Lepakshi to Penukonda Fort Travel Guide

Travelling from Lepakshi to Penukonda Fort is a beautiful experience in itself. The distance is around 50 km, and the drive takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. After spending time at the famous Veerabhadra Temple and the huge Nandi statue in Lepakshi, you can continue your journey through quiet Andhra villages and open farmland. The roads are mostly good, and you will get to see a mix of rural scenery and rocky hills in the distance. If you start in the morning, you can easily reach Penukonda before noon, giving you enough time to explore the fort and enjoy a relaxed pace. For bikers, this stretch is especially enjoyable because of the smooth roads and less traffic.

Penukonda Fort – Overview

Penukonda Fort is one of Andhra Pradesh’s hidden gems. It sits on a large rocky hill in the Anantapur district and covers a huge area with stone walls, massive gateways, temples, mosques, and step wells. This fort was once the second capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, making it historically very important. Unlike Hampi, which is now a big tourist hub, Penukonda still feels raw and less commercialized. When you walk through the gates, you see ruins mixed with greenery and hear only the sound of the wind. The fort gives you a feeling of stepping back into history, away from the rush of modern life.

Penukonda Fort History

Penukonda has a long and fascinating history. After the great Vijayanagara Empire lost its capital Hampi in the Battle of Talikota in 1565, the kings moved to Penukonda and made it their new seat of power. Inside the fort, you can still see the remains of Gagan Mahal, the summer palace built around 1575 with a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. There are also temples like Yoga Narasimha and Kashi Vishwanatha, along with Jain shrines, showing the mix of cultures that existed here. The famous Babayya Dargah and the Sher Khan Mosque add to the fort’s spiritual diversity. Later, the Golconda Sultanate, Tipu Sultan, and the British took control, leaving behind their own traces of history.

Penukonda Fort Timings

The fort is generally open from sunrise to sunset, roughly 6 AM to 6 PM. If you want to explore properly, it is the best to arrive early in the morning when the weather is cool, especially if you are visiting in summer. Some parts of the fort, like Gagan Mahal, may have limited timings, usually late morning to early afternoon, so plan accordingly. The months from October to March are the most pleasant for visiting because the Andhra heat can be very strong in April and May. Evenings are also nice for photography because of the golden light, but try to finish before dark as there are no lights inside.

For a comfortable night stay near Lepakshi and Penukonda, check out Nandi Farm Resort for peaceful cottages and great local food.

Penukonda Fort Entrance Fee

One of the best things about Penukonda Fort is that there is no official entrance fee. Entry is free for everyone, making it a great option for budget travelers and families. At times, you may be asked to pay a small **parking charge if you bring a car or bike up to the base of the fort. Local caretakers or guides sometimes accept tips if they show you around or open locked sections like Gagan Mahal. Photography is free, so you can take as many pictures as you like without worrying about extra costs. This makes Penukonda Fort a value-for-money heritage spot compared to many others.

Penukonda Fort Distance from Bangalore

If you are coming from Bangalore, Penukonda Fort is about 145 to 160 km away, depending on which route you take. The fastest way is via NH-44 through Chikballapur and Hindupur, which takes around 3.5 to 4 hours by car. Many people make this a one-day trip: Bangalore → Penukonda → Lepakshi → back to Bangalore. If you are short on time, you can also take a train to Penukonda Junction, which is just 3 km from the fort, and then hire an auto or cab. This route is popular for weekend getaways from Bangalore because it combines history, culture, and a peaceful drive.

What to See Inside Penukonda Fort

Once you step inside, there’s a lot to explore. Start with the Yerramanchi Gate, the grand entrance guarded by a massive Hanuman idol. Walk up to Gagan Mahal, the two-storey palace built with beautiful arches and domes. Don’t miss the temples like Yoga Narasimha and Kashi Vishwanatha, as well as the Jain temples which show the region’s religious diversity. The Babayya Dargah is a peaceful stop inside the fort and symbolizes harmony. There are also old step wells and water tanks, some carved with great skill, including a famous one shaped around a Nandi. If you climb higher, you get sweeping views of the town and surrounding hills, especially pretty during sunrise or sunset.

Travel Tips

Carry plenty of water and some snacks because there are no shops inside the fort. Wear comfortable shoes since the ground is rocky and you may need to climb uneven paths. If you are visiting in summer, wear a hat and light clothes to stay cool. Hiring a local guide is highly recommended; they charge around INR 300– INR 500 and can tell you stories that make the place come alive. Network coverage is patchy in some corners, so download maps offline. Always keep the fort clean; carry back your plastic bottles and don’t litter. If you are combining it with Lepakshi, start your day early so you can enjoy both spots without rushing.