With a history of more than 14 centuries, Vijayawada is a place with many layers. The second largest city in Andhra Pradesh boasts of being a treasure trove of culture, history, and heritage, while its modern avatar is equally delightful to travelers and holidaymakers. From the towering gopurams that dot the old town, ancient rock-cut caves, and age-old temples to parks, forts, museums, and natural escapades, there is a lot to discover and experience once you have checked in at one of the best hotels in Vijayawada. Looking for famous Tourist Places in Vijayawada? Find the list of best places to visit in Vijayawada in 2024 with location, images, entry fee & best time to go info.
Places to Visit in Vijayawada:
All set to explore the sights and sounds in the city and beyond? Here’s a list of some of the best places to visit in Vijayawada.
1. Undavalli Caves, Vijayawada
Undavalli Caves | #1 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Vijayawada
A beautiful testimony to the rich history, culture, and heritage of the region, the Undavalli Caves is a set of rock-cut temples located amidst lush greenery. These caves, which are dedicated to Lord Padmanabha and Lord Narasimha, date back to more than 1300 years and were carved out of a single sandstone base. While exploring the structures and motifs of these caves, you will come across Jain and Buddhist designs as well. A short hike from the Undavalli Caves will take you to a serene spot that offers excellent views of the Krishna River. Considered as one of the first examples of the Gupta-style architecture, these caves are an amazing place to visit in Vijayawada for history buffs and architecture connoisseurs.
- Location: Penumaka – Vijayawada Road
- Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: ₹ 5 per person
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2. Mogalarajapuram Caves, Vijayawada
Mogalarajapuram Caves | #2 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Vijayawada
The Mogalarajapuram Caves, another must-visit heritage landmark in Vijayawada, are more than 1500 years old. These rock-cut temples are home to sculptures and artifacts that celebrate the culture and religious practices of old Vijayawada kingdoms. The caves are located very close to the city center, so they can be accommodated into a convenient hour-long stop in your travel itinerary. Some of the key highlights of the caves include idols of Lord Ganesh and Lord Nataraja, five rock-cut sanctuaries, bas relief carvings, and sculpted pillars at the entrance.
- Location: Siddhartha College Road
- Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: ₹ 3 per person
3. Prakasam Barrage, Vijayawada
Prakasam Barrage | #3 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Vijayawada
Prakasam Barrage, one of the most iconic structures in Vijayawada, is a bridge that connects the districts of Krishna and Guntur. More than a kilometer long, it spans the Krishna River and offers splendid views of the lake. The bridge was built in the year 1957 and was named after Shri Tanguturi Prakasam, the first chief minister of Andhra Pradesh. If you are a photography enthusiast, make sure that you visit the place during early morning or late evening hours to capture some amazing shots. At night, the barrage is lit up and can be marveled at from a distance.
- Location: Prakasam Barrage Road
- Timings: 24×7; every day
- Entry Fee: None
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4. Bhavani Island, Vijayawada
Bhavani Island | #4 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Vijayawada
Spread over 50 hectares right in the middle of Krishna River, Bhavani Island is one of the largest river islands in India and counts among the top tourist places to visit in Vijayawada. Apart from enjoying the mesmerizing riverside scenery, you can also indulge in boat ride, swimming, and a variety of water sports and adventure activities. The island is accessible by boat 24 hours a day but the activities here have restricted timings. With its serene ambiance, lush gardens, and beautiful natural settings, Bhavani Island is one of the best picnic spots in Vijayawada to enjoy a peaceful evening with your friends and family.
- Timings: 24×7; every day
- Entry Fee: No entry fee; activities are chargeable
5. Victoria Jubilee Museum or Bapu Museum, Vijayawada
Victoria Jubilee Museum or Bapu Museum | #5 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Vijayawada
For those who love a good dose of history, there is no place better in Vijayawada than the Victoria Jubilee Museum, also known as Bapu Museum. This archeological museum, which was established in 1887 and is currently run by the Department of Archeology, has many exhibits that chart centuries of history and culture, from intricately carved idols to painted artwork and weapons. One of the key highlights of Bapu Museum is a pristine marble statue of Buddha. The building’s architecture itself is something to marvel at, as it displays a mix of Indian and European styles.
