Siddhavatam itinerary

Plan 01

1 day in Siddhavatam

1. 01

   Day 1: Fort and river

   Leave Kadapa early and reach the fort by morning, before the heat. Walk the ramparts and gateways, visit the temples inside, then look at the Pennar from the riverbank. Return to Kadapa for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, add Vontimitta's Kodandarama temple if energy allows.

Plan 02

2 days in Siddhavatam

1. 01

   Day 1: Siddavatam Fort

   Spend the morning at the fort and temples, with an unhurried look at the bastions and gateways, then rest in Kadapa through the afternoon heat.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Siddavatam Fort (Sidhout Fort)	2 to 3 hours	Moderate	Early morning, November to February

   Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.

   With parents at Siddavatam Fort (Sidhout Fort): The ground is mostly level but uneven, with long stretches in the open sun and no published seating. Take shade, water and a companion, and stay on the main paths.

2. 02

   Day 2: Vontimitta and a nature option

   Visit Vontimitta's Kodandarama temple in the morning. If you have secured permission from the forest department in advance, plan a short visit to the Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary instead, accepting that access is restricted.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary	Half to full day, if permitted	Moderate	November to February, daylight only

   Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.

   With parents at Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary: Terrain is rough, with gorges and steep slopes, and no public facilities are published. Not suited to those with limited mobility.

Plan 03

3 days in Siddhavatam

1. 01

   Day 1: Siddavatam Fort

   A relaxed morning at the fort and the river, with a rest after lunch.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Siddavatam Fort (Sidhout Fort)	2 to 3 hours	Moderate	Early morning, November to February

   Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.

   With parents at Siddavatam Fort (Sidhout Fort): The ground is mostly level but uneven, with long stretches in the open sun and no published seating. Take shade, water and a companion, and stay on the main paths.

2. 02

   Day 2: Vontimitta

   Visit Kodandarama temple early and spend the rest of the day in Kadapa, including the old temple at Devuni Kadapa if you wish.

3. 03

   Day 3: Sanctuary day trip

   If permission is granted, visit the Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary in the cool hours. Otherwise use the day for a slower walk along the Pennar or a return to the fort at sunrise.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary	Half to full day, if permitted	Moderate	November to February, daylight only

   Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.

   With parents at Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary: Terrain is rough, with gorges and steep slopes, and no public facilities are published. Not suited to those with limited mobility.

Read before you go

Guides for the stops on these routes

Pacing

Pacing a Siddhavatam trip for parents and children

• The fort is mostly flat but exposed. Visit in the first hours of the morning, carry a hat and water, and avoid April and May altogether.
• Check current ASI opening arrangements locally, as visiting hours are not published.
• The Pennar can rise sharply in the monsoon months from August to October. Stay well away from the water's edge and avoid visits in flood conditions.
• Hire a car with driver from Kadapa, because the village has no tourist transport and rides back can be hard to find.
• Carry cash and snacks, as shops near the fort are few.
• If mobility is limited, concentrate on the temples and the fort's gateway, rather than walking the full ramparts.

Siddhavatam with elderly parents: the full guide →