AMARAVATHI
Amaravati, formerly called Dhanyakataka and Andhranagari, is one of the most important Buddhist sites in the country. Acharya Nagarajuna constructed the country’s largest stupa here, 2000 years back. Amaravati is considered the most sacred pilgrim center for Buddhists in South India. It also has an Amareswara temple
GANDHI HILL
The first Gandhi Memorial with seven stupas in the country was constructed on this hill at a height of 500 ft. The 52 ft. stupa was unveiled on 6th October, 1968 by Dr. Zakir Hussein, the then President of India. Gandhi Memorial Library, a Sound and Light Show on Mahatma Gandhi’s life and a planetarium are the other attractions
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 (Durgashtami), lakhs of devotees from the city and its environs throng the temple after a holy dip in the River Krishna close by.
KUCHIPUDI
About 60 kms. From Vijayawada, this is the birth place of Siddhendra Yogi, the originator of Kuchipudi dance form, famous throughout the world. A dance school by the Siddhendra Kala Kshetram trains many students every year, promoting the Kuchipudi dance form.
MANGALAGIRI
Twelve 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.
MANGINAPUDI BEACH
Located near Machilipatnam, lakhs of pilgrims take a holy dip here in the sea during Magha Poornami, as it is ideal for sea bathing. Fabric printing with natural colours known as Kalamkari and gold covering are the major village industries, famous worldwide. The Panduranga Swamy Temple, which is said to be similar to the temple at Pandaripur, is a famous pilgrim center.
GUNADALA MATHA SHRINE
In 1925, Rf. Arlati, the then 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.
MOGALARAJAPURAM CAVES
A Place for archaeology lovers, Victoria Museum has a carefully preserved collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, idols, weapons, cutlery and inscriptions.
PRAKASAM BARRAGE
Built across the River Krishna, Prakasam Barrage has created a panoramic lake. Its there canals that run through the city give Vijayawada a Venetian look.
VICTORIA MUSEUM
A Place for archaeology lovers, Victoria Museum has a carefully preserved collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, idols, weapons, cutlery and inscriptions.
