Guntur, the headquarters of
Guntur District, is the fourth largest city of
Andhra Pradesh. This 18th century city was founded by the French and was later captured by the British.
Hyderabad is 270 km north-west of Guntur.
Located on Krishna River alluvium, on the southeastern part of India, its land is fertile and is ideal for cultivation. Guntur is a major commercial center with tobacco curing barns and mills.
Ancient temple of Lakshminarayana Swami, in Ramachandrapuram Agraharam village near Guntur, has inscriptions that date backs to 1296. Acharya Nagarjuna University, one of the largest universities in India, is located here. Kondavid, on the western side of Guntur, is famous for 16th and 17th century forts. Undavalli Caves, an architectural marvel dedicated to Lord Vishnu, can be found nearby. Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary, 5 km away, is a paradise for bird watchers. Chebrole, an ancient village famous for its terracotta structures, is 10 km from Guntur.
The nearest airport is at Vijayawada. Guntur Junction Railway Station, on southern railways, has train services to Macherla, Vijayawada, Machilipatnam, Hubli, Tenali and Repalle.
