Nandayal Valley

The town was initially known as Nandalluru. It stemsthis name from Nandi, the renowned vehicle of Lord Shiva. It is surrounded by 9 nandis and henceforthis named Nandyala. The temple attracts pilgrims from all over India. Nandyal is bordered on all its sides by the hills while the River Kundu flows along its west. The peak Nallamala Hills to the east have dense forest while the ones to the south have are mined regularly for granite.

This town is very rich in its water resources owing to its reservoirs and tanks. These give it an equitable climate throughout the entire year. However the summers can be particularly warm. The regular temperature is around 28 degree. Nandyal is an imperative pilgrimage site since the days when the place was under the influence of the Vijayanagar Kingdom.

Tourism

Nandyal is bounded by 9 temples of Lord Shiva, called the Nava Nandi. The names of these 9 temples are Naganandi, Krishnanandi, Suryanandi, Gauranandi, Prathamanandi, Somanandi, Vinayakanandi, Shivanadi and Mahanandi.

Mahanadi is also famous for the rush of tourists and devotees that it witnesses every year.  Another important Shiv Temple, Omkaram is near to Nandyal. They attract a huge number of followers all through the year. Sri Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple is nearby Nandyal.It has the world’s largest Nandi idol. The devotees believe that the Nandi idol before the temple is endlessly growing its size. As per Archaeological Survey of India the pillar increases at the rate of 1 inch every 20 year (10 mm per 8 years).Siva, Parvathi and Nandi are main deities that are worshipped here. Ahobilam, which is 65 km from Nandyal has the famous Narasimha Swamy Temple, which is one of the personifications of Lord Vishnu. Nandyal is also the doorway to Srisailam, Mahanandi and Belum Caves.  Nandyal is a diocese under the main church of south India that has an exquisite cathedral which was built and devoted in the year 1905.

Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 30 km away from the Nandyal railway station lies on the border amid Kurnool plus Prakasam districts. Wildlife Sanctuary is well known destination with dense forests, abundant flora and fauna and also picturesque sites.  Gundla Brahmeswaram Sanctuary lodges a region of over 1194 km2 and is covered by mixed deciduous forests. It is situated on Gundla Brahmeshwaram plateau that runs from south to north of peak Nallamala Hills range. The recurrent Gundlakamma River flows through the sanctuary and is called as the life-line of the wildlife sanctuary sinceit presents a diverse habitat for the wild life. One remarkable fact about Gundla Brahmeswara Sanctuary is that this sanctuary is the only surviving territory ofpristine forests of Nallamala Hills. The wildlife includesBengal tiger, Indian leopard, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Tufted Gray Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Indian Pangolin, Sambar Deer, Nilgai, Four-horned Antelope, Chinkara, Mouse Deer, Monitor Lizard, Indian Rock Python and Marsh Crocodile.

The chief attractions of the Gundla Brahmeswara Wildlife Sanctuary are Mouse deer and Tufted Gray Langur. This sanctuary abounds in plants that have great ethno-botanical value. In fact, the sanctuary is renowned as one of the most charming forest areas in India. The sanctuary boasts of a rich and varied flora that comprises trees such as Teak, Shisham, Boswellia, Terminalia, Dalbergia and Bamboo.

Animal lovers can expect a close encounter too. The ideal time to visit is from October to March. The tourists can put up their stay at the huge inspection bungalow located at Nandyal and a Forest Rest House located at Diguvametta.

How to Reach

Air Transport

The nearest airport is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad which is about 270 km away.

Railways

Nandyal has a railway station that is connected to Vijayawada, Guntakal, Bangalore, Howrah, Goa, Anantapur and Hubli.

Road Transport

Nandyal is well connected by road from almost all parts of the state. There are frequent buses to Nandyal from Tirumala – Tirupati, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Kurnool, Adoni, Chittor, Anantapur and Kadapa. There are also buses from different parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu such as Bellary and Chennai.

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