kanakaDurga Temple

One of the most popular temples in and around Vijayawada, it is located on a hill Indrakeeladri overlooking the city as well as the River Krishna. One can either motor up the ghat road or take to the steps on foot. Inscriptions of different dynasties are found in the temple. During Dasara (Durgashtami), lakhs of devotees from the city and its environs throng the temple after a holy dip in the River Krishna close by.

The abode of Kanaka Durga, goddess of power, riches and benevolence, is the presiding deity of the city. The temple is set on the Indrakiladri hill. The deity in the Kanaka Durga temple is regarded as Swayambhu or self-manifested, hence is considered very powerful. It is said that Adi Sankara visited this temple and installed the Sri Chakra here.

The beauty of this temple is seen to be believed. The temple is situated on a hill on the banks of the Krishna river. The origin or installation of Kanaka - durga Devi at Vijayawada is unknown. She is said to be Swayambu or selfmanifest. She also takes the aspect of Chandi or destroyer of the demon Durgama who was causing havoc among the peace - loving inhabitants of Dakshinapatha.

Mother Kanakadurgeswari seated atop the Indrakilaparvatha at Vijayawada is the supreme Goddess of Andhra Pradesh, attracting lakhs of tourists since time immemorial. This temple occupies a covetable place in the scriptures; for several of the Sivalilas and Saktimahimas were enacted on and around it, making the region a place of unparalleled spiritual eminence of everlasting significance.

Temple Timings: 4:00AM to 9:00 PM
Dharshanam Fare:
Dharma Dharshanam Free
Mukha Mandapam Rs. 5/-
Anthralaya Dharshanam Rs. 20/-
Break Dharshanam Rs. 100/-

Location: Lesser than 2 km for Vijayawada central bus stand & Railway Station

Prakasam Barrage

Prakasam Barrage is built across the Krishna River and is located at the outskirts of Vijayawada in Krishna District. Prakasam Barrage is 1223.5 m long and was completed in the year 1957.

The barrage across the Krishna, first built by "Sir Arthur Cotton" more than a hundred years ago and later reconstructed in the 1950s, had been in a state of disrepair since the construction of the Vijayawada Thermal Power Station (VTPS) in 1979, as water level up to a minimum of 17.42 meters has to be maintained to facilitate the passage of water into the cooling canal which carries water to the thermal plant at Ibrahimpatnam.

As VTPS with a capacity of 1,260 MWs (six units of 210 MWs each) is one of the major sources of power to the power-starved State, the barrage could not be depleted for the past 22 years.

This modern regulator and road bridge stretches across the Krishna River and is named after the first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Tanguturi Prakasam. Prakasam Barrage is one of the earliest irrigation projects of south India and the scheme has transformed Krishna delta into the granary of Andhra Pradesh.

The impressive structure of the Prakasam Barrage stretches 1223.5 meter long across the Krishna River. The barrage serves also as a road bridge and spans over a panoramic lake. The three canals associated with the barrage, run through the city of Vijayawada criss crossing it and giving it a Venetian appearance.

The idea of constructing a barrage across Krishna dates back to 1798. But it took some 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 that was named after Sri Tanguturi Prakasam, the first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Completed in 1957 it helps irrigating over 12 lakh (1.2 Million) acres of land. One of the first major irrigation projects of South India, the Prakhasam Barrage in Vijayawada was completely successful in its mission.

Andhra Pradesh largely owes its richness in agriculture to the Prakasam Barrage as the project has helped in the irrigation of huge agricultural lands. The barrage provides gorgeous view with the shimmering lake. The balmy breeze and the placid waters make it one of the major travel attractions in Vijayawada.it is the largest in the asian continent.

Amaravathi

A historically important pilgrimage centre with a rich collection of antique Buddhist sculpture belongs to the 3rd to 12th century BC, Amaravati is located on the banks of the Krishna river. Anciently known Dhanyakataka, Amaravati is a major Buddhist worship place in India.

