There are very few places around Bangalore which can draw the attention of History & Architecture lovers and can be achieved in a day. One such, in fact two such places sharing a close proximity are Penukonda and Lepakshi. In the Ananthpur district of Andra Pradesh, splitting its border with Karnataka are these two beautiful places which can be an ideal one-day outing from the Capital city. Here is a short informative blog to enable a travel plan to this historic site and give a visual glimpse of it through my captures. A blog with less of words and more of pictures! After all, who can describe the mighty Vijayanagara Glory or its feel just by words?
How to Reach? Travelling from Bangalore via NH44 towards Hyderabad both Lepakshi and Penukonda are quite easily accessible. The main entrance to both the places from NH44 are 30 KM apart and you can plan to reach any place first followed by other.
On NH44 at Kondikonda junction which is around 100kms from Bangalore, take left and proceed for another 15kms to reach Lepakshi. All the major attractions here are nearby and can be covered on feet. You would have to reach back Kondikonda junction and travel 30 KM towards Ananthpur, to reach Penukonda. The entry towards Penukonda fort is marked by a huge arch and Krishnadevaraya Statue. To enjoy the history and richness of both the places it would take around 3-4 hours at each place. As both places have to be covered on same route it wouldn't make much difference on which place you pick first.
Penukonda:
During our travel, we visited Penukonda first and then Lepakshi. Penukonda is such a place which has a great history associated with it but enjoys a very less stardom! Just not the Vijayanagara period, but the place was a prominent centre from the periods of Hoysalas and Chalukyas. Even though the rich architectural and historic structures are scattered away now, what's left over is still something to be savoured.
Bhoga Samudram Lake and Shiva Statue: The most calm and serene place in your day's visit would be around this beautiful lake. From Penukonda main entrance, place has to be accessed via rural roads for around 2 KMs. Surrounded by hillocks, trees and shrubs is a pleasing garden on the edge of the lake. The place is filled with peace all around. And we are doing this blog predominantly with pictures right? So, leaving the pictures to talk rest about the place.😊
Gagan Mahal Palace of Krishnadevaraya: Just about 300mts before the Bhoga Samudram lake is a royal palace built by the mightiest of Vijayanagara hero, Shri Krishnadevaraya. The city had also served as the second capital for him. Built in 16 th century to serve the visiting kings and royal dignitaries, the palace had almost reached a dilapidated state and measures are being taken now to restore its beauty.
It's a quick one-hour tour around this three storied palace and many monuments stored around the garden area. Though it's a lone structure, it holds a great prominence in history as the last outwork of Vijayanagara style of Indo-Persian architecture after Hampi. Place is guarded by a very friendly watchman Venkateshwar reachable on phone number 9618618972.
It is open in specific hours of 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.
Penukonda Fort and Hillocks: With some trekking experience and abandoned fort and structures next point of attraction would be Penukonda Fort. The route to reach the place is not distinctive and would highly recommend to take help of localities. Along with nearly wrecked fort you would find numerous tombs and little structures all along the way. Might not be a point of interest for all. But for history and adventure junkies, not something you would want to miss.
Lepakshi:
Lepakshi is a far well-known place with History followers compared to Penukonda. It is the rich architecture of the Veerabhadra temple and others which has bought that fame to the site. Well, it is totally worth of the fame and appreciation it enjoys. While the architecture is impeccable, the place has quite more to offer.
Nandi Statue: Every Shiva temple in the world is guarded by a Nandi statue, right? Well, this huge monolithic Nandi is actually 500mts far from the Shiva Linga inside the Veerabhadra Temple complex, but still positioned exactly to face the Shiva Linga.
Nearly 20ft high, the statue is said to be built along with the Veerabhadra temple. This place would be the first to greet Lepakshi visitors and it has all the reasons to be stopped by.
Monument of Jatayu: The actual name of the place Lepakshi is derived because of this belief. In Ramayana, it is said that the Jatayu bird, which tried rescuing Sita, being abducted by Ravana, fell at this place after being wounded by Ravana in the fight. Shri Rama, seeing the bird commanded it to "Rise up, bird" translating to "Le Pakshi" in Telugu, thus giving the place its name.
A monument of Jatayu is built at the site in remembrance to its heroics, right opposite to Nandi Statue. The beauty of this structure is something to behold closely and as well as from a distance with the whole view of the hillock and the bird.
Veerabhadra Temple: The centre of attraction of Lepakshi is the gorgeous Veerabhadra Temple which shines with the glory of Vijayanagara Architecture in each and every stone. Dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra this significant temple is the embodiment of History and Architecture reputation of Vijayanagara and South India.
Describing the beauty of this marvellous structure is something again beyond words and I'm taking help of my pictures. But I fear even these pictures couldn't give entire justice to the satisfying feeling of enjoying the grandeur being at the place.
The whole temple has numerous of attractions which are skillfully executed in their architectonics. Either it be the multi-hooded serpent with Shiva Linga, or the Ganesha Statue or the astonishing hanging pillars, every structure is a marvel of its own. And everything put together is just a fairyland of any aesthete!
As I said, this place really has more to offer other than history and architecture. The vibe? Maybe! For all the time me and my best friend were here together we seemed to have forgot the world outside. There was this enchanting peace which had occupied us. There was a sense of satisfaction which had filled the hearts completely. The talks were less, the smiles were abundant.
While surrendering to serenity, when the twilight was traversing through the unmatched architecture, those two best friends walked along, hands held together to the paradise of peace!❤️
️Things to know before your visit:
1. Your lunch would be the first point of concern as both Penukonda and Lepakshi lacks good restaurants. There aren't any in the highway too, between these two places. Only reasonable one is the APTDC hotel at Lepakshi managed by AP tourism. But lunch time here closes at 3:00pm. Plan for your lunch and travel accordingly.
2. While Lepakshi is very much safe enough for solo travelling, Penukonda is not advisable for the same. Penukonda being still a place with large area covered with hillocks and shrubs, doesn't mark a safe destination for solo travellers Network coverage is very good at both the places.
3. As said earlier, locations inside Penukonda are misleading on Google maps. Suggestion would be to take help from localities here.
4. Both the places are very budget friendly. With Lepakshi costing you nothing but parking fee, Penukonda seems be to completely free.
Take Away: Adventure and enormous peace at the Penukonda lake, Royal feelings at Gagan Mahal Palace and Heart satisfying emotions of rich architecture at Lepakshi. Make your weekend one of the most memorable ones. Have a refreshing walk through the glory of Vijayanagara!
