Kadapa - Gem of Southern Andhra Pradesh

• Bhagwan Mahavir Government Museum: This museum is located in the heart of the city and was founded in 1932. The museum has displays of a variety of archaeological artefacts and is an interesting attraction for families and history buffs. The artefacts on display belong to the period from the 5th to the 18th centuries, including idols, granite and bronze objects from the local area and surrounding cities.
• Pushpagiri Temple Complex: Located about 14 km from the city centre, this historical site is considered to be the lesser-known Hampi. Similar to its more popular cousin, there are many ancient, vast and well-visited temple structures in this complex, dating back to the 7th century CE. The complex hugs the River Penna and takes you on a deep dive into ancient culture and architecture.
• Sidhout Fort: About 20 km east of Kadapa City, across the Penna River, is the Sidhout Fort, the ruins of a once impressive fort with large gateway pillars. Featuring an ancillary passage, intricate carvings, imposing bastions and a main courtyard, this is a must-see if you are near Kapada city. The site also features a number of Hindu temples inside.
• Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary: Just 15 km from Kadapa is a natural gem, Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary. Home to hundreds of plant and animal species, this wildlife sanctuary is relatively unknown but has some amazing views. Featuring panthers, nilgai, sloth bears and the elusive Jerdon's courser (nocturnal bird), this is a must-visit place for the family.
• Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple: This temple is an impressive work of rock carving, featuring three idols carved out of one rock piece and it has been drawing many pilgrims and tourists. The temple carvings display parts of the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics from Hindu mythology and can be found in Ontimitta (Vontimitta) about 25 km from Kadapa.

Kadapa has its own twist of South Indian cuisine, with spiciness being a major factor in its dishes. Dosa, idlis, dal and curry are all staples in the region, while standout regional dishes include the popular ragi sangati with chicken, Boti Curry and more. A variety of Indian restaurants and fast food joints also pepper the city's streets.

• Hotel Ashoka: Featuring hearty, classic south Indian meals like ‘Karama Dosa’ with sambar, this restaurant is a must to get your chutney fix.
• Sree Mantra Family Restaurant: For a wide range of cuisine types, Sree Mantra is where you want to be. With a range of biryanis, Indian curries, and the local speciality ‘Natukodi Chicken’, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
• Tea Triangle Cafe: Modern, hip and relaxed, this tea cafe offers an enormous variety of teas, juices and beverages along with a lip-smacking selection of fast food snacks.
• Oyalo Pizza: If pizzas are your thing, Oyalo has got you covered with veg and non-veg options. This pizza joint features kinds of pasta, desserts and a host of pizza toppings to satiate your hunger.
• The Cakery: This bakery is the dessert place to be, with regular cakes like blackforest and butterscotch to more scrumptious options such as their pineapple buttercream and kiwi cakes.

Though the city is not famous for its shopping options, there are plenty of traditional and modern shopping venues around the area, offering everything from traditional Kadappa stone to local handicrafts.

• Y V Street: This is the hub of street shopping in the city, it features many textile stores making it a top shopping spot for anything clothing-related.
• Madras Road: Madras Road has a mix of store types, here you can find cake and sweet stores, book shops, as well as Pratibha Mall.
• B K M Street: BKM street is the go-to place for all kinds of jewellery in Kadapa, and some notable vendors include Raja Jewellers and Prince Jewellery. The Sree Veerabhadra Swamy Shopping Mall is also located on this street.

Here are some of the best stay options in Kadapa city:

• Hotel Grand Inn: Just 9 km from the city airport, this hotel provides luxury rooms on a budget with easy access to the rest of the city. Breakfast is complimentary, with free Wi-Fi offered in all rooms.
• Swagath Residency: Located on Railway Station Road in a busy part of town, this hotel has 24x7 front desk service, with on-call medical assistance and free Wi-Fi. Kadapa Railway Station is just 3 km from the hotel.
• City Inn: Also on Railway Station Road, City Inn provides round-the-clock room service, with a TV in each room and the option of AC or Non-AC rooms. The hotel is about 9 km from Kadapa Airport.

If you’re excited to travel to and around Kadapa, here are a few more things/places to explore, to pique your curiosity and draw you to the region:

• Gandikota Fort: About 90 km from Kadapa city is one of the most famous forts in the country, Gandikota Fort. Located on the Penna River banks, this historical site has a long history dating back to the Chalukyas and Golconda Sultanate. While you’re there, enjoy the breathtaking views of the river for some peace and calm.
• Belum Caves: The longest cave system open to the public in the country, Belum Caves is an adventurous site that features imposing stalactites and stalagmites. With a depth of 45 m and an overall length exceeding 3 km, this is a natural wonder you do not want to miss, just 125 km from Kadapa city.

• Ugadi is a festival observed in the region that is celebrated as an auspicious start to the New Year.

• Srirama Navami is a day when people congregate at the aforementioned Pushpagiri Temple Complex.

Kadapa, thus, has a multitude of things to offer that one can explore on a vacation or trip with family, friends or loved ones.