Tourist places in and around Vijayawada
Kanaka Durga Temple
The sacred shrine perched atop the Indrakila Hill by the River Krishna is an icon of Vijayawada. It is dedicated to Goddess Kanaka or the golden deity, who is believed to be the protector of Vijayawada. The shrine wabounds in numerous interesting legends and is a must visit site. The Dasara festival (Sept/Oct) celebrated here is one of the most popular events of Vijayawada. The Indrakila hill is also dotted with several rock-cut temples.Kanaka Durga, goddess of power, is the presiding deity of Vijayawada. The city derives its name from the goddess, also known as Vijaya. The temple of the goddess is situated on the Indrakila hill along the river. The deity in the Kanaka Durga temple is 'Swayambhu' or self-manifested, hence is considered very powerful. Nearby are the Vijayesvara temple and Malleshvaraswamy temple, said to have been installed by Arjuna and Yudhishtira, the Panch Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata Epic
Malleswaraswami Temple
Adjacent to the Kanakadurga temple is the shrine of Malleswara Swamy on the Indrakiladri hill. Mallikarjuna or the Malleswara as he is known in the Puranas is said to have been installed by Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Panch Pandavas, as a token of their victory of the South.Vijayeswara Swami Temple
The Vijayeswara temple is set on the Indrakiladri hill in Vijayawada. The installation of Vijayeswara is said to have been done by Arjuna, to commemorate his victory with Lord Shiva in the form of 'Kirata' (hunter).The Gandhi Hill (Orr Hill)
Perched atop this hill is the first Gandhi Memorial with seven stupas in the country. The impressive monument is 15.8m high and is the tallest structure in the city. It also houses a library and a plantarium. A sound and light show featuring Mahatma Gandhi's life is organised here.The Gandhi Stupa, 15.8ft high, stands on Gandhi Hill, which was formally known as "Orr Hill". This Monument built in memory of Mahatma Gandhi and was inaugurated by the late Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1968. It has the teachings of Gandhi inscribed on stone slabs .The Gandhi memorial Library, sound and light show and planetarium are added attractions here. Climb to the top of the hill for a bird's eye view of the town.
Mogalrajapuram Caves
Just 5 km from Vijayawada are the Mogalarajapuram caves having three cave temples, dating back to the 5th century AD. Out of the 3 cave temples constructed here only one is still in good condition with the idols of Lord Nataraja, Vinayaka and others. The Ardhanareeshwara Murthy found here is considered the only one of its kind in south India.Mogalrajapuram caves located 3 km east of the city centre has five rock cut sanctuaries dating back to the 7th century AD. The Mogalarajapuram temple has an 'Ardhanarisvara' statue which is thought to be the earliest in South India. Cave 2 shows an overhanging cornice with artificial windows. The idols of Lord Nataraja, Vinayaka in one cave are still in good condition among the worn images of deities.
Akkana and Madanna Caves
On the way to the Kanakadurga Temple are the rock-cut caves dedicated to Akkana and Madanna, who were ministers in the court of Abdul Hasan Tanashah in the 17th century. A short distance away is another cave that dates back to the 2nd century BC, which hosts the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara.St. Mary's Church Gunadala
The magnificent church is set on a hillock on the eastern side of the city.Gundala Church is situated on a hillock on the eastern side of the town, at Gundala. It attracts a large number of devotees. A fair is held annually in the month of February, in which thousands of devotees participate.
Prakasam Barrage
This gigantic engineering marvel built across the river Krishna is the pride of vijayawada. The barrage creates a panoramic lake and three canals from it flows through the city giving Vijayawada its Venetian looks.Completed in 1957, the Prakasam Barrage is an impressive 1223.5m long, modern regulator and road bridge that stretches across the river Krishna. Its panoramic lake and the three canals that run through the city give Vijayawada a Venetian appearance.
The barrage first completed in 1855, located on the outskirts of Vijayawada is one of the earliest major irrigation projects in Southern India. The barrage 1000m long was named after the first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Tanguturi Prakasam. The scheme irrigates nearly one million ha, converting the Krishna delta into the richest granary in Andhra.
Rajiv Gandhi Park
This well-laid out park has an impressive horticultural network. There is also a minizoo and a musical water fountain.Walk able distance from the new Vijayawada bus stand, this is an educative park containing built-up structures of dinosaurs and pre-historic animals, with a playing area where one can spend time relaxing and learning. Musical Fountain: 7:30 pm. to 8:15 pm. Monday closed.
