Historically considered
as the cultural, political, pilgrimage and educational
center of the state, Vijayawada is located on
the banks of the holy river Krishna. It is believed
that Arjuna, of the epic Mahabharatha prayed at
the Indrakeeladri Hill and won the blessings of
Lord Shiva.
People from this land of legends gathering thousands
for a dip in river Krishna on important festivals
particularly on Mahasivarathri. Krishna Pushkaram
occurs once in 12 years is an all India festival
and lakhs of people pay their homage to the sacred
Krishnaveni. Arjuna obtained the famous "Pasupathastra"
after doing penance of "Indrakeela"
hill.
The Prakasam Barrage constructed in 1957 with
an impressive 1223 meters long across the river
Krishna is a panoramic beauty of Vijayawada.
Places to See -
Kanakadurga Temple:
Built a top Indra Keeladri
a sacred Kankadurga Temple is synonymous with
Vijayawada. Kanakadurga, the Goddess of power,
riches and benevolence is considered to be the
presiding deity of Vijayawada. During Dassara,
one of the important festivals of this country
special celebrations are held.
The rock cut caves dedicated to Akkanna, Madhanna
on the way to the Kanakadurga Temple remainds
the Qutub Shahi rules of 17th Century.
Victoria Museum:
Located in Victory city of Vijayawada,
having collection of ancient sculpture, paintings,
idols, inscriptions, the Victoria Museum is one
of the center of attraction.
Gandhi Hill:
A visit to the tallest structure
of 15.8 meters the Gandhi Stupa a top Gandhi Hill
earlier known as "Orr" Hill is one of
the panoramic beauty of Vijayawada.
Erected in 1968 has a tribute to father of Nation
Mahatma Gandhi this hill has a Planetarium, library
and birds eye view point of the city with the
sound and light show on Mahatma Gandhi's life.
Bahavani Island:
Located in the upstream of river
Krishna close to Prakasam Barrage this Island
has a panoramic beauty and center of attraction
for many tourists. The Tephostsavam during Dassara
Festival adds glory to this Island.
Gunadala Matha Shrine:
In 1925 Rf. Arlati PIME,
the then Rector of St.Joseph's Orphanage at Gunadala
cut small pathway half way up the hill and placed
a small statue of Our Lady in "niche".
Soon a pathway to the grotto was slowly cut out
of the hill. It was since then the feast of Our
Lady of Lourdes became an annual feast. A beautiful
church was built and blessed in 1971 that was
extended in the recent years.
Kandapalli Fort:
A 7th century Fort with an impressive
3 storied rock towers on a Hill, the Kondapalli
Fort is located 16km away from Vijayawada. The
Kondapalli Fort which has witnessed the glory
of many dynasties, used as a military training
base by the British rules. It is a picturesque
and panoramic picnic spot.
Kondapally Toys:
No one can resist the charm of
beautiful hand made toys of Kondapally. The world
famous toys made of a light wood called poniki
have the characteristic Indian mythological figures,
birds, fruits, vegetables and houses.
Andhra Pradesh
Amaravati,
Basar, Chandavaram,
Guntupalli,
Hyderabad,
Nagarjunakonda,
Salihundam,
Sankaram,
Vijayawada, Tirupati,
Vishakhapattnam,
Warangal
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