists on a long inspiring journey into the sands of time.