The fort at Gooty (pronounced 'Gutti') is one of the most impressive citadels in Andhra Pradesh. Even from a distance,it looks spectacular-like a goliath tortoise resting on the ground.

Overview

The fort at Gooty (pronounced 'Gutti') is one of the most impressive citadels in Andhra Pradesh. Even from a distance,it looks spectacular-like a goliath tortoise resting on the ground. As you get closer, you realise that this 'tortoise' has not only interesting ruins and an ingenious water-conservation system,but also a European cemetery a rarity in Rayalaseema.

Significance

There is a large fortification around the foothills, inside which are thriving settlements and a colonial era church. The graveyard is located at the base of the hill. Considering how most colonial cemeteries have fallen to the ravages of time, the one at Gooty is remarkably well-preserved.In fact, you can still read the mournful epitaphs etched on the tombstones.Most of the graves are modest vaults,though some of the more ornate ones have obelisks and small pavilions. One of the most famous graves is that of Sir Thomas Munro(1761-1827) governor of Madras, who died of cholera at Pattikonda, 30km away.

A stone-paved path behind the cemetery takes you uphill. Most of the structures inside are in a dire state of ruin, though there are a few better preserved granaries and armouries that seem to be of colonial vintage. There is a small pavilion at the edge of a cliff on the higher levels of the fort known as Morari Rao's Seat.Legend has it that the Maratha ruler Morari Rao used to relax, swing and play chess here! There is a sole bastion at the summit, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the domains that the Vijayanagara rulers once commanded.

At various levels of the fort, one can still see many of the reservoirs excavated in ancient times to harvest rainwater. The water collected during the monsoons usually sufficed for the entire year, though in 1775,when Hyder Ali laid siege to the town, Morari Rao had to surrender owing to a shortage of water.

Where to Stay: Options are quite limited in Gooty,but if you would like to stay in the town, opt for Hotel Raviteja (Tel: 08552-251614, Cell : 09848162224,09848062224 Tariff: 600-1,200),which has 16 rooms with attached baths and a restaurant.

Photos

How to Reach

Bangalore is the nearest airport to Gooty, which is 237 kms away.

Gooty is one of the major rail junction, there are regular trains from other major cities.

Gooty is well connected to other major cities via regular buses.

Best time to visit

Highlights

Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple-Is one of the finest architectural legacies of the Vijayanagara Empire because of the precision and finesse with which sculptures have been etched on them.

Chintala Venkat ramana Swamy Temple-Built with black granite stone, is known for its massive gopuram, which has a plethora of engravings at its base. 

Kadiri Laxmi Narashimha Swamy Temple-Most of the inscriptions on the shrine's walls date back to the Vijayangara Era and are in Telugu in this temple.

Thimmamma Marrimanu-A canopy measuring over 25,000sq m and about 1,200 prop roots, Thimmamma Marrimanu is a natural marvel that is touted as the largest banyan tree in the world.

Lepakshi-The monolithic Nandi, said to be the largest in the world.

Hemavathi-Historic village of Hemavathi is home to a remarkable group of temples built in the 8-10th centuries under the reign of the Nolamba Dynasty.

Dharmavaram-The handloom silk and cotton sarees of Dharmavaram are famous not only in Andhra Pradesh, but across the country.

Penna Ahobilam-On the banks of the Pennar River stands tall a temple dedicated to Laxmi Narasimha Swamy.

Ratnagiri Fort-Close to karnataka border, stands the mighty Ratnagiri Fort, which stretches across two hill locks.