Vijayawada

Set on the banks of the crystalline Krishna River, Vijayawada is a popular tourist destination owing to its sacred temples, panoramic spots and incredible architectural marvels. Some of the Vijayawada famous places will take you back to the times of the Chola Dynasty and the British Raj. Nestled amidst the spellbinding Eastern Ghats, this city is set in the heart of Andhra Pradesh. This city is just 20 km away from Amaravati, the state capital, via Karakatta Road which makes it a popular weekend getaway spot for locals as well.

All the tourist sites in the city will leave you mesmerised, allowing you to appreciate the rich culture and heritage of the city. Recognised as the Global City of the Future, this city is also known for its famous educational institutions, its rapidly developing high-rise buildings and Vijayawada beach. Besides being India's ninth most livable city, this city was also awarded in 2021 for being the cleanest city in the country. So, you must include Vijayawada famous places for your next vacation.

Vijayawada Overview

Best Time to Visit Vijayawada

During the summers, the weather in Vijayawada can be quite hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 25 to 40 degrees Celsius. So, if you are planning to reach all the tourist sites in the city, it is suggested that you should plan your trip in the winter season. During this period, the Vijayawada temperature can be anywhere between 10 to 23 degrees Celsius. In fact, the monsoon season also attracts plenty of tourists to this city due to the frequent cool showers and lush greenery that cover Vijayawada Island.

How to Reach the tourist sites in the city

The closest airport to this city is NTR Amaravati International Airport which is about 40 minutes away via NH 16. You can hire a cab from the airport to start exploring the places to visit in Vijayawada as the city boasts smooth roads.

You can also board a train to Vijayawada Junction Railway Station which is well-connected with other Indian cities. Some of the popular cities from where you can catch a train to this city include Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Delhi and Mumbai.

You can also enjoy APSRTC bus service to this city from cities such as Hyderabad, Rapur and Visakhapatnam and reach the best tourist places in Vijayawada. Alternatively, you can also opt for AC and non-AC private bus operators to explore this city.

What are the Things to See and Do in Vijayawada

You can explore the best tourist places in Vijayawada and enjoy a fun-filled vacation. You can explore the breathtaking temples, lush green surroundings and picture-perfect tourist sites. Some of the popular destinations on Vijayawada Island include Undavalli Caves, Sri Durga Malleswara, Prakasam Barrage, Bhavani Island, Bapu Museum, Rajiv Gandhi Park and Gunadalamatha Shrine.

Places to Visit in Vijayawada

Bhavani Island

Overlooking the Krishna River in this city sits Bhavani Island, one of the biggest river islands in the world. This is a thrilling destination if you enjoy extreme sports and water slides.

Kanaka Durga Temple

Devoted to the goddess, Kanaka Durga Temple is among the most sacred tourist sites in the city. This impressive structure, constructed in the city of Andhra Pradesh, exemplifies the Dravidian style.

Kondapalli Fort

Located in the little town of Kondapalli in the Guntur district not far from this city, the magnificent Kondapalli Fort dates back to the 14th century. Visitors from all over the world go to see the magnificent fort because of its significant historical significance.

Amravati Museum

The Amravati Museum is a paradise for the history nerd in all of us, displaying artefacts from as far back as the third century. The museum is filled with exquisite sculptures of Buddha, Tara, and Padmapani as well as mystery treasures and unique artefacts.

Manglagiri

Manglagiri, located in this city, is a picturesque town with a rich religious heritage. Many people visit the town annually because of its religious and aesthetic value.

Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple

Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple in this city is devoted to Sri Subramanya Swamy (Murugan), the generalissimo of the ground troops of the devas and the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This famous structure has a history that is both unusual and fascinating.

Restaurants in Vijaywada

There are plenty of restaurants in Vijayawada and some of the top-rated ones are listed below:

Gateway Hotel

The restaurant of the Gateway Hotel, a five-star establishment, serves a wide range of cuisines from all over the world, including North Indian, Chinese, Italian, South Indian, Continental, Asian, and more. There's great decor and a luxurious setting for your meal.

Tuba Fine Dining

Diners can indulge in Chinese, fast food, Continental, Biryani, and North Indian fare at Tuba Fine Dining, a fine dining establishment. It offers informal meals in a comfortable, air-conditioned setting.

Aahaar

Aahaar is a popular Indian restaurant that serves a variety of dishes from different regions of the country, including North Indian, Chinese, fast food, and South Indian, as well as a wide selection of tasty beverages.

Hungerz Hub

People can have Sichuan, Chinese, and quick cuisine at Hungerz Hub. Casual, yet elegant, dining may be had in the restaurant's indoor dining room.

