🧭 At a Glance (Quick Facts)
- Destination: Annamayya (Cultural & Musical Heritage District)
- State/Region: Andhra Pradesh, India
- Coordinates: 13.62° N, 78.50° E
- Highlight: World-famous for Tallapaka (birthplace of 15th-century saint composer Annamacharya), Horsley Hills (1,265m elevation hill station), Gurramkonda Fort & Rangin Mahal, Soumyanatha Swamy Temple at Nandalur, and 270 ft Talakona Waterfalls.
The Sacred Verses of Tallapaka & the Pines of Horsley Hills
Carved out of Kadapa and Chittoor districts in 2022, Annamayya district is named in honor of the revered 15th-century Telugu saint-poet and composer **Tallapaka Annamacharya** (1408–1503 AD). Born in Tallapaka village, Annamayya composed 32,000 devotional Sankeertanas praising Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala, serving as the grandfather of Carnatic music composition.
The visual identity of Annamayya district is Carnatic musical amber gold and Rayalaseema temple crimson. Defining the district is **Horsley Hills** (Yenugulla Mallamma Konda)—a lush hill station perched at 1,265 meters altitude featuring cool climate, eucalyptus groves, and Rabindranath Tagore's translation of *Jana Gana Mana* at Madanapalle. Inland lies **Gurramkonda Fort** (featuring 3-storey Rangin Mahal), **Soumyanatha Swamy Temple** at Nandalur, and **Talakona Waterfalls**.
"Where 32,000 Sankeertanas echoed from Tallapaka to Tirumala's seven hills, Horsley's eucalyptus groves crown Rayalaseema's highest peaks."
The Chronology of the Devotional Heartland
From 11th-century Chola temple construction at Nandalur and 1408 birth of Annamacharya to 1919 Tagore's English anthem translation at Madanapalle and 2022 district formation, Annamayya's timeline tracks musical and historical heritage. The chronicle below outlines this evolution.
The Musical Birthplace at Tallapaka & the Horsley Ridge
Explore the primary heritage of Annamayya district. From saint Annamacharya's birthplace at Tallapaka to Horsley Hills and Gurramkonda Fort, these experiences define the musical and natural heart of Rayalaseema. Click through the tabs below.
Tallapaka Annamacharya Birthplace & Dhyana Mandiram
The sacred ancestral birthplace village of 15th-century saint composer Tallapaka Annamacharya, located near Rajampet.
Features the **108-foot Annamayya Statue** at Tallapaka, Dhyana Mandiram, Chennakesava Swamy Temple, and copper-plate Sankeertana archives maintained by TTD.
- Annual Annamacharya Jayanti and Vardhanthi Carnatic music festivals.
- TTD Annamacharya Kala Mandiram music school.
- Ancestral house and sacred well of the Tallapaka dynasty.
Horsley Hills (1,265m Elevation Hill Station)
A serene mountain resort situated at 1,265 meters altitude near Madanapalle, named after Collector W.D. Horsley.
Features dense eucalyptus plantations, Gali Bandalu (Wind Rocks), Governor's Bungalow, Kalyani 160-year-old eucalyptus tree, and AP Tourism Haritha resort.
- Madanapalle Besant Theosophical College (where Tagore set Jana Gana Mana tune).
- Horsley Hills Environment Park and zoo.
- Trekking trails to Koundinya wildlife sanctuary forest edge.
Gurramkonda Fort & Rangin Mahal Palace
A historic 500-foot hilltop fortress situated between Madanapalle and Rayachoti.
Ruled by Vijayanagara governors, Maratha general Murari Rao, Tippu Sultan, and Nawabs of Cuddapah. Features **Rangin Mahal** (a 3-storey palace with carved teakwood arches) and Maqbara tombs.
- ASI protected monument with steep rock-cut steps.
- Rayachoti Veerabhadra Swamy Temple (13th-century stone temple).
- Ancient water reservoirs and ammunition stores.
Soumyanatha Temple Nandalur & Talakona Falls
Chola temple architecture and highest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh.
**Soumyanatha Swamy Temple** at Nandalur is a 11th-century Chola temple sprawling over 10 acres. **Talakona Waterfalls** cascades 270 feet inside Sri Venkateswara National Park biosphere reserve.
