Popular Tourist Attractions in Vijayawada

Situated on the banks of the Krishna River and surrounded by the enchanting Indrakeeladri Hills, Vijayawada is a beautiful place in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Being one of the oldest cities in the country, it boasts an expansive history and rich cultural heritage. Vijayawada also served as an important centre for trade and commerce for several years. Currently, this scenic city is not just an integral part of Andhra tourism but is also among the most sought-after tourist destinations in all of southern India. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or a thrill seeker, Vijayawada has many places that you can visit and have a memorable holiday.

What are the Best Tourist Attractions in Vijayawada?

Like any other popular holiday destination, Vijayawada also has a plethora of options for places to visit and activities to indulge in. So, before you plan a trip to this fascinating city and start exploring options for Andhra Pradesh tour packages, it is best to get an idea about all the major tourist attractions in Vijayawada.

For your convenience, here is a comprehensive list of some of the best tourist places in Vijayawada: -

• Prakasam Barrage
• Kondapalli Fort
• Subramanya Swamy Temple
• Undavalli Caves
• Suryalanka Beach
• Bhavani Island
• Gandhi Hill
• The Bapu Museum
• Hinkar Thirtha

Prakasam Barrage

Prakasam Barrage, a long bridge across the Krishna River, is an iconic architectural landmark in the city. It was originally built to irrigate the farmland in the area, but now it is one of the most popular hangout places in Vijayawada. This barrage was constructed in 1852 as a replacement for an earlier anicut and got its name from the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Prakasam Panthulu. When in the city, you can visit this place for an early morning or late evening stroll and admire the beautiful views of the Krishna River.

Kondapalli Fort

Located at a small distance from the main town, this is a magnificent fort dating back to the 14th century. Originally, this fort was built by the Reddy King of Kondaveedu, Prolaya Vema Reddy, as a recreational palace for the royal family. But later the control went into the hands of Gajapati rulers of Orissa, rulers of Vijayanagar Empire, and Qutubshahi Kings, and then was passed on to the British East India Company. During the British Raj in India, this fort was used as a training centre for soldiers.

Positioned on a hill, this fort offers stunning panoramic views and is one of the most popular vantage points in the area. It is spread over an area of 18 square kilometres, and the main structure is constructed using granite and several other materials. The main entrance gate is known as the Dargah Darwaza, and the other entrance is known as the Golconda Darwaza. The main highlight of the Kondapalli Fort is the Tanisha Mahal, which is located on a crest between two hills. Whether you want to know more about the glorious past of this region or admire stunning views of the surroundings, this fort is one of the best places to see in Vijayawada.

Subramanya Swamy Temple

Dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, the Subramanya Swamy Temple is among the best places to visit in Vijayawada. Other than its religious significance, this temple is also known for its beautiful surroundings. Set against the stunning backdrop of towering mountains and dense forests, this place has an enchanting vibe, which makes it even more popular.

Undavalli Caves

For people who are interested in learning about different architectural styles, Undavalli Caves are among the best places to include in the itinerary of Vijayawada tour packages. Located in a small village called Undavalli, these caves now serve as an excellent example of Indian rock-cut architecture. Known to have a connection with the Gupta dynasty, these caves are believed to have been carved out of solid sandstone in the 4th or 5th century BCE. Each one of these caves has intricate carvings on their walls depicting various Hindu gods and goddesses. The largest one has four stories and features a huge statue of Lord Vishnu in a reclining posture, which has been sculpted from granite. It is believed that these caves used to host daily worshipping rituals in ancient times.

Suryalanka Beach

Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, this pristine beach is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Vijayawada for couples. Often referred to as Bapatla Beach, this beach is known for its stunning sunrise/sunset views and enthrals a large number of visitors throughout the year. Here, you can enjoy either swimming or simply relax on the beach and spend a peaceful day. Or, if you’re coming here in the month of November, you can also book a dolphin sighting tour and get a closer glimpse of these majestic creatures.

Bhavani Island

Another addition to the list of major tourist spots in Vijayawada is Bhavani Island. Situated amidst the Krishna River, this idyllic island covers a total area of 133 acres and is among the largest river islands. Bhavani Island is primarily known for being home to the famous Kanaka Durga Devi Temple and has been named after the deity (also known as Bhavani). This highly revered temple is one of the important places to visit in Vijayawada for Hindu devotees.

Gandhi Hill

Located at an elevation of about 550 feet, this iconic structure was built to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Sitting atop a hillock, this memorial features a total of seven stupas with several stone slabs that have inscriptions of his teachings. Apart from this, it also houses a library boasting a rich book collection and a planetarium. Another main highlight of this place is the sound and light show that depicts the life of Mahatma Gandhi. If you want to know more about the great Indian leader, this is one of the best places to visit in Vijayawada. If you’re going there with your family and have small kids accompanying you, you can also take a toy train ride.

The Bapu Museum

For history enthusiasts, this archaeological museum is one of the most exciting places to visit in Vijayawada. Formerly known as Victoria Museum, it was built in 1887 to honour the Golden Jubilee coronation of Queen Victoria. But several decades later, in 2015, it was renamed in memory of the renowned film director, illustrator, cartoonist, and author Sri Sattiraju Lakshmi Narayana (fondly called Bapu). This awe-inspiring museum has a rich collection of sculptures, artefacts, and paintings that represent Buddhist and Hindu antiquity. Other than this, you can also find various prehistoric tools and weapons, coins, idols, and manuscripts here.

Hinkar Thirtha

Hinkar Thirtha is a popular pilgrimage site for the Jain community that attracts a large number of devotees on a daily basis. Serving as a fine example of exquisite Jain architectural style, this is among the best places to see in Vijayawada. Known for its serene atmosphere, this place showcases the rich cultural heritage of the city. If you want to know more about Jainism, you should definitely visit this temple on your trip to Vijayawada.

Vijayawada is a city known to offer the perfect amalgamation of old and new. This place not only gives a glimpse of ancient traditions but also depicts a clear image of modern India. With the help of this comprehensive list of tourist attractions in Vijayawada, you can plan the perfect travel itinerary and enjoy your trip to the fullest.