Udayagiri is a small town in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, at the foot of a forested hill that locals call the Sanjeevani hills. It is known for its hill fort, which began as a stronghold of the Gajapati kings of Odisha and fell to Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara in 1512-13 after a siege that is said to have lasted about 18 months.
The fort was once a large complex of thirteen strongholds, eight on the hill and five below, and the town and hill were enclosed by walls. Today most of the town wall is gone and the hill is a ruin of gateways, broken ramparts and scattered temples, reached by steps and a forest trail rather than a road. Local accounts speak of hundreds of temples in the area; the exact figure varies from account to account, so treat it as a sign of how important the place once was.
The town itself has a mixed Hindu and Muslim character, with two old mosques, the Pedda Masjid and Chinna Masjid, and an annual Sandal Festival linked to an 18th-century Sufi saint. There is no lodging in the town to rely on, so most visitors base themselves in Nellore, about 100 km away, and make Udayagiri a full day out.
This is a destination for people who like their history raw. The hill climb is demanding, but the Paruveta Mandapam in the town, linked to Krishnadevaraya's wedding to a Gajapati princess, is an easy stop for those who prefer to stay on level ground.
Before you plan
Udayagiri at a glance
- Best months
- November to FebruaryNovember to February; the northeast monsoon makes October and November wet, and April to June is very hot.
- Ideal trip length
- 1 day from Nellore1 day from Nellore; 2 days if you also visit Penchalakona or Somasila
- Airport
- Nearest scheduled services are at…Nearest scheduled services are at Tirupati (TIR) and Chennai (MAA); both are a long road transfer, so plan most of a day
- Railway station
- No railway at UdayagiriNo railway at Udayagiri; Nellore (NLR) is the main railhead, about 100 km away, and Kavali (KVZ) is another option
- Getting around
- Hire a car and driver from NelloreHire a car and driver from Nellore; local transport at Udayagiri is limited and the fort is reached on foot
- Daily budget
- Not published for UdayagiriNot published for Udayagiri; plan mainly on car hire and meals from Nellore, with few entry costs
- Senior comfort
- Limited: the fort is a steep climbLimited: the fort is a steep climb, but the town monuments are easier; services are basic
- Language
- Telugu and Urdu are the main languagesTelugu and Urdu are the main languages; English is little used outside Nellore
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Udayagiri: January, February, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Udayagiri itinerary
One good day
1 day in Udayagiri
Leave Nellore at first light for the drive of about one and a half to two hours via Atmakur. Start the fort climb straight away if you are fit and have a local guide; plan to be down by late morning. After a rest and lunch, visit the Paruveta Mandapam and Balakrishna temple, then walk around the old mosques and lanes. Head back in the late afternoon and stop at the Talpagiri Ranganatha temple in Nellore if time allows.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days around Udayagiri
Make an early start for the fort with a guide, return by late morning, rest, then spend the afternoon at the Paruveta Mandapam and Balakrishna temple. Return to Nellore for the night.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days from Nellore
Visit the Talpagiri Ranganatha temple in the morning and explore Nellore. Rest through the heat of the afternoon.
Day-by-day plan →