- 108-pillar hall and Chola Tamil stone inscriptions at Nandalur.
- Canopy rope walk at Talakona rainforest reserve.
- Attirala Parasurama Temple along Bahuda River.
The Devotional Shrine and the Pines of Horsley
Explore the primary landmarks of Annamayya district. From saint Annamacharya's birthplace at Tallapaka to Horsley Hills and Gurramkonda Fort, these destinations showcase the musical and natural heart of Rayalaseema. Click or hover on the cards below.
Tallapaka Annamacharya Statue
Tap to Flip →Tallapaka Village
Ancestral birthplace of saint poet Annamacharya with 108ft statue and Dhyana Mandiram.
Horsley Hills (1,265m Altitude)
Tap to Flip →Horsley Hills
Scenic hill station with eucalyptus groves, Wind Rocks, and cool mountain climate.
Gurramkonda Fort & Palace
Tap to Flip →Gurramkonda Fort
Historic 500ft rock citadel featuring 3-storey Rangin Mahal wooden palace.
Soumyanatha Temple Nandalur
Tap to Flip →Soumyanatha Swamy
11th-century Chola stone temple sprawling over 10 acres with 108-pillar hall.
Talakona 270ft Waterfalls
Tap to Flip →Talakona Waterfalls
Andhra Pradesh's highest waterfall (270 ft) located inside Sri Venkateswara National Park.
The Rayalaseema Staples & the Madanapalle Tomatoes
Annamayya district's cuisine is world-renowned for Madanapalle tomato dishes, Ragi Mudda with Natukodi curry, and Nandalur Prasadam.
Madanapalle Tomato Thokku
Spicy tangy tomato pickle chutney made from fresh Madanapalle tomatoes (Asia's largest tomato market), tempered with mustard and asafoetida.
Tasted at: Madanapalle and Rayachoti messesRagi Mudda & Pachi Pulusu
Steamed finger millet dough balls served with unboiled raw tamarind chili soup (*Pachi Pulusu*) and roasted brinjals.
Purchased at: Traditional Rayalaseema eateriesNandalur Temple Chakra Pongal
Sweet jaggery rice pudding prepared with ghee, cashews, and cardamom at Soumyanatha Swamy Temple.
Sipped at: Nandalur Temple 10 kmPlan Your Journey
How to Reach Annamayya District
🌡️ Best Time to Visit
Pleasant cool mountain climate (15°C to 28°C). Ideal for Horsley Hills, Tallapaka temple, and Talakona waterfall treks.
Talakona waterfalls roar; misty green Horsley Hills viewpoints.
Hot summer temperatures in plains (38°C); Horsley Hills remains cooler (28°C).
The Unhurried 3-Day Route
Annamayya district is best experienced at a slow pace. Visiting saint Annamacharya's birthplace at Tallapaka, relaxing on Horsley Hills' pine ridge, exploring Gurramkonda Fort's Rangin Mahal, and witnessing 270 ft Talakona Waterfalls require time to settle. This curated route captures the district highlights.
Day 1: Tallapaka Annamacharya Birthplace & Nandalur Temple
09:00 AM: Visit Tallapaka village near Rajampet; admire the 108ft Annamayya statue and Dhyana Mandiram.
12:00 PM: Visit 11th-century Chola Soumyanatha Swamy Temple at Nandalur; admire the 108-pillar hall.
01:30 PM: Enjoy Chakra Pongal and Rayalaseema lunch in Nandalur.
04:30 PM: Visit Attirala Parasurama Temple along Bahuda River.
Day 2: Gurramkonda Fort & Horsley Hills
08:30 AM: Drive to Gurramkonda Fort; climb the 500ft hill fort to explore 3-storey Rangin Mahal palace.
01:00 PM: Enjoy Madanapalle tomato thokku lunch.
03:30 PM: Drive up Horsley Hills (1,265m); watch sunset from Gali Bandalu (Wind Rocks) and visit Kalyani eucalyptus tree.
Day 3: Talakona 270ft Waterfalls & Departure
08:00 AM: Morning drive to Talakona Waterfalls inside Sri Venkateswara National Park; trek to the 270 ft waterfall cascade before returning.