Perched on the Indrakeeladri Hill, Kanaka Durga Temple is the most revered Hindu temple in Vijayawada, with its history intertwined with the identity of the city. According to legends, this temple was constructed by Arjuna and was dedicated to the Goddess Durga. The deity here is considered to be self-manifested or swayambhu, and the shrine houses a 4-feet tall idol of the goddess, decked with ornaments and flowers. Dussehra is one of the biggest festivals here and the structure of the shrine is a good example of South Indian temple architecture.
Prakasam Barrage, one of the most iconic structures in Vijayawada, is a bridge that connects the districts of Krishna and Guntur. More than a kilometer long, it spans the Krishna River and offers splendid views of the lake. The bridge was built in the year 1957 and was named after Shri Tanguturi Prakasam, the first chief minister of Andhra Pradesh. If you are a photography enthusiast, make sure that you visit the place during early morning or late evening hours to capture some amazing shots. At night, the barrage is lit up and can be marveled at from a distance.
A beautiful testimony to the rich history, culture, and heritage of the region, the Undavalli Caves is a set of rock-cut temples located amidst lush greenery. These caves, which are dedicated to Lord Padmanabha and Lord Narasimha, date back to more than 1300 years and were carved out of a single sandstone base. While exploring the structures and motifs of these caves, you will come across Jain and Buddhist designs as well. A short hike from the Undavalli Caves will take you to a serene spot that offers excellent views of the Krishna River. Considered as one of the first examples of the Gupta-style architecture, these caves are an amazing place to visit in Vijayawada for history buffs and architecture connoisseurs.
Spread over 50 hectares right in the middle of Krishna River, Bhavani Island is one of the largest river islands in India and counts among the top tourist places to visit in Vijayawada. Apart from enjoying the mesmerizing riverside scenery, you can also indulge in boat ride, swimming, and a variety of water sports and adventure activities. The island is accessible by boat 24 hours a day but the activities here have restricted timings. With its serene ambiance, lush gardens, and beautiful natural settings, Bhavani Island is one of the best picnic spots in Vijayawada to enjoy a peaceful evening with your friends and family.
The ruins of Kondapalli Fort, also known as Kondapalli Kota, offer a throwback into the medieval glory of Vijayawada. Tucked away in a hilly area, the fort is a serene spot where one can spend hours exploring its ramparts. It is around 700-years old and some of the newer quarters were built by the British. The surrounding forests have some good hiking trails for those who want to venture a little further. The many viewpoints around the structure make it a favorite with photographers and nature lovers. The village is known for the locally produced wooden toys called Kondapalli dolls, so don’t forget to take a tour through the village and buy some souvenirs to take back home.
An important place of worship for Christians, the Gunadala Matha Shrine is another name in the list of places to see in Vijayawada. Located on a hillside, the place offers a scenic setting to spend some tranquil moments. There is a museum in the church premises where you can learn more about the shrine and its significance. During the annual feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the church and its surrounding areas are abuzz with activities as people from all faiths come and take part in the festival.
Amaravathi is a religious destination and one of the major attractions in Guntur city. The place contains the Mahachaitya Stupa built during the 2nd century and the name Amaravathi is said to have been derived from the temple of the Amareswara Swamy. Amaravathy is a very important historical town. It was the capital of the Satvahana kingdom of historic times. It is also a very important Buddhist historic place. The Mahachaitya Stupa draws a good many visitors every day. The Heritage site has been taken up for maintenance and construction by the Indian Government under the HRIDAY scheme.
Guntur is a place of religious interest and there are many Hindu shrines of which Amareswara is a distinct one. Amareswara, otherwise Lord Shiva, is worshipped by people all over India. The temple walls are filled with inscriptions that narrate the region’s past and they are replete with richness and glory of India. The lingam (statue) of Shiva which is fifteen feet high is a major attraction for the tourists here. The towering gopuram is typically Dravidian style architecture and there are numerous heresies, myths and legends that run about the temple. The temple is a place of peace for many. The Amareswara temple is one of the major religious landmarks that throws a lot of light on the past art and architecture of India. You can also look into the history immemorial of Vijaywada and the adjoining regions.
The Kondaveedu fort stands on top of a hill. The temples, residential structures, gateways and pillared halls are present inside the fort. Archeological excavations have taken place inside the fort, where an idol of Raja Rajeswari has been unearthed. Inscriptions have been paved on the walls of the fort. The fort is located in the village of Kondaveedu, which is at a distance of 25 km from the city of Guntur. The nearest airport is Vijaywada, 30 km away.
The great Buddhist Stupa is at Amaravathi. A king had planned to build a new capital in the year 1796 at a place called Amareswaram. While the place was being excavated, the workers saw some bricks and saw some stone pieces with the carvings. These were some of the remnants of the old stupa. Later on the surface was developed by engraved marble slabs, limestone slabs. The gateways and the fences also had many inscriptions on them.