Vijayawada, The City of Victory
General Information
Other Name:BezawadaDistrict:KrishnaState:Andhra PradeshCountry:IndiaArea:58 Sq. Km.Language Spoken:Telgu, Hindi, EnglishLong Distance Code:+91-866Importance:Best Time To Visit:September to FebruaryInternational Access:Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Hyderabad)Description:
The major railway junction on the banks of the mighty Krishna River is practically known as the centre of Andhra Pradesh in all the apects. It is an important industrial centre and a fairly hectic town. Few travelers stop here but it's a most convenient place from which to visit Amravathi. In Vijayawada itself, there are a number of important Hindu temples including the Kanaka Durga Temple on Indrakiladri Hill, as well as two 1000-year-old Jain temples. About eight km from Vijayawada, across the river, are the ancient Hindu cave temples of Undavalil. The name of Vijayawada is derived from the "Vijaya" - victory.Location:
Vijayawada, also called as "Bezawada", is 257-km from Hyderabad and is located on the banks of the Krishna River, and is bounded by the Indrakiladri hills on the West and the Budameru River on the North. The city forms a part of the Krishna district, spread over an area of 58-sq- km (urban area).
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 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, the board of Directors of East India Company approved it on 5th January 1850. The barrage was started in 1852 and completed in 1855.
Later the State Government constructed a new regulator cum-round bridge, which was named after Sri Tanguturi Prakasam, the first chief minister of Andhra Pradesh. It provides a panoramic site of the river Krishna flowing besides the city, which travels around 720-km in Andhra Pradesh.
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.
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 these country special celebrations is held. The rock cut caves dedicated to Akkanna, Madhanna on the way to the Kanakadurga Temple remainds the Qutub Shahi rules of 17th Century.
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 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.
The tallest structure in the Vijaywada skyline, Memorial to the Father of the Nation, is the 15.8 m stupa on Gandhi Hill for merely known as Orr Hill. The Gandhi stupa is a monument erected in memory of Mahatma Gandhi. It was unveiled in 1968. The Gandhi Memorial Library, sound and light show, planetarium are the places, which attract the tourists.
Of the three cave temples dating back to the fifth century only one is still is good shape. It contains the idols of Lord Nataraja and Vinayaka among others. The other famous caves are the Undavalli Caves, situated about 8 km from Vijayawada. These caves were built in 7th century A.D.
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.
Manginapudi, situated at about 10-km from Machilipatnam is noted for its fine beach in the district. The beach possesses tremendous potential with a natural bay and comparatively shallow and safe waters. A beautifully laid park with a fountain and well-lit surroundings further enhance its reputation as a place for relaxation.
Gudivada is located 45-km from Vijayawada. Gudivada derived its name from the existence of a number of temples in the past. It was also known as "Vidarbhapuri" as per Khandeyayani Kaikaluru Silasasanam of AD 1628. The place was in existence for over 2,000 years and has been flourishing perpetually from the time of the Satavahanas.
Chandavaram is located in Prakasam district, 50-km from Vijayawada. It is a Buddhist site of great significance. Take a look at a unique double terraced stupa on top of a hillock known as "Singarakonda" (beautiful hillock). It's probably the only one of its kind in elevation in South India. Excavations here have revealed more than 30 beautifully carved limestone panels once decorated the dome, drum and railing of the stupa. Apsidal and circular 'Chaityagrihas', 'Viharas' and several minor stupas are located on the hilltop.
Located on the banks of River Krishna, this sleepy little hamlet called Amaravati, or ( Amareshvaram ) was once a significant ancient Buddhist centre. Around 70 kms from the town of Vijaywada, Amaravati, according to legends it was also once the capital of the ancient Andhra region Known as Satvahana then. It was amongst the four holiest centers for Buddhist pilgrimage, probably because of the giant Mahastupa. This stupa is believed to have been 36.5m in circumference and had intricately carved dome, depicting incidents from the life of Lord Buddha. However only remnants of that 2000 year old structure can be found today in a form of grass hillock. The museum nearby houses a small replica of the structure.A huge Buddhist Congregation; The Kalchakra , is to take place in Amaravati in January 2006. The Kalchakra wil be graced by H. H. Dalai Lama.
Guntupalli is a census town in Krishna district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located in Ibrahimpatnam mandal of Vijayawada revenue division. The town is located 10 km to the west of Vijayawada on NH 9. The largest wagon workshop of Indian Railways is located at a distance of 6.5 kilometres (4.0 mi) from Guntupalli.
Timings: 0900HRS - 1700HRS
Timings: 0900HRS - 1700HRS
Ghantasala is a town and Mandal headquarters in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is 21 km west of Machilipatnam and 11 km east of river krishna .The largest city of this district, Vijaywada, is around 60 km away. It is a rare and reputed center for Buddhist sculptures.
Timings: 0900HRS - 1700HRS
Timings: 0900HRS - 1700HRS