Penukonda

Overview

After the Vijayanagara army lost at Talikota in 1565, the empire's court moved to Penukonda. Tirumala Deva Raya set up the Aravidu dynasty's capital here, and the court stayed until 1592, when it shifted again to Chandragiri. The town lies in Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh, at about 769 metres above sea level, and its 2011 census population was a little over 27,000 across about 6.5 square kilometres. A Penukonda fort visit suits anyone who enjoys ruins and layered history more than polished attractions, and the cooler months from October to February are the easier time to climb.

The Chalukyas and Hoysalas also ruled this area, but the fort itself was raised in granite in the fourteenth century, in the period when Bukka Raya I entrusted this province to his son, Vira Virupanna Udaiyar. Its walls sweep in a semicircle from the hill down onto the plain, and gateways control the routes up to the upper fort. The hill fort and its northern gateway are listed as a monument of national importance.

Within the town, the Sher Khan Mosque is built of dark green granite. Penukonda also matters in Jain history: one tradition counts it among four Jain centres of learning, with Delhi, Kolhapur and Jina Kanchi. The Pache Parsvanath Swamy temple was consecrated in 1359, and its idol is carved from a single piece of green stone. A garden in the town displays a reclining statue of Kumbakarna, the sleeping giant of the Ramayana, said to be 142 feet long.

Penukonda rewards a few unhurried hours rather than a full itinerary, so plan the rest of the day around a neighbour. It lies about 35 km from Lepakshi and about 70 km from Anantapur, and the two heritage stops pair well on one day, with Puttaparthi as a third. A railway section links Penukonda with Hindupur, so check timetables if you plan to arrive by train. Confirm access to the fort locally before you go, as no current timings were found.

Known for

A granite hill fort of the 14th century, with long walls and gateways on the climb