Vontimitta Temple Travel Guide 2025: History, Timings, and Entry Fee

Nestled in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, the 500-year-old Vontimitta Kodandarama Swamy Temple is a hidden gem of India’s spiritual tourism. Built by the Chola and Vijayanagara kings in the 16th century, this temple is well known for its splendid architecture and lavish designs. Apart from that, this place has deep importance to religious beliefs and history. 

Whether you’re seeking the best temples in Andhra Pradesh or just planning a peaceful solo getaway, this Vontimitta Temple travel guide has it all – history, devotion and a calm, beautiful vibe. Ready to explore this sacred site? Let’s dive into its fascinating story, some travel tips, and everything else you need to know!

Why Visit Vontimitta Temple?

Kodandarama Swamy Temple, located in Vontimitta town of YSR Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh, is dedicated to Lord Sri Rama. Recognized as a centrally protected monument of national importance, it’s one of the largest temples in the region, just 25 km from Kadapa and 90 km from Tirupati. The temple itself looks quite stunning with gopurams, detailed carvings, and peaceful ambiance which makes it a must visit temple for devotees and travelers exploring Andhra Pradesh heritage sites.

This Vontimitta Temple travel guide highlights its unique appeal: It’s one of the few temples where muslims also pray to Lord Rama, showcasing India’s unity in diversity. This unique aspect makes anyone interested in solo travel to India temples.

History of Vontimitta Temple

It is believed that this place got its name ‘Vontimitta’ from Vontudu and Mittudu, who were two robbers turned into devotees of Lord Rama. Their one and only desire was to build a temple for Rama, and it’s believed by most people that these two built it. Upon completing the temple, they wished to become one with Lord Rama himself so, after construction of this masterpiece out of their love both the devotees sacrificed themselves and turned into statues. As you enter the temple you can still find their statues, forever mounting guard as a witness to their devotion.

People also believe that Lord Rama idol in the temple Garbhagudi was placed by Jambavanta (the king who helped Rama to save his wife Sita Devi from Ravana). The idol is carved on a single rock consisting of Lord Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana and it is called ‘Ekasilanagaram’. Another interesting fact about this Temple is that it is one of those few temples where you don’t see the idol of Lord Anjaneya Swamy at the side of Rama. By the time this temple was built, lord Rama did not meet hanuman hence we do not see any idol of Anjaneya, but later in the premises a separate Anjaneya swamy temple was built.

Kodandarama Swamy Temple has a high importance in history as one of the seven kandas of Ramayana happened here, it’s “Kishkinda Khanda”. This prominent Hindu pilgrimage site was once visited by Tavernier in 1652, a famous French traveler. He described it as one of the most gorgeous temples in India and was surprised to see the people’s devotion and dedication towards the lord. You can find Bammera Potana statue at the entrance of the garbhagriha and he hails from this place. He wrote Maha Bhagavatham in Telugu language and dedicated it to Sri Rama.

Vavilakolanu Subba Rao, who was well known as Andhra Valmiki helped in modernizing the temple in the 19th century by collecting money from people. He even made many ornaments for the idols and spent his whole life worshiping the god, Rama. He translated Valmiki’s Ramayana into Telugu.

Significance of Vontimitta Temple

Though the temple was built by the Cholas, the architecture here is in traditional Vijayanagara style. It’s an architectural brilliance, which has a rectangular courtyard penned by walls and 3 lavish Gopurams, facing east, north and south. The east facing Gopuram is the entrance of the temple. The middle tower was built in 5 levels and the mandapa is supported by over 32 pillars and it’s an open-air place which is equipped with gorgeous sculptures. The serene Tungabhadra River flowing nearby enhances its charm, making it a top pick for Andhra Pradesh tourism.

How to Reach Vontimitta Temple?

Planning a trip? This Vontimitta Temple travel guide breaks down your options, ideal for solo travelers or those booking Vontimitta Temple tour packages:

By Air

• Nearest Airport: Tirupati International Airport (110 km away). It is also known as Renigunta Airport. 

• Tip: Book cheap flights to Tirupati online, then hire a taxi or take a bus (2-hour ride).

By Train

• Nearest Station: Kadapa Railway Station (32 km away), connected to Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai.

• Alternative: Tirupati Railway Station (117 km, 1-hour drive).

By Road

• Well-connected via state highways. Check bus tickets to Kadapa for affordable options.
• Rent a cab or take a bus from these cities:

Tip: Combine your visit with Tirupati to Vontimitta travel guide itineraries for a seamless pilgrimage experience.

Suggested Read: Places to visit in Tirumala

Festivals at Vontimitta Temple

On Sri Rama Navami 2025, the birthday of Lord Rama. Seetha Rama Kalyanam (marriage ceremony) is a tradition, and the Kalyanam starts at Abhijith Lagnam at noon in almost all temples in India. But in Kodandarama Swamy Temple the Kalyanam is performed on the Chaitra Masa Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi a day before full moon. This is the only temple where every year the marriage of Rama and Sita is done on a grand scale at midnight outside the sanctuary.

Other festivals like Vaikunta Ekadashi which is another major carnival celebration at the temple. Ugadi, Diwali and other Hindu festivals will be celebrated at the temple with special pujas and ceremonies.

Plan ahead with this Vontimitta Temple Travel Guide, Check festival dates and book temple darshan online to avoid crowds.

Vontimitta Temple Timings and Entry Fee

• Timings: 6 AM to 9 PM (may vary during festivals).
• Entry: Free for general darshan.

Seva/Pooja Ticket Costs

During Brahmotsavam

• Daytime: Rs. 15000/-
• Nighttime: Rs. 25000/

Best Time to Visit Vontimitta Temple

February to March are considered as the best times of the year to visit Kodandarama Swamy Temple. During this period the temple is decorated with various kinds of flowers and colors to welcome the arrival of spring. 

For a great experience, visit during Sri Rama Navami 2025 (usually in March/April) to witness the midnight Kalyanam. During this period thousands of devotees visit the place to take part in Seetha Rama Kalyanam. Avoid summer (April-May) due to heat.

Travel Tip: Pair your trip with nearby Rayalaseema Tourist Places like Gandikota Fort or Belum Caves.

Tips for International Visitors

• Visa: Apply for an Indian e-Visa online.
• Currency: INR; exchange at Tirupati or Kadapa.
• Dress Code: Modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees).
• Stay: Hotels in Kadapa (25 km) or Tirupati (90 km). Check Booking.com for deals.

Nearby Attractions

Extend your trip with these Rayalaseema tourist places:

• Gandikota Fort (80 km): India’s “Grand Canyon.”
• Belum Caves (120 km): Ancient underground marvel.
• Tirumala Temple (130 km): World-famous Venkateswara shrine.

Suggested Read: Check out more on Rayalaseema Tourist Places

Conclusion

The Vontimitta Kodandarama Swamy Temple is more than a pilgrimage site—it’s a journey through history, faith, and architectural brilliance. Whether you’re exploring solo travel to India temples or seeking the best temples in Andhra Pradesh, this Vontimitta Temple Travel Guide ensures it’s on your 2025 travel list. Book hotels near Vontimitta Temple, find cheap travel deals to Kadapa, or customize your Andhra Pradesh pilgrimage tour. Plan your visit today or share your plans in the comments below!