Vibrant Vijaywada

Vijayawada is the third largest city in Andhra Pradesh and is located on the banks of the famous Krishna River. It is an important transport hub and a major transit point. It is also one of the busiest railway junctions in India. The Praksam Barrage, built accross the river Krishna, at Vijayawada, has created a panoramic lake. Its three canals that run through the city give it a Venetian look. The Kanaka Durga temple placed on Indrakeeladri hill overlooking Vijayawada, is a famous pilgrim destination. Numerous devotees from and around the city visit here during the Dussehra festival, to offer prayers and seek the blessings of the Goddess Durga.

Vijayawada is also a centre of Andhra craft and culture. Kondapalli village, situated 16 km from Vijayawada has gained National and International recognition for its beautiful hand-made toys. Other places of tourist interest in and around Vijayawada are the famous St. Mary’s Church, Gunadala, Gandhi Hill, Victoria Museum, Moghalrajpuram and Undavalli rock-cut caves etc. A short drive from Vijayawada, are Mangalapuri temple, Manginapudi Beach, Kuchipudi Village, and several ancient Buddhist sites, of which Amaravati and Ghatasala are the most prominent.

 

Berm Park is situated on the bank of the reservoir offering a spectacular view of the Prakasam Barrage, it’s reservoir and Bhavani Island.

Haritha Berm Park Hotel is set in a stunning locale beside the river Krishna. Developed by A.P.Tourism, it is a picturesque property, best suited for conducting conferences and marriages or to spend a quite weekend.

Bhavani Island

Bhavani Island is one of the most favoured travel attractions in Vijaywada. The beautiful 133 acre island stretches dreamily in the Krishna River, 4 km upstream from the city. Replete with mangroves and manicured gardens, woodlands, sparkling water bodies and undulating meadows, Bhavani Island is just the right destination for fun, frolic and amusement. One may also opt to treat oneself to a boat ride explore the serenity of the surroundings. One can also experience the thrills on a Burma Bridge, Spider Net and other adventure activities.

Suryalanka

Suryalanka, a blissfully peaceful beach with golden sands is an undiscovered treasure of Andhra Pradesh’s 1000km long coastline. Pristine in the true sense, Suryalanka Beach, is located 9 km from the historic town of Bapatla, near Guntur and attracts visitors on weekends and holidays and on some auspicious days for a dip in the sea. Suryalanka beach, one of the natural beauty spots, with a gently sloping beach, overlooking the crystal waters of the Bay of Bengal, offers undisturbed pure relaxation amidst scenic nature.

Dindi

Dindi located 80km by road from Rajahmundry is a heaven for the nature lover. Showcasing coastal Andhra Pradesh at its natural best, Dindi coconut country resort has been created with tourist pleasure in mind. Tantalizing the visitor with its lush green beauty, the resort has the best of modern facilities. These include 32 A/C rooms, an A/C Resturant, a banquet hall, swimming pool, an ayurvedic massage centre and excellent venues for Conferences. This picturesque spot is an idyllic retreat where one can rejuvenate and refresh.

Amaravati

Amaravati, located on the southern bank of River Krishna, was once considered the most sacred pilgrim centre of Buddhists in India. The town is just 60 km from Vijayawada and 35 kms from Guntur. It was the capital of the later Satavahanas and was known as Dhanyakataka. It was an important junction with trade routes branching out in all directions. Amaravati is the site where one of the largest Buddhist stupas was once built. The Amaravati stupa an imposing structure adorned with marble sculpture, stood 38 metres tall and was profusely carved with scences portraying the life of Lord Buddha. In the year 2006, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, performed the “Kalachakra” empowerment at Amaravati, where a world congregation of Buddhists honoured the religious significance of the place. Amaravati Museum and Buddhist Interpretation Centre are other attractions.

Undavalli Caves

The Undavalli caves are an example of early Indian rock cut architecture. The caves are locate 8km from Vijayawada, and are said to be carved in the 4th -5th Centuries AD. This cave structure was once used as a rest house by Buddhist monks. The structure of these caves resembles the Buddhist Viharas in their architectural and sculptural proficiency. Chiselled from solid rock they are almost 4 storeys high. A huge monolith of Lord Buddha in a reclining position inside the caves, is an awesome sight. Other shrines therein are devoted to Trimurthi – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The caves are well preserved and the walls display scuiptures wrought by the hands of master-craftsmen. Undavalli Cave Temples are among the finest specimens of rock cut architecture.

Dwaraka Tirumala

Dwaraka Tirumala, also known as ‘China Tirupati’ is a pilgrim centre named after the great saint Dwaraka, who discovered in an anthill, the self manifested idol of lord Venkateshwara, that is worshipped here in the temple. This temple on a hillock is considered particulary sacred as it lies between the holy rivers Krishna and Godavari. A visit to Chinna Tirupati is both physically and spiritually relaxing and soul satisfying. The Venkateshwara Swamy temple is central to Dwaraka Tirumala and the town radiates from this sacred core. A popular pilgrim centre, all main festivals are celebrated here and Kalyanotsavam is celebrated twice a year.

ACCESSING

Air : Gannavaram, a short drive away is the nearest airport.

Road : Vijayawada is well connected by road to Chennai, Hyderabad, Nellore and Visakhapatnam.

Rail : Vijayawada is well connected to every city in India, and has one of the busiest Railway Stations in the country.

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