Friends , planning to Visit Vijayawada? Looking for places to visit in Vijayawada ? So today let me talk about some must visit vijayawada tourist places !
Vijayawada is a city located in the southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh. It is situated on the banks of the Krishna River and is often referred to as the “business capital” of the state.
With a population of over 1 million people, Vijayawada is a major transportation hub connecting several cities in Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states.
So What is Vijayawada famous for?
The city is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It is home to several ancient temples and monuments, including the Kanaka Durga Temple, Prakasam Barrage, and the Undavalli Caves.
The Kanaka Durga Temple is one of the most famous and revered Hindu temples in the state and is visited by thousands of devotees every year.
In recent years, Vijayawada has undergone significant development, with the establishment of several large industries, including textile, automobile, and food processing industries.
The city is also home to several prestigious educational institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the National Institute of Technology (NIT).
Vijayawada is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, with several festivals and events held throughout the year, including the Kondapalli Toys Festival, the Lepakshi Festival, and the Krishna Pushkaram festival, which is celebrated once every 12 years.
So friends, Vijayawada is a city that blends its rich history and cultural heritage with modern development and growth, making it a unique and exciting place to visit or live in.
List of Vijayawada tourist places:
Vijayawada is a beautiful city located in Andhra Pradesh, India, with many popular tourist attractions. Here are some of the most famous tourist spots in Vijayawada:
- Kanaka Durga Temple: One of the most famous temples in Andhra Pradesh, the Kanaka Durga Temple is located on Indrakeeladri Hill, overlooking the city.
- Prakasam Barrage: This beautiful dam built across the Krishna River offers breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding hills.
- Undavalli Caves: These ancient rock-cut caves date back to the 4th and 5th centuries and are home to beautiful sculptures and carvings.
- Bhavani Island: A beautiful island located on the Krishna River, Bhavani Island is a popular spot for boating, picnics, and camping.
- Kondapalli Fort: A historic fort built in the 14th century, the Kondapalli Fort is located on a hill and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
- Gandhi Hill: This hill is named after Mahatma Gandhi and is home to a memorial with his statue, a planetarium, and a park.
- Rajiv Gandhi Park: This beautiful park is located in the heart of the city and features a musical fountain, a mini zoo, and several play areas for children.
- Mogalarajapuram Caves: These ancient rock-cut caves are located on the outskirts of the city and feature beautiful sculptures and carvings.
- Akkanna Madanna Caves – Akkanna Madanna caves are a group of rock-cut Hindu cave temples. Must visit if you are in Vijayawada.
- Victoria Jubilee Museum: This museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits, including ancient sculptures, paintings, and pottery.
- Hrinkar Theerth – It is one of the famous Jain pilgrimage center near Vijayawada.
- Scrap Sculpture Park – Located with in the city it is one of the nice places to visit if you are in the city . As the name suggests all the sculpture here is made up of recycle material.
- Vijaya Keeladri Temples – One of the famous places to visit in the city. Home to 9 temples in the prenises.
- Gunadala Matha Shrine – The Gunadala Matha Shrine is popularly known as St. Mary’s Gunadala Matha Shrine is constructed on a hill in the Gunadala area of Vijayawad. One of the famous churches in Vijayawada.
- Sri Subrahmanya Swamy Temple – The temple is on the foot of foot of the Indrakiladari Hills. It is one of the must visit temples in the city
- Mangalagiri Temple – also known as Shri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple or Sri Panakaala Narasimha Swamy Devalayam is one of the 8 most important temples of Lord Vishnu and hence a must visit.
- Sri Ramalingeswara Swami vari Devasthanam – One of the famous temples in Vijayawada to be visited.
- Sri Marakata Rajarajeswari Devi Temple – Another important temple in Vijayawada.
Places to visit in vijayawada
Kanaka Durga Temple
Also known as Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam is one of the must visit tourist places in vijayawada.
During the “Navarathri” festival, which is celebrated with religious enthusiasm, grandeur, and celebration, lakhs of pilgrims flock to the temple of Kanaka Durga, the Goddess of power, riches, and benevolence and the presiding deity of Vijayawada.
The ancient Kanaka Durga temple, located atop the Indrakeeladri hill on the banks of the Sacred River Krishna in Vijayawada, is rich in historical traditions.
Prakasam Barrage
Prakasam Barrage is a dam built across the Krishna River . The barrage was constructed in the 1950s and is named after Tanguturi Prakasam, a former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
The Prakasam Barrage is one of the largest and oldest dams in India, and it serves several purposes.
It was built to control the flow of the Krishna River and prevent floods, to provide irrigation water to the surrounding areas, and to generate hydroelectric power.
