One of the most important centers mentioned in the sacred texts is the Kanakadurga Temple.  Built atop a hill, the temple is synonymous with Vijayawada, while Kanakadurga, the Goddess of power, riches and benevolence, is considered to be the presiding deity of Vijayawada.  Adi Sankara is believed to have visited the temple and installed the 'Sri Chakra' here.  During the Dassera festival, special celebrations are held.  On the way to the Kanakadurga Temple there are rock-cut caves dedicated to Akkanna and Madanna, ministers in the court of Abul Hasan Tanashah, the Qutub Shahi ruler in the 17th Century.  A short distance away is another cave that dates back to the 2nd century BC which hosts the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara.

Pay a visit to the tallest structure in Vijayawada, the 15.8 mts. Gandhi Stupa atop Gandhi Hill, formerly known as Orr Hill.  The Gandhi Stupa was erected in 1968 as a tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.  Other attractions here are the Gandhi Memorial Library, planetarium, and a toy train that skirts the hill.  Climb to the top of the hill for a bird's eye view of the town.

Step into the enchanting Mogalrajapuram cave temples, just 5kms from Vijayawada, that date back to the 5th century.  Of these five caves, only one is still in good shape.  Here you'll come across the idols of Lord Nataraja and Vinayaka among others.  The Ardhanareeswara Murthy found here is considered to be the only one of its kind in South India.  Other popular caves are the Undavalli Caves, in the village of Undavalli, about 4 kms from Vijayawada, atop the high hills that overlook the Krishna river.  It hosts fine specimens of cut-in architectural and sculptural models.  A huge monolith of Lord Vishnu in lying position is a magnificent sight at these caves.  Discovering carvings hidden in the shrubby growths is a thrill that you'll never tire of.

Who can resist the charm of beautiful, handmade toys? Kondapalli, which is about 16 kms from Vijayawada, is the home of the world-famous Kondapalli toys, made of a light wood called 'Poniki'.  These colourful toys have characteristic Indian motifs like mythological figures, birds, animals, fruits, vegetables and houses.  They are now also available in major temple towns and handicraft centers.  The fort of Kondapalli is believed to have been built by Prolaya Vema Reddy, the founder of the Reddy kingdom of Kondaveedu, in the 14 century.  It has an awesome three-storied rock tower.  And you'll also find a perfect picnic spot in the picturesque setting of the Virupaksha Temple.

                  PRAKASAM BARRGE          Completed in 1957, the Prakasam Barrage is an impressive 1223.5 mts long, modern regulator and road bridge that stretches across the river Krishna.  The panoramic lake and three canals that run through Vijayawada give it a Venetian appearance. The barrage was named after the first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Tanguturi Prakasam.  You can hop onto private ferries that ply on these waterways and have an extremely pleasurable trip.  A dip in the river Krishna is considered sacred by Hindus, and hence lakhs of people bathe here during the Krishna Pushkaram which is celebrated once in 12 years.

BHAVANI ISLAND Located upsteam the river Krishna, close to Prakasam Barrage, is Bhavani Island.  Make sure you visit this picturesque island that is a fantastic picnic spot for everyone.              BUDDHIST SITES      Several important Buddhist sites are located in the area around vijayawada at Bhattiprolu, Guntupalli, Ghantasala and Chinna Ganjam, Stupas and Viharas came up during the reign of the Satavahana and Salivahana dynasties.

 

OTHER PLACES