Victoria Jubilee Regional Museum
It has a rich collectiojn of ancient sculptures, paintings, idols, weapons, cutlery and ancient inscriptions.The Museum of the Archaeological Department situated on Bandar Road contains beautiful sculptures and attractive paintings worth seeing. 'Buddha' Alluru inscriptions of first and second centuries, and Mahishasura Mardhani are some of the important exhibits.
Located near the new Vijayawada bus stand, this educative park contains built-up structures of dinosaurs and pre-historic animals. There is also a Musical Fountain working from 7.30 p.m. to 8.15 p.m. closed on Mondays.
The Museum of the Archaeological Department situated on Bundar Road contains sculptures and painting. Pre historic materials, such as stone tools, microliths and Neolithic implements are also on display. There is a colossal granite statue of the Buddha and also a well preserved standing white limestone figure of the Buddha from Alluru, dating from the 3C- 4C. Opens at 1030 to 1700. Friday holiday. Entry - free. For camera - Rs.5.
Hazrat Bal Mosque
It houses a holy relic of the prophet Mohammed, which is displayed once a year.Hazrat Bal Mosque, a site of religious significance in Vijayawada. A holy relic of Prophet Mohammad is kept here and displayed once a year.
Undavalli Caves
The Undavalli caves, in the village of Undavalli, are at a distance of 8-km from Vijayawada and nearly 280 km from Hyderabad . The high hill overlooking the Krishna river hosts fine specimens of cut-in architectural and sculptural models.The ancient Hindu cave temples of Undavalli is located about 8km from Vijayawada across the river. The temples are atop the high hills overlooking the Krishna river. There are fine specimens of cut-in architectural and sculptural models. A huge monolith of Lord Vishnu in lying position is worth mentioning.
Bhavani Island
Located upstream the river Krishna, close to Prakasam Barrage, is Bhavani Island. Make sure you visit this picturesque island that is a fantastic picnic spot for holiday-lovers.Perhaps one of the largest Islands on a river, Bhavani Island is located on Krishna River close to the city. AP Tourism is converting this 133-acre island into an attractive tourist spot and a River Front Resort. Journey to the island by boat is very pleasant.
Buddhist sites
Amaravati, Bhattiprolu, Goli, Guntupalli, Ghantasala and Chinna Ganjam are some important Buddhist sites near Vijayawada. Many stupas and viharas were built during the Satavahana and Salivahana dynasties.Gandhi Stupa
The tall Gandhi Stupa situated on Gandhi Hill, was erected in 1968, in memory of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the nation. Gandhi's teachings are inscribed on stone slabs. There is also a memorial Library, a planetarium on the hill. A toy train skirts the hill.Ghantasala
Situated around 90 km from Vijayawada, Ghantasala was once a flourishing Indo-Roman trade as well as an important religious centre. The Buddhist relics and the Hindu structures at the place reveal its past glory. Carved limestone columns belonging to pillared halls associated with 2C-3C Buddhist monastic establishments have been discovered. The ruined Maha Chaitya or stupa that was excavated here is of a unique design. A cube of solid bricks is set in the centre, inscribed with 12 constellations of zodiac. Some of the carved slabs have found their way to museums in Paris.Gunadala Matha Shrine
In 1925, Rf. Arlati, the then Rector of St. Joseph's Orphanage at Gundala, installed a statue of Our Lady and later a church was built and consecrated in 1971, now popularly known as St. Mary's church. Since then the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes became an annual event here, attended by hundreds of people. The church is situated on a hillock on the eastern side of the city.Hamsala Devi
An important religious centre in the district, situated at about 85-km from Vijayawada. 5-km away from this place the Krishna joins the Bay of Bengal. It is considered as a sacred place of pilgrimage being the confluence of the Krishna and the sea. The Shrine of Venugopalaswami, constructed during the rule of the Chola Kings, is an important place of worship. A festival celebrated in honour of this deity for eight days from Magha Suddha Navami to Bahula Padyami (January- February) attracts thousands of pilgrims even from other states.Hinkar Thirtha (Jain Temple), Mangalagiri A Jain temple here with great artistic work, it is slated to be the biggest Jain temple in the region.
