Kurnool is a city in southern Andhra Pradesh, nestled on the bank of the Tungabhadra River. A former provisional capital of the State, it serves as a gateway to the Belum Gorges, the ruins of Hampi and the rock-cut temples of the region. Its past as a commercial crossroads between the Deccan and the Coromandel coast left it with a composite architecture — Mughal forts, Dravidian temples, mosques — that few travellers take time to explore.

Practical Information at a Glance

• Access: well-served railway station on the Chennai–Mumbai line; long-distance buses from Hyderabad (~5 h) and Bangalore (~6 h).
• Best time: October to February, mild temperatures and no rainfall.
• Recommended duration: 1 to 2 days for the city; 3 to 4 days if you combine Belum and Ahobilam.
• Local language: Telugu; Hindi and English spoken in hotels and agencies.

What to See

Kurnool Fort, built under the Nawabs of Kurnool in the 17th century, dominates the confluence of the Tungabhadra and Handri rivers. Its black stone walls and bastions are partially accessible. The Koteshwara Swamy Temple, dedicated to Shiva, attracts local pilgrims. The central market, bustling from dawn, reflects Kurnool's role as a hub for cotton and red chilli agriculture.

History and Context

Kurnool was the capital of Andhra Pradesh from 1953 to 1956, before Hyderabad took on this role. The city experienced the rule of the Vijayanagara, then the Nawabs, then the British. This layering explains the coexistence of arcaded Mughal mosques and Dravidian gopurams within the same urban perimeter. The region was also a theatre of resistance to British colonialism in the 19th century.

Highlights of the Visit

Kurnool Fort

The ramparts offer clear views of the confluence of the two rivers. The enclosure shelters remnants of palaces and an interior mosque. Visiting early in the morning, before the heat, allows you to explore the fort's alleys without crowds.

Belum Caves (Excursion)

About 100 km to the south, Belum Caves constitute the second longest natural underground network on the Indian subcontinent. Stalactites, galleries and underground pools extend for several kilometres. Access is well-developed and illuminated.

Ahobilam Temple (Excursion)

In the Nallamala hills, Ahobilam groups nine sanctuaries dedicated to Narasimha, an avatar of Vishnu. Some temples are accessible on foot, others require forest trekking. A major Vaishnava pilgrimage site.

Etiquette and Visiting Rules

• Remove your shoes before entering any temple or mosque.
• Cover shoulders and knees in active places of worship.
• Ask permission before photographing worshippers at prayer.
• In inner sanctuaries of temples, access may be reserved for Hindus.

Photography Tips

The fort is most photogenic in late afternoon, when raking light reveals the texture of the basalt stone. The Tungabhadra-Handri confluence photographs well from the north ramparts. At the market, morning light is ideal for the stalls of dried red chillies, which are highly colourful.

Location and Access

Kurnool is located in the west-central Andhra Pradesh, approximately 215 km north of Bangalore and 215 km south of Hyderabad. Kurnool City railway station is the main railway entry point. APSRTC buses connect the city to major regional cities. The city is flat and navigable by auto-rickshaw. Wheelchair accessibility is limited at historical sites.

Nearby

• Belum Caves — spectacular natural underground network, about 100 km to the south.
• Ahobilam — complex of nine Vaishnava temples in the Nallamala hills.
• Hampi — ruins of the Vijayanagara capital, UNESCO-listed, about 160 km to the west.
• Srisailam — major Shaivite temple on the Krishna riverbanks, within a tiger reserve.