One of the main attractions is the 2000-year old stupa, renowned for the marble-surfaced dome and carved pillars. Carvings depicting the life and teachings of the Buddha adorn the stupa.

Amaravati museum with ancient collections and Amareswara Temple are some other draw. The temple is assumed to be one among the five Pancharama temples. Amaravati museum showcases the archaeological materials from other Buddhist places in Andhra Pradesh, such as gold flowers, a gold necklace and relic-caskets with bone-relics.

Gandhi Hill

The first Gandhi Memorial with seven stupas in the country was constructed on this hill at a height of 500 ft. The 52 ft. stupa was unveiled on 6th October, 1968 by Dr. Zakir Hussain, the then President of India. Gandhi Memorial Library, a Sound and Light Show on Mahatma Gandhi's life and a planetarium are the other attractions.

Where : Tarapet main road, Back side of Railway Station, Vijayawada Onetown.

Timings: 4pm - 8:30pm (Tuesday Holiday)
Entry Fee: Rs. 3/-

Impotence: Mahatma Gandhi's Photo exhibition, Train & Planetarium Train Fee: Rs 5/-
PLANETARIUM
Entry Fee: Rs. 10/-
Below 5 years children not allowed

RajivGandhi Park

Created by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation with great care, this park welcomes the tourists at the entrance of the city with its impressive horticultural network. A mini zoo and a musical water fountain are added to it.

Where: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Bustand back side, Vijayawada

Timings: Weekdays 2pm - 9pm
Saturday & Sunday 2pm - 10pm
Entry Fee: Adults Rs. 3/-
Children Rs. 2/-

Undavalli caves

This is 8kms from Vijayawada and is said to be carved in the 7th century A.D.This double storeyed caved structure was used as a resthouse by Buddhist monks. A huge monolith of the Lord Buddha in the reclining posture is a magnificent sight.

Bhavani Island

The state government has planned to convert this 133 acre land in the river Krishna into an attractive tourist spot. Journey to the island by boat is very pleasant.

Mogalrajapuram Caves

These caves are said to be excavated in the 5th century AD. The idols of Lord Nataraja, Vinayaka and Ardhanareeswaran exist here.

Hazrat Bal Mosque

A holy relic of the Prophet Mohammed is kept here and displayed for public viewing once a year. A large number of muslims and non-muslims join the celebration.

Gunadala Matha Shrine

In 1925, Rf. Arlati, the then Rector of St. Joseph's Orphanage at Gundala, installed a statue of Our Lady and later a church was built and consecrated in 1971, now popularly known as St. Mary's church. Since then the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes became an annual event here, attended by hundreds of people. The church is situated on a hillock on the eastern side of the city.

Kondapalli Fort

Situated around 16 Km from Vijayawada, Kondapalli Fort is a popular picnic spot among the locales. The fort, dating back to 7th century, was built by King Krishna Deva Raya and served as a business center in its earlier stages but was later converted into a military training base by British. Kondapalli village is not only famous for the fort but also for the handmade toys. Made of light wood they are exported to other countries as well.

Victoria Museum

A place worth for archaeology enthusiasts, Victoria Museum, the museum of the Archaeological Department, has a cautiously conserved gathering of ancient sculptures, idols, inscriptions, paintings, cutlery and weapons. This Victoria Jubilee Museum is located on Bundar Road in Vijayawada. It also exhibits pre-historic stone tools, coins, arms, metal works, Neolithic and Microlithic implements

The major attractions in this museum are the mammoth granite statue of Buddha and the white limestone beautiful figure of Buddha in standing position brought from Alluru.

The museum opens between 11 am - 1 pm and 2 - 6 pm in summers and 10 am - 1 pm and 2 - 5 pm in winters. It is closed on Fridays and public holidays. Admission is free.

