About Mahanandi

Country: India | State: Andhra

Ideal Trip Duration: 4 Hours/Half Day

Nearest City to Mahanandi: Kurnool (93 Kms), Hyderabad (306 Kms)

Best Time to Visit Mahanandi: November to March

Peak Season: February to March

At a distance of 19 km from Nandyal, 93 km from Kurnool, 135 km from Kadapa, 306 km from Hyderabad, 316 km from Vijayawada and 360 km from Bangalore, Mahanandi is a holy Shivaite pilgrimage center located in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. This is also one of the famous Andhra Pradesh places to visit.

Located to the east of Nallamala Hills, Mahanandi is a picturesque village surrounded by thick forest. Within 15 km radius from Mahanandi, there are nine Nandis (Bulls) known as Nava Nandis. Mahanandi is famous for the Mahanandiswara Temple and foremost shrines of Nava Nandis. The nine Nandi temples are Mahanandi, Shivanandi, Vinayakanandi, Somanandi, Prathamanandi, Garudanandi, Suryanandi, Krishnanandi and Naganandi.

The 7th century Mahanandiswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is very famous and sacred place. Though the initial structure was built by Chalukyas in 7th century, several additions were done in 10th and 15th centuries. The gopuram over central sanctum is built in Badami Chalukyan style of architecture and other structures in the temple are in Vijayanagara style. According to the legend, the local kings known as Nandas ruled here in the 10th century AD and they built a number of temples and worshipped their ancestral deity the Nandi, hence the name Mahanandi.

The remarkable feature here is the crystal clear water in Pushkarini which flows throughout the year. The water is so clear and pure that even a needle at the bottom can be seen clearly. There are nearly three pools in Mahanandi Temple. Two pools lie outside the temple. The third pool which lies within temple premises has uninterrupted water flow which originates from the basement of Garbha Gruha where main deity (Shiva Ling) is placed. This 60 square feet tank has a Mandapam at its middle and the inlet and outlets of tank are built in such away, the water level always remains at five feet high. Thus devotees can have a dip in this holy tank. Here devotees are allowed to offer prayers to Shiva Ling and touch the water underneath the Lingam in the main Sanctum Sanctorum. There is a huge Nandi statue outside the Mahanandiswara Temple.

Other places of interest include Kodanda Ramalayam and the Kameswari Devi Temple. Maha Shivaratri in February / March is the main festival celebrated here. Near the temple many lodges and Hotels are available along with AP Tourism Haritha Hotel.

Hyderabad Airport is the nearest airport, 290 km from Mahanandi. Nandyal Railway Station is the nearest railway station, located 19 km away from Mahanandi. It is connected to major cities like Howrah, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Goa, Machilipatnam, Vijayawada, Hubli, Puri, Vizag and Bhubaneswar. Mahanandi is very well connected by bus with Nandyal and Srisailam. Nandyal has several state buses from Cuddapah, Hyderabad, Tirupati, Nellore, Chennai and Kurnool.

The best time to visit Mahanandi is from Nov to Mar while the peak season is from Feb to Mar. Usually it takes half day to visit Mahanandi.

Temple Timings: 5.30 am to 8.30 pm.

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Other Info
Internet Availability: Poor
STD Code: 08514
Languages Spoken: Telugu
Major Festivals: Maha Shiva Ratri (Feb/Mar)
Notes/Tips:
Mahanandi is 19 km from Nandyal. If you are visiting Ahobilam or Srisailam from Kurnool town, this place can be visited with 1-2 hours effort.

How to Reach Mahanandi

By Air

Nearest Airport: Hyderabad - Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (290 Kms)

By Train

Nearest Train Station: Nandyal Railway Station (19 Kms)

By Bus

Nearest Bus Station: Mahanandi Bus Station (0 Kms)
Nandyal (19 Kms)

Top 10 Places to Visit in Mahanandi

Pilgrimage

#1 of 7 Places to Visit in Mahanandi

Just opposite to Mahanandi Bus Station, Mahanandishwara Temple is one of the famous pilgrimage sites in Andhra Pradesh dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are nine Nandi shrines known as Nava Nandis and Mahanandishwara temple is the prime temple. The temple is said to have been built by Chalukyas in 7th century and was later enhanced by local Nanda Dynasty (10th century) and Vijayanagara Kings (15th century).

Located to the east of Nallamala forest range, the main attractions of the temple are Pushkarini and tower (Vimana) over the Garbha gruha built in Badami Chalukyan style. Other structures in the temple are in Vijayanagara style. The linga in the central sanctum is unique because it is like a rough uncut rock, with two cavities. According to the legend, the local kings known as Nandas ruled here in the 10th century AD and they built a number of temples and worshipped their ancestral deity, Nandi.

The holy tank (Pushkarini) inside .....

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Pilgrimage

#2 of 7 Places to Visit in Mahanandi

At a distance of less than 1 Kms from Mahanandi Bus Station, Kameshwari Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati is situated to the south of Mahanandiswara Temple. Pilgrims after finishing the holy bath in Pushkarini (Rudragundam) can have the blessings of Lord Shiva and Kameswari Devi.

