Andhra Pradesh ·
Vijayawada
Vijayawada or Bezawada, the second-largest city in Andhra Pradesh, is the state's major commercial hub, on the upper banks of the Krishna River, opposite the state capital Amaravati.
Vijayawada at a Glance
Why Vijayawada?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Kanaka Durga Temple
- Bapu Museum
- Gandhi Hill
- Ambapuram cave temple
- Gunadala Matha Shrine
- Bhavani Island
Vijayawada at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Vijayawada before planning your visit.
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Explore Vijayawada
Places to Visit
- Kanaka Durga Temple: Kanaka Durga Temple, officially known as Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Kanaka Durga. The deity in this temple is also popularly referred as Kanaka Durga.
- Bapu Museum: The Bapu Museum (formerly: Victoria Jubilee Museum) is an archaeological museum, located at M. It was renamed in the memory of the renowned film director, illustrator, cartoonist and author Bapu.
- 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.
- Ambapuram cave temple: Ambapuram cave temple or Nedumbi Basadi is a rock-cut Jain cave temple in Ambapuram village near Vijayawada in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The cave is attributed to Kubja Vishnuvardhana, the founder of the Vengi Chalukya dynasty, and is dated to the early 7th century CE.
- Gunadala Matha Shrine: Arlati, the Rector of St. Joseph's Orphanage at Gunadala, installed a statue of Our Lady. Later, a church was built and consecrated in 1971 and is known as St. Mary's church.
- Bhavani Island: Bhavani Island is on Krishna River close to the city. AP Tourism is converting this 133-acre (54-hectare) island into a tourist spot and a river-front resort.
Things to Do
- Indira Gandhi Stadium: Indira Gandhi Stadium is worth a visit while in Vijayawada.
- Kanaka Durga Temple: This temple is on a hill (Indrakeeladri) overlooking the city and the River Krishna. One can either motor up the ghat road or take the steps on foot.
- 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.
- Bhavani Island: Bhavani Island is on Krishna River close to the city. AP Tourism is converting this 133-acre (54-hectare) island into a tourist spot and a river-front resort.
- Prakasam Barrage: Built across the river Krishna connecting this city with Amaravati, Prakasam Barrage has created a panoramic lake. Its three canals that run through the city give Vijayawada a Venetian look.
- Rajiv Gandhi Park: Created by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation with great care, this park is at the entrance of the city and features an impressive horticultural network. It also has a mini zoo and a musical water fountain.
Sightseeing Places
- Kanaka Durga Temple: Kanaka Durga Temple, officially known as Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Kanaka Durga. The deity in this temple is also popularly referred as Kanaka Durga.
- Bapu Museum: The Bapu Museum (formerly: Victoria Jubilee Museum) is an archaeological museum, located at M. It was renamed in the memory of the renowned film director, illustrator, cartoonist and author Bapu.
- 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.
- Ambapuram cave temple: Ambapuram cave temple or Nedumbi Basadi is a rock-cut Jain cave temple in Ambapuram village near Vijayawada in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The cave is attributed to Kubja Vishnuvardhana, the founder of the Vengi Chalukya dynasty, and is dated to the early 7th century CE.
- Gunadala Matha Shrine: Arlati, the Rector of St. Joseph's Orphanage at Gunadala, installed a statue of Our Lady. Later, a church was built and consecrated in 1971 and is known as St. Mary's church.
- Bhavani Island: Bhavani Island is on Krishna River close to the city. AP Tourism is converting this 133-acre (54-hectare) island into a tourist spot and a river-front resort.
Places That Define Vijayawada
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
Kanaka Durga Temple
Kanaka Durga Temple, officially known as Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Kanaka Durga. The deity in this temple is also popularly referred as Kanaka Durga.
Bapu Museum
The Bapu Museum (formerly: Victoria Jubilee Museum) is an archaeological museum, located at M. It was renamed in the memory of the renowned film director, illustrator, cartoonist and author Bapu.
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.
Ambapuram cave temple
Ambapuram cave temple or Nedumbi Basadi is a rock-cut Jain cave temple in Ambapuram village near Vijayawada in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The cave is attributed to Kubja Vishnuvardhana, the founder of the Vengi Chalukya dynasty, and is dated to the early 7th century CE.
Gunadala Matha Shrine
Arlati, the Rector of St. Joseph's Orphanage at Gunadala, installed a statue of Our Lady. Later, a church was built and consecrated in 1971 and is known as St. Mary's church.
Bhavani Island
Bhavani Island is on Krishna River close to the city. AP Tourism is converting this 133-acre (54-hectare) island into a tourist spot and a river-front resort.
Mogalrajapuram Caves
Said to have been excavated in the 5th century, these caves are reputed to be the first of their kind in South India. The idols of Lord Nataraja, Vinayaka and Ardhanareeswara are carved here.
Akkanna Madanna Caves
A group of 7th-century rock-cut caves dedicated to Shiva.
Rajiv Gandhi Park
Created by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation with great care, this park is at the entrance of the city and features an impressive horticultural network. It also has a mini zoo and a musical water fountain.
Explore Destination on Map
Discover all sub-destinations, routes and detailed navigation information on an interactive map.
