
Kurnool is a city in Andhra Pradesh on the Tungabhadra river, close to the Telangana border and on the Hyderabad to Bengaluru highway. It was the first capital of Andhra State and today works as a gateway to Srisailam, Mantralayam and Mahanandi. zingbus connects Kurnool by bus with Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Tirupati and Kadapa.
Kurnool’s boarding points sit along the city’s main junctions and the NH 44 corridor, so the best one depends on where you stay.
Note: Confirm your exact point on your zingbus ticket. Pickup locations can vary by route, and the junctions get busy in the evening.
Kurnool lies about midway between Hyderabad and Bengaluru, so it is a common stop on both routes. Routes to Tirupati and Kadapa are also widely searched.
Here is the list of routes from Kurnool:
Here is the list of routes to Kurnool:
Kurnool sits where the Tungabhadra and Hundri rivers meet, roughly 215 km south of Hyderabad and 360 km north of Bengaluru. The city served as the capital of Andhra State from 1953 to 1956, before Hyderabad took over as the joint capital. The Konda Reddy Buruju, a fort tower near the old city, still marks the skyline. Kurnool is also the base for the nearby Telangana temple town of Alampur and the pilgrim centres of Srisailam and Mantralayam. The district grows cotton, groundnut and sorghum.
Kurnool is reachable by road and rail, with a small airport at Orvakal.
Note: Most through traffic on NH 44 stops at Kurnool, so overnight buses between Hyderabad and Bengaluru usually have a stop here.
Kurnool’s sights are spread across the district, so group them by direction to save time.
Note: Check road and forest-department timings before heading to Srisailam, as the ghat road section has restrictions at night.
Kurnool is a major pilgrim stop, with Shaiva, Vaishnava and saint traditions all within a day’s drive.
Note: Dress modestly and expect long queues at Srisailam and Mantralayam during festivals and weekends.
Kurnool’s markets serve the cotton and farm economy around the city, with a mix of old bazaars and newer retail roads.
Note: Markets are busiest between 5 pm and 8 pm. Visit in the morning for a quieter experience.
Kurnool’s food belongs to Rayalaseema cooking. It is millet-based, spicy and heavy on chilli and garlic.
Note: Rayalaseema cooking is strongly spiced. Ask for a milder preparation if you are not used to it.
Kurnool’s festivals centre on its temples, and winter is the most comfortable season to travel.
Note: October to February is the best time to visit. Summers are very hot, often above 40°C, so avoid April and May for outdoor trips.
Bellary Chowrasta is a main zingbus point in Kurnool. The Kurnool Bus Stand serves state buses, and some coaches pick up on the NH 44 bypass. Your ticket shows the exact point for your trip, so confirm it before you travel.
Pick the point closest to where you are staying. Bellary Chowrasta suits the city centre. The NH 44 stops work if you are heading straight to Hyderabad or Bengaluru. Allow extra time in the evening, when the junctions get busy.
Yes. You can book a bus to or from Kurnool 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 to Bengaluru or Hyderabad, a light layer and a water bottle help, as the coach is air-conditioned. Check the baggage policy on the zingbus website. zingbus support is available through the app and helpline.
Kurnool is reachable by road, rail and a small airport at Orvakal. NH 44 links it with Hyderabad, about 215 km north, and Bengaluru, about 360 km south. Kurnool City station has direct trains to major southern cities. Hyderabad’s airport is the nearest major one.
Auto-rickshaws are the most common local transport. They are easy to find near Bellary Chowrasta and the bus stand. For Alampur, Mantralayam or Srisailam, hire a cab for the day or take a state bus to the nearest town.
Konda Reddy Buruju, Orvakal Rock Garden, Alampur and Srisailam are the main sights. The first two are short trips within or near the city. Alampur takes a half day. Srisailam is a full-day trip about 180 km away.
Sri Jagannatha Gattu Temple, Mantralayam, Mahanandi and Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple are the key sites. Srisailam is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Mantralayam is the shrine of Raghavendra Swamy and is especially busy on Thursdays.
Kurnool is known for Rayalaseema food. Jonna roti with curry, ragi sangati and mirchi bajji are the most common dishes. Meals are spicy and garlic-heavy. Ask for a milder version if you prefer less heat.
October to February is the best time. Days are cooler and suit temple visits and sightseeing. Summers are very hot, and April and May can be difficult for outdoor travel. Maha Shivaratri and the Mantralayam festival are the main festival periods.