King Nandana and his ancestors performed Pujas in this temple. Kameswari Devi Temple was reconstructed in 1939. In this premises of this temple, Sri Kodanda Ramalayam dedicated to Lord Rama was built in 1953. The temple has Sri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana Idols.

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Pilgrimage | Adventure

#3 of 7 Places to Visit in Mahanandi

At a distance of 66 km from Nandyal, 137 km from Kurnool, 114 km from Kadapa, 348 km from Vijayawada, 350 km from Hyderabad and 407 km from Bangalore, Ahobilam or Ahobalam is an important pilgrimage center located in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. Ahobilam is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Andhra Pradesh and also one of the best Places to visit in Andhra Pradesh.

Ahobilam is the holy abode of Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in man-lion form. According to legend, this is the place where Lord Narasimha killed Hiranyakasipu and saved Prahalada. Though the initial temples were built by Chalukyas in 8th century, most of the current structures were rebuilt by Vijayanagara kings around 15th century.

Situated amidst dense Nallamala Forest, Ahobilam is one of the 108 Divya Desams. This place is also called as Nava Narasimha Kshetra since Lord Narasimha is worshipped .....

Distance (From Mahanandi): 55 Kms
Trip Duration (From Mahanandi - Including Travel): 1-2 Days
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Pilgrimage

#4 of 7 Places to Visit in Mahanandi

At a distance of 55 km from Nandyal, 80 km from Kurnool, 308 km from Hyderabad, 359 km from Vijayawada & 11 km from Banaganapalle, Yaganti in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh is famous for Sri Yagantiswamy Temple (also called Uma Maheshwara Temple) dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Yaganti is one of the most famous Shiva Temple is Andhra Pradesh and also one of the popular places to experince AP Tourism. The temple dates back to 5th and 6th centuries with contributions from Pallavas, Cholas, Chalukyas and Vijayanagara rulers. The temple received significant contribution from Vijayanagara Kings Harihara & Bukka Rayalu, who finished the construction of several structures in and around the temple.

The Uma Maheshwara Temple at Yaganti houses the idol of Shiva & Parvathi (Ardhanareeswara) carved out of a single stone. This is probably the only place where Lord Shiva is worshipped in an idol form instead .....

Distance (From Mahanandi): 70 Kms
Trip Duration (From Mahanandi - Including Travel): Half Day to Full Day
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Heritage

#5 of 7 Places to Visit in Mahanandi

At a distance of 45 Kms from Yaganti, 70 Kms from Nandyal, 82 Kms from Ahobilam, 95 from Mahanandi, 109 Kms from Kurnool & 318 Kms from Hyderabad, Belum Caves are the second largest caves in India and the longest caves in India.

Situated between Nandyal and Tadipatri in Kurnool district, the caves are 3229 meters long. These caves have long passages, spacious chambers, fresh water galleries and siphons. The deepest point of caves is at 120 feet from entrance level. The caves were formed due to erosion in limestone deposit in the area by Chitravati River, millions of years ago. Now Chitravati River flows almost 30 km south of caves.

There is a big Buddha statue near the caves. This place was used as Meditation Hall by Buddhist monks in ancient days. AP Tourism has developed pathways and bridges for easy access of the caves. A resort is run by AP Tourism near the entrance of the caves. .....

Distance (From Mahanandi): 95 Kms
Trip Duration (From Mahanandi - Including Travel): Full Day
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Heritage | Pilgrimage

#6 of 7 Places to Visit in Mahanandi

At a distance of 218 kms from Hyderabad, 22 Kms from Kurnool, 126 Kms from Mahbubnagar & 200 kms from Srisailam, Alampur is a historical place located in Mahbubnagar district of Telangana. Alampur is famous for Jogulamba Temple (a Shakti Peetha), Navabrahma temples and Sangameswara Temple built in 7th century. Alampur is considered as the western gateway to the famous pilgrimage town Srisailam. The temple consists of several inscriptions dated between 7th and 16th centuries. Alampur is one of the famous places to visit near Hyderabad.

Situated on the banks of River Tungabhadra close to the place where the mighty rivers of Krishna and Tungabhadra merge, Alampur has rich historical and pilgrimage importance. Several dynasties ruled this place including Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, .....

Distance (From Mahanandi): 90 Kms
Trip Duration (From Mahanandi - Including Travel): Full Day
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Wildlife

#7 of 7 Places to Visit in Mahanandi

At a distance of 31 km from Mahanandi, 33 km from Nandyal, 77 km from Ahobilam, 110 km from Kurnool, 143 km from Kadapa, 167 km from Srisailam, and 328 km from Hyderabad, Pacherla is a tribal village situated near Nandyal in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. This is one of the eco-tourism projects initiated by AP Tourism and among the best weekend getaways near Hyderabad.

Nallamala Jungle Camp at Pacherla is a community-based eco-tourism initiative which was started in 2017. The main aim of the camp is to elicit local support for wildlife, to impart conservation education to the visitors and to empower the local communities improving their livelihoods. Pacherla is the one among the three locations of eco-tourism programs initiated by Andhra Pradesh Government in Nagarjunasagar - Srisailam Tiger Reserve; the other two are Thummalabailu and Bairluty.

The camp is build around the concept of Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) in .....

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