Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh (120+ Kms)

Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh

Lepakshi is an amazing weekend getaway place. It is perfect for Saturday or Sunday trip with an awesome drive on the NH7. Lepakshi is one of the most mysterious temples in India and is among the top 5 in the list, it has many wonders and are definitely worth your attention. Lepakshi hosts the Veerabadhra Swamy Temple. The mystery is profoundly associated with the mythology and engineering marvel. The temple has a hanging pillar which was levitated into the air attached to the roof. One of the british scientist tried to discover the mystery behind the hanging pillar and he managed to make one of the corners to the rest on the floor. This act of his resulted in misalignment of the complete roof of the temple. Now this indeed a deepening mystery on how just one pillar that was hanging was holding the entire roof of the temple in tact and in place. 

To notice this spectacle, one must visit the temple. The Lepakshi essential stands representation for a bird, If dissected, Le-Pakshi, Le in telugu stands for 'get up' Pakshi for 'bird'. According to hindu mythology, it relates to Rama imploring Jatayu to get up. The jataya had its wings chopped off by Ravana on it journey and Jatayu dropped itself on to this hill. 

These temples were built by Vijayanagara Kings in 13th century to 16th. The temple is a marvel of Vijayanagar Architecture. The roof of the temple showcases many paintings depicting the culture and its unique existence. An interesting fact to note while one is in temple is its north facing side on the pillar, there is a 3 headed bull with single body carved. 

The temple is a indeed in a large premises and will take at least 90mins to enjoy the various assets including a long side rooms carved wonderfully offering a nice resting places. The mandapa which is open to the air also attracts the visitors. There is a huge serpent protecting the shiv linga carved and has a unique property associated with it, once can see a huge Nandi (bull) which little less than half a km from the temple aligned mysteriously from scientific angle. 

Travel

Traveling to Lepakshi is very easy as it is on the NH7 which is supposedly the best highways in south of India. One must travel around 100+ kms on this NH and notice for a Left turn towards Lepakshi. No one can miss noticing this huge welcoming Arch on the highway calling for a Lepakshi visit. One can start by 8am in the morning and reach by 11am. The temple and other places listed below will easily consumer your 2 hours and then you are ready for Lunch. Take your andhra meals and start back home to Bangalore and reach home by 5 pm. This is a perfect weekend trip, either Saturday or Sunday trip.

The Nandi Bull Park 

The Nandi (bull) is India's 2nd largest bull carved out of a single monolithic rock. There is a huge park around this bull and one can take good rest among the green landscaping. The park is surrounded by a small water body offering a very beautiful picturesque view. 

Jatayu Theme Park

The Jatayu theme park is maintained by the APTDC and it is charges Rs. 10/- as entry fee. It is worth a visit. One can trek to have remarkable view of the complete region of mountains and fields around. One can never miss this theme park as a huge Jatayu bird is constructed on top of huge and high boulder. The park is just right across the Nandi Park. 

Food & Stay

Great option of having buffet lunch by the APTDC (Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation) hotel. It also offers rooms for stay. In all practical scenarios one doesn't feel the necessity to stay in this place as it is a one day affair only. 

Best time to visit

July to January. Otherwise it gets quite hot during summers and one will get quite uncomfortable.

30th June 2019