Budget 3‑Day Getaway from Anantapur (Andhra Pradesh)

Day 1: Lepakshi & Local Flavours

Morning: Depart early from Anantapur by local bus to Lepakshi (≈70 km). Explore the famed Lepakshi Temple and its stunning frescoes, then admire the towering stone Veerabhadra Swami sculpture.

Afternoon: Enjoy a simple vegetarian thali at a nearby dhaba, then stroll through the village market to sample fresh mangoes and buy inexpensive handicrafts.

Evening: Return to Anantapur, unwind at your guesthouse, and take a relaxed walk around the town’s historic clock tower.

Day 2: Day Trip to Hampi (Karnataka)

Morning: Catch the early morning state bus to Hampi (≈150 km). Begin with the iconic Virupaksha Temple and the bustling Hampi Bazaar area.

Afternoon: Rent a bicycle (≈INR 30) to tour the UNESCO‑listed ruins: the Vittala Temple stone chariot, the majestic Lotus Mahal, and the serene Hazararama complex.

Evening: Watch the sunset over the Tungabhadra River from the hilltop of Hemakuta, then board the return bus to Anantapur.

Day 3: Penukonda Fort & Departure

Morning: Take a local auto‑rickshaw to Penukonda Fort, a historic hill‑top stronghold offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Afternoon: Explore the fort’s ruins, the ancient Jain Temple, and the nearby Ranganatha Swamy Temple before heading back to Anantapur for a light lunch.

Evening: Pack up, reflect on the journey, and, if time allows, enjoy a final stroll through the city’s vibrant Rythu Bazaar before departing.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Lepakshi Temple – 2 hours – INR 25 (entry)
• Local bus Anantapur ⇄ Lepakshi – 2 hours total – INR 200
• Meals (Day 1) – 3 hours – INR 150
• State bus Anantapur ⇄ Hampi – 6 hours total – INR 400
• Virupaksha & Vittala Temple complexes – 4 hours – INR 30 (archaeological site entry)
• Bicycle rental in Hampi – 3 hours – INR 30
• Meals (Day 2) – 3 hours – INR 150
• Auto‑rickshaw to Penukonda Fort – 1 hour – INR 100
• Penukonda Fort exploration – 2 hours – Free
• Meals (Day 3) – 2 hours – INR 150
• Total Estimated Cost – INR 1,335

Tips

If you have an extra day, consider adding a visit to Sri Venkateswara National Park for nature walks and birdwatching; alternatively, shorten the Hampi trip by focusing only on the main temples to reduce travel time and expenses.