- Location: MG Road
- Timings: 10.30 am to 5:00 pm; closed on Fridays and public holidays
- Entry Fee: None
6. Kondapalli Fort, Vijayawada
Kondapalli Fort | #6 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Vijayawada
The ruins of Kondapalli Fort, also known as Kondapalli Kota, offer a throwback into the medieval glory of Vijayawada. Tucked away in a hilly area, the fort is a serene spot where one can spend hours exploring its ramparts. It is around 700-years old and some of the newer quarters were built by the British. The surrounding forests have some good hiking trails for those who want to venture a little further. The many viewpoints around the structure make it a favorite with photographers and nature lovers. The village is known for the locally produced wooden toys called Kondapalli dolls, so don’t forget to take a tour through the village and buy some souvenirs to take back home.
- Location: Ghat Road, Kondapalli
- Timings: 10.00 am to 5:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: ₹ 5 for adults; ₹ 3 for kids
7. Gandhi Hill, Vijayawada
Gandhi Hill | #7 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Vijayawada
Gandhi Hill, a scenic hill located at an elevation of over 500 feet, is one of the most visited tourist places in Vijayawada. Its location close to the railway station makes it an ideal place to feel the pulse of this thriving city. While here, you can enjoy stunning views of the cityscape and also visit the Gandhi Hill Memorial which has the stupa, a library, and a planetarium where you can catch a show on Mahatma Gandhi and pay homage to the Father of the Nation. The toy train ride facility at the hill makes it an ideal spot to visit with your little ones.
- Location: Behind Vijayawada Railway Station
- Timings: 4:00 pm to 8.30 pm; closed on Tuesdays
- Entry Fee: ₹ 10 per person; ₹ 20 per person for the toy train ride
8. Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada
Kanaka Durga Temple | #8 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Vijayawada
Perched on the Indrakeeladri Hill, Kanaka Durga Temple is the most revered Hindu temple in Vijayawada, with its history intertwined with the identity of the city. According to legends, this temple was constructed by Arjuna and was dedicated to the Goddess Durga. The deity here is considered to be self-manifested or swayambhu, and the shrine houses a 4-feet tall idol of the goddess, decked with ornaments and flowers. Dussehra is one of the biggest festivals here and the structure of the shrine is a good example of South Indian temple architecture.
- Location: Mallikarjunapeta
- Timings: 5:00 am to 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: None
9. Besant Road, Vijayawada
Besant Road | #9 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Vijayawada
Touted as the commercial heart of Vijayawada, Besant Road is a top choice for recreation, dining, and shopping. The street is famous for its stores selling clothes and other fashion accessories. People of Andhra Pradesh love their cinema and Besant Road is home to many iconic theatres where you can watch some of the latest Telugu releases. If you are a foodie, you can enjoy the huge variety of cuisines available at the restaurants and eateries that dot the area. The best time to visit Besant Road is in the evening when the city comes alive.
10. Hazratbal Mosque, Vijayawada
Hazratbal Mosque | #10 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Vijayawada
Hazratbal is a famous mosque that contains a relic of the Prophet, making it a holy site for the Muslim devotees in the city. Boasting of beautiful architecture and located conveniently in the city, this white structure is one of the most picturesque stops in Vijayawada. The place is most crowded on Fridays, so visitors who want to make a casual visit can plan their trip accordingly.
- Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: None
11. Rajiv Gandhi Park, Vijayawada
Rajiv Gandhi Park | #11 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Vijayawada
When you make a list of the top 10 places to visit in Vijayawada, Rajiv Gandhi Park should be in it and for all the right reasons. The riverside location of the park not only adds to its allure but also allows you to catch a good view of the Krishna. If you prefer a quiet evening with your loved ones, you can wander around the gardens on neat paths flanked by flower beds. Some of the key attractions at the park include a mini-train (perfect for your little ones), a musical fountain, and lifelike structures of prehistoric animals and dinosaurs.
- Location: Krishnalanka
- Timings: 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Monday to Friday); 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Saturdays and Sundays)
- Musical Fountain: 7:30 pm to 8:15 pm; all days except on Mondays
- Entry Fee: ₹ 3 for adults; ₹ 2 for kids
12. Akkanna Madanna Caves, Vijayawada
Akkanna Madanna Caves | #12 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Vijayawada
Vijayawada is synonymous with old shrines and cave temples and the Akkana Madanna Caves are one more notable addition to this list. Located at the base of the Indrakeeladri Hills, the cave temples were sculpted and carved in the 17th century and are dedicated to Hindu gods, while the caves date back to the 6th and 7th centuries. Morning and late afternoon hours are the best time to visit the place.
- Location: Mallikarjunapeta
- Timings: 24×7; all days of the week
- Entry Fee: None
13. Gunadala Matha Shrine, Vijayawada
An important place of worship for Christians, the Gunadala Matha Shrine is another name in the list of places to see in Vijayawada. Located on a hillside, the place offers a scenic setting to spend some tranquil moments. There is a museum in the church premises where you can learn more about the shrine and its significance. During the annual feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the church and its surrounding areas are abuzz with activities as people from all faiths come and take part in the festival.
- Location: Lurdhunagar, Christurajapuram
- Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: None
14. Scrap Sculpture Park, Vijayawada
Scrap Sculpture Park | #14 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Vijayawada
One of the unique Vijayawada tourist places, the Scrap Sculpture Park is full of ingenious installations. The theme of the park is a very relevant and novel one – installations crafted using scrap metals. From animals made of old pipes and metal plates to representations of cars and motorbikes, there is a lot to keep visitors engaged and inspired. You can visit the park during the late afternoon hours and enjoy some good photography as the light plays with the different textures and tones of the installations.
- Location: MG Road, Governorpet
- Timings: 24×7; every day
15. VMC Disney Land, Vijayawada
If you are visiting Vijayawada during the summer months, head over to VMC Disney Land to beat the heat. The water park has many rides and attractions for people of all ages and is a good place to spend quality time with friends and family. The slides are the most sought-after attractions and the wave pool here is also a crowd puller.
- Location: Ajit Nagar
- Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; every day
- Tickets: ₹ 100 for adults; ₹ 50 for kids
16. PVP Square, Vijayawada
PVP Square,Vijayawada | #16 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Vijayawada
For those who want to explore modern recreational and shopping options, PVP Square is one of the best shopping malls in Vijayawada. The food court and multiplex at this popular mall are always buzzing with activity. You can enjoy everything from quintessential South Indian fare to tasty Chinese food under a single roof. Apart from a host of shops selling the top brands, the Square also has a set of spas and salons where visitors can pamper themselves.
- Location: MG Road
- Timings: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm; every day
17. Ripples Mall, Vijayawada
Catch up with your friends over some tasty food and a session or two of bowling at the Ripples Mall, another popular shopping place in Vijayawada located in the swanky Labhipet neighborhood. The PVR multiplex here plays the latest regional and international movies and there are entertainment corners for children too, making it an ideal family spot to spend a weekend at. The mall houses apparel showrooms offering the best deals throughout the year and visitors can escape the heat in its air-conditioned environs while sampling a variety of snacks in its many eateries.
Alternatively, you can head off to one of the many restaurants in Vijayawada to enjoy a sumptuous weekend dinner with your family or friends.