The barrage is 1.2 km long and has 56 radial gates that can be raised or lowered to control the flow of water.
The reservoir created by the dam is called the Vijayawada Lake, and it has become a popular tourist destination in the region.
The barrage also serves as a major transportation link, with a road and railway line running across it.
The Prakasam Barrage has been a significant engineering feat, providing many benefits to the surrounding areas.
It has helped to control floods, increase agricultural productivity, and provide a source of hydroelectric power.
Undavalli Caves
The Undavalli Caves are a group of ancient rock-cut temples located near the city of Vijayawada . These caves are believed to have been built during the 7th century AD and are considered one of the finest examples of Indian rock-cut architecture.
The caves are carved out of a hill, and the largest one is a four-storied structure with a height of about 30 meters.
The main cave is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and features a huge statue of him in a reclining position, which is considered one of the largest such sculptures in India.
The cave also has many other carvings and sculptures, including those of gods and goddesses from the Hindu pantheon.
The other caves in the group are smaller and are dedicated to various deities such as Shiva and the Buddha.
The caves also have some beautiful carvings and sculptures of animals, birds, and other mythological creatures.
The Undavalli Caves are an important cultural and historical landmark in Andhra Pradesh and are a popular tourist destination.
The caves have been declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India and are being preserved for future generations.
Bhavani Island
Bhavani Island is a beautiful river island located on the Krishna River. The island is a popular tourist destination, and it is known for its scenic beauty and various recreational activities.
The island is spread over an area of about 133 acres and is surrounded by the Krishna River on all sides. It is accessible via boats, which can be hired from the banks of the river.
The island has several facilities for tourists, including a children’s park, a restaurant, and various water sports activities such as speed boating, jet skiing, and kayaking.
One of the main attractions of Bhavani Island is the Haritha Resort, which is located on the island and offers comfortable accommodation for tourists.
The resort has several cottages and rooms, along with a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a conference hall.
Bhavani Island is a popular picnic spot and attracts many visitors, especially during the weekends and holidays.
The island provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and is a great place to relax and unwind.
The lush green surroundings and the serene waters of the Krishna River make it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Kondapalli Fort
Kondapalli Fort is a historic fort located in the Kondapalli village, which is about 16 kilometers from the city.
The fort was built during the 14th century AD by the Reddy dynasty, and it is believed to have played an important role in the history of the region.
The Kondapalli Fort is situated on a hill, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding areas.
The fort has three levels, with each level having its own entrance and gate. The fort walls are made of stone and are several meters thick.
The fort has several structures, including a temple, a mosque, and a palace, which are in varying states of preservation.
The fort is also famous for its Kondapalli toys, which are traditional handmade wooden toys that are unique to the region.
The toys are made from softwood, which is carved and painted with bright colors.
The Kondapalli toys are considered to be one of the finest examples of Indian handicrafts.
Kondapalli Fort is a popular tourist destination, and it attracts visitors from all over the country.
The fort provides a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region, and it is a must-visit destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
The Kondapalli Fort is also a great place for trekking and hiking, with several trails leading to the top of the hill.
Gandhi Hill
Gandhi Hill, India’s first Gandhi memorial on a hillside, is a popular tourist destination in Vijayawada.
This Gandhi memorial with seven stupas was built at a height of 500 feet to honour the Father of the Nation.
The main attraction here is the 52-foot-tall Gandhi stupa, which was unveiled on October 6, 1968, by Dr. Zakir Hussain, India’s then-President.
Other attractions include the Gandhi Memorial Library, which has a good collection of literature, a Sound and Light performance commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s life, and a planetarium.
A toy train journey around the hill is a popular pastime among children. Furthermore, the inscriptions on stone slabs representing Gandhi’s teachings are really motivating.
Rajiv Gandhi Park Vijayawada
The Rajiv Gandhi Park, located on the banks of the Krishna River, offers it all: a tiny enclosure with exotic animals, a dinosaur park with life-size reconstructions of ancient species, and a mesmerising musical fountain.
Relaxing in this park’s lush vegetation and listening to the birds’ melodic chirping will instantly rejuvenate you after a long, tiresome week.
Mogalarajapuram Caves
The Mogalrajapuram Caves are a collection of five rock-cut cave temple groupings located in Vijayawada.
They were unearthed during the reigns of the Eastern Chalukyas or the Vishnukundins and were dedicated to Shiva.
They are thought to have been built around the 7th century, following the Akkanna Madanna Caves.
They are modest and plain, but the artwork and symbolism are more sophisticated than at the Akkanna Madanna Caves.
Nataraja, Ganesh, and Ardhanarisvara are among them.
Caves I through V are commonly numbered, with Mogalrajapuram Cave II being the most structurally and iconographically advanced of the five.
