City in Andhra Pradesh, India
Photo: IM3847, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Guntur (Telugu: గుంటూరు Guṇṭūru) is the third-largest city in Andhra Pradesh, southwest of the state capital Amaravati. Once known as Garthapuri, the city is a major trade hub for chili, cotton and tobacco, and home to Asia's largest chili yard. Amaravati, Guntur and Vijayawada together constitute the "Capital Region" (CR) of Andhra Pradesh, the modern heart of the state since 2014.
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Guntur's landmark tower, named after the founder of Pakistan. According to a legend, Liaquat Ali Khan, a representative of Jinnah, visited Guntur in the pre-Independence era. Khan was felicitated by Lal Jan, who is said to have built a tower to commemorate the leader of the Muslim League. It was erected on six pillars which open to a dome, typical of the then-Muslim architecture in the early 20th century. Originally unpainted, the tower was later painted in Indian tricolour in February 2022 by MLA Mohammad Musthafa.
This historical fort was built during the reign of the Reddy kings in the 14th century CE. There are 21 structures in the fort. The ruins of the fort located on the hilltop offer unravelled mysteries to the tourist. A place of natural scenic beauty with natural wonders it is an ideal place for trekking. The Gopinatha temple and Kathulabave at the foot of the hillock, numerous temples, residential structures, pillared halls on the hill and the entrance gateways on the east and west sides are the attractions at Kondaveedu.
The water tanks in the village are unique as they provide refuge to many species birds including endangered Spot-Billed Pelicans and Painted Storks. The bird population in these tanks used to be around 12,000, although lately only about 7,000 birds roost in this dwindling habitat through the year.
This is the place of Sri Viswayogi Viswamji and the Universal Integration Pillar. It is an envisioned symbol of oneness of humanity. Also located here is the VIMS/Viswayogi Institute of Medical Sciences (Mother and Child Care Hospital).
Sivalayam
The oldest temple in Guntur, dedicated to Shiva. As the legend goes, the sage Agastya built this temple during the Treta Yuga, centring around a naturally-occurring Swayambhu Lingam. Other than the legend, the temple has inscriptions in the ancient Naga script from 1100.
Often called the "Central Park of Guntur".
Well-known for tasty and delicious vegetarian meals, and tiffins. Andhra style meals are famous.
Famous for its delicacies. Especially the Vada Sambar variety they serve is a feast for your appetite. Also don't forget to taste Guntur Mirchi Bajji. You may get it elsewhere in AP also but the taste that you get in Guntur is absolutely matchless. Two more restaurants namely Nakshatra (a 3-star hotel, located at Lakshmipuram main road) and Grand Nagarjuna are very famous in Guntur.
This hotel serves authentic Guntur biryani. Its mutton biryani is special and its chicken biryani is also worthwhile. Also try side dishes of mutton and chicken.
Hotel Madras Bilal serves authentic Guntur mutton and chicken biryani.
Known for its cocktails. Has separate areas for smokers and non-smokers.
Outfitted with 27 air-conditioned rooms.
A good place to shop for clothing, especially saris, as well as jewellery.
Jonnadula Ramakotaiah & Son
Handloom sarees manufactured using traditional ways of hand-woven techniques. They manufacture their own sarees and sell them directly to the customers without any middlemen which makes the models cheaper than in the market.
Motorbiking or cycling in city centre and busy areas can often be quicker than taking the auto-rickshaw or a taxi. It may be easy to park two wheelers, but finding parking for cars a bit harder.
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Vijayawada · International · VGA
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