AnantapurGateway to historic Rayalaseema, Sri Sathya Sai heritage, silk weaving, and the arid Rayalaseema plateau.
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Anantapur in one minute
Anantapur — live weather, population, hidden places and cost of living, auto-updated.
Anantapur, officially Ananthapuramu, is the headquarters of Ananthapuramu district in the semi-arid Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. Named after Anantasagaram, a vast tank constructed during the Vijayanagara period, the city developed as a strategic military garrison under Vijayanagara commanders and later under the Hande chiefs.
Modern Anantapur is a major educational and industrial center, housing the main campus of JNTU Anantapur and Sri Krishnadevaraya University. Surrounded by vast tracts of groundnut farming and granite quarries, the region is an important junction on National Highway 44 linking Bengaluru to Hyderabad.
Fast facts
| Status | Municipal Corporation |
| District | Ananthapuramu |
| Division | Ananthapuramu |
| District population (2011) | ≈40,81,148 — pending |
| City population (2011) | ≈2,67,161 — pending |
| Urban agglomeration | ≈3,40,656 — pending |
| Density | ≈1,600 / km² — pending |
| Languages | Telugu, Urdu, English |
| Main stations | Anantapur (ATP) |
| Nearest airport | Sri Sathya Sai Airport, Puttaparthi (≈80 km) |
| River | Penna River |
| Sub-divisions | Ananthapuramu, Kalyandurg |
| District literacy | 63.6 percent |
| Famous for | Silk Sarees, Groundnuts, Granite, JNTU |
City map
Demographics CENSUS 2011
Last official census — 2021 census deferred, estimates update on release.
2,67,161 residents
per 1,000 males
municipal area (2011)
≈29,388 children (est.)
Hidden & heritage places in Anantapur
Anantapur beyond the postcards — quiet places and lanes most guides skip.
Anantasagaram Tank
The historic water reservoir constructed during the Vijayanagara Era that gave the town its name, offering sunset views across the expansive embankment.
Directions ↗Gooty Fort Gateway Hill
A hilltop viewpoint on the urban periphery providing elevated views of the city grid, rocky outcrops, and surrounding Rayalaseema plains.
Directions ↗ISKCON Anantapur
A prominent temple shaped like an enormous chariot drawn by horses, serving as a major spiritual and architectural landmark in the south city.
Directions ↗Tadipatri Road Rock Formations
Sculpted granite boulders along the state highway illustrating the ancient geological terrain characteristic of the Deccan Plateau.
Directions ↗Bukkaraya Samudram Lake
A historical reservoir built by Vijayanagara rulers, surrounded by green fields and popular among seasonal migratory birds.
Directions ↗Kalyandurg Silk Weaving Pockets
Rural cluster of handloom weaving units producing traditional silk sarees using age-old pit looms and natural dye techniques.
Directions ↗Weekend getaways near Anantapur
Approximate road distances from Anantapur.
Cost of living in Anantapur
Indicative monthly estimates for a single person — verify locally before deciding.
| 1 BHK rent (city) | ₹3,000 – 6,000 / mo |
| 2 BHK rent (city) | ₹6,000 – 11,000 / mo |
| Meal at a local eatery | ₹70 – 150 |
| Groceries (single, month) | ₹3,500 – 5,500 |
| Utilities (basic) | ₹1,200 – 2,500 |
| Monthly total (est.) | ₹10,000 – 17,000 |
Estimates only · tier-3 market · updated with market data over time
What runs Anantapur's economy
What actually runs Anantapur.
University and Engineering Hub
Host to Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University and Sri Krishnadevaraya University, driving student residential services.
Academic Hub ↗Silk Reelers and Weaving Industry
Processes raw silk and produces traditional handloom sarees distributed across southern Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Textile Cluster ↗Solar Power and Renewables
Surrounding plains host large solar parks and wind farms capitalizing on high solar irradiance and high plateau winds.
Renewable Energy ↗Groundnut and Oil Processing
Dozens of oil mills process groundnuts grown extensively across the semi-arid farm belt of the district.
Agro Processing ↗Granite and Limestone Units
Processing plants cut and polish decorative granite quarried from surrounding Precambrian rock formations.
Mineral Processing ↗Kia Supplier Park Ecosystem
Proximity to the major auto plant in Erramanchi supports local ancillary light engineering units.
Auto Ancillaries ↗Famous food & restaurants in Anantapur
Where locals actually eat — local counters, classics and street institutions.
Traditional Messes along Subhash Road
Serves authentic Rayalaseema meals featuring spicy ragi sangati, natukodi curry, and local gongura chutneys.
Directions ↗Tiffin Centers near Clock Tower
Popular early morning spots serving crisp karam dosa, steamed idlis, and hot filter coffee to commuters.
Directions ↗Family Restaurants on Highway Road
Serves spicier regional variants of chicken and mutton biryani alongside Andhra style starters.
Directions ↗Traditional Mithai Outlets
Known for regional dry sweets made from groundnut jaggery chikki and pure ghee milk preparations.
Directions ↗Verified from local guides · Sep 2026 · hours change — call ahead
Markets & shopping
Dharmavaram Silk House Belts
Showrooms and wholesale shops stocking handloom silk sarees directly from regional weaver societies.
Directions ↗Rythu Bazar and Vegetable Market
Bustling daily market trading fresh local produce, groundnut stocks, and seasonal fruits like sweet limes.
Directions ↗Festival & fair calendar
Deepavali and Brahmotsavam
Celebrated with citywide lighting displays, temple processions, and cultural gatherings across major urban neighborhoods.
Sankranti
Harvest festival featuring traditional rangoli competitions, bullock display events, and festive family feasts in all localities.
Ugadi
Telugu New Year celebrated with traditional pachadi preparation, cultural recitations, and special rituals at local temples.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Multi-day public festival featuring large neighborhood idols, daily devotional prayers, and grand immersion processions.
From the Bharat DN network
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FAQ
What is Anantapur best known for?
Anantapur is known as an educational hub hosting JNTU, a centre for silk saree trading, groundnut cultivation, and as the gateway to historic Vijayanagara sites like Lepakshi and Penukonda.
Which river flows near Anantapur?
The Penna River flows through Ananthapuramu district, though it remains seasonal due to low annual rainfall in the Rayalaseema plateau region.
How far is Puttaparthi from Anantapur?
Puttaparthi, home to the Prasanthi Nilayam ashram of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, is located approximately 84 km south of Anantapur city.
What is the best time to visit Anantapur?
The winter months from November to February offer pleasant weather, ideal for exploring local monuments and day excursions to Lepakshi or Belum Caves.