Vijayawada Travel

Location: Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh
Major Attractions: Temples
Best Time to Visit: September to February
Temperature: Summer: Max 45°C, Min 28°C; Winter: Max 32°C, Min 18°C

Introduction

Affectionately dubbed as the ‘City of Victory’, Vijayawada is a beautiful city located in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Situated on the banks of the Krishna River and flanked by the Indrakiladri Hills to the west, the city is renowned for its ancient and sacred temples. It also serves as a gateway to prominent Buddhist centres such as Gudivada, Amaravati, and Ghantasala. Goddess Kanaka Durga, the deity of power and prosperity, is the presiding goddess of the city. Vijayawada is also known as the ‘Business Capital’ of Andhra Pradesh, as it is a major trading and commercial hub of the state.

History

According to legend, Vijayawada is the sacred place where the Pandava prince Arjuna received the blessings of Lord Shiva after performing penance. The history of the region dates back to the Stone Age, indicating its ancient origins.

Main Attractions of Vijayawada

Kanaka Durga Temple

Dominating the landscape of Vijayawada, this temple is the most famous attraction of the city. Built in honour of Goddess Kanaka Durga, the temple houses a self-manifested idol of the goddess. The Sri Chakra installed inside the temple is believed to have been consecrated by Adi Guru Shankaracharya.

Kondapalli Fort

This majestic fort is located about 16 km from Vijayawada in Kondapalli town, which is also famous for its traditional Kondapalli toys. Dating back to the 14th century, the fort is situated on a hill and was originally built by Prolaya Vema Reddi. It was later renovated by the Qutub Shahi rulers. Key attractions of the fort include a three-storied rock tower, a dargah of a saint, and the remains of ancient prisons.

Victoria Jubilee Regional Museum

This museum is known for its impressive collection of sculptures and paintings. It is currently maintained by the Archaeological Department.

Bhavani Island

Bhavani Island is a scenic river island and a popular picnic spot, offering leisure activities amid serene surroundings.

Gundala Church

Located on a hillock, this church is well known for its annual fair held in the month of February.

Prakasam Barrage

This magnificent barrage was constructed in 1957 across the River Krishna.
Popular destinations near Vijayawada include Kuchipudi (famous for its classical dance form), Mangalagiri (renowned for its temples), and Kondapalli (a hub of traditional handicrafts). These places can be easily visited during a Vijayawada tour.

Shopping in Vijayawada

Vijayawada is famous for its vibrant Kondapalli toys, crafted in the shapes of fruits, vegetables, birds, mythological figures, and village scenes. The city is also well known for its delicious mangoes and traditional mango pickles.

Accommodation

Being a prominent tourist destination, Vijayawada offers a wide range of accommodation options, including budget hotels, luxury hotels, and government-run guest houses.

How to Reach Vijayawada

By Air: Gannavaram Airport, located about 20 km from the city, is the nearest domestic airport and connects Vijayawada with cities such as Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam.

By Rail: Vijayawada is well connected to major cities such as Chennai and Hyderabad. It is one of the busiest railway junctions in South India and among the largest railway junctions in India.

By Road: Vijayawada is well connected by road to all major cities of South India.

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