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When you visit Vijayawada, you have to make it a point to visit some of the other well known landmarks in the region. There are so many famous landmarks in the vicinity which have great historical importance and which are integral to the culture of India. Visiting these landmarks is like a dream come true and one gains a deeper insight into the monuments. Some of them are located in another city but it is very easy to access them with a couple of hours on the train. Here are some of the landmarks which you must make it a point to visit:
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The Charminar was constructed in 1591 and it is a major monument in the region. It is in fact a mosque and was built by Mahummad Quli Qutb Shah after he shifted his capital from Golkunda to Hyderabad. The monument gets its name from the 4 minarets at the four corners and today it has become synonymous with the city of Hyderabad. It is said that the mosque was built after the city went through a heavy bout of Cholera and it was a sign of thanks to the Almighty after the successful eradication of the disease. Due to its stunning architecture, which has heavy French influence, the monument is also called the Arc de Triomphe of the East. There is a museum inside the mosque and there one can see various artifacts and paintings related to the life of the Nizams and how they had contributed to the growth and development of the region.
The Golkunda Fort, which quite literally means a round hill, is actually a fort that once served as the seat of power for the Qutb Shahi dynasty. The fort and its adjoining regions saw immense popularity in its heyday because of its close proximity to the diamond mines. It flourished as a trade center for diamonds and gem stones merchants came from far and wide. It is said that the most famous diamond in the world, the Kohinoor, was found here, along with many others like the blue diamond Hope, now in US, the Regent- now in France, the Dresden Green- now in Germany and the Orlov, now in Russia. The fort was originally built as a line of defense in the western frontier and the massive battlements form a striking feature. It had passed on over various dynasties and rulers had fought over it to gain power in the entire region. It is one of the best places to visit around Vijayawada.
The Kanaka Durga Temple is located in the Indrakiladri Hills and is a great place for pilgrimage among the locals of the region. Hundreds of pilgrims visit the temple each year and most of them are from Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Rajamundhry. No one exactly knows how old the temple is but says it goes back to the time of the Mahabharata. Legends has it that Arjun, from the Mahabharata, brought Pashupathastra here and built the temple himself but that the idol of the goddess inside is Swayambhu, that is, it had manifested itself. Each year, tourists make a pilgrimage to this temple especially around Navaratri and the festivities are one a kind. The temple has a simple architecture but it has a very emotional connection to the people. This is one of the most popular tourist places near Vijayawada.
Literally translating to the Auspicious Hill, Mangalagiri is one of the eight important places of Mahakshetrams in the India. It is the oldest Vaishnavite temple in South India and thus has special significance. The temple itself is dedicated to Lord Pankala and it said that the Goddess Laxmi also once meditated on this hill. There are a number of other temples strewn all over the hill and the 11 story Gopuram of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is said to be over 200 years old. If you are coming for a pilgrimage tour to Mangalagiri then it is best to come with enough time in your hands so that you can cover the most of them. It happens to be a major pilgrimage site in South India.
Undavalli Caves lies about 6 km from Vijayawada and they are carved entirely in sandstone. One has to travel southwest from Vijayawada to reach the caves. The largest of the caves has been dedicated to Lord Vishnu. There are other caves which are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma as well. One of the caves is very artistic and was designed under the Guptas and is carved like a Buddhist monastery. Once you go a little higher in the hills, there are smaller caves with openings on the other side and they offer a magnificent view of the mighty River Krishna. Even if you are not religious, you must visit the caves for their great architectural value and it is quite an experience to explore them as well. Basically, the entire family will enjoy a trip here.
The Kondapalli Fort is located about 18 km from the main city and is both a business as well as a leisure destination. Many tourists come here to simply spend a very relaxing weekend. The main attraction here is of course the Dargah Darwaza. This is the main gateway to the fort and is carved out of granite. There are many intricate patterns on the door and it is amazing how the craftsmen had spent so much time carving into the hard rock face that had not yet faded till now. There are other attractions in the vicinity as well like the Tanisha Mahal and there is a deep reservoir beside which a number birds of come to perch. One of the unique takeaways from here is the Kondapalli Toys, which are available in the adjoining villages. These toys are dressed in a very unique manner and make for great keepsakes.
The Bhavani Island is more of a natural landmark and it is about four kilometers from the main city. It is situated in the middle of the mighty River Krishna and can be accessed by a boat ride. It is a very idyllic spot and people come here frequently in the weekends for a picnic. The specialty of the island is that it is a riverine island and has been formed through thousands of years of sedimentation. There are plenty of mangrove plantation and even manicured gardens on the islands. There are provisions for various kinds of water sports, or you might simply relax on the banks with a book after a refreshing swim in the waters. This is also a great spot for fishing. If you are looking for places to visit outside Vijayawada but in close proximity, then this is it.
These caves lie about 11 km from the main city and it is said they were carved out in the 5th century. The caves are presently in ruins but it is quite an adventure to explore them. Some of the caves have been dedicated to Lord Vinayak and others are mostly dedicated to Lord Nataraja and the Goddess Durga. There are also a few caves that are dedicated to Lord Ardhnarishwar and the carving of these idols is very unique and quite different from the other idols of the same lord found in the rest of South India. Try to wear good footwear as you have to be careful when you explore these caves. It is one of the important tourist places near Vijayawada.
The Victoria Museum is located in the city and is quite an important landmark. It is under the supervision of the Archeological Department of the city and there is a wide range of scriptures, documents, idols, paintings and sculptures to be found. The highlight of the museum is the huge statue of Lord Buddha that was brought here by Allaru. If you are a history buff, you will love visiting this place. There are also special workshops and exhibitions held at specific times of the year.
This temple is also located in the Indrakiladri Hills and it is just about a kilometer away from the main city. However, it is one of the most important temples in Vijayawada and thousands of pilgrims come here each year. The main festival held here is of SkandaShasti and it is held in honor of Lord Subramanya. From the temple premises, one can catch a glorious view of the River Krsihna in the distance. During festivals like Diwali, the temple is brilliantly lighted up and it is seen across the river banks. The Prasad of this temple is very delectable and is made with many unique ingredients.
These are some of the major landmarks around the city and a visit to these places near Vijawywada will help you understand the true significance of the region and its essence as to why it is such an important center for cultural promotion.
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April 15, 2024 
