Travel Destinations » Vijayawada Andhra Pradesh

The Heart of Andhra Approached from Hyderabad (361km away) or Nagarjunasagar (192km away), the road to Vijayawada lies past acres of lush green paddy fields, fish ponds hemmed in by palm and coconut trees, and scattered hamlets. Located between the river Krishna and its major tributary, Budameru, Vijayawada and its environs are blessed with agricultural and commercial abundance.

Now second in importance to the capital Hyderabad, Vijayawada is truly the heart of Andhra Pradesh. From historical times, it has been the hub of Telegu pohtics, culture and education. Although commercialisation has practically wiped away the cultural ethos, religious and historical landmarks still speak volumes about its flourishing past.

According to legend, the place got its name after Arjuna emerged victorious (victory vijaya) in a particular battle. The recorded history of the place dates back to the fourth century AD, to the times of the Vishnukundi dynasty. The various cave temples built by them can still be seen in and around the city.

Most of the tourist attractions lie scattered along the periphery of the modern township that radiates from the Prakasam barrage. Built between 1852 and 1855, the barrage itself is an attraction. In 1957, the state government built a modern regulator-cum-road bridge along the barrage. The adjoining panoramic lake and the three canals prompt the people of Vijayawada to compare their city to Venice.

The presiding deity of Vijayawada is Kanaka Durga, the goddess of benevolence and wealth. Her temple atop the Indrakila hill on the western fringe of the city is an important pilgrim center.

Open from dawn till 9 pm, the hilltop temple can be approached by a well-kept metalled road. From the base of the hill, autorickshaws and pilgrim buses are available for visiting the temple. There are several lesser temples en route including one marking the place where Arjuna is believed to have prayed to Lord Shiva.

The Kanaka Durga Temple quadrangle is surrounded by the offices of the temple committee, dharamsalas, shops and a few food stalls. One can either buy a Rs 5 general entry ticket or a Rs 25 special darshan ticket to the main temple. Originally built as a cave temple around the tenth century AD, the modern temple is a splendid example of Dravidian architecture. At night, the entire place is lit up — the twinkling lights visible even to the railway passengers on the distant south-eastern route.

The Mogalarajapuram Caves, 10 km away, are examples of cave temples dating back to the fifth century AD. Although all the original temples, except one, have crumbled away, the place is worth visiting. The deity of Ardha-nariswara worshipped here is said to be the only one of its kind in south India.

Past the Prakasam barrage and 8 km away are the more popular Undavalli Caves with fine specimens of cut-in architectural and sculptural models. From the top of the temple, one can enjoy a bird’s eye-view of the surrounding verdant countryside.

Kondapalli, 16 km from Vijayawada, was once much acclaimed for its wooden toys made from Poniki wood. Although the toys are much sought after and sell for a good price in the state emporia, the handful of craftsmen find it difficult to make ends meet. Many have now left their traditional workshops to find work in the nearby power station. Visiting tourists can buy toys directly from the craftsmen here, at a fraction of the emporium price.

Kuchipudi, 60 km from Vijayawada, is another center of lost art. This is the birthplace of the ascetic Siddhendra Yogi who popularized a special form of dance-drama. The village lent its name to this new style and the form came to be known as Kuchipudi. Here too, the Kuchipudi Kala Kendra struggles for survival as it fights a losing battle to preserve the traditional dance in its purest form.

Back in Vijayawada, the tourist is regaled by more modern attractions like a picnic at Bhavani Island, situated upstream to the barrage; the former Orr Hill, now called Gandhi Hill after a grand memorial was constructed here in 1968, the Victoria Jubilee Regional Museum with a rich collection of archaeological finds, open daily except Fridays and a mini zoo-cum-promenade called Rajiv Gandhi Park.

Unfortunately, nothing remains of the flourishing diamond trade or the mines that yielded many famous specimens including the Kohinoor, but one can still visit the ruins of the erstwhile trade center of Machalipatnam, 68 km away.

Getting There:
Vijayawada is well connected with the rest of the country and so is a convenient entry/ exit point.

By air, it is connected to Hyderabad, Vishakapatnam and Rajahmundry, by rail to Calcutta, Bhubaneshwar, Chennai and other important south Indian cities.