
Kadapa, officially YSR Kadapa, is a city in Andhra Pradesh’s Rayalaseema region and the usual base for visits to Gandikota gorge and the Vontimitta Kodandarama temple. Known as the gateway to Tirumala, it sees steady pilgrim traffic through the year. zingbus connects Kadapa by bus with Hyderabad, Tirupati, Kurnool and nearby towns such as Rajampet.
Kadapa’s zingbus pickup points sit on the main roads of the city centre, so the right one depends on where you are staying.
Note: Pickup points can change by route and operator. Check the point on your ticket before you travel, and reach it 15 minutes before departure.
Kadapa sits on the Kurnool to Chittoor highway corridor, so most travellers book routes towards Hyderabad, Tirupati and Kurnool. Shorter hops, such as Rajampet, are also available.
Here is the list of routes from Kadapa:
Here is the list of routes to Kadapa:
Kadapa lies in southern Andhra Pradesh, about 140 km from Tirupati and 206 km from Kurnool by road. Locals still use the old name Cuddapah. The city is rooted in the Rayalaseema region, a dry plateau known for its limestone, granite and spicy food. Devuni Kadapa, the old temple quarter, is the traditional first stop for pilgrims heading to Tirumala. The Peddadargah (Amin Peer Dargah) draws visitors of all faiths. Kadapa is also close to Gandikota, a red-rock gorge on the Penna river often called the Grand Canyon of India.
Kadapa is reachable by road and rail, with a small airport on the outskirts.
Note: Tirupati is the easiest large hub nearby. Many travellers fly or take a train there and finish the trip to Kadapa by bus.
Kadapa’s main sights are in the surrounding district, so plan each one as a half-day or full-day trip.
Note: Gandikota is a long day trip. Start early, and carry water, since the fort area has little shade.
Kadapa’s temples and shrines are tied to Tirumala pilgrimage routes and to saint traditions of the region.
Note: Vontimitta is busiest around Sri Rama Navami in March or April. Book accommodation early if you plan to attend.
Kadapa’s markets are practical and local, built around daily needs, farm produce and the region’s stone.
Note: Bargain gently at the temple street stalls, and ask about delivery charges before buying heavy stone.
Kadapa’s food follows Rayalaseema cooking, which is hot, earthy and built around millet.
Note: Rayalaseema food is spicy by default. Ask for less chilli if you are not used to Andhra heat.
Kadapa’s calendar mixes Hindu festivals with a strong Sufi tradition, and the cooler months are best for sightseeing.
Note: October to February is the most comfortable time to visit. Summers are very hot, often well above 40°C, so avoid April and May for outdoor trips like Gandikota.
Seven Roads Circle and Built Up Circle are the main zingbus pickup points in Kadapa. The Kadapa Bus Stand serves state buses. Your ticket shows the exact point for your trip, so confirm it before you travel.
Pick the point closest to where you are staying. Seven Roads Circle suits the city centre and old town. Built Up Circle suits those coming from the western side. Allow extra time in the evening, when traffic around the junctions builds up.
Yes. You can book a bus to or from Kadapa on the zingbus website or app. Enter your route and date, choose a seat and boarding point, and pay online. Your e-ticket arrives by SMS and email.
Open the zingbus app and go to My Trips. Your confirmed booking shows the boarding point, seat number and trip details. The e-ticket is also sent by SMS and email. Keep your OTP ready, since the marshal checks it at boarding.
zingbus buses carry GPS tracking. Open the app, go to My Trips and select your trip to see the bus’s live location. You can also use the tracking link sent to your phone. Reach your boarding point 15 minutes before departure.
Carry a valid photo ID and your e-ticket on the zingbus app. For overnight journeys, a light layer and a water bottle help, as the coach is air-conditioned. Check the baggage policy on the zingbus website for luggage limits. zingbus support is available through the app and helpline.
Kadapa is reachable by road, rail and a small airport. Kadapa Junction links it with Tirupati, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. NH 40 connects it with Kurnool, about 206 km north. Tirupati Airport, roughly 140 km away, is the largest nearby airport. zingbus runs buses to Kadapa from several cities.
Auto-rickshaws are the most common way to move within the city. They are easy to find near Seven Roads Circle and the bus stand. For Gandikota, Vontimitta or Pushpagiri, hire a cab for the day or take a state bus to the nearest town and then an auto.
Gandikota gorge, Vontimitta Kodandarama Temple, Pushpagiri and Peddadargah are the main sights. Gandikota is the most scenic and needs a full day. Vontimitta and Pushpagiri are shorter trips of a few hours each. Peddadargah is in the city itself.
Devuni Kadapa Lakshmi Venkateswara Temple, Vontimitta Kodandarama Temple, Brahmamgari Matham and Peddadargah are the main religious sites. Devuni Kadapa is traditionally the first stop for Tirumala pilgrims. Vontimitta is known for its Sri Rama Navami celebrations.
Kadapa is known for Rayalaseema food. Ragi sangati with natu kodi pulusu, ulava charu and jonna roti with curry are the main dishes. Karam dosa is a common breakfast. The cooking is spicy, so mention your preference when ordering.
October to February is the best time. The weather is cooler and suits sightseeing at Gandikota and Vontimitta. Summers are very hot, and April and May can be difficult for outdoor travel. Sri Rama Navami in March or April is the main festival period.