Lenin Statue

One of the Lenin Statues in the whole country is erected in Vijayawada. This statue symbolizes the ideologies of communism and the struggle of working class in the whole world, especially in India. This is a marvelous statue and many people pay a visit to this statue.

This place is dynamic with many activities including garlanding on politically important days like May 1, World Laborer's Day.

A statue of Karl Marx is also positioned in Vijayawada. These statues were erected nearly 25 years back in 1980s during which period communists were governing the state.

LakshmiNarasimha Swami Temple,Mangalagiri

Mangalagiri located 13km south of Vijayawada is famous for the renowned temple Lakshmi Narasimha, one of the nine incarnations of Vishnu. This temple built by the Reddi Chiefs in the 14th Century on a hillock was remodeled in the period 17C to 18C.

Hinkar Thirtha (Jain Temple)

Hinkar Tirtha, world renowned Jain temple, is situated in Mangalagiri hills near Vijayawada in Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh. The devotees of this temple believe that the worthy blessings obtaining from the visit of this temple is praise worthy. Many devotees take shelter in this Jain temple and this is the biggest Jain shrine in the region.

This is acclaimed with the Jain style of architecture and stands as a symbol of foregone rich past of Jainism. Definitely a worth visiting place.

Subramanya Swamy Temple

Located in the Indrakeeladri hillock, Subramanya Swami temple overlooks the city of Vijayawada and the river Krishna, and is one of the most admired temples in Vijayawada. This temple, maintained by a famous family known as Iddipilli, has the special credit of having many regular devotees hailing from Tamil Nadu.

Important day in this temple is Skanda Shashti festival and many thousands of devotees visit here during this time. It is also a famous tourist location due to the background settings of the picturesque Indrakeeladri hills.

Besant Road

Besant road is famous as the busiest trade center and a dynamic place in Vijayawada. The road has grown a hub of commercial activities in recent past. This is a place where modern eateries exist with much of western style cuisines and restaurants.

Breasted with many number of cinema halls, more than 50, it is the paradise of film fraternities and lovers. People throng to this street to view the most modern films from all languages, a major source of entertainment for the citizens. A commercial, trade and entertainment center, Besant Road is a nice street to have a visit.

Mangalagiri

Mangalagiri is an auspicious hill to visit, Mangala means auspicious and Giri stands for hill. Located on Vijayawada – Guntur Road, this is an elephant shaped mount.

Mangalagiri has a beautiful attraction, the temple of Sri Panakala Narasimhaswamy, adorned as a crown in its top. This has the main deity as Narasimhaswamy, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. This temple has the credit of one of the eight chief holy temples (Mahakshetrams) in India.

The hillock holds at its foot another temple of Lakshmi Narasimha. Hinkar Tirtha, renowned as the largest Jain temple in the region, is situated here. The Mangalagiri Mountain is blessed with lusting greenery and natural beauty.

Draksharama

This is another of the five places where the Lingam from Tharaka,s body fell. Lord Siva is worshipped as Bheemeswara (the Lingam is 2.6 metres heigh). Sage Vyasa had installed the Lingam, and Saptha Rishis have worshipped here. Saptha Godavari Kundam is the holy tank.

According to a legend, this place was Daksha Vatika or Yogachala of Daksha. Since Dakshayani had sacrificed her body in the Homa Kundam, no sacrifical yangna or rites are performed on the soil here even today.

Annavaram

It is known for the shrine dedicated to Lord Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy. Satyanarayana puja is performed in the shrine by thousands of devotees round the year. It is considered the second Tirupati.

The temple resembles a chariot with four wheels. The sanctum is constructed in accordance with the principles of Atharva Veda (Tripad Vibuthi Narayana Upanishad).

The Moola vigrahas of Lord Vishnu and His consort Lakshmi and a Lingam are installed in a Tripeeta constructed over a Meru with Beejakshara. An Yantra is installed in the lower part of the sanctum, which has entrances on all four sides.