'Lepakshi' is a tiny village renowned for two things.
1. The historical Vijayanagara Architecture : Veerabhadra temple and Largest Monolithic Nandi statue
2. Art and craft of Lepakshi which is popular all over the world
Situated in Ananthpur District, Lepakshi is 120km spectacular drive from Bangalore.
After airport, it's around 90 kms and on the highway you have many good restaurants for dealing with hunger. 'Nandagokula' is where we had our breakfast and it was great.
History books say that the city was founded in early 16th century (1520-1540). The then King of Penukonda, Achyutaraya had Virupanna Nayaka and Veeranna Nayaka brothers who were the Governers/Finance ministers of his kingdom. It is said that these brothers took approval from the king and built Veerabhadra temple, Monolithic Nandi at Lepakshi as it was a place of mythological importance.
A story says that when Ravana kidnapped Seetha, on his way to Srilanka, the giant bird 'Jatayu' stopped his way and tried to rescue Seetha. It was a mini-war between Ravana and Jatayu, at the end of which Ravana chopped off Jatayu's wings. When Rama came in search of Seetha and met Jatayu, he said 'LE PAKSHI' in Telugu, which means 'rise bird'. that's how the name 'Lepakshi' was coined.
So when you enter the city, from a farther distance itself, on top of a rocky hill, a huge Jatayu statue welcomes you with his wings open.
When you plan your visit, make sure it's b/n June to December'. Jan to april is usually hot and since the temple is rocky, it'll make your feet tandoori kabab :-)
The city is tiny (not more than 500 mts in radius). Except the Large Jatayu statue, Monolithic Nandi and Veerabhadra Temple, there is nothing else to see. So you can easily complete it in about half a day. There are only two ATMs available. So carry enough cash.
Street food like bhelpuri, boiled groundnuts, lime soda and ice-creams are plentifully available.
Hotel Haritha managed by APTDC is the only hotel where you can expect decent food inside the city.
1. The historical Vijayanagara Architecture : Veerabhadra temple and Largest Monolithic Nandi statue
2. Art and craft of Lepakshi which is popular all over the world
Situated in Ananthpur District, Lepakshi is 120km spectacular drive from Bangalore.
Detail Route from Bangalore: Hebbal- Yelahanka- Devanahalli- Chikballapur- Bagepalli- AP border toll booth- (16KMs left turn) to Lepakshi.
After airport, it's around 90 kms and on the highway you have many good restaurants for dealing with hunger. 'Nandagokula' is where we had our breakfast and it was great.
History books say that the city was founded in early 16th century (1520-1540). The then King of Penukonda, Achyutaraya had Virupanna Nayaka and Veeranna Nayaka brothers who were the Governers/Finance ministers of his kingdom. It is said that these brothers took approval from the king and built Veerabhadra temple, Monolithic Nandi at Lepakshi as it was a place of mythological importance.
A story says that when Ravana kidnapped Seetha, on his way to Srilanka, the giant bird 'Jatayu' stopped his way and tried to rescue Seetha. It was a mini-war between Ravana and Jatayu, at the end of which Ravana chopped off Jatayu's wings. When Rama came in search of Seetha and met Jatayu, he said 'LE PAKSHI' in Telugu, which means 'rise bird'. that's how the name 'Lepakshi' was coined.
So when you enter the city, from a farther distance itself, on top of a rocky hill, a huge Jatayu statue welcomes you with his wings open.
When you plan your visit, make sure it's b/n June to December'. Jan to april is usually hot and since the temple is rocky, it'll make your feet tandoori kabab :-)
The city is tiny (not more than 500 mts in radius). Except the Large Jatayu statue, Monolithic Nandi and Veerabhadra Temple, there is nothing else to see. So you can easily complete it in about half a day. There are only two ATMs available. So carry enough cash.
Street food like bhelpuri, boiled groundnuts, lime soda and ice-creams are plentifully available.
Hotel Haritha managed by APTDC is the only hotel where you can expect decent food inside the city.
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