Guntur, the southern city of Pilgrims and Chilli Shops, has a variety of things to offer. From tourism to hospitality, from education to health facilities and industrialization, from literature to culture and tradition, Guntur has it all in its box. Geographically there are a few hills that surround the suburban areas of Guntur and it has Perecherla Reserve Forest in the north west. Situated on the banks of River Krishna, Guntur comes from the Sanskrit word Garthapuri that translates to a place surrounded by water ponds. It is situated on the Eastern Coastal Plains and very offbeat yet fantastic views of the Bay of Bengal can be seen by the beaches and shores of the city. Guntur has some of the quiet and tranquil places to offer for some relaxation and leisure time. The city also serves chaos and parties, and has become one of the most chosen places for the youth. Apart from the modernity of the city, it has deep authenticity and rooted culture that can be seen from the monuments, ancient temples, monasteries, libraries, and moments. While the hilly areas attract the travelers and youngsters for trekking, the temples atop the hills welcome the religious people for worshiping and offering rituals. In present days, Guntur has become a primary commercial and industrial place in South India. It is popular for its rare chillies, cotton and tobacco exports and has the largest chilli market yard in Asia, named Agricultural Market Committee Market Yard. 

What to do when in Guntur?

1. Explore Downtowns:

If you are planning to spend 3 to 4 days in the city, you should definitely visit the downtown and outskirts of Guntur. The city has its own downtown areas, midtown and residential areas. Center of Brodipet, Arundelpet, Jinnah Tower Center, Brindavan Gardens, Old Guntur, Ring Roads are some of the places you must go to have a local experience of the city. Manasa Sarovar is a park from where you can spend quality time on weekends.

2. Celebrate Pongal with the locals:

Pongal is regarded as the festival of harvest and is an auspicious festival in South India. It falls in mid-january and the locals keep waiting to observe the festivity throughout the year. If you are in the town during this time, you should definitely spend time with the locals to learn about their culture, faith and religion to have a more beautiful experience. 

3. Disappear in South Indian Cuisine:

Idli, Dosa, Vada, Upma are the major South Indian dishes you will find in Guntur. The city houses a large number of hotels, restaurants, cafes and diners serving mouthwatering foods. Guntur Sannam, the chilli variety, has marked its name in the Geographical Indication of Goods tag. Red Chilli Biryani is the native recipe and a must-try. 

How to reach the city

Guntur is one of the frequently visited pilgrimage places in India and thus is well connected to other major cities. 

1. Airways: 

Vijayawada International Airport is the nearest airport and many flights are available to reach the city from around the world. 

2. Roadways: 

Both private and government bus services are available to reach the city via state and national highways. 

3. Railways: 

Guntur Junction Railway Station is the main railway station here and hundreds of trains connect the city daily. 

Places to visit 

1. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam: 

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is one of the earliest and largest hydroelectric projects in India. The grand structure, consisting of 26 large gates, is built across the River Krishna. 

2. Kondaveedu:

Kondaveedu has become one of the famous tourist attractions as it houses Kondaveedu Fort, the ancient monument of the Reddy Kings. The natural beauty surrounding the fort, the calmness on the top of the hill is something worth experiencing. 

3. Uppalapadu Nature Conservation:

Uppalapadu Nature Conservation is a must visit place, situated in the Southern region of Guntur. The place houses more than 10,000 species of birds which welcomes travelers and nature lovers around the world regardless of any season. 

4. Kotappakonda Trikutaparvattam:

Trikutaparvattam translates to 3 peaked hills that lay side by side and are mythologically named Vishnu, Brahma, and Maheshwar. The place is 25 miles from the city and offers a majestic panoramic view of the hills and forests. 

5. Mangalagiri:

Mangalagiri is one of the auspicious religious places of India and considered as one of the 8 Mahakshethram. The ancient belief says that Lord Vishnu had manifested himself here in Seemandhra which means The Auspicious Hill. 

6. Viswa Nagar:

Viswa Nagar is renowned for the Universal Integration Pillar and Viswayogi Viswamji, located in the south-west part of Guntur. Located 16 km from the city, Viswa Nagar is believed to be the city of peace and divine tranquility. 

7. Amaravati:

Amaravati is the capital city of Andhra Pradesh and a major hub of pilgrimage and tourism. The city is 32 kms from Guntur and the Buddhist Stupa and the relics over it are very famous among tourists that they fly into the city throughout the year. 

8. Amaravati Stupa:

Amaravati Stupa is an ancient and aesthetically constructed Buddhist Stupa, located in Amaravati. It is one of the largest stupas in India and proclaims major national importance in monuments. 

9. Krishna Barrage:

Krishna Barrage is one of the major attractions of the city, situated 18 miles from Guntur. The construction has taken over the River Krishna running through Vijayawada, also known as Prakasam Barrage. 

10. Suryalanka Beach:

Suryalanka Beach is one of the offbeat places of Guntur, located near Bapatla. The beach offers majestic views of the sunrise and sunset, gentle waves playing with golden and ivory sands. There are cottages by the beach for experiencing a more satisfying time.

11. Bhattiprolu:

Bhattiprolu is one of the lesser known small villages in Guntur which houses stupas and stories of Buddhism. The ruins of the Buddhist era attracts Buddhist monks as well as travelers in search of religious history. 

Best time to visit 

Guntur falls under a tropical climate and the average temperature is warm to hot throughout the year. 

