Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city. [Updated-2025]

Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city.

Kakinada is a coastal city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, located on the eastern coast along the Bay of Bengal. It serves as the administrative headquarters of the Kakinada district and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state.

Key Highlights of Kakinada:

1. Economic & Industrial Hub

   • Known as the “Fertilizer City of Andhra Pradesh” due to the presence of major industries like Coromandel International and Godavari Fertilizers.
   • Houses the Kakinada Deep Water Port, a crucial hub for imports and exports.
   • Emerging as an important center for IT and software industries.

2. Tourist Attractions

   • Hope Island – A scenic island and natural barrier protecting Kakinada from cyclones.
   • Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary – A mangrove forest with rich biodiversity, including rare birds and estuarine crocodiles.
   • Uppada Beach – A serene and less crowded beach near Kakinada.
   • Draksharamam Temple – A famous Shiva temple, one of the Pancharama Kshetras.
   • Yanam – A small French colonial town located nearby, part of Puducherry UT.

3. Education & Development

   • Home to prestigious institutions like JNTU Kakinada (Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University).
   • Several engineering and medical colleges contribute to the city’s academic excellence.

4. Cuisine & Culture

   • Famous for its Kakinada Kaja, a sweet delicacy.
   • The city has a mix of Telugu culture with influences from neighboring regions like Yanam.

5. Transport & Connectivity

   • Well-connected by road (NH-16), rail, and air. The nearest airport is Rajahmundry Airport (approximately 65 km away).
   • Kakinada has two railway stations – Kakinada Town and Kakinada Port.

6. Smart City & Development Plans

   • Selected under the Smart Cities Mission for infrastructure and urban development.
   • Plans for IT parks and better civic amenities to boost the city’s growth.