Vijayawada literally translates to the Place of victory. It is also known as Bezawada or Blaze Wada because of its heat. It is the third largest city in Andhra Pradesh, India and is located on the banks of the Krishna River bounded by the lndrakeeladri Hills on the west and the Budameru canal on the north. It is situated along the Madras-Howrah and Madras-Delhi rail route. Vijayawada is in Krishna District, about 275 km from the state capital Hyderabad and is known as the business capital of Andhra Pradesh. It is spread over an area of 61 km with a population of 825,436.

Vijayawada is a major port and among Hindus, is known for the Kanaka Durga temple. Vijayawada is also home to many cave temples, where Nataraj [Lord Shiva engrossed in His cosmic dance], Vishnu and Lord Shiva are worshipped. It is also home to an important Muslim shrine - the Hazrat Bal mosque, which was believed to contain a holy relic, a strand of the Prophets hair.

Vijayawada is also an important junction on the east coast train line from Calcutta to Chennai. Kondapalli, a tiny village on the outskirts of Vijayawada is known all over India for its handmade wooden toys. Quite close to Vijayawada is also Kuchipudi town from which the famous dance form of Andhra Pradesh has derived its name.

Vijayawada is famous for Automobile, Garments, Iron and Hardware industries. The city of Vijayawada is run by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation. The main markets are in One Town and Kaleswara Rao Market area of Vijayawada. It is estimated that nearly 10 crores of business takes place only in One Town. It is famous for Iron and Hardware materials. Garments are mainly sold in Besant Road and Governor Peta.

Transport - Vijayawada is the intersection point of three main national highways forming a central location of the state of Andhra Pradesh. It has a railway junction trough which almost all of the trains running on the south central sector pass through. State run city buses, autos and rickshaws are the major means of transport in Vijayawada.

HOW TO REACH

By Air - The nearest airport is the domestic airport located at Gannavaram, about 20-km, from the city. It connects Vijayawada to Hyderabad and Vishakhapatnam. It is just a 30-minute flight away from Hyderabad.

By Train - Vijayawada is the largest railway junction of the South Central Railway. It is Situated along the Chennai - Howrah and Chennai-Delhi rail route. There are a number of express and super fast trains, connecting Vijayawada with almost all the important places of the country.

By Road - The city has a good network of roads that connects Vijayawada with all the places within the state and also with the major cities in India. One can also go to interesting Buddhist places by the buses of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation.

WHEN TO GO

Best time to travel Vijayawada is September to February.

WHAT TO SEE

Prakasam Barrage -

The Prakasam Barrage is an impressive 1223.5m long, modern regulator and road bridge that stretches across the river Krishna. Its panoramic lake and the three canals that run through the city give Vijayawada a Venetian appearance.

Kanaka Durga Temple -

Kanaka Durga, goddess of power, riches and benevolence is considered the presiding deity of Vijayawada. The temple is set on the Indrakiladri hill. The deity in the Kanaka Durga temple is regarded as Swayambhu or self-manifested, hence is considered very powerful. It is said that Adi Sankara visited this temple and installed the Sri Chakra here.

Undavalli Caves -

The Undavalli caves in the village of Undavalli are at a distance of 8-km from Vijayawada and nearly 280-km from Hyderabad. The high hill overlooking the Krishna river hosts fine specimens of cut-in architectural and sculptural models.

Victoria Jubilee Regional Museum -

The Victoria Jubilee Regional Museum was situated by Archaeological Department on Bandar Road of the city. The museum exhibits graceful sculptures and attractive paintings. But the highlight of the museum are the Buddha Alluru inscriptions of first and second centuries and the idol of Mahishasura Mardhani.