Vijayawada, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, is a stunning city located on the shores of the Krishna River. The new side of town offers visitors a chance to see contemporary architecture and a metropolis culture, whereas the old town showcases the city’s charms, its rich history, and its cultural heritage. If you have decided to spend your next holiday in this lovely city, Vijayawada tourist places won’t let you down. Or if you’re a resident of Vijayawada and are typing in your search bar “sightseeing places near me,” this article has something in store for you too.
How to reach Vijayawada?
By air
Vijayawada Airport is the nearest airport and is located approximately 16 km away from the main city. You can commute via a taxi, bus, auto, or tuk-tuk, to reach the main city.
By train
Board a train to Vijayawada Junction from any major railway station in India. From the station, you can commute via a taxi, bus, auto, or tuk-tuk, to reach anywhere in the city.
By road
Vijayawada, the city, will provide you with buses, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, Uber, and Ola to commute in the city.
15 tourist places in Vijayawada to enjoy the rich heritage of the city
Undavalli Caves
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The Undavalli Caves are a collection of rock-cut temples situated within lush vegetation, and they serve as a stunning testament to the rich history, art, and tradition of the area.
These caverns, devoted to Lord Padmanabha and Lord Narasimha, were cut out of a single sandstone base more than 1300 years ago.
You will also find Buddhist and Jain elements as you explore the caverns’ architecture and themes. You may reach a tranquil area with beautiful scenery of the Krishna River after a little climb from the Undavalli Caves.
These caverns, regarded as one of the earliest instances of Gupta-style building, are a fantastic attraction in Vijayawada for heritage fans and lovers of architecture.
Distance: 6.8km from Vijayawada Junction
Timings: 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry fee: None
Best time to visit: October to February
How to reach: You can take state buses, private buses, rickshaws, autos, and taxis to reach the caves.
See also: Top 10 places to visit in India
Bhavani Island
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One of the major river islands in India and one of the best places to visit in Vijayawada, Bhavani Island is situated in the middle of the Krishna River and spans 50 hectares. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vijayawada. In addition to taking in the breathtaking riverbank landscape, you may go swimming, boating, and participating in several other water recreation and recreation activities.
Bhavani Island is among the greatest picnic sites in Vijayawada to spend a relaxing evening with your friends/relatives because of its tranquil atmosphere, lush gardens, and lovely natural scenery. Note that although the island is always reachable by boat, the attractions there have set hours.
Distance: 4.4 km from Vijayawada Junction
Things to try: Water sports like zorbing, speed boat ride; Floating restaurant; Bird Watching,
Timings: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach: You can take state buses, private buses, rickshaws, autos, and taxis to reach Punnami Ghat. From there, take a ferry to reach the islands.
Kondapalli Fort
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The Kondapalli Fort Ruins, also called Kondapalli Kota, provide a glimpse into Vijayawada’s former splendour during the Middle Ages.
This tourist place in Vijayawada, stashed in a mountainous region, is a tranquil place where one may spend hours wandering its walls. It dates back seven centuries, and the British constructed part of the more recent housing. For those who wish to travel a bit farther, there are several decent trekking paths in the nearby woodlands.
The building is popular among photographers and wildlife enthusiasts because of the several viewing places around it. Enjoy a visit to the hamlet and pick up some trinkets to bring home because Kondapalli dolls, and handmade wooden toys, are a specialty of the area.
Distance: 24.8km from Vijayawada Junction
Entry Fee: INR 5 for Adults and INR 3 for kids
Timings: 10:00 AM to 05:00 AM
Best time to visit: November to February
How to reach: You can take state buses, private buses, rickshaws, autos, and taxis to reach Kondapalli Fort.
Kanaka Durga Temple
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A well-known temple devoted to the Goddess Durga is the Kanaka Durga Temple. This magnificent structure was constructed in a Dravidian style and is situated in the Vijayawada district of Andhra Pradesh.
On the shores of the Krishna River, the temple is encircled by the Indrakeeladri hills. The temple is venerated by worshippers and supporters and is mentioned in several religious writings and Vedic literature too.
Each year, people come to this temple to express their reverence and dedication to the Supreme Goddess and ask for her blessings. The temple’s website allows visitors to make online reservations for darshans and volunteer opportunities and provides full timetables and guidelines. A food-giving program is another one of the temple’s numerous charity endeavours.
