List of tourist attractions in Vijayawada

Prakasham barrage

Vijayawada is a commercial city located on the bank of Krishna river in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, India.

Landmarks

Rear view of Prakasam Barrage

• Prakasham Barrage: The original dam across the Krishna was built over a hundred years ago, and the present structure dates to the 1950s. It is 1,223.5 m (4,014 ft) long. Several canals through the city of Vijayawada terminate in a lake behind the barrage.^[1]
• Undavalli caves: Located in Guntur district five kilometers from Vijayawada, these caves are said to have been carved in the 7th century A.D. Buddhist monks used this two-storey cave structure as a rest house during the monsoon. A huge monolith of the Lord Buddha in reclining posture is a magnificent sight.^[1][2]
• Krishnaveni mandapam: It is also known as the river museum and located at the side of Prakasam Barrage. It was constructed by the Krishna Industrial and Agricultural Exhibition society which consists of geographical route map of River Krishna, world currency, Krishnamma Idol etc.
• Rajiv Gandhi 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. It includes a mini zoo and a musical water fountain. This park is open from 2pm to 8pm.
• Gandhi Hill: The first Gandhi memorial with seven stupas in the country was constructed on this hill at a height of 500 ft (150 m). The 52 ft (16 m) stupa was unveiled on 6 October 1968 by Dr. Zakir Hussain, the President of India. Gandhi Memorial Library, a sound and light show on Mahatma Gandhi's life and a planetarium are the other attractions.^[3]
• Victoria Jubilee Museum: A place for archaeology lovers, this museum has a carefully preserved collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, idols, weapons, cutlery, and inscriptions. This museum is closed temporarily due to repair works.^[4]
• Mogalarajapuram Caves: These caves are said to be excavated in the 5th century A.D. They are reputed to be the first of their kind in South India. The idols of Lord Nataraja, Vinayaka and Arthanareeswara are carved here, but none of the statues are available here.^[5]
• Bhavani Island: Perhaps one of the largest islands on a river, Bhavani Island is located on Krishna River close to the city. AP Tourism is converting this 133-acre (54 hectare) island into an attractive tourist spot and a riverfront resort.^[1]
• Kondapalli Fort: Kondapalli village is situated 16 km from Vijayawada. A 7th-century fort on the hill with an impressive three-storeyed rock tower was witness to the glory of many dynasties. This fort was built by King Krishna Deva Raya. It served as a business centre. Finally the fort was used as a military training base by the British rulers. A good picnic spot, the village is famous for toy-making with light-weight wood available on the hill forest. These toys are famous world-over as "Kondapalli toys".^[6]

Religious tourism

• Kanaka Durga Temple: One of the most popular temples in and around Vijayawada, it is located on an Indrakeeladri hill overlooking the city as well as the River Krishna.^[7] 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 Vijayadashami festival, thousands of devotees from the city and its environs throng the temple after a holy dip in the River Krishna ybraen.^[1]
• Marakata Rajarajeswari Temple: A unique temple of the goddess completely built with stone with intricate architecture symbolizing SRICHAKRA - the abode of mother Goddess.^[8]
• Subramanya Swamy Temple: One of the most popular temples in Vijayawada, it is located on a hill (Indrakeeladri) overlooking the city as well as the River Krishna. One can take to the steps on foot. During Skanda Shashti Festival, thousands of devotees come from the city. Many regular devotees will come from Tamil Nadu. This temple is maintained by the Iddipilli family.
• Sri Nagarala Sri Maha Lakshmi Ammavaru Temple: One of the most popular temples in Vijayawada, it is located in the area of Chiitinagar. During Dasara Festival, thousands of devotees from the city visit this temple. It is maintained by the Nagaralu community.
• Mangalagiri: Located in Guntur district, 12 km from Vijayawada is the renowned temple of Lord Narasimha in Mangalagiri, on a hillock. The unique feature of this temple is that the mouth of the idol accepts half the quantity of panakam (jaggery dissolved in water) offered by devotees, irrespective of the size of the vessel.
• Hazarat Bal Mosque: A holy relic of the Prophet Mohammed is kept here which is displayed once a year. A large number of non-Muslims also join the celebrations.
• Hinkar Thirtha, Mangalagiri, Guntur district: A Jain temple here with great artistic work, it is slated to be the biggest Jain temple in the region.
• Gunadala Mary Matha Church: In 1925, Rf. Arlati, the Rector of St. Joseph's Orphanage at Gunadala, 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.

References

1. "Tourism in Vijayawada". aptdc.gov.in. Retrieved 4 June 2014.
2. "Undavalli Caves". ecoindia. Retrieved 4 June 2014.
3. "Gandhi Hill". vijayawadaonline. Retrieved 4 June 2014.
4. "Victoria Jubilee Museum". myvijayawada. Retrieved 4 June 2014.
5. "Mogalarajapuram Caves". vijayawadaonline. Retrieved 4 June 2014.
6. "Kondapalli Fort". indiantravels. Retrieved 4 June 2014.
7. "Kanakadurga Temple on Indrakeeladri hill". Retrieved 2014-05-14.
8. Marakata Rajarajeswari Temple