Home :: South India Travel Destinations :: Vijayawada India

» Location : Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh
» Best time To Visit : September To February, Especially During Dasara (Dussehra)
» Also Known As : Bezawada
» Attractions : Kanaka Durga Temple, Prakasam Barrage, Amaravati, Undavalli Caves, Gandhi Stupa

Historically considered as the cultural, political, pilgrimage and educational center of the state, Vijayawada is located on the banks of the holy river Krishna. It is believed that Arjuna, of the epic Mahabharatha prayed at the Indrakeeladri Hill and won the blessings of Lord Shiva.

People from this land of legends gathering thousands for a dip in river Krishna on important festivals particularly on Mahasivarathri. Krishna Pushkaram occurs once in 12 years is an all India festival and lakhs of people pay their homage to the sacred Krishnaveni. Arjuna obtained the famous "Pasupathastra" after doing penance of "Indrakeela" hill.

The Prakasam Barrage constructed in 1957 with an impressive 1223 meters long across the river Krishna is a panoramic beauty of Vijayawada.

Prime Attractions of Vijayawada
Prakasam Barrage : The idea of constructing a barrage across Krishna dates back to 1798. But it took shape in the hands of Captain Buckle and was revised in 1839 and 1841 by Captain Best and Captain Lake. After the endorsement of Major Cotton, it was approved by the board of Directors of East India Company on 5th January, 1850. The barrage was started in 1852 and completed in 1855. Later the State Government constructed a new regulator bridge which was named after Sri Tanguturi Prakasam, the first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Completed in 1957, it helps irrigating over 12 lakh acres. It provides a panoramic view of the river.

Victoria Jubilee Regional Museum : Located in Victory city of Vijayawada, having collection of ancient sculpture, paintings, idols, inscriptions, the Victoria Museum is one of the center of attraction.

Bhavani Island : Located in the upstream of river Krishna close to Prakasam Barrage this Island has a panoramic beauty and center of attraction for many tourists. The Tephostsavam during Dassara Festival adds glory to this Island.

Gundala Church : 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.

Undavalli Caves : About 8km out of Vijayawada, these cave temples were carved out of black granite hills sometime in the 7th century AD. A must-see here is the 5m long reclining Vishnu sculpted from a single block of granite. But before you can sigh at the fine piece of craftsmanship, you'll have to launch a manhunt for the keeper who has the keys to the shrine. Other temples that you can pay a flying visit to are those dedicated to the Trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

KanakaDurga Temple : Built a top Indra Keeladri a sacred Kankadurga Temple is synonymous with Vijayawada. Kanakadurga, the Goddess of power, riches and benevolence is considered to be the presiding deity of Vijayawada. During Dassara, one of the important festivals of this country special celebrations are held. The rock cut caves dedicated to Akkanna, Madhanna on the way to the Kanakadurga Temple remainds the Qutub Shahi rules of 17th Century.

Excursions of Vijayawada
Amaravati : Some 30km due west of Vijayawada, near the bank of the Krishna River, stands the ancient Buddhist centre of Amaravathi, the former capital of the Satvahans, the successors to the Mauryas in this part of India. Here you can see the 2000 year old stupa with its intricately carved pillars and marble-surfaced dome which itself is equally richly carved. The carvings depict the life from everyday life. It's not as large as that at sanchi in Madhya Pardesh but it's worth a visit if you're interested in Buddhist relics of the Hinayana era. There's a Museum on the site containing relics found in the area. The ancient Buddhist centre known as Dhanyataka and the former capital city of Satavahanas is 60kms south west of Vijayawada. During the time of Acharya Nagarjuna, the Buddhist philosopher, Amaravathi was a renowned seat of learning where a Buddhist university flourished. It is built of kiln-burnt bricks and faced with marble slabs, the Maha stupa was richly adorned with carvings, depicting events from the life of Buddha along its dome and the outer and inner sides of the railing.

Kuchipudi : Kuchipudi, 60-km from Vijayawada, is the birthplace of Siddhendra Yogi, originator of the famous Kuchipudi style of dance. The village is in an area known for artistic divine and literary pursuits. A full-fledged dance school keeps the memory of the great yogi alive by offering courses to train students in the Kuchipudi dance form.

How to Get There
By Air : Vijayawada is connected to Hyderabad & Rajahmundry by air. 

By Rail: Vijayawada is connected by rail with most parts of the country. 

By Road: Good motorable roads connects Vijayawada with major cities in India. Some distances are Amaravati (66 km.), Bhubaneswar (792 km.), Mumbai (1010 km.), Calcutta (1245 km.), Delhi (1724 km.), Hyderabad (271km.), Chennai (433 km.), Rajahmundry (167 km.), Tirupati (380 km.), Visakhapatnam (366 km.), Warangal (253 km.). 

By Local Transport : Tourist Taxis, Metered Taxis, Auto rickshaws, and Cycle Rickshaws are available. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) operates point-to-point bus services, which connect important places within the city with each other.

General Information about Vijayawada
» Climate: Tropical
» Temperature Range (deg C):
- Summer- Max 45, Min 28
- Winter- Max 30, Min15
» Clothing: Light Cottons
» STD Code: 0866