7 Best Things To Do In Vijayawada, India

1. Discover the famous Undavalli Caves

The hills around Vijayawada, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, are very rich in rock-cut architecture. The most magnificent and largest among them are the Undavalli Caves. These caves with amazing engineering were built in the 7th-8th century AD. The caves are four floors in height; these rock temples have numerous sculptures and murals. These caves were originally dedicated to Buddhism but after the Hindu rulers took over the area, most of the art seen there is regarding Hinduism.

Undavalli Caves

Address: Penumaka - Vijayawada Rd, Near Prakasam Barrage, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh 522501, India

2. Marvel at the world famous Kanaka Durga Temple

The Kanaka Durga Temple is a world famous Hindu temple of the Goddess Durga in Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh State. It is located on the Indrakeeladri hill which is on the banks of the Krishna River. The temple has an important place in the Hindu scriptures as many of the Siva-leelas and Shakti-mahimas take place on or around it, making the temple a place of great spiritual significance and attracting pilgrims and tourists in huge numbers every year. The Kanaka Durga Temple deity referred as ‘Swayambhu’ or self-manifested, is considered very powerful. There are various inscriptions of many dynasties found in the temple. It is a very popular Hindu temple flocked by thousands every year.

Kanaka Durga Temple

Address: Indrakeeladri, Mallikarjunapeta, Durga Temple Ghat Rd, Durga Agraharam, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 520001, India

Website: Kanaka Durga Temple

3. Tour the Kondapalli Fort

Kondapalli Fort is a fort which has roots in parallel histories, it was supposed to have been built as a center of entertainment and recreation, along with business and trade. The main entrance gate of this fort has been carved out of a single boulder of granite and is called the Dargah Darwaja. Apart from this, one finds inside a reservoir, the Golconda Darwaza, Dargah of Gareeb Saheeb, the Tanisha Mahal and many other bits of history lying in ruins. Tourists here simply love the Kondapalli Toys, which are lightweight wooden toys from the neighboring villages.

Kondapalli Fort

Address: Ghat Road, Kondapalli, Andhra Pradesh 521228, India

4. Visit the ancient Mogalarajapuram Caves

The Mogalarajapuram Caves are located near Vijayawada and are famous for the three cave temples inside them, which are believed to be as old as the 5th-century. One of the three cave temples adorns an exquisite carving of the Ardhanariswara, which is considered as one of its kind in South India. These cave temples have many carved statues of Hindu gods Vinayaka and Shiva in the Nataraja form. It is a must-see ancient temple and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Mogalarajapuram Caves

Address: Vijayawada

5. Worship at the Gunadala Matha Shrine

The Gundala Matha Shrine or Mother Mary Shrine, also called St Mary’s Church, was constructed on a hilly region named Gunadala in the Krishna district near Vijayawada. There is an iron cross erected on a hill which makes it stand out among other shrines. There is an annual Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes held here, which attracts thousands of devotees and is celebrated with much excitement and devotion. Many believers visit this place during Sundays and important occasions. There is a museum inside the church which is another attraction, it has a collection of valuable gifts from the devotees and many holy relics of ancient times.

Gunadala Matha Shrine

Address: Eluru Rd, Lurdhunagar, Christurajapuram, Gunadala, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 520004, India

Website: Gunadala Matha Shrine

6. Enjoy water sports on Bhavani Island

The famous Bhavani Island is situated in Vijayawada. It is a river island formed by the River Krishna. It has affordable boarding and lodging options which are run by the state tourism department. This place offers boat rides and water adventures, also one can laze around in hammocks just listening to the water, swaying and watching the boats pass by. This place is very scenic and resorts here seem to be impressive and compel one to visit this place. Bhavani Island is perfect for a one day picnic or for having a lazy weekend outing, for both couples and groups.

Bhavani Island

Address: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India

7. Visit the largest barrage in Asia, the Prakasam Barrage

The Prakasam Barrage is very famous and is built across the Krishna River in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh State. It is very imposing in appearance and attracts many tourists every year. It stretches wide across the river and is also the largest barrage in Asia. The barrage is also a road-bridge and was built in 1855 and enhanced in the year 1957. The three canals that run into the barrage crisscross Vijayawada, to give it a Venetian look. It is a wonderful place to have a leisurely and calm walk over the shimmering lake, while enjoying the balmy breeze. The Prakasam Barrage is responsible for transforming the Krishna Delta into a very fertile area and the major grain producing area of the state.

Prakasam Barrage

Address: Prakasam Barrage Rd, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 523105, India

Immerse your time in historical Vijayawada

Vijayawada is a very historical place and also has natural flora and fauna. It has ancient caves and forts with old sculptures and figurines. It is abundantly blessed with lakes and wildlife which will rejuvenate you and make you stress free. The ancient places of worship like the Gundala Matha Shrine is world renowned for its statues and shrines to Mother Mary and thousands of devotees make pilgrim trips here every year. The Hindu temple Kanaka Durga is very famous and is a sought after pilgrim site by thousands of people every year. Vijayawada is the place for you to come and enjoy with family and friends.