Cover the labels on the locator map. In the first minute, place four northern sites, four central Krishna/Godavari sites and four southern sites. In the second minute, classify each as stupa, active temple, fort, natural cave, rock-cut cave, wetland or hill destination. This works better than rereading place names because the map forces retrieval. Mark only errors, then revisit the same blank outline tomorrow and a week later.

For visual recall, use two questions: “What created it?” and “What is its present function or status?” Natural geology created Belum and Borra; people excavated Undavalli. A worshipping community uses Tirumala today; archaeology protects parts of Amaravati's stupa landscape. An official tentative-list entry describes Lepakshi's nomination pathway, not inscription. After the image drill, solve the book's original MCQs without viewing the explanations, record why each distractor failed, and repeat missed questions. This closes the gap between a long list of attractions and exam-ready discrimination.

Worked example: Use a two-minute blank-map drill. Place three Buddhist sites, three southern shrines, Gandikota, Borra, Coringa and Pulicat. Then label each with type and one distinguishing feature. Finally, pick two date-sensitive claims such as UNESCO status or visitor access and name the official source that must be rechecked before the exam.

Active recall: Recreate the three regional clusters and seven site types in two minutes. Which two names did you confuse, and what clue separates them?