Explore Vijayawada on Map
Open the destination map to discover attractions and routes.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
All Itineraries
- 1 Day in Vijayawada: 1 days with detailed day plans
- 2 Days in Vijayawada: 2 days with detailed day plans
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Vijayawada International Airport (VGA), about 20 km from Vijayawada.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Vijayawada Junction railway station, about 0 km from central Vijayawada.
- By Road: Most parts of the city and suburbs are knitted together by the bus network run by the APSRTC. A local bus is generally referred to as a 'City bus', and can be boarded at numerous bus-stops spread all across the city.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Vijayawada (Apr, May, Jun) averages 28–38°C with about 26 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Vijayawada (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 27–34°C with about 93 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Vijayawada (Oct, Nov) averages 24–32°C with about 156 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Vijayawada (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages 20–31°C with about 3 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 38°C and lows of 28°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 34°C and lows of 27°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C.
- Winter: Average highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C.
Local Transport
- By cycle rickshaw: Travel by cycle rickshaw was once the most common mode of transport in the city. It is now rarely seen on the road.
- By auto-rickshaw: These metal and motorised vehicles can take you around the city. Ensure you bargain the fare with the driver before making the trip.
- By taxi: There are very few car-taxis in Vijayawada. You can, though, call up a cab hire (Jahnavi Car Travels, 0866-2474394) and have the taxi pick you up.
- By bus: Most parts of the city and suburbs are knitted together by the bus network run by the APSRTC. A local bus is generally referred to as a 'City bus', and can be boarded at numerous bus-stops spread all across the city.
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Vijayawada trip.
Spiritual & Religious
History
- Summary: Vijayawada or Bezawada, the second-largest city in Andhra Pradesh, is the state's major commercial hub, on the upper banks of the Krishna River, opposite the state capital Amaravati.
- Overview: Vijayawada or Bezawada, the second-largest city in Andhra Pradesh, is the state's major commercial hub, on the upper banks of the Krishna River, opposite the state capital Amaravati. Famous for the Kanaka Durga Temple that attracts millions every year, Vijayawada is a part of the "Capital Region" (CR) of Andhra Pradesh, with almost all the amenities a traveller might need.
- Ancient History: Bezawada (as Vijayawada was known then) was founded around 626 A.D. by Paricchedi Kings. Vijayawada history reveals that Bezawada (Vijayawada) was ruled by King Madhava Varma (one of the kings of Vishnukundina dynasty). Chinese Buddhist scholar Xuanzang stayed a few years in Bezawada (Vijayawada) in around 640 A.D. to copy and study the Abhidhamma Pitaka, the last of the three pitakas (Pali for baskets) constituting the Pali canon, the scriptures of Theravada Buddhism. Mogalrajapuram hills have five rock-cut temples, built during the fourth–ninth centuries.
Architecture Guide
- Summary: Vijayawada or Bezawada, the second-largest city in Andhra Pradesh, is the state's major commercial hub, on the upper banks of the Krishna River, opposite the state capital Amaravati.
- Overview: Vijayawada or Bezawada, the second-largest city in Andhra Pradesh, is the state's major commercial hub, on the upper banks of the Krishna River, opposite the state capital Amaravati. Famous for the Kanaka Durga Temple that attracts millions every year, Vijayawada is a part of the "Capital Region" (CR) of Andhra Pradesh, with almost all the amenities a traveller might need.
Planning Guide
- Overview: Vijayawada or Bezawada, the second-largest city in Andhra Pradesh, is the state's major commercial hub, on the upper banks of the Krishna River, opposite the state capital Amaravati. Famous for the Kanaka Durga Temple that attracts millions every year, Vijayawada is a part of the "Capital Region" (CR) of Andhra Pradesh, with almost all the amenities a traveller might need.
- Accommodation: Vijayawada is one of big railway junctions in India. There are many choices.The ones below are the star hotels. Listed options include The Gateway Hotel, Hotel DV Manor and Innotel Hotel.
The Sacred Heart of Vijayawada
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
The city is known in the state for its cultural history, whose residents are more often referred to as Vijayawadians. There are many religions, languages, traditions, and festivals.
Historical Significance
The city is known in the state for its cultural history, whose residents are more often referred to as Vijayawadians. There are many religions, languages, traditions, and festivals.
Architectural Legacy
Bezawada (as Vijayawada was known then) was founded around 626 A.D. by Paricchedi Kings. Vijayawada history reveals that Bezawada (Vijayawada) was ruled by King Madhava Varma (one of the kings of Vishnukundina dynasty).
Artistic Heritage
The name "Vijayawada" literally means the "Place of Victory" in Telugu. It is spread over an area of 61 km² (urban area) with a population of over 1 million in 2011.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vijayawada is most comfortable in January, November and December, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is May (average high 39°C) and the wettest months are September and October.
The nearest airport is Vijayawada International Airport (VGA), about 20 km away. The nearest railway station is Vijayawada Junction railway station, about 0 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include Kanaka Durga Temple, Bapu Museum, Gandhi Hill, Ambapuram cave temple, Gunadala Matha Shrine and Bhavani Island.
A stay of 2 days covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from 30°C to 39°C over the year, with about 691 mm of rain in total.
Taxi to Vijayawada
Outstation cabs with fares for every vehicle — sedan, SUV and Tempo Traveller.
Tour Packages for Vijayawada
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