Sweet Magic

Idli, Rasam, Sambhar Vada, Paneer Dosa, and many more South Indian delicacies, along with tasty drinks, can all be found at Sweet Magic, a renowned restaurant in Vijaywada.

Places to Stay in Vijaywada

Lemon Tree Premier

The Lemon Tree Premier in this city is a high-end establishment that has a stunning outdoor pool, plush guest rooms, spacious event halls, and delectable dining options.

Novotel Vijayawada Varun Hotel

The modern Novotel Vijayawada Varun Hotel offers guests exceptional luxury, stunning cityscape views, opulent wellness facilities, spacious living quarters, and delectable cuisine. The hotel has a high-end spa, fitness centre, and rooftop running path for guests' health and relaxation.

Vivanta Vijayawada

The Vivanta Vijayawada is a cutting-edge hotel featuring plush accommodations, a variety of restaurants, a spa, and other modern conveniences.

Hotel Aira

The Hotel Aira is an elegant establishment that provides sumptuous accommodations, an excellent restaurant, and several premium services. The cutting-edge business centre is perfect for hosting corporate gatherings and conferences.

Minerva Grand Hotel

The Minerva Grand Hotel is the finest boutique hotel in this city. A 24-hour restaurant serving Chinese and Indian cuisine is also available.

Food to Try in Places to Visit in Vijayawada

When you are exploring the tourist sites in the city, you must not miss out on relishing the local delicacies of the city. From vegetarian to non-vegetarian dishes, there is no dearth of options in the restaurants in Vijayawada. You can start with savouring South Indian delicacies idlis, rasam and rava dosas.

There are plenty of street-food items that you can delight in, including pulihora, chicken 65, mirchi bajji, boorelu and pakodas. When you are exploring the places to visit Vijayawada, you should definitely try out their filter coffee. On the top of that, the sweet dishes in this city are to die for! Some of the popular sweet delicacies of the city include bandaru laddu, kakinada kaaza, atreyapuram putarekulu and rava laddu.

There is an assortment of mouth-watering meals served in the city including pulasa fish curry, Guntur naatu kodi pulsu, gutti vankaya, pulihora, Andhra biryani and panasa pattu biryani.

Things to Buy in the Places to Visit in Vijayawada

If you are planning to go shopping in this city, then be ready to splurge. Everywhere you turn your head, you’d find plenty to take back home.

In this city, you can purchase Kalamkari Artworks. This 3000-year-old art form uses natural vegetable dyes. This form of hand and block printing is used to design dupattas, sarees and other dresses. You can also go for the popular sandal woodwork which is used for designing intricate jewellery boxes, cutlery and trays.

You can also purchase the unique mangalagiri sarees - cotton sarees with zari borders. These are not only the perfect souvenir but also make for a great gift for your loved ones who enjoy wearing ethnic dresses.

Some of the popular shopping sites in this region are the following:

Kalanikethan

In Kalanikethan, you can choose from a wide choice of outfits. The costumes here will provide you with a fascinating glimpse into the customs, values, and history of Vijayawada. This shopping centre also has a western vibe. Shopping at one of the many South Indian malls carrying Kalanikethan is sure to win you over.

Besant Road

Besant Road is a fantastic destination for anybody who enjoys browsing flea markets. The variety of excellent choices available in this sector is another reason it is well-known. Fantastic sarees are available here, and you will have a wonderful time browsing for them.

But when one does arrive at that fresh frontier, there are ways better than others to begin your journey of discovery. Follow these steps and see the world with a new light.

• Discover a new city through a food tour. Food tour's are the easiest way to take a tour, learn about the local delicacies, and the best of all, get great tips that aren't just "local" tips for tourists, but sometimes, lessons for a lifetime too
• Use Public Transportation. When you are in a new city, you can possibly see places and people that you wouldn't normally see when simply walking to the places that checks your list. Some buses or rails take you to parts of the city you wouldn't get to see otherwise. Whilst using public transportation, just ensure that you are following the local norms and do remember to watch the locals!
• Find a local festival. Go beyond what other tourists might do while visiting a place. Look for the unique things you would want to do. Use social media or the local tourism website to find out what's going on locally. You may have to move out of the center of the city to do some of the less popular but more unique things, so just keep that in mind!

Conclusion

You can spend a relaxing time exploring the charming temples, panoramic vistas and Vijayawada beach with your loved ones. You can observe the minute detailing of the architecture of Vijayawada’s infrastructure. This is the ideal destination for families as well as couples.