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| | Horsely Hills |
 Horsley hills is an ideal place to visit to beat the
heat of summer. It has a maximum temperature of 32c and a minimum of 20c in
summer. Horsley Hills are named after W.D Horsley, collector of Cuddapah
district, who made this beautiful hill resort his summer residence. From
then on, it became a frequently visited spot. The fresh and unadulterated
air, the beautiful landscape with lush green vegetation ensures a perfect
peace of mind and heavenly bliss. As one proceeds towards the hills one
comes across the trees of Rita, Shikakai, Amla, Beedi, Bay leaves,
Sandalwood, Red sanders, Mahogany and Bamboo. Besides, there are also forest
denizens like bears, wild dogs, jungle fowls, Sambar and Panthers. The
Chenchu tribes inhabit Horsley hills in large numbers. The famous variety of
Pungannur cows, which consume less fodder and yield more milk are found
here. Another attraction of Horsley Hills is the 150 year old Eucalyptus
tree. There is a dense growth of Eucalyptus, Jacaraida, Allamanda,
Gulmohar and other species bordering the narrow road. |
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| Lepakshi |
 Lepakshi houses the famous Veerabhadra temple and the astounding monolothic
Nandi, that has come to symbolize not only the Shaivite culture in South India
but also the very cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh. Easily accessible from
Tirupati, this religious centre of the finest temple architecture and paintings.
The famous Veerabhadra temple is built in the Vijayanagara style. As per local
legend, Lord Shiva and Parvati were married in this temple at portion called
Kalyan Mandapa The nearest railhead to Lepakshi is Hindupur, which is 16
kms. away, on the Hyderabad – Bangalore line
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| Chandragiri Fort |
Located just 20 kms off Tirupati, Chandragiri Fort is a
living testimony to the greatness of the Vijayanagara empire. Built on a huge
rock about 56 mts. high, the fort has the remains of palaces and temples of the
Vijayanagar era.
Chandragiri is the former capital of the Vijayanagara empire. The massive fort
in Chandragiri is built on a huge rock about 56 mt high. The fort has palaces
and temples. These royal and religious structures are impressive and
attractive with their towers, arcades, gopuras and verandahs. The palace
named, Raja Mahal is associated with Venkatapatideva, the Aravidu ruler. It is
an outstanding specimen of the Vijayanagara palace architecture. It
consists of three storeys. Close by, there is another palace named Rani
Mahal. It is two storied and the lower storey served as the gateway. There
is a domed chamber and an arcaded verandah attached to the upper storey. At
end of the village of Chandragiri is the Kodandarama temple.
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| Puttaparthi |
Prasanthi Milayam, the main ashram of Shri Sathya Sai
Baba, is in Puttaparthi. Sai Baba's followers are predominantly Indian but he
also has many western devotees, among them the founder of the Hard Rock Cafe
franchise. Known as the Adobe of highest Peace, the ashram is spacious and
beautiful with good food and accommodation- at least when the numbers aren't
overwhelming. Sai Baba spends most of the year here but sometimes moves to
Whitefields Ashram near Banglore in neighbouring Karnatka or Kodaikanal in Tamil
Nadu during the hot, dry season
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