Anantapur is the administrative headquarters of Anantapur District, the largest district in
Andhra Pradesh. It is located 190 km north of
Bangalore, on the
Hyderabad–Bangalore main road.
Anantapur is believed to have its name from the word 'Anaantasagaram', which means 'Endless Ocean'. During the Vijayanagar reign, the place was popularly known as Hande Anantapuram. Later the city came under the rule of Tipu Sultan.
Places of tourist interest in and around the city include Gooty Fort and Penukonda Fort. Dharmavaram, situated 47 km south of Anantapur, is famous for its cotton and silk weaving-industry.
The nearest airport is at Bangalore. Anantapur is a major railhead on the Hyderabad-Bangalore broad gauge line. The city lies on the
National Highway 7 and the National Highway 205 connects Anantapur with Chennai.
