Sightseeing Vijayawada will leave its imprint on you. Only few cities can boast of such diverse places of interest. And every destination has a story to tell. Be it a journey to the ancient times through the excavated caves and the Buddhist sites, or that visit to one of the numerous temples, there will never be a dull moment for you. Kanaka Durga Temple This picturesque temple will take you to a spiritual journey that will treat your visual senses. Located atop the Indrakiladri Hill, this temple worships Goddess Kanaka Durga as the presiding deity. Indrakiladri Hill will surprise you with the stunning views of the entire city. You have a choice of two routes to reach the temple. Test your fitness levels by taking the stairs. Or if it isn't for you, then motor up the Ghat road. Either way you'll find lots to discover with inscriptions of different dynasties that unfold stories of the past. For a more festive holiday, be here during the occasion of Dassara or Durgashtami where a large number of devotees throng the temple to offer their prayers to the Goddess. Prakasam Barrage The imposing Prakasam Barrage, across the river Krishna is 1223.5 mt long. A pleasant walk down the barrage with the gentle breeze on your face and a beautiful view of the shimmering lake can be a great way to spend your evening. Andhra Pradesh largely owes its richness in agriculture to the Prakasam Barrage as the project has helped in the irrigation of lakhs of acres of agricultural lands. Undavalli Caves Dating back to the 7th century B.C., they are the perfect examples of rock cut architecture in Southern India. Just 8 km from Vijayawada, these caves take you into a completely different world. A huge monolith of the Lord Vishnu in reclining posture sculpted from a single block of granite can be seen here. Rajiv Gandhi Park Why should kids be missing out on fun in your trip to Vijayawada? Bring them here, and let them be themselves. Created by Vijayawada Municipal Corporation, this park has a mini zoo and a musical water fountain. Soon you'll find out that kids are just an excuse. After all don't you want the child in you to come out sometime? Gandhi Hill As the name suggests, it was on this hill at a height of 500 ft that the first Gandhi Memorial with seven stupas was constructed to pay tribute to this great man. The 52 ft stupa was unveiled on the 6th October, 1968 by Dr. Zakir Hussain. Now you too can feel the stature of the Mahatma in a way that you've never known before. The light and sound show on the planetarium will further enlighten you. Also, present is a library that will give you some rare insights into the life of this great man. Victoria Museum The Victoria Jubilee Museum in Vijayawada is an archaeological museum established in 1887. It is located on the Bunder Road. Even after the passage of more than one century since it was established, the museum continues to attract and awe visitors with its varied and unique collection of arts and artifacts. Pre-historic tools, pottery, stone and copper plates, gold and silver coins, arms and armory, manuscripts and stone cut writings, objects obtained from excavations at historical sites, paintings etc are some of the exhibits here. A magnificent granite statue of the Buddha and also a well preserved standing, white limestone figure of the Buddha from Alluru, dating from 3C- 4C. An idol of Lord Shiva, beautifully sculptured and believed to belong to the 4th and 5th centuries is another attraction. Timings: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm Mogalarajapuram Caves There are 3 famous cave temples here, as old as the 5th century. One among the three cave temples adorns a spectacular carving of Ardhanariswara, which is believed to be the only one of its kind in South India. These cave temples have carved images of Lord Vinayaka and Lord Shiva in Nataraja form. Bhavani Island A beautiful estuary island in the Krishna river that you should not miss. Bhavani Island is located near to the to Prakasam Barrage. A marvelous picnic spot, Bhavani Island has nicely maintained swimming pools and facilities for enjoying amazing boat rides in Krishna River. Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation makes very good arrangements of boats for boating and is available from the place known as Durga ghat. The island is a great place for some fun water sports. Fishing is also on offer. Ride to the island by boat is very pleasing. Adurru This your chance to experience life in an ancient village. Adurru village lies on the west bank of Godavari with a distinguished past of its own. In 1953, the Archaeological Survey of India conducted excavations here that brought to light the remains of Buddhist stupas, chaityas and viharas. Amidst these, the most notable is the Mahastupa, which is built like a giant wheel. The excavations unearthed remnants that spread across an area of approximately 2.04 acres. So be here to take a journey down the ancient ages. Who knows you might step into something that nobody has noticed? Amaravati Museum The Archaeological Museum at Amaravati houses mainly Buddhist relics. The antiquities found here include collections from Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh which belong to the period between 3rd century BC to 12th century AD. It contains panels, chakras and caskets containing relics, broken railings and sculptures etc. The exhibits are arranged in different galleries. Timings: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm Buddhist sites Dhyanakataka, Bhattiprolu, Goli Guntupalli, Ghantasala and Chinna Ganjam are some important Buddhist sites in and around Vijayawada. Many stupas and viharas were built during the Satavahana and Salivahana dynasties. Gunadala Mary Matha shrine An annual feast is held every year to commemorate the appearance of Mother Mary at Lourdes on February 11, 1858. A church and a museum of valuable articles offered by the devotees and sacred relics of the past are present. An iron cross is erected atop the hill. Hazratbal Mosque A holy relic of the Prophet Mohammed is kept here and displayed once a year. A large number of Muslims join in the celebrations. Hinkar Thirtha (Jain Temple), Mangalagiri Definitely a must see, this Jain temple is the biggest in this region with an architecture that will mesmerize you. Jaggayyapeta This ancient site lies 5 km to the north west of Amaravati. Known as Betavolu in the past, you will find many stupas and traces of monastic buildings. Kondapalli Fort This 7th century fort on the hill with an impressive three storied rock tower has witnessed the glory of many dynasties. It served as a business center in the olden days. The fort was used as a military training base by the British rulers. It is now a good picnic spot. Kondapalli village is situated 16 km from Vijayawada. The village is famous for toys made with a special wood that's found on the hills here. These toys are famous the world over as 'Kondapalli Toys'. Kolleru Lake I f you are a nature lover, then this is where you must head. The largest fresh water lake, Kolleru lake is a virtual paradise for nature lovers. Rich in flora and fauna, it attracts migratory birds from Australia, Siberia, Egypt and Philippines between the months of October and March. During this season, the lake is visited by an estimated 2,00,000 birds, which include Open Bill Storks, Painted Storks, Glossy Ibises, White Ibises, Teals, Pintails, Shovellers, Red-Crested Pochards, Blackwinged Stilts, Avocets, Common Redshanks, Wigeons, Gadwalls and Cormorants, among others. Krishna Wild Life Sanctuary, Avanigadda This is one of the few mangrove habitats in Andhra Pradesh. These dense mangrove forests are nestled on the estuary of River Krishna and provide habitat to Hyena, Jungle and Fishing Cat, Fox, Bear, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Black Buck, Cobra, Russels Viper, Water Snake, Rat Snake and Tree Snake, Garden Lizard, Wall Lizards, Land tortoise, and also a good variety of birds including Crested Serpant Eagle, Indian Roller, Wagtails, Pipits. This makes the Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect place for bird-watching VMC - Sibar Disneyland If you are looking for a place to excite your child, then Disneyland which is just 8 km from Vijayawada is the place to be. Family entertainment with water slides, wave pool, kids pool, joy rides etc and facilities like food courts, and gift shops are available here. The simulated volcano in the park and joy rides provide great entertainment to one and all.