Puttaparthy Must Visit Places
Sai Baba’s Prasanthi Nilayam Ashrama is considered an abode of peace and calm with its picturesque ambience. Quite close to it is the imposing seven feet tall statue of the Holy Man himself. Inside the Ashram are separate temples honouring popular deities like the Ganesha Temple and the Gayatri Shrine. Of much eminence is the Sarvadharma Stupa (the World Religions Pillar) highlighting the unity of all religions and people. Specially constructed for devotees are the Sai Kulwant Hall and the Prasanthi Mandir where thousands can gather for prayers and sermons. The sapling for Vata Vruksha or the Banyan Tree was planted by Sai Baba, and the quiet place provides a beautiful view of the Ashram and a perfect place for meditation and reflection. Apart from the Ashram, tourists are encouraged to venture into the village and enjoy the scenic beauty comprising lakes and the famous Sathyabhama Temple.
Puttaparthy's Famous Cuisines
The village fairs and festivals are the best places to try out regional street food at very reasonable or cheap prices.
Puttaparthy Markets
While one can shop in the local markets, for a truly exhilarating experience the fairs in and around town are a must. It is advisable to visit during Shivaratri as fairs and festivals are concentrated around the holy occasion and mostly in the vicinity of temples. One can get everything from traditional dresses, bangles, local memento, and rides at very cheap rates.
How To Reach Puttaparthy
State-run buses regularly ply from all major cities in South India to Puttaparthi, though one needs to rent a car to move around the town. The decade old railway station is well connected by trains from Bangalore and Chennai. One can also take the air route as Puttaparthi is a stopover between Hyderabad and Vizag.