| The third largest city in Andhra Pradesh, Vijayawada also know as Bezawada, is bordered by the scenic Indrakiladri Hills on the west and the Budameru River on the north. Located at a distance of about 275 km from the state capital, this enchanting city has emerged as a major tourist, trading and business center. |
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| Vijayawada translates to mean "place of victory". According to the legends, Arjuna performed penance on these hills to appease Lord Shiva, who appeared before him and bestowed him with the prized weapon 'Pasupathasthra'. Also Goddess Durga is believed to have rested here after slaying the wicked demon Mahishasura in a fierce battle. The famous Kanaka Durga shrine located on top of the hills and overlooking river Krishna, is thronged by hundreds of devotees daily. |
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| The impressive Prakasam Barrage, which is 1223.5 mt long across the river Krishna has created a beautiful reservoir lake, and is also responsible for irrigating lakhs of acres of land. Vijayawada is also home to some of the best varieties of mango, which are available here in plenty during the summer months. The Kondapalli village, which is located close to the city is a favourite picnic spot, and home to the famous light weight Kondapalli toys, painted in vibrant colours. |
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| Akkana and Madanna Caves |
| These caves are situated on the way to Kanaka Durga temple and are dedicated to Akkana and Madanna who were ministers in the court of Abdul Hasan Tanashah in the 17th century. A short distance from these caves is another cave dating back to 2nd century BC which hosts the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara.
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| Mogalrajapuram Caves |
| Mogalrajapuram caves are located at a distance of 5km east of city. It has five rock cut sanctuaries dating back to the 5th century AD and of these only one is in good condition. The Mogalarajapuram temple has an 'Ardhanarisvara' statue which is thought to be the earliest in South India and one of its kind. One of the caves has an overhanging cornice with artificial windows. The idols of Lord Nataraja and Vinayaka in one cave are still in good condition compared to the other worn out images of deities. It is also a place of archaeological importance. |
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| Prakasam Barrage |
| Located on the outskirts of Vijayawada, Prakasam Barrage is a 1223.5 m long, modern regulator and road bridge built across the River Krishna. Its beautiful lake and three canals flowing through Vijayawada give the city a Venetian look. The barrage first completed in 1855, is one of the earliest major irrigation projects in Southern India. It 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. |
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| Undavalli Caves |
| The Undavalli caves in Guntur district are situated at a distance of only 8km from Vijayawada. These ancient Hindu cave temples are believed to be of the 4th and 5th century AD's. They are fine specimens of architectural and sculptural models carved out of solid rock. The temples are atop the high hills overlooking the Krishna river. A huge monolith of Lord Vishnu in lying position is worth seeing |
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| Kolleru Lake |
| The lake is situated at a distance of 95km from Vijayawada. It is a large freshwater lake spread over an area of 300sq. miles. It is home to migratory birds in the months of October and November every year, the most common visitors being Pelicans from Siberia and Fiji Islands. It is a great picnic spot and a paradise for birdwatchers. It has religious significance as well, the famous Peddinti Amma/ Jaladurga temple being situated here |
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| Manginapudi Beach |
| Located at a distance of 65kms from Vijayawada, the scenic beach is breathtakingly beautiful. A unique feature of this beach is that it has black soil instead of sand. On the occasion of Magha Poornima lakhs of pilgrims gather here to take a holy dip in the sea. An old light house is one of the tourist attractions. A number of beach resorts are coming up to cater to the tourist crowd |
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| Amaravati Museum |
| The Archaeological Museum at Amaravati houses mainly Buddhist relics. The antiquities found here include collections from Buddhist sites in Andra pradesh which belong to the period between 3rd century BC to 12th century AD. It contains panels, chakras and caskets containing relics, broken railings and sculptures etc. The exhibits are arranged in different galleries. Gallery I exhibits inscribed relief of Buddha from Gummadidurru, Image of Buddha, Terracotta, Coins, Beads, Dome-slabs, Pillar fragments and Miscellaneous Sculptures. Gallery II exhibits relics of 2nd century BC, inscribed pillars, drum and dome slabs, stone-wheel from Lingarajapalli and Buddha images form Alluru. The museum is open from 0900 to 1700 on all days except Fridays |
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| Bhavani Island |
| It is located at a distance of 4 km from Vijayawada city. The island is situated upstream of River Krishna, close to the Prakasam Barrage and is perhaps the largest island on a river, with an area of about 133acres. The placid waters make it an ideal picnic spot, besides there is extensive forest coverage, shimmering ponds and rolling meadows. Boat riding facility is also available here |
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| Hazrat Bal Mosque |
| Hazrat Bal Mosque is a place of religious significance in Vijayawada. The specialty of this mosque lies in the fact that it is one of those rare mosque's in India which houses the relics of Prophet Mohammed which is displayed once a year |
