Tripurantakam, in the north-west of the district, is the site of an old Shiva temple that is counted as one of the Pancharama Kshetras' guardians — a string of important Shaivite sites scattered across Andhra Pradesh. The hilltop shrine has Kakatiya-era stonework and inscriptions that record patronage from successive medieval dynasties.
The drive up from Ongole is long — over two hours each way — and the road is rural. For temple-focused travellers it rewards the effort with an older, less commercial atmosphere than the more famous Andhra shrines. Combine with a visit to the nearby Nagarjunasagar reservoir if you are pushing on.