Mangalagiri is a small town in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Word Mangalgiri means Holy hill. It is located 13kms away Vijayawada and 21kms away from Guntur. For long time this place was under the control of Golkonda Nawabs.
What to see at Mangalgiri: This place is famous for Sri Panakala Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy Temple. This temple was situated on the hill. Foot Steps of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu can be seen here. On the right side steps of the temple Sri Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagam stone inscription can be seen. Temple of Panakala Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy is at the midway of the steps. At this temple one can find only the face of the Lord with open mouth. On the upside of the Panakala Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy Temple, Sri Lakshmi temple can be seen. At this temple, visitors of this place find the caves. It is believed that these caves lead to Undavalli Caves.
Shape of the hill is like an elephant. According to the Hindu legends, son of Hrasva Srungi took the shape of elephant at this place when Hrasva Srungi asked to come back to his kingdom while he was doing penance to Lord Vishnu at this place. There will be no statue at this temple. But only wide opened mouth with 15cms. Devotes pour jiggery water into the mouth of this hole. People believe that when they were pouring water at this hole if they were able to listen the sound from that hole then all their sins will wipe off. Temple remains close from afternoon onwards as it is believed that during the night time’s devatas will perform puja.
At the foot of the hill, tourists can see Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Temple. Main image of this temple was founded by Dharmaraja who was the elder brother of Pandavas. Height of this gopuram is heightest in south India. Kancheepuram architectural style can be seen at this temple.
What to see around Mangalagiri:
Undavalli Caves: These caves are located in Undavalli which is 10kms away from this town. These caves belong to 4th and 5th century. Of all the caves, largest cave is 4 storied. At this cave single block of Granite statue of Lord Vishnu can be seen here.
Guntur: It is a centre of learning and administrative capital of Guntur district. It is located 23kms away from Mangalagiri.
Amaravati: it is located 38kms from this town. This place is famous for Amareswara Temple. Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. At this place great Buddhist Stupa of Pre- Mauryan time. Other attraction of this place is Mahachaitya Stupa.
Vijayawada: It is located 13kms away from this town. Major attractions of this place are Kanaka Durga Temple, Bhavani Island, Prakasham barrage, Mogalarajapuram Caves, Victoria Museum, Gandhi Hill.
Kondapalli Fort: It is located 28kms away from this town. Tanisha Mahal is the major attraction of this fort. There are 3 entry gates to this fort.
Getting to Mangalagiri: Only way to reach this place is by road. From Guntur, Vijayawada, etc buses come to this place. Nearest railway station is located at Vijayawada. Vijayawada railway station is well connected with all the major cities of India. Nearest airport is located at Gannavaram. This airport is well connected to Hyderabad and Vishakhapatnam.
Getting around Mangalagiri: Buses are available to go to Vijayawada and Guntur. From Vijayawada and Guntur, buses and taxis are available to visit the surrounding places of Mangalagiri.
Best time to visit Mangalagiri: Best time to visit this place is between October to March. Summer at this place is too hot.
Where to stay at Mangalagiri: only budget hotels are available at this place. Generally tourists prefer to stay at Guntur or Vijayawada and visits this place.
Where to eat at Mangalagiri: Only few eateries are available at this place. Plenty of restaurants are available at Guntur and Vijayawada.