It is a centrally protected national monument managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Akkanna Madanna Caves
Another beautiful cave temples situated near Vijayawada. These temples were excavated by the Eastern Chalukya dynasty.
The compound consists of upper and lower caves. Upper caves are more bigger and better preserved and has inscriptions dating back to 7th centuty.
So all these cave temples are one of the must visit tourist places in Vijayawada, if you are in the city.
Victoria Jubilee Museum ( Bapu Museum)
This museum was established in the year 1887, in commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria’s reign.
The museum is also known as the Bapu Museum, in honor of Mahatma Gandhi, who was also known as Bapu.
The Victoria Jubilee Museum houses a vast collection of art and antiquities from various regions of India, including ancient sculptures, paintings, bronzes, and weaponry.
The museum also features a collection of textiles and coins, as well as exhibits on natural history and ethnography.
One of the most significant pieces in the museum is the ancient limestone statue of the Buddha from Alluru, dating back to the 3rd century BC. The museum also has a gallery dedicated to the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
Hrinkar Theerth
Hinkar Tirtha is a Jain temple located just outside Vijayawada on the main highway. Hinkar Teerth Jain Temple is devoted to Mool Nayak, and devotees from all over the world visit this temple each year to seek Mool Nayak’s blessings.
It has beautiful architecture, and the statues are carved on granite stone.
The temple will have wonderfully sculpted marble pillars with different poses of gods and goddesses etched on them.
The major attraction of the temple is the Manastambha, a symbol of reverence that is sculpted on the temple’s façade.
Scrap Sculpture Park
One of the must visit tourist locations in the city as the name suggest, it is a theme park and everything you see here is made up of scrap.
So this uinque park is one of the cool places to visit in vijayawada.
It is a very nice and unique concept and hence makes it worth a visit.
Do visit this place if you are in the city.
Gunadala Matha Shrine
Gundala Matha Shrine, also known as Mary Matha Shrine and St Mary’s Church, is built on a hill in Krishna district near Vijayawada.
A remarkable attribute of the shrine is an iron cross constructed atop the hill.
Another highlight is a museum inside the cathedral, which houses a collection of rare donations from worshippers as well as ancient sacred relics.
Sri Subrahmanya Swamy Temple
The Subramanya Swamy Temple, dedicated to the Lord of Serpents Kartikeya, and is located at the foot of the Indrakiladari Hills.
The temple worships Lord Subramanya in all three forms: Sri Dandayudhapani Swamy as a kid, Sri Valli Devayanai in his original form, and finally as a serpent.
It is made of gleaming white stone, with beautiful brickwork adorning the facade. The temple also contains a silver-covered Garuda pillar, which has sacred importance for the devotees.
The worshippers worship an anthill near the temple, which is the natural abode of snakes, with equal zeal and belief.
A visit to this temple is an unexpected reunion with nature, since it is located in the midst of stunning mountains, forests, and rivers.
It is said that one must take a holy bath in the Kumaradhara River before visiting the temple. The entrance of the temple is from the back side of the temple , from where you can do parikrama of the lord.
Mangalagiri Temple
One of the very famous temples in region, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is one of the most important places to visit in vijayawada.
It is one of the eight sacred places of Lord Vishnu and It is also known for being one of the eight mahakshetras Narasimha in India.
It is one of three temples placed on and around the bottom of the hill, the other two being Panakala Narasimha Temple atop the hill and Gandala Narasimha Temple at the summit.
It boasts one of the tallest gopurams in South India and the only one of its kind in this region. It stands 153 feet (47 metres) tall, 49 feet (15 metres) wide, and has eleven stories.
It is aid that this temple was established by the eldest Pandava brothers, Yudishtira.
Sri Ramalingeswara Swami vari Devasthanam
Located on top of a small hill it is a must visit temples in Vijaywada. View of Krishna and Vijayawada is beautiful from here.
Best place to review sunset and good place for meditation.
Sri Marakata Rajarajeswari Devi Temple
Sri Marakata Rajarajeswari Temple was erected by Avadhoota Datta Peethadhipathi His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji and is dedicated to the Goddess Rajarajeswari, the principal deity of SriVidya Upasakas, SriVidya Seekers.
According to legend, and as seekers believe, she is present in every individual, manifests as Shat Chakras, and installs herself in the Sahasrara.
It is one of the most ornate temples in Vijayawada in terms of architecture.
The temple contains the nine forms of the Goddess Navadurga. Shaila Putri, Rahmacharini, and Chandraghanta Devi sit on the northern side, Kushmanda, Skandamata, and Katyayani sit on the eastern side, while Kalaratri, Mahagowri, and Siddi Dhatri sit on the southern side.
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