|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
| |
| Hyderabad
| Vijayawada
|Tirupathi| Puttuparthi
| Vishakapatnam |
| |
Location : 275
kms.from Hyderabad
Area : Area of 58-sq- kms.
Language : English, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil
Land of Legend and Culture
Vijayawada is located about 275 kms from Hyderabad at the head of
the Krishna delta 70 kms from the sea. The city is surrounded by
bare granite hills. Vijaywada is historically a cultural, Political
and educational delta a fact that is reflected in its spicy and
deliciously varied cuisine.
The most luscious mangoes are grown here and the region in renowned
for its tradition of pickle making. Legend has it that Arjuna prayed
on top of Indrakila Hills and won the blessings of Lord Shiva. The
name Vijayawada is derived from this ‘Vijaya’-which means victory.
A famous landmark is the Prakasam Barrage the 1223.5 long modern
regulators and road bridge across the Krishna River which was
completed in 1957. The Panoramic Lake and the three canals that run
through the city give Vijayawada a beautiful appearance. Most of the
villages around have developed cottage industries in specialized
items like toy making, cotton weaving, fabrics, printings, gold
covering, fruit processing etc. For many Vijaywada is the heart of
Andhra culture and language. The main attractions here are the
temples, including the ancient rock-temples.
Places of attraction :-
Kanaka Durga Temple:
This famous temple is set on Indrakila hills and can be reached by
steps and a ghat road. This temple is dedicated to the goddess and
protector of the city. Kanaka Durga the Goddess of Power riches and
benevolence is considered the presiding deity of Vijayawada.
Inscriptions of different dynasties are found in the temple. It is
said that Adi Sankara visited this temple and installed Sri Chakra
here. Special celebrations are held during the festival of Dussera
for Goddess Durga. The temple of Lord Maleswara is also within the
city area.
Cave Temple:
Above 8 kms west from Vijaywada the 7th century Hindu cave temples
of Undavalli house a huge statue of the reclining Vishnu. Other
shrines are dedicated to the Trimurti (the triad-Brahma, Vishnu and
Shiva). The caves are well worth a visit.
Gandhi Hill:
The first Gandhi Memorial in the country was constructed on Orr Hill
at a height of 500ft.This 52 ft. stupa was unveiled on 6th October
1968 by Dr.Zakir Hussain the then President of India. The Gandhi
Memorial Library the Sound and Light Show on Mahatma Gandhi’s life
and a planetarium are the other attractions.
Mogalarajapuram Caves:
These are three cave temples dating back to the 5th century AD one
of which is well preserved. They are reputed to be the first of its
kind in South India. It contains the idols of Lord Nataraja,
Vinayaka and Ardhanareenateshwara.
Victoria Museum:
A place for archaeology lovers Victoria Museum has a carefully
preserved collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, idols,
weapons, cutlery and inscriptions.
Bhavani Island:
Located in the upper reaches of Krishna River close to Prakasam
Barrage this 133 acre island has panoramic views and the state
government has plans to convert it into an attractive tourist spot.
Journey to the island by boat is very pleasant. It is an ideal spot
for picnics and excursions .The Tephostsavam during Dasara festival
adds glory to this island.
St.Mary’s Church, Gunadala:
In 1925 , Rev. Arlati Pime the then Rector of St.Joseph’s orphanage
at Gunadala cut a small pathway half way up the hill on the eastern
side of the city and placed a small statue of Our Lady in a ‘niche’.
He hosted a feast which has now become an annual event. Now a
beautiful church stands on that spot. It was since then that the
feast of Our Lady of Lourdes became an annual feast. A church was
built and blessed in 1917 that was extended in recent years.
Prakasam Barrage:
Built across the River Krishna Prakasam Barrage has created a
panoramic lake. Its three canals that run through the city give
Vijayawada a Venetian look.
Rajiv Gandhi Park:
Developed by the Vijaywada Municipal Corporation this park welcomes
the tourists with its impressive horticultural network a mini zoo
and a musical water fountain.
Hazrat BAL Mosque:
A holy relic of the Prophet Mohammed is kept here and displayed once
in a year. A large number of non-Muslims too join the celebrations.
Undavalli Caves:
8 kms. From Vijayawada these caves are said to be carved in 7th
century AD. This two-storied cave structure is dedicated to the
temple of Lord Anantha Sayana by the Madhavar Ruler. It was used as
a rest house by Buddhist monks during the monsoon. A huge monolith
of the Lord Buddha in reclining posture is a magnificent sight.
Mangalgiri:
12 kms. From Vijayawada is the renowned temple of Lord Narasimha in
Mangalgiri 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 quantity
offered.
Hinakar Thirtha Temple:
A Jain temple with great artistic work in Mangalgiri it is stated to
be the biggest Jain temple in the region.
Kondapalli Fort:
Kondapalli Village is situated 16 kms. From Vijaywada. This 7th
century fort on the hill has an impressive three storied rock tower
and has witnessed the glory of many dynasties. It served as a
business centre and later as a military training base by the British
rulers. The village is famous for toy making with lightweight wood
available in the forest. These toys are famous all over as
‘Kondapalli Toys’.
Machilipatnam:
Machilipatnam or the erstwhile Masulipatnam. Lies 69kms. From
Vijaywada. It was East India Company’s first station on the
Coromandel Coast. It was founded in the 14th century by a colony of
trading Arabs who found their way from Red Sea to southern India. By
the 15th century it was ruled by the Garnatic Raja’s and then by a
series of Hindu and Muslim rulers. This port town is famous for
Kalamkari textile Printing. The Machilipatnam Church built in 19th
century by an English man is another attraction.
Manginapudi Beach:
Located 12 kms. Away from the port town Machilipatnam this beach is
a panoramic picnic spot. It is also a place for holy dip for the
pilgrims during Magha Poornami. Carting the visitors to the old
light house and DataStream on the banks of the sea coast are popular
centers of attraction. The Panduranga Swamy Temple which is similar
to the temple at Pandaripuram is a famous pilgrim centre.
Kuchipudi:
About 60 kms. From Vijaywada is the birth of Siddendra Yogi the
originator of the world famous Kuchipudi dance form. A dance school
by the Siddendra Kala Kshetra trains many students every year in
this dance form.
Kolleru Lake:
Located about 65 kms. From Machilipatnam this natural sweet water
lake is about 300 sq.mts. Wide. It is a popular spot for viewing
birds. Special species of migratory birds are found here.
Hamsala Deevi:
The Venugopala Swamy Temple located here next to the panoramic
confluence point of River Krishna and Bay of Bengal attracts
thousands of pilgrims. It is 112 kms. From Vijayawada. |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
