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           VIJAYAWADA TRAVEL GUIDE

Vijayawada literally translates to "The Place of Victory". It is also known as Bezawada
.
It is the third largest city in Andhra Pradesh, India and is located on the banks of the
Krishna River to the south, bounded by the Indrakeeladri Hills on the west and the
budameru stream on the north.

The discovery of pre-historic remains belonging to the stone-age man all along the
banks of the Krishna River from Machilipatnam to Nagarjuna Sagar provides
evidence that this part of the river valley was inhabited by the stone age man.
Besides being an important religious centre for Buddhists and Hindus, Vijayawada
is also a centre of Andhra culture. The Chalukyas of Kalyan and the great king Sri
Krishna Deva Raya once conquered this place, and the famous Chinese traveler
Xuanzang (Hsuan-Tsang) visited this place in 639 when Buddhism was at its zenith
in the region.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Time zone         IST (UTC+5:30)
Area                   61.88 km² (24 sq mi)    
Elevation        11.88 m (39 ft)

Climate             Tropical climate (Köppen)   
Precipitation    1,050 mm (41.3 in)
Temperature   27 °C (81 °F)

Summer      43.3 °C (110 °F)
Winter          24 °C (75 °F)

Distance(s)
From Guntur        32 km N (land)

Region             Coastal Andhra
District(s)         Krishna
Subdistrict       Vijayawada (Urban)

Population        851,282 (2001)
Density            14,231/km² (36,858/sq mi)
Metro                1,039,518 (34th) (2001)
Literacy rate        71
Language(s)         Telugu language

PLACE TO VISIT

Kanaka Durga Temple - One of the most popular temples in and around
Vijayawada, it is located on a hill (Indrakeeladri) overlooking the city as well as the
River Krishna. 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 Dasara Festival,
thousands of devotees from the city and its environs throng the temple after a holy
dip in the River Krishna close by the temple

Gunadala Matha Shrine -  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.

Prakasam Barrage - Built across the river Krishna connecting Guntur District,
Prakasam Barrage has created a panoramic lake. Its three canals that run through
the city give Vijayawada a Venetian look.

Undavalli caves -  Located in Guntur District eight kilometers from Vijayawada,
these caves are said to be carved in 7th century A.D. Buddhist monks used this
two-storeyed cave structure as a rest house during the monsoon. A huge monolith of
the Lord Buddha in reclining posture is a magnificent sight.

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. A mini zoo and a musical water fountain are added
to it.

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.

Victoria Museum -  A place for archaeology lovers, Victoria Museum has a
carefully preserved collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, idols, weapons,
cutlery, and inscriptions.

Mogalarajapuram Caves -  These caves are said to be excavated in 5th
century A.D. The caves are reputed to be the first of their kind in South India. The
idols of Lord Nataraja, Vinayaka & Arthanareeswara are carved here, but none of the
statue are available here.

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 River Front Resort. The island
currently has some cottages to stay in and some good adventure and fun sports.
Journey to the island by boat is very pleasant.

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 too join the
celebrations.

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.

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".

Amaravati -  Amaravati near Guntur City, formerly called as Dhanyakataka and
Andhranagari, is one of the most important Buddhist sites in the country. Acharya
Nagarjuna constructed the country's largest stupa here, 2000 years back. Amaravati
is considered the most sacred pilgrim centre for Buddhists in South India. It also
has an Amareswara temple.

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 from the city. So Many regular devotees will come from Tamil
Nadu. This Temple is being maintained by 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. It is maintained by the
Nagaralu Community.