Vijayawada, Place of Victory as it literally means, is located on the banks the famous Krishna River. Also Known as Bezwada, Vijayawada is the third largest city of Indian southern state of Andhra Pradesh. It is the prominent place of business and trading in the state. Famous for automobile industry it is the home to about 1500 automobile accessories units and about 1,00,000 workers are involved in it. Vijayawada was an integral part of Vijayanagar under the rule of great king Shree Krishna Devarayar. According to mythology Arjun, the great warrior of Mahabharata, created the city of Vijayawada after he got the blessing of Lord Shiva.
Places of interest: There are many places worth visiting in and around Vijayawada. Located on the Indrakeeladri Hill and built in 12th centuri, Kanaka Durga Temple is one of the most popular temples of Andhra Pradesh. Subramanya Swami Temple, Hinkar Tirtha (a Jain temple), St. Mary Church known as Gunadala Matha Shrine are some of other places of worship to be visited here. Mogalarajapuram Caves is yet another place of attraction. Excavated in the 5th century the caves are first of their kind in south India. Victoria Museum is the ideal place for history lovers. The museum has the collection of ancient sculpture, paintings, idols, weapons, cutlery and inblockedion. Located on the Krishna River, Bhavani Island is another major tourist place around the city of Vijayawada. The city also offers its tourists other places of interest in and around it like Rajiv Gandhi Park, Pakasam Barrage, Gandhi Hill, Kondapalli Fort etc.
How to reach: Air, Rail and Road connect the city to other parts of the state and the country. It has the domestic airport located at Gannavaram just 20 km away from the center of the city. The airport has regular flights from Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai and Vishakhapatnam. Situated on the Chennai-Howrah and Chennai-Delhi route Vijayawada boasts of having the largest junction of South- central Railway and hence it is well connected to most other parts of the state and the country. National highways (NH-5, NH-9, & NH-221) connect the city to other parts of the state and the country. State run buses and private luxury buses as well are available from other major cities and towns of the state and the country.
Shopping: Conveniently large and ambient Super- stores are abundant in Vijayawada. The city offers its visitors many shopping items like handicrafts, pearl and silver jewelery, wonderful antiques, leather goods, precious stones etc.
Other details: The festival of Krishna Pushkaran, held every 12 years, is organized on the banks of the Krishna River. People from other parts of state and country come to be the part of this mega festival and take a dip in the river as it is believed that by doing so their sins are washed away.
