- Known for
- Kanaka Durga Temple, Krishna river
- Best time
- October to March
- Nearest airport
- Vijayawada (Gannavaram)
- Nearest railway station
- Vijayawada Junction
- Nickname
- Vidyalayawada
Temples and shrines
The Kanaka Durga Temple on Indrakeeladri is the city's spiritual centre, and it is busiest during Navaratri. The city has shrines of many faiths: the Subramanya Swamy temple, the Jain temple complex known as Hinkar Tirtha, the Hazratbal Mosque, where a relic of the Prophet is displayed once a year, and the Gunadala Mary Matha shrine, which draws large crowds in February.
History and heritage
Vijayawada is also a centre of learning and has earned the nickname Vidyalayawada.
- Undavalli Caves, rock-cut shrines across the river with a large reclining Vishnu
- Mogalrajapuram Caves, small cave temples from around the 5th century
- Kondapalli Fort, a hill fort on the edge of town, also known for its wooden toys
- Victoria Jubilee Museum, with sculptures and a large granite Buddha
- Gandhi Hill, a hilltop Gandhi memorial with an evening light show on his life
By the river
Bhavani Island, one of the larger river islands on the Krishna, has boating, water sports and picnic areas. Prakasam Barrage, which carries the road across the river, is lit up in the evenings and gives a good view of Indrakeeladri. Rajiv Gandhi Park suits families, and Kolleru Lake, a vast shallow freshwater wetland, is worth a day trip in winter for its migratory birds.
Best time to visit
October to March is the most pleasant period, with December to February the busiest. April and May are very hot, with temperatures that can reach the mid-40s °C. The monsoon, from July to September, turns the countryside green but brings heavy showers.
How to reach
Vijayawada International Airport at Gannavaram, about 20 km from the city, has flights to major Indian cities. Vijayawada Junction is one of the busiest stations in South India, on the Chennai–Kolkata and Chennai–Delhi lines, and highways connect the city with Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Chennai. We can combine Vijayawada with Amaravati and a wider Andhra temple tour.
Places to see in Vijayawada
Also nearby
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