Kolleru Lake
Located 95 kms from Vijayawada, this large fresh water lake attracts several species of birds. The lake is spread over an area of 300 sq. miles and pelicans from Siberia and Fiji Island are seen here during October and November every year. The famous Peddinti Amma/ Jaladurga temple is located here. It is a great picnic spot for bird watchers and nature lovers.Kondapalli
Kondapalli village, the famous toy-making centre is located 14 km northwest of Vijayawada. The toys are usually made of light wood called 'Poniki' and lacquered in brilliant colours. These colourful toys depict themes centered around rural life, mythological characters, animals, birds, fruits, vegetables and houses. You can see craftsmen working on carvings in the village. There is a picturesque hill fort at Kondapalli, which passed hands successively through various dynasties.Kondapalli Fort
Kondapalli village is situated 16 kms. from Vijayawada. A 7th century fort on the hill with an impressive three storeyed rock tower was witness to the glory of many dynasties. It served as a business centre. Finally the fort was used as a military training base by the British rulers. A good picnic spot, the village is famous for toy making with light-weight wood available on the hill forest. These toys are famous world-over as "Kondapalli toys".Kuchipudi
Kuchipudi, situated 60-km from Vijayawada, is named after the famous classical dance style Kuchipudi. It is the birthplace of Siddhendra Yogi, creator of the dance form. A dance school in the memory of the great yogi offers courses to train students in the Kuchipudi dance form.Machilipatnam
This port town earlier known as Masulipatnam, is located 70km southeast of Vijayawada. It is renowned for its cotton textiles, especially finely woven muslins and brightly coloured prints. The town is famous for its hand printed silk and cotton saris, upholstery, sling bags and dresses. There are Dutch tombs with carved instructions and coats of arms bearing dates from 1649 to 1725. The Manginapudi Beach, 10kms away is a popular attraction for tourists and divers.Manginapudi Beach
Located near Machilipatnam, lakhs of pilgrims take a holy dip here in the sea during Magha Poornami, as it is ideal for sea bathing. Fabric printing with natural colours known as Kalamkari and gold covering are the major village industries, famous worldwide. The Panduranga Swamy Temple, which is said to be similar to the temple at Pandharpur, is a popular pilgrim centre.Vijayawada Arounds
Mangalagiri (12 km)
It is known for the shrine dedicated to Panaka narasimha. As the name itself suggests, the hill is held very sacred.In Krita Yuga, a prince by name Hrusva Sringi did penance in this place to get rif of his deformities. When Lord Bishnu appeared before him, the prince desired that the God remain there for ever to bless devotees. The prince first transformed himself into an elephant and then into a hill. It is interesting to note that Mangalagiri is in the shape of an elephant.
The presiding deity is Lord Narasimha. A unique feature is that only Panakam (water mixed with jaggery) is offered to the Lord as Neivedyam. It is believed that ghee, hony and milk were offered in previous yugas.
When a devotee offers a pot of Panakam, the deity accepts only half it. The rest is given to the devotee as Prasadam. Though the mandapam is wet with jaggery water, not a fly or ant is found in the area' At the foot of the hill is a temple dedicated to Sri Lakshmi Narasimha. The deity is believed to have been installed by Yudhishtra, the eldest of the Pancha Pandava borthers. At the entrance is a lofty but narrow gopuram.
A shrine of Malleswara with His consort Bhramaramba is situated on the way up the hill.
Mangalagiri is also a special abode of Hanuman. Sri Rama, at the end of His avatar, advised Hanuman to stay in Mangalagiri for ever. He is the Kshetrapalaka of the shrine.
It is famous for the sacred shrine of Lord Narasimha (vishnu) perched atop a hill. The mouth of the unique idol of the presiding deity accepts half the quantity of Panakam (jaggery dissolved in water) offered by devotees, irrespective of the quanity offered.
The Mangalagiri 13 km south of Vijayawada is famous for the renowned temple Lakshmi Narasimha, one of the Nine incarnations of Vishnu. This temple built by the Reddi Chiefs in the 14C on a hillock was remodelled in the 17C to 18C. The devotees believe that the deity accepts only half the quantity of 'Panaka' (jaggery dissolved in water) offered by devotees. There is a small Garuda Shrine in front resembling a chariot.
