Location :18 miles From Penukonda, Ananthapur District, Andhra Pradesh.
Nearby Tourist Attractions : Lepakshi, Gooty Fort, Rayadurg Fort, Hemavathi, Penukonda Fort.

Best Time To Visit : All Round The Year.

Abode Of : Puttaparthi Sri Satya Sai Baba.


Located 400-km from Hyderabad by road, the village Chitravati, situated at a distance of about 18 miles from Penukonda, 2 miles from Penukond-Bukkapatnam road has now become a centre of great attraction, Puttaparthi. It is abode of Puttaparthi Sri Satya Sai Baba. An important tourist attraction of Ananthapur district, Puttaparthi is surrounded by the arid and rocky hills bordering Karnataka.

The Abode Of Bhagwan Sri Satya Sai Baba
Puttaparthi, once a sparsely populated village, has shot into national and international fame as the abode of Bhagwan Sri Satya Sai Baba. The original name of Sai Baba is "Satyanarayana Raju". He was born on November 23, 1926 in Puttaparthi.

He started showing unusual talents and purity and compassion from an early age. Baba's supernatural abilities caused some concern to his family, who took him to Vedic doctors. After being pronounced to be possessed by the divine rather than the diabolical, at the age of fourteen he announced that he was the new incarnation of Sai Baba, a saint from Shirdi in Maharashtra who died eight years before Satya was born. Number of devotees, from all over the world flock to this small town every year to have a glimpse of the Baba, and be touched by him.

His disciples have constructed the 'Prashanti Nilayam' an ashram, which attracts large number of devotees throughout the year. Prasahanti Nilayam means 'the abode of peace". The ashram was inaugurated in 1950. The ashram is a huge complex with room for thousands, with canteens, shops, a museum and library, and a vast assembly hall where Sai Baba gives 'darshan' twice daily. A considerable number of devotees turn out for his birthday celebrations in Puttaparthi, where he delivers a message to his devotees.

The Museum
The most often-visited place in the ashram is the museum, which is located on the nearby hillock. The museum contains models of various temple structures including the Golden Temple of Amritsar, the Mecca mosque, etc. The museum also depicts the story of Satya Sai Baba, right from his birth to the time he attained 'Nirvana'.

How to get there
Air : The nearest airports to Puttaparthi are Bangalore and Tirupati at the distance of 250-km and 300-km respectively.

Rail: The nearest railhead - Dharmavaram at a distance of 30-km on Secunderabad - Dharmavaram and Pakhal - Dharmavaram line.

Road: Puttaparthi is situated at 150-km from Anantapur and 30-km from Dharmavaram. Regular State buses from Hyderabad and major towns of A.P. Taxis are also available from Bangalore.

Local Transport: Taxis are available from the railway stations.

Where to Stay
Ashram guesthouses are available for accommodation at Puttaparthi. Tourist lodges are also available at Dharmavaram, and Penukonda. Tourist Lodges and hotel accommodation are also present at Anantapur.