- Location: MG Road, Labhipet
- Timings: 9:00 am to 11:00 pm; every day
18. Mangalagiri, Vijayawada
Mangalagiri | #18 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Vijayawada
Mangalagiri is a small town located a short drive away from the city of Vijayawada. It is a cultural center and is known for its many attractive and bustling temples. The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, one of the most popular shrines in the town, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and boasts intricate carvings along its walls. It also has an impressive gopuram (tower) which is considered one of the tallest in Southern India. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the outskirts of the town as there are a few accessible trails and viewpoints. The reserved forest here is home to many bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. All in all, if you are looking for a short one-day trip from Vijayawada, Mangalagiri fits your bill.
- Distance from Vijayawada: 16 km (approx.)
19. Subramanya Swami Temple, Vijayawada
Subramanya Swami Temple | #19 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Vijayawada
A temple which celebrates all the avatars of Lord Subramanya, the Subramanya Swami Temple is located on the sacred Indrakeeladri Hills, which is also home to various other shrines and places of worship. The white stones used in the construction of the temple give it a wonderful contrast against the lush green background. One of the design highlights of the shrine is its Garuda pillar which has been silver coated. Apart from witnessing the grandeur of Dravidian temple architecture, you can also soak in scenic scenes from the surrounding natural settings.
- Location: Kothapeta
- Timings: 6:30 pm to 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 8:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: None
20. Hinkar Thirtha Jain Temple, Vijayawada
Hinkar Thirtha Jain Temple | #20 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Vijayawada
Just across the Krishna River, in the hills near Mangalagiri, you will find Hinkar Thirtha, a Jain temple admired for its architecture. Ornate archways and pillars welcome you as you climb up the steps leading to the temple. The central tower is flanked by carved spires and the temple stands out of the countryside in its splendor. It is the largest Jain temple in the entire state of Andhra Pradesh and you can expect crowds on festival days.
- Location: Mangalagiri Hills
- Timings: 24×7; every day
- Entry Fee: None
Whether you are a foodie, nature lover or a history enthusiast, Vijayawada will not let you rest. Raised by the Krishna, this city showcases its legacy in every corner while adding an idiosyncratic twist to many of its attractions. And after a day of sightseeing, don’t forget to unwind at one of many pubs in Vijayawada. So, let’s get started, shall we?
Frequently Asked Questions About Vijaywada:
Q: Where is Vijayawada located and why is it popular?
A: Vijayawada is the second largest city in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, and it also serves as its business capital. The city offers many interesting places for tourists to explore from gopurams, rock-cut caves and temples to parks, forts, museums and natural escapades.
Q: Can I reach Vijayawada by air or train?
A: Yes, Vijayawada is served by a domestic airport and the largest railway junction on South Central Railway network. Hence, the city has connections throughout the city by both air and rail.
Q: What are the preferable ways to get around Vijayawada?
A: The easiest way to get around the city is by auto rickshaws. You can also hire a cab, rent a car or take the city bus to explore the city on your own.
Q: How is the nightlife in Vijayawada?
A: Little do people know that there are many pubs and clubs in Vijayawada that can be explored during wee hours. Among the most popular places to visit in Vijayawada at night are Neptune, G-Bar, Midtown Sports Bar, 10 Downing Street, Cuba Libre, Grapevine and The League Sports Bar.
Q: Suggest some good restaurants in Vijayawada.
A: You get your fill at Sri Ramayya Mess, Babai Hotel, GAD, Sweet Magic, TFL, Barbeque Nation or R.R Durbar. For some delectable street food, try Kit–Kat Bakery or Shahana’s Juice Point.
Q: Are there any shopping malls in Vijayawada?
A: Yes, in fact there are quite a few malls in Vijayawada where you can indulge in retail therapy. These include PVP Square, MVR Mall, Bang Shopping Mall, Ripples Mall, Trendset Mall, Kalanikethan and LEPL Centro.
This post was last modified on 26-Dec-2023
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