Amaravati
It is a famous city of learning, art and culture, held sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple of Lord Amareswara is on the banks of river Krishna. The Lingam is 15 feet high, carved out of marble. The temple is known for both Dravidian and Buddhist architectures.Legend saya that when Lord Subramanya killed Tharakasura, the Lingam in his throat fell over five places, making them all holy Siva Kshetras. Amaravati is the main pilgrim center among them. Since Indra and Devas worshipped the Lord here, the city was named Amaravati after Indra,s capital. Goddess Shakti is worshipped as Bala Chamundika Devi.
This Small town is situated around 68kms from Vijayawada on the south bank of the Krishna river. Amaravati is considered the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage center in South India. It is best known for the Great Stupa or Maha Chaitya, believed to have been 32 meters in height and 32 meters diameter, was larger than one at Sanchi, Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. The dome was faced with intricately carved marble slabs. The origins of the stupa go back to the 3rd or 2nd centuries BC. The excavations by Col. Colin Mackenzie in 1797 recovered the magnificent railings, sculptured friezes. Almost all these excavated items are placed at the museum of Madras and Kolkata. It is locally known as 'Deepaladinne' or 'Hillock of lamps'. The Archaeological Museum on site contains panels, chakras and caskets containing relics, broken railings and sculptures of the Bodhi tree. Galleries containing pottery, coins, bangles and terracotta. It opens from 0900 to 1700 except Fridays. Amaravathi is also well known for the Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple. The temple built in 10C to 11C by the eastern Chalukyas was largely renovated in 18C by a local chief Venkatadri Nayudu and the presiding deity is Lord Shiva
Draksharama
This is another of the five places where the Lingam from Tharaka,s body fell. Lord Siva is worshipped as Bheemeswara (the Lingam is 2.6 metres heigh). Sage Vyasa had installed the Lingam, and Saptha Rishis have worshipped here. Saptha Godavari Kundam is the holy tank.According to a legend, this place was Daksha Vatika or Yogachala of Daksha. Since Dakshayani had sacrificed her body in the Homa Kundam, no sacrifical yangna or rites are performed on the soil here even today.
Kumararama
The Siva shrine here is dedicated to Lord Someswara and His consort Rajarajeshwari. A dip in Godavari at this spot, where the river meets the sea, is held sacred and is believed to cure ailments. This is known as Koti Theertham.Ksheeraprama
Ksheeraprama (or Palakollu) and Bheemarama (or Bhimavaram), the other two places where Tharaka,s Lingam fell, attract a lot of pilgrims.Sivaratri is celebrated in a grand manner in all these shrines.
Annavaram
It is known for the shrine dedicated to Lord Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy. Satyanarayana puja is performed in the shrine by thousands of devotees round the year. It is considered the second Tirupati.The temple resembles a chariot with four wheels. The sanctum is constructed in accordance with the principles of Atharva Veda (Tripad Vibuthi Narayana Upanishad).
The Moola vigrahas of Lord Vishnu and His consort Lakshmi and a Lingam are installed in a Tripeeta constructed over a Meru with Beejakshara. An Yantra is installed in the lower part of the sanctum, which has entrances on all four sides.
Rajamundry
Rajamundry is the venue of Kumba Mela or Pushkarm, celebrated once in 12 years, when lakhs concourse to have a holy dip in Godavari.Ryali
This famous shrine of Jaganmohini Keshava Swamy is unique. The sanctum enshrines Lord Mahavishnu carved out of a single, five-foot-high Saligramam idol. The image of Mohini is engraved on the other side. Sridevi, Bhoodevi, Adi Sesha, Lord Krishna as Govardhanadhari and sage Narda are varved around the image of Mahavishnu. Another miracle one sees here is that of river Ganga flowing from Lord Vishnu,s feet.In Telugu, Ryali means ‘fall' Puranas speak of this place where a flower from Mohini,s hair fell. Another legend has it that the axle of Chola King Vikramadeva fell here, to indicate that the idol of Jaganmohini lay buried at this spot. The Lord had revealed this to the king in a dream. The king later built a temple for Jafanmohini Kesava Swami. The temple was renovated in the year 1936.
Opposite to the Vishnu temple, there is a shrine dedicated to Lord Siva as Uma Kamandaleshwara. Lord Brahma is said to have installed the Lingal in this temple.