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KANAKA DURGA TEMPLE
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| ONE
OF THE MOST POPULAR TEMPLES IN AND AROUND VIJAYAWADA,
it is located on a hill Indrakeeladri overlooking the city as
well as the River Krishna. One can either motor up the ghat
road or take to the steps on foot. Inscriptions of different
dynasties are found in the temple. During Dasara (Durgashtami),
lakhs of devotees from the city and its environs throng the
temple after a holy dip in the River Krishna close by. |
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GUNADALA MATHA SHRINE
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| In
1925, Rf. Arlati, the then Rector of St. Joseph’s Orphanage
at Gunadala, installed a statue of Our Lady and later a church
was built and consecrated in 1971, now popularly known as St.
Mary’s Church. Since then the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes
became an annual event here, attended by hundreds of people.
The Church is situated on a hillock on the eastern side of the
city. |
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PRAKASAM BARRAGE
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| Built
across the River Krishna, Prakasam Barrage has created a panoramic
lake. Its there canals that run through the city give Vijayawada
a Venetian look. |
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UNDAVALLI CAVES
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| Eight
km. From Vijayawada, three caves are said to be carved in 7th
Century A.D. Buddhist monks used this two-storied cave structure
as a rest house during the monsoon. A huge monolith of the Lord
Buddha in reclining posture is a magnificent sight. |
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PLACES OF INTEREST AROUND VIJAYAWADA |
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MANGALAGIRI
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| Twelve
km. From Vijayawada is the renowned temple of Lord Narasimha
in Mangalagiri, on a hillock. The unique feature of this temple
is that the mouth of the idol accepts half the quantity of Panakam
(jaggery dissolved in water) offered by devotees, irrespective
of the size of the vessel. |
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HINKAR THIRTHA (JAIN TEMPLE), MANGALAGIRI
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| Kondapalli
village is situated 16 kms from Vijayawada. A 7th century fort
on the hills with an impressive three storied rock tower was
witness to the glory of many dynasties. It served as a business
center. Finally the fort was used as a businesss center. Finally
the British rulers used the fort as a military training base.
A good picnic spot, the village is famous for toy making with
lightweight wood available on the hill forest. These toys are
famous world-over as “Kondapalli toys”. |
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MANGINAPUDI BEACH
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| Located
near Machilipatnam, lakhs of pilgrims take a holy dip here in
the sea during Magha Poornami, as it is ideal for sea bathing.
Fabric printing with natural colours known as Kalamkari and
gold covering are the major village industries, famous worldwide.
The Panduranga Swamy Temple, which is said to be similar to
the temple at Pandaripur, is a famous pilgrim center. |
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KUCHIPUDI
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| About
60 kms. From Vijayawada, this is the birth place of Siddhendra
Yogi, the originator of Kuchipudi dance form, famous throughout
the world. A dance school by the Siddhendra Kala Kshetram trains
many students every year, promoting the Kuchipudi dance form. |
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RAJIV GANDHI PARK
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| Created
by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation with great care, this
park welcomes the tourists at the entrance of the city with
its impressive horticultural network. A mini zoo and a musical
fountain are added to it. |
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GANDHI HILL
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| The
first Gandhi Memorial with seven stupas in the country was constructed
on this hill at a height of 500 ft. The 52 ft. stupa was unveiled
on 6th October, 1968 by Dr. Zakir Hussein, the then President
of India. Gandhi Memorial Library, a Sound and Light Show on
Mahatma Gandhi’s life and a planetarium are the other
attractions. |
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VICTORIA MUSEUM
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| A
Place for archaeology lovers, Victoria Museum has a carefully
preserved collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, idols,
weapons, cutlery and inscriptions. |
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MOGALARAJAPURAM CAVES
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| A
Place for archaeology lovers, Victoria Museum has a carefully
preserved collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, idols,
weapons, cutlery and inscriptions. |
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BHAVANI ISLAND
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| Perhaps
one of the largest Islands in a river, Bhavani Island is located
on Krishna River close to the city. AP Tourism has plans to
convert this 133 acre island in the River Krishna into an attractive
tourist spot. Journey to the island by boat is very pleasant. |
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HAZRAT BAL MOSQUE
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| A
holy relic of the Prophet Mohammed is kept here and displayed
once a year. A large number of Non-Muslims too join the celebrations. |
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AMARAVATHI
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| Amaravati,
formerly called Dhanyakataka and Andhranagari, is one of the
most important Buddhist sites in the country. Acharya Nagarajuna
constructed the country’s largest stupa here, 2000 years
back. Amaravati is considered the most sacred pilgrim center
for Buddhists in South India. It also has an Amareswara temple. |
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KOLLERU LAKE
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| Located
95 km. From Vijayawada, this large fresh water lake attracts
several species of birds. The lake is spread over an area of
300 sq. miles and pelican’s from Siberian and Fiji Island
are seen here during October and November every year. The famous
Peddini Amma/Jaladurga temple is located here. It is a great
picnic spot for bird watchers and nature lovers. |
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BUDDHIST SITES
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| Amaravati,
Bhattiprolu, Goli, Guntupalli, Ghantasala and Chinna Ganjam
are some important Buddhist sites near Vijayawada. Many stupas
and viharas were built during the Satavahana and Salivahana
dynasties. |
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BOATING (DURGA GHAT)
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| Andhra
Pradesh Tourism arranges boating and water sports on River Krishna
with a variety of boats. |
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