Vijayawada, also called as "Bezawada" is a city located in Andhra Pradesh state. Vijayawada which is about is 257kms from Hyderabad; the state capital is bounded by the Budameru River on the north, the Bay of Bengal in the east, Indrakeeladri Mountain in the west and renowned River Krishna in the south.
Vijayawada literally means ‘Palace of Victory’ and there are many mythological stories associated with the city. It is believed to have been visited by the Chinese traveler Hieun T`sang. This city is famous for its best quality mangoes. Today it is an important business centre in the state. Vijayawada is the largest railway junction on the South Central Railway Line. Vijayawada is a thriving tourist destination and there are several places of tourist’s interest in and around this city. The city is also famous for a festival called Krishna Pushkaram which is celebrated once every twelve years.
Places to visit in Vijayawada
Kanaka Durga Temple
Kanaka Durga Temple is situated on the banks of Krishna River and atop the Indrakeeladri Parvat. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kanaka Durga. It is believed that the deity here is ‘Swayambhu’ i.e. self-originated. This reference of the ancient temple is seen in many ancient Hindu scriptures. The most important Poojas performed here include the Saraswati Pooja and Theppotsavam. Pilgrims from all over India visit the temple during Navaratri celebrations which is the very popular festival here.
Kondapalli Fort
Kondapalli Fort is 28 kilometres away from Vijayawada. Kondapalli Fort dating back to 14th century is perched atop a hill range in the Eastern Ghats. Several rulers had held the reigns of this historical fort. This fort which has a three storeyed clock tower served as a business centre. It was also used as the military training base during the British rule. Today this fort is a major tourist attraction.
Prakasam Barrage
Prakasam Barrage is one of the main attractions in Vijayawada. Prakasam Barrage measuring 1223.5 meters in length is a road bridge and a water reservoir rampart which is built across the river Krishna. Named after the first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Tanguturi Prakasam, Prakasam Barrage was completed in the year 1957. The barrage encloses a lake and three canals run from it through the city of Vijayawada that makes the city reminiscence of Venice.
Undavalli Caves
Undavalli Caves are 8 kms. from Vijayawada in Undavalli Village of Guntur District. These two storeyed cave structure dating back to the 4th or 5th century AD is positioned atop a hillside overlooking the Krishna river and is carved out of solid sandstone. These caves are finest examples of rock cut architecture of India.
Mogalarajapuram Caves
Mogalrajapuram caves are located at a distance of 5km from the city. This is a group of rock cut caves estimated to be dating back to 5th century AD. The Mogalarajapuram temple has an 'Ardhanarisvara' statue. The idols of Lord Nataraja and Vinayaka can also be seen inside the cave.
Gandhi Hill
It was on this hill that the first Gandhi memorial was built to pay tribute to Father of Our Nation, Mahatma Gandhiji. The memorial was constructed at a height of 500 feet with seven stupas. The 52 ft. stupa was inaugurated by thee then President of India, Dr. Zakir Hussain on October 6, 1968. Stone slabs which are inscribed with teachings of Gandhiji can be found here. Gandhi Memorial Library and the city planetarium are other attractions here.
Victoria Museum
The Victoria Jubilee Museum in Vijayawada was established in 1887. This archaeological museum set up by the State Archaeological Department houses many beautiful sculptures, Pre-historic tools, pottery, manuscripts , gold and silver coins, stone cut writings, attractive paintings, idols, weapons, stone and copper plates, cutlery, ancient inscriptions, Neolithic and Mesolithic equipment’s etc. A 4th century idol of Lord Shiva, a figure of Lord Buddha framed out of granite and white limestone is some of the other attractions here.
Rajiv Gandhi Park
The Rajiv Gandhi Park of Vijayawada named after the Late Prime Minister of India Sri Rajiv Gandhi is established and maintained by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation. This beautiful park with variety of plants and flowers is also famous for its mini zoo, aquarium and the musical fountain.
Bhavani Island
The Bhavani Island is located 4 kilometres from Vijayawada city; upstream of the river Krishna and close to Prakasam Barrage. This picturesque island is an excellent picnic spot. One can enjoy boat rides in Krishna river. The place also has nicely maintained swimming pools and many adventure sports facilities. Fishing is another attraction here. Spread over an area of 133 acres this beautiful island has some cottages that offer really comfortable accommodation to the tourists.
Gunadala Matha Shrine
Gundala Church popularly known as St. Mary’s church is situated on a hillock at Gundala in Krishna district near Vijayawada. The annual event of Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes held in the month of February attracts huge number of devotees.
Mangalagiri
Mangala means auspicious and Giri stands for hill. This auspicious hill is located on Vijayawada – Guntur Road. The temple of Sri Panakala Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy perched on elephant shaped hillock is a major attraction here. This temple is regarded to be one of the eight ‘Mahakshetrams’ and is believed to be the oldest Vaishnavite Temple in the South India. At the foot of the hill lock another temple of Lakshmi Narasimha, the famous ‘Hinkar Tirtha’ is situated. This temple is the largest Jain temple of this region.
Amaravati
Amaravati is a small town 60 kms from the city located on the banks of the River Krishna. It is famous for its Dhanyakataka/Dharanikota Buddhist Stupa. The 2000-year old stupa found here is renowned for the marble-surfaced dome and carved pillars. The panels here have carvings depicting the life of Lord Buddha. Amaravati is a major Buddhist worship place in the country. The other attraction here is the Amareswara Temple. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is identified amongst the famous Pancharama temples. The Archaeological Museum at Amaravati houses Buddhists relics and panels, chakras and caskets containing relics, broken railings and sculptures etc.
Kuchipudi
Kuchipudi which is 60-km from Vijayawada is another place worth visiting. This is the birthplace of Siddhendra Yogi who was the originator of the famous Kuchipudi style of dance. There is a dance school here which teaches students the famous Kuchipudi dance form.
How to reach Vijayawada
Vijayawada Domestic Airport situated at Gannavaram about 20 kilometers away from the city. It is well connected to major cities in India like Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi etc. The Vijayawada railway Station on the Chennai - Delhi rail route is a main railway station and happens to be the largest railway junction on the South Central Railway Zone. The station is well connected to all the major destinations in the country through rail route. The city has a good network of district roads and state highways which connect the city with all parts of Andhra Pradesh. APSRTC buses connect Vijayawada with all other major cities and towns in Andhra Pradesh as well as neighboring states.
Accommodation
Plenty of accommodation options are available in the city ranging from luxury high end hotels to budget hotels that cater to the different budgets of the tourists.