VIJAYAWADA
VIJAYAWADA– ANDHRA PRADESH TRAVEL GUIDE

INTRODUCTION
Vijayawada is the third largest city in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is on the banks of the Krishna River, bounded by the lndrakeeladri Hills on the west and the Budameru river on the north. Its name literally translates to “The Place of Victory”. It is also known as Bezawada.
Vijayawada is in Krishna District, about 275 km from the state capital Hyderabad and is known as the business capital of Andhra Pradesh. It is spread over an area of 61 km² (urban area) with a population of over 1 million people (agglomeration 1.4 million) (2011).
How to Reach :
1.By Road :
Most parts of the city and suburbs are knitted together by the bus network run by the APSRTC.
2.By Train :
Vijayawada is along the Chennai-Howrah, and Chennai-Delhi rail routes, the largest railway junction of the South Central Railways, and with frequent service to Hyderabad.
3.By Air:
Vijayawada Airport (VGA IATA). This is a domestic airport roughly 12 miles (20 km) to the east of Vijayawada. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD/VOHS) in Hyderabad offers connecting, domestic flights to Vijayawada Airport.
Best Time to Visit :
Home to one of the most popular temples of Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati Balaji, Tirupati can be visited all-round the year. Temperatures between the months of March to September may go up to 42°C at certain times but the devotees visit the temple all year round. Due to heat, the tourist crowd is less and one might plan a trip. Especially the September month bustles with a lot of activity because the place becomes the venue of the Brahmotsavam, one of the biggest festivities of the region. The weather between the winter months of October to March is ideal for a temple tour of Tirupati. June, July and September are monsoon months, bring cool rains and bringing down the temperatures.
Places to Visit :
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. A toy train journey will be a memorable experience at that height on the hill.
Kondapalli Fort (Kondapalli Kila), Kondapalli. Kondapalli village is 16 km from Vijayawada. A 7th century fort built on a hill, this fort features an impressive three storeyed rock tower and was witness to the glory of many dynasties. This fort was built by King Krishna Deva Raya. It served as a business centre. The fort was also used as a military training base by the British rulers. A good picnic spot. The village here is known for making toys with light-weight wood sourced from the hill forest. These toys are called “Kondapalli toys”.
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. The island offers some cottages to stay in and some adventure and fun sports. The journey to the island by boat is very pleasant.
Mogalarajapuram Caves. These caves are said to have been excavated in the 5th century AD. The caves are reputed to be the first of their kind in South India. The idols of Lord Nataraja, Vinayaka & Arthanareeswara are carved here.
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.
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.
Undavalli caves. Located in Guntur district, 8 km from Vijayawada, these caves are said to be carved in 7th century AD. Buddhist monks used this two-storeyed cave structure as a rest house during the monsoon. A huge monolith of the Lord Anantha Padmanabha Swamy in reclining posture is a magnificent sight.

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