Distance: 2.4km from Vijayawada Junction
Timings: 05:00 AM to 01:00 PM; 05:00 PM to 09:00 PM. Closed on Tuesdays
Best time to visit: October to March; Visit during Navratri
How to reach: You can take state buses, private buses, rickshaws, autos, and taxis to reach the temple. You can also take a stroll towards the temple.
See also: Top 10 tourist places to visit in Hyderabad
Hazratbal Mosque
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A beauty to behold is the Hazratbal Mosque in Vijayawada City, which is breathtakingly white. Regardless of caste or faith, hundreds of people visit this mosque each year to have a quick look at the Prophet Mohammad’s treasure that is on exhibit. It is claimed that visiting this place in Vijayawada will help you solve all of life’s tenacious difficulties.
Distance: 6km from Vijayawada Junction
Timings: 09:30 AM to 05:30 PM
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach: You can take state buses, private buses, rickshaws, autos, and taxis to reach the mosque.
Mangalagiri, Vijayawada
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A short drive from the metropolis of Vijayawada is the little settlement of Mangalagiri. It is a hub of culture and is renowned for its abundance of beautiful and functioning temples. One of the town’s most well-known temples, the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, honours Lord Vishnu and has beautiful sculptures all around its walls.
Additionally, it boasts a striking gopuram, one of the highest in Southern India. There are a few public paths and overlooks on the town’s outskirts, and environment enthusiasts will appreciate exploring them.
This protected woodland is a sanctuary for birdwatchers because it is home to numerous bird species. Overall, Mangalagiri is a good option if you’re searching for a quick day trip from Vijayawada.
Distance: 12.3 km from Vijayawada Junction
Places to visit: Mangalagiri Hills; Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple; Panakala Swamy Temple, and many more
Timings: 07:00 AM – 03:00 PM (Panakala Swamy Temple)
05:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple)
04:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple)
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach: You can take state buses, private buses, rickshaws, autos, and taxis to reach Mangalagiri.
Victoria Jubilee Museum
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The Victoria Jubilee Museum, widely known as the Bapu Museum, is the best spot in Vijayawada for people who want a good dose of history.
This 1887-founded archaeological museum, which is presently managed by the Department of Archeology, houses a variety of artefacts that span centuries of culture and history, from finely carved idols to painted objects and weaponry.
An immaculate Buddha statue made of marble is one of Bapu Museum’s main attractions. The architecture of the structure is stunning in and of itself, combining elements of Indian and European design.
Distance: .2km from Vijayawada Junction
Timings: 10:30 AM to 05:00 PM
Ticket price: INR 30 for Indians; INR 100 for foreigners; and INR 3 for a camera
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach: You can take state buses, private buses, rickshaws, autos, and taxis to reach the museum.
Sri Ramalingeswara Swami Vari Devasthanam
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The Sri Ramalingeswara Swami Vari Devasthanam is perched on tiny hills in Vijayawada’s southeast corner. This sacred temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva and is dressed for Mahashivratri like a bride, is covered under a thick canopy of towering trees. From here, you may also enjoy a stunning view of the vibrant city and the River Krishna.
Distance:10 km from city centre
Timings: 05:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Best time to visit: October to March especially Maha Shivratri
How to reach: You can take state buses, private buses, rickshaws, autos, and taxis to reach the temple.
Rajiv Gandhi Park
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One of the greatest locations to visit in Vijayawada is the Rajiv Gandhi park if you want to spend some serene, idle, and comfortable time in the city. The park, which is very well kept and has lovely blooms, lush grassland, and thick foliage all around, also has a small zoo and has musical performances every evening.
Distance: 4 km from city centre
Timings: 02:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Ticket price: INR 3 for Adults; INR 2 for children
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach: You can take state buses, private buses, rickshaws, autos, and taxis to reach the park.
Gandhi Hill
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Gandhi Peak in Vijayawada is named after the first memorial for Gandhi that was built atop the hill. Gandhi’s stupa, which measures 15.8 metres, was dedicated in 1968. There is a large library here called the Gandhi Memorial Library.
A delightful light and audio spectacle are presented in the planetarium. From the hill, there is a broad view. Gandhi Peak in Vijayawada is named after the first memorial for Gandhi that was built atop the hill.