1. Summer- March to June- 30°C to 35°C (very hot)

2. Rainy- July to September- 25°C to 30°C (rain storms) 

3. Winter- November to February- 25°C to 30°C (pleasant weather)

Guntur, the southern city of Pilgrims and Chilli Shops, has a variety of things to offer. From tourism to hospitality, from education to health facilities and industrialization, from literature to culture and tradition, Guntur has it all in its box. Geographically there are a few hills that surround the suburban areas of Guntur and it has Perecherla Reserve Forest in the north west. Situated on the banks of River Krishna, Guntur comes from the Sanskrit word Garthapuri that translates to a place surrounded by water ponds. It is situated on the Eastern Coastal Plains and very offbeat yet fantastic views of the Bay of Bengal can be seen by the beaches and shores of the city. Guntur has some of the quiet and tranquil places to offer for some relaxation and leisure time. The city also serves chaos and parties, and has become one of the most chosen places for the youth. Apart from the modernity of the city, it has deep authenticity and rooted culture that can be seen from the monuments, ancient temples, monasteries, libraries, and moments. While the hilly areas attract the travelers and youngsters for trekking, the temples atop the hills welcome the religious people for worshiping and offering rituals. In present days, Guntur has become a primary commercial and industrial place in South India. It is popular for its rare chillies, cotton and tobacco exports and has the largest chilli market yard in Asia, named Agricultural Market Committee Market Yard. 

What to do when in Guntur?

1. Explore Downtowns:

If you are planning to spend 3 to 4 days in the city, you should definitely visit the downtown and outskirts of Guntur. The city has its own downtown areas, midtown and residential areas. Center of Brodipet, Arundelpet, Jinnah Tower Center, Brindavan Gardens, Old Guntur, Ring Roads are some of the places you must go to have a local experience of the city. Manasa Sarovar is a park from where you can spend quality time on weekends.

2. Celebrate Pongal with the locals:

Pongal is regarded as the festival of harvest and is an auspicious festival in South India. It falls in mid-january and the locals keep waiting to observe the festivity throughout the year. If you are in the town during this time, you should definitely spend time with the locals to learn about their culture, faith and religion to have a more beautiful experience. 

3. Disappear in South Indian Cuisine:

Idli, Dosa, Vada, Upma are the major South Indian dishes you will find in Guntur. The city houses a large number of hotels, restaurants, cafes and diners serving mouthwatering foods. Guntur Sannam, the chilli variety, has marked its name in the Geographical Indication of Goods tag. Red Chilli Biryani is the native recipe and a must-try. 

How to reach the city

Guntur is one of the frequently visited pilgrimage places in India and thus is well connected to other major cities. 

1. Airways: 

Vijayawada International Airport is the nearest airport and many flights are available to reach the city from around the world. 

2. Roadways: 

Both private and government bus services are available to reach the city via state and national highways. 

3. Railways: 

Guntur Junction Railway Station is the main railway station here and hundreds of trains connect the city daily. 

Places to visit 

1. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam: 

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is one of the earliest and largest hydroelectric projects in India. The grand structure, consisting of 26 large gates, is built across the River Krishna. 

2. Kondaveedu:

Kondaveedu has become one of the famous tourist attractions as it houses Kondaveedu Fort, the ancient monument of the Reddy Kings. The natural beauty surrounding the fort, the calmness on the top of the hill is something worth experiencing. 

3. Uppalapadu Nature Conservation:

Uppalapadu Nature Conservation is a must visit place, situated in the Southern region of Guntur. The place houses more than 10,000 species of birds which welcomes travelers and nature lovers around the world regardless of any season. 

4. Kotappakonda Trikutaparvattam:

Trikutaparvattam translates to 3 peaked hills that lay side by side and are mythologically named Vishnu, Brahma, and Maheshwar. The place is 25 miles from the city and offers a majestic panoramic view of the hills and forests. 

5. Mangalagiri:

Mangalagiri is one of the auspicious religious places of India and considered as one of the 8 Mahakshethram. The ancient belief says that Lord Vishnu had manifested himself here in Seemandhra which means The Auspicious Hill. 

6. Viswa Nagar:

Viswa Nagar is renowned for the Universal Integration Pillar and Viswayogi Viswamji, located in the south-west part of Guntur. Located 16 km from the city, Viswa Nagar is believed to be the city of peace and divine tranquility. 

7. Amaravati:

Amaravati is the capital city of Andhra Pradesh and a major hub of pilgrimage and tourism. The city is 32 kms from Guntur and the Buddhist Stupa and the relics over it are very famous among tourists that they fly into the city throughout the year. 

8. Amaravati Stupa:

Amaravati Stupa is an ancient and aesthetically constructed Buddhist Stupa, located in Amaravati. It is one of the largest stupas in India and proclaims major national importance in monuments. 

9. Krishna Barrage:

Krishna Barrage is one of the major attractions of the city, situated 18 miles from Guntur. The construction has taken over the River Krishna running through Vijayawada, also known as Prakasam Barrage. 

10. Suryalanka Beach:

Suryalanka Beach is one of the offbeat places of Guntur, located near Bapatla. The beach offers majestic views of the sunrise and sunset, gentle waves playing with golden and ivory sands. There are cottages by the beach for experiencing a more satisfying time.

11. Bhattiprolu:

Bhattiprolu is one of the lesser known small villages in Guntur which houses stupas and stories of Buddhism. The ruins of the Buddhist era attracts Buddhist monks as well as travelers in search of religious history. 

Best time to visit 

Guntur falls under a tropical climate and the average temperature is warm to hot throughout the year. 

1. Summer- March to June- 30°C to 35°C (very hot)

2. Rainy- July to September- 25°C to 30°C (rain storms) 

3. Winter- November to February- 25°C to 30°C (pleasant weather)