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

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

Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh – The Business & Cultural Hub

Vijayawada, known as the “Heart of Andhra Pradesh”, is a major commercial, cultural, and transportation hub of the state. Located on the banks of the Krishna River, this city is famous for its historic temples, scenic hills, delicious Andhra cuisine, and vibrant markets. It is also an educational and political center, playing a crucial role in Andhra Pradesh’s development.

📍 Key Highlights of Vijayawada:

✅ Kanaka Durga Temple – The most revered temple in Andhra Pradesh.
✅ Prakasam Barrage – A scenic spot on the Krishna River.
✅ Undavalli Caves – Ancient rock-cut caves with Buddhist influence.
✅ Rich Telugu culture, classical dance, and literature.
✅ Famous for spicy Andhra cuisine, mangoes, and unique sweets.

🏰 Top Attractions & Best Places to Visit in Vijayawada

1️⃣ Kanaka Durga Temple – The Divine Power of Vijayawada 🛕

📍 Location: Indrakeeladri Hill
💞 Why Visit?
✅ One of the most powerful Shakti Peethas in South India.
✅ Dedicated to Goddess Kanaka Durga, known for fulfilling wishes.
✅ Scenic hilltop location with breathtaking views of Krishna River.

🎟️ Entry Fee: Free (₹100-₹500 for special darshan)
🕰️ Timings: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM

2️⃣ Prakasam Barrage – A Serene Spot on the Krishna River 🌉

📍 Location: Krishna River, Vijayawada
💞 Why Visit?
✅ An iconic bridge that connects Krishna and Guntur districts.
✅ Offers stunning sunrise and sunset views.
✅ Perfect for a relaxing walk or boat ride.

🎟️ Entry Fee: Free

3️⃣ Undavalli Caves – A Glimpse of Ancient India 🏛️

📍 Location: 6 km from Vijayawada
💞 Why Visit?
✅ Rock-cut caves with Hindu and Buddhist sculptures.
✅ Famous for a massive reclining statue of Lord Vishnu.
✅ A peaceful retreat with historical significance.

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
🕰️ Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

4️⃣ Bhavani Island – A Riverside Paradise 🏝️

📍 Location: Krishna River, near Vijayawada
💞 Why Visit?
✅ One of India’s largest river islands.
✅ Offers water sports, boating, and adventure activities.
✅ Beautiful resorts and picnic spots for relaxation.

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹50 (Activities have separate charges)
🕰️ Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

5️⃣ Gandhi Hill – A Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi 🗿

📍 Location: 500 ft above the city, Vijayawada
💞 Why Visit?
✅ Houses India’s first Gandhi Memorial with a 52-ft stupa.
✅ Great spot for panoramic views of Vijayawada.
✅ Has a planetarium, museum, and library.

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
🕰️ Timings: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM

6️⃣ Rajiv Gandhi Park – A Family-Friendly Attraction 🌳

📍 Location: MG Road, Vijayawada
💞 Why Visit?
✅ A lush green park with beautiful fountains & sculptures.
✅ Best place for morning walks and kids’ entertainment.
✅ Has a small zoo and musical fountain show.

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
🕰️ Timings: 2:00 PM – 8:30 PM

7️⃣ Mangalagiri – A Holy Town for Devotees 🛕

📍 Location: 12 km from Vijayawada
💞 Why Visit?
✅ Famous for the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple.
✅ Known for its handloom cotton sarees (Mangalagiri Sarees).

🎟️ Entry Fee: Free

🛍️ Shopping in Vijayawada – Best Markets & Malls

🛍️ Besant Road – A busy street for fashion, jewelry & electronics.
🛍️ MG Road – Famous for shopping malls & branded stores.
🛍️ Lepl Centro Mall & Trendset Mall – Best for high-end shopping & entertainment.
🛍️ Kondapalli Village – Famous for Kondapalli wooden toys.

🍽️ Food & Drink in Vijayawada – Must-Try Dishes

Famous Andhra Dishes:

🍛 Guntur Chicken – A spicy & flavorful chicken dish.
🍚 Andhra Meals – Includes pappu (dal), chutneys, and spicy curries.
🍤 Royyala Vepudu – Spicy Andhra-style prawn fry.
🍗 Kodi Pulao – A delicious Andhra chicken biryani.
🥭 Banginapalli Mangoes – The city’s most famous mango variety.
🥤 Vijayawada Mango Lassi – A sweet & refreshing drink.

Best Restaurants & Cafés:

🍽️ Sweet Magic – Famous for Andhra meals & sweets like Bandar Laddu.
🍽️ Minerva Grand – Best for South Indian breakfast & tiffins.
🍽️ RR Durbar – Popular for Biryani & Andhra-style chicken.
☕ The Chocolate Room – Best café for desserts & coffee.

🎭 Fairs & Festivals in Vijayawada

🎡 Krishna Pushkaram (Once every 12 years) – A holy river festival with millions of devotees.
🌺 Dasara (Navratri) Festival – Grand celebrations at Kanaka Durga Temple.
🔥 Deccan Festival (February-March) – Showcases Telugu culture, arts & dance.
🎶 Lumbini Festival (December) – Celebrates Buddhist heritage at Amaravati.

🌙 Nightlife in Vijayawada – Best Places to Hang Out

🍹 10 Downing Street (TDS) – A lively pub with great music & cocktails.
🎶 Ironhill Brewery – A microbrewery with craft beer & live music.
🍸 Sky Deck Restobar – A rooftop bar with stunning city views.
☕ Cafe Coffee Day on MG Road – Best for late-night coffee lovers.

🚗 How to Reach Vijayawada?

• ✈️ By Air: Vijayawada International Airport (VGA) connects to major cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Delhi.
• 🚆 By Train: Vijayawada Junction is one of India’s busiest railway stations, connecting to Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
• 🚗 By Road: Well-connected via NH-16 & NH-65 with frequent buses to Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, and Chennai.