Gandhi’s stupa, which is 15.8 metres tall, was dedicated in 1968. There is a large library here called the Gandhi Memorial Library. A delightful light and sound spectacle is presented in the planetarium. From the hill of this tourist place in Vijayawada, there is a broad view.
Distance: 3.4 km from Vijayawada Junction
Timings: 04:30 PM to 08:30 PM; closed on Tuesdays
Ticket price: INR 10 per head; INR 20 for a toy train ride
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach: You can take state buses, private buses, rickshaws, autos, and taxis to reach the hill.
Prakasam Barrage
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One of Vijayawada’s most recognizable buildings, Prakasam Barrage, links the Krishna and Guntur districts. It crosses the Krishna River for more than a kilometre and provides breathtaking scenery.
The bridge, which bears the name of Sri Tanguturi Prakasam, the first chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, was constructed in 1957. Make sure to visit the location in the early morning or late evening if you enjoy taking pictures and if you want to get some fantastic pictures. The barrage is illuminated and observed at night from a distance.
Distance: 2.8 km from city centre
Timings: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Ticket price: None
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach: You can take state buses, private buses, rickshaws, autos, and taxis to reach the barrage.
Kolleru Lake
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Kolleru Lake, one of the most picturesque locations to visit in Vijayawada, is renowned for being the biggest freshwater lake in India.
Annually, during peak season, close to two lakh people visit the lake, which draws migrating birds from all over the world. Kolleru Lake is a great spot to spend the day for individuals who appreciate being in nature, with everything from Glossy Ibises to Redshanks.
Distance:77.2km from Vijayawada junction
Timings: 24hrs
Ticket price: INR 10 per head
Best time to visit: October to March, especially Maha Shivratri
How to reach: Board a train from Vijayawada Junction to Eluru Junction, 15km away from the lake. From there you can hire a taxi to reach the lake. You can also directly hire a taxi from Vijayawada to Kulluru Lake.
Subramanya Swamy Temple
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The Subramanya Swami Temple, which honours all of Lord Subramanya’s incarnations, is situated on the revered Indrakeeladri Hills, the location of several other shrines and sites of devotion.
The temple stands out beautifully against the lush green backdrop, thanks to the use of white stones in its construction.
The shrine’s silver-coated Garuda pillar is one of its design focal points. In addition to admiring the splendour of Dravidian temple architecture, one may also take in picturesque vistas from the surrounding landscape.
Distance: 4 km from city centre
Timings: 6:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Best time to visit: October to March,, especially Maha Shivratri
How to reach: You can take state buses, private buses, rickshaws, autos, and taxis to reach the park.
Amaravathi City
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Beautiful Amaravathi, a modern city in Andhra Pradesh, is about an hour’s drive from Vijayawada. The city is renowned for both its spiritual significance and its scenic beauty. A Buddhist temple there is a wonderful sight!
The city is designed such that there is vegetation around, which will be refreshing for you. Another justification for visiting the city is the abundance of noteworthy historical tales that have occurred there. Keep it on your list of things to visit in Vijayawada.
Distance:15.2 km from Vijayawada Junction
Places to visit: Amareswara Temple, Dhyana Buddha Statue, Amaravati museum, and many more
Best time to visit: November to March
How to reach: You can board a train from Vijayawada Junction to Amravati Junction. From there, you can hail any public transport to reach anywhere in the city.
Akkanna Madanna Caves
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The Akkanna Madanna Caves are yet another important addition to the plethora of ancient shrines and cave temples associated with Vijayawada.
The cave temples, devoted to Hindu gods and situated at the foot of the Indrakeeladri Hills, were moulded and chiselled in the 17th century. However, the caverns themselves originate from the 6th and 7th centuries. The optimum times to go there are early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
Distance: 2.5 km from Vijayawada Junction
Timings: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Ticket price: INR 5
Best time to visit: November to March
How to reach: You can hail any public transport to reach the caves.
FAQs
Is a trip to Vijayawada worthwhile?
Vijayawada is a fantastic location that is reachable from all parts of India. There are reliable transit options accessible. The city is close to the Krishna River.
What dish is renowned in Vijayawada?
Chicken 65, Mirchi Bajji, Pulihora, and several other dishes.
What can I buy that is unique in Vijayawada?
Sandal Woodworks, Leather Puppets, Kalamkari Artworks, and many more.
