Guntur is a working city in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, built on trade in chilli, cotton and tobacco, with a busy railway link to the rest of the state and a cluster of ancient temples and forts in the countryside around it. It sits on the Eastern Coastal Plains, roughly 23 km south-west of Amaravati, and its climate runs from hot, dry winters to a monsoon season that begins in early June.
For a visitor, the practical shape of the city is simple: the older commercial core sits at the centre, while newer residential and commercial growth has spread outward into New Guntur and the suburban areas absorbed into the city limits. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, what each is like, and how the choice changes depending on whether you are here for the temples, for business, or on a tight budget.
Best areas to stay in Guntur
1. Arundelpet
Arundelpet is part of New Guntur, the area that expanded after independence and now forms one of the city's main urban quarters. It is a central, established address with a mix of commercial activity and accommodation, and it suits first-time visitors who want to be within easy reach of the city's core rather than out in the suburbs.
You will find hotel-style accommodation here, including properties with air-conditioned rooms. Its central position makes it a sensible base if you plan to move around the city during the day and want to return to a familiar, well-connected part of town in the evening.
2. Brodipet
Brodipet is another of the urban areas that grew up as part of New Guntur, and it sits alongside Arundelpet in the city's newer commercial and residential belt. It suits visitors who prefer a quieter, more residential feel while still being in the thick of the city rather than on its edge.
Accommodation here is of the same general kind as in the neighbouring central areas, with hotel-style rooms rather than resort or heritage properties. If your days are built around the city's markets, offices and transport links, Brodipet keeps you close to all of them.
3. Pattabhipuram and the northern suburbs
Pattabhipuram is one of the suburban areas that developed as Guntur expanded beyond its older centre, along with Chandramoulinagar, Sitaramanagar and Brindavan Gardens. These are residential neighbourhoods rather than tourist quarters, and they suit travellers who want a calmer base, or who have reason to be in this part of the city.
Expect the same general range of hotel-style accommodation as elsewhere in Guntur, with fewer options than the central areas. The trade-off is distance: you will rely on the city's transport to reach the commercial core and the railway link, so factor travel time into your plans.
4. Pedakakani
Pedakakani lies outside the main city and is known for the Sri Bramarambha Malleswara Swamy Temple. It suits visitors whose main purpose is temple visiting, or who want to be on the quieter side of Guntur while still within reach of the city.
This is not a hotel district in the way the central areas are, so treat it as a base only if the temple is central to your trip. You will need transport for everything else, including the city's markets, offices and railway connections.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Guntur's accommodation is dominated by straightforward hotel-style rooms rather than hostels or guesthouses, so budget travellers should look at simple hotels in and around the central areas and expect to book early in busy periods.
- Mid-range: The city has a good supply of three-star hotels, which form the practical middle of the market and are the most common choice for visitors who want air-conditioned rooms and a central location.
- Splurge: Guntur does not have a large luxury sector; the upper end of what is available is still hotel-style accommodation, so if you want resort facilities or high-end amenities you may need to look towards the capital region near Amaravati.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in Arundelpet. It is central, established and part of New Guntur, which keeps you close to the city's commercial life and its transport connections while giving you the widest choice of hotel-style accommodation. From there you can reach the temples and sites around Guntur without committing to a suburban base.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of Guntur is best for a first-time visitor?
Arundelpet, in New Guntur, is the most practical choice. It is central, well connected and has a range of hotel-style accommodation, making it easy to reach the rest of the city and the sites around it.
Where should I stay if I want to visit the temples near Guntur?
Pedakakani is the obvious base for the Sri Bramarambha Malleswara Swamy Temple, and it also puts you within reach of other temple sites in the region. If you would rather stay in the city, the central areas work as a base with day trips out.
What kinds of accommodation can I expect in Guntur?
The city's accommodation is largely hotel-style, including a number of three-star hotels and properties with air-conditioned rooms. There is no significant hostel or guesthouse scene, and the luxury end of the market is limited.
When is the best time of year to visit Guntur?
The winter months from November to February are dry with little to no rainfall, which makes them the most comfortable time to be in the city. Summers, especially May and June, are the hottest, and the monsoon from early June brings the wettest weather, with July the wettest month.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.