ABOUT VIJAYAWADA:

• The ‘City of Victory’ is set amidst scenic surroundings on the banks of river Krishna and is picturesquely ringed by beautiful hills.
• ‘Cultural Capital’ of Andhra Pradesh is an important historical, cultural, political, pilgrim, education and commercial centre.

 MODE OF COMMUNICATION:

• Airport: Vijayawada Airport, Vijayawada (VGA), 20 kms away from Vijayawada city centre.
• Rail: Vijayawada Railway Station, Vijayawada, 6 kms away from Vijayawada city centre.
• Road: Well connected by road.

SIGHTSEEING AT A GLANCE:

For more information visit https://krishna.ap.gov.in/

ATTRACTIONS OF VIJAYAWADA

Kanaka Durga Temple:

• Sacred shrine perched atop the Indrakila Hill by the River Krishna is an icon of Vijayawada.
• Dedicated to Goddess Kanaka or the golden deity, who is beloved to be the protector of Vijayawada.
• Shrine abounds in numerous interesting legends and is a must visit site.
• Dasara festival (September/ October) celebrated here is one of the most popular events of Vijayawada.
• Indrakila hill is also dotted with several rock-cut temples.

The Gandhi Hill (Orr Hill):

• Perched atop hill is the first Gandhi Memorial with seven stupas in the country.
• Impressive monument is 15.8 metres high and is the tallest structure in the city.
• It also houses a library and a planetarium.
• A sound and light show featuring Mahatma Gandhi’s life is organised here. 

St. Mary’s Church:

• Magnificent church is set on a hillock on the eastern side of the city. 

Prakasam Barrage:

• Gigantic engineering marvel built across the river Krishna is the pride of Vijayawada.
• Barrage creates a panoramic lake and three canals from it flow through the city giving Vijayawada its Venetian looks.

Rajiv Gandhi Park:

• Well-laid out park has an impressive horticultural network.
• There is also a mini zoo and a musical water fountain.

Victoria Museum:

• A rich collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, idols, weapons, cutlery and ancient inscriptions.

Hazrat Bal Mosque:

• Houses a holy relic of the Prophet Mohammed, which is displayed once a year.

ATTRACTIONS AROUND VIJAYAWADA

Amaravati:

• Major Buddhist pilgrim centre on the banks of river Krishna, 60 kms away from Vijayawada.
• Former capital of the Satvahanas and one of the four important places of Buddhist worship in the country.
• 2000 years old Mahastupa, locally known as Deepaladinne or ‘Hillock of Lamps’.
• Largest stupa in India, measuring 36.5 metres wide and 16.5 metres high.
• Besides this, only few scattered ruins are all that remains of the once grand city.
• A small replica of the Mahastupa can be seen at the nearby museum.
• The Amareswara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is another famous holy site.

Mangalagiri:

• 12 kms away from Vijayawada.
• Famous for the sacred shrine of Lord Narasimha (Vishnu) perched atop a hill.
• Mouth of the unique idol of the presiding deity accepts half the quantity of Panakam (jiggery dissolved in water) offered by devotees, irrespective of the quantity offered.

Hinkar Thirtha:

• Newly built shrine at Mangalagiri is the biggest Jain temple of the region.
• Magnificent shrine is noted for great artistic work.

Machilipatnam:

• 70 kms away from Vijayawada sea-side Township was an important trading post.
• Birth place of Kalamkari art of textile printing.
• Manginapudi beach near the town is simply irresistible and is very safe for bathing.
• Thousands of pilgrims take a holy dip in the sea during Magha Poornima.
• Panduranga Swamy temple here is a famous Hindu pilgrim centre.