Stand on the Prakasam Barrage in the late afternoon and the Krishna River spreads out on both sides of you as a single sheet of water, with the Indrakeeladri hill and the Kanaka Durga Temple rising on one bank. The three canals that leave the reservoir cut through the streets below, and the city's traffic, temple bells and mango stalls arrange themselves around them.
Vijayawada suits travellers who are already moving through Andhra Pradesh and want a day or two of temples, river views and rock-cut history rather than a resort stay. It rewards early starts, comfortable shoes for hill steps, and an interest in the layers of dynasty inscriptions and cave shrines that sit close to the modern city.
This guide covers the sights named in the source material, ordered so that the strongest are first, with a one-day plan at the end.
Top things to do in Vijayawada
1. Kanaka Durga Temple
Also known as Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam, this temple sits on Indrakeeladri hill overlooking the city and the River Krishna. Inscriptions from different dynasties are found in the temple, and the hill itself carries the city's founding legends.
You can either motor up the ghat road or take the steps on foot. During the Dasara Festival, thousands of devotees come from the city and its surroundings after a holy dip in the River Krishna, so plan around the crowds if you want a quieter visit.
2. Gandhi Hill
This hill holds the first Gandhi Memorial with seven stupas in the country, at a height of 500 ft. The 52 ft stupa was unveiled on 6 October 1968 by Dr. Zakir Hussain, the President of India.
Also on the hill are the Gandhi Memorial Library, a Sound and Light Show on Mahatma Gandhi's life, and a planetarium. A toy train journey at that height is a memorable experience, and it is an easy way to see the hill with children.
3. Bhavani Island
Bhavani Island lies on the Krishna River close to the city, and AP Tourism is converting the 133-acre island into a tourist spot and a river-front resort. It offers some cottages to stay in, along with adventure and fun sports.
The journey to the island by boat is very pleasant in itself, so treat the crossing as part of the outing rather than just transport.
4. Prakasam Barrage
Built across the River Krishna connecting the city with Amaravati, the Prakasam Barrage has created a panoramic lake. Its three canals running through the city give Vijayawada a Venetian look.
Come here to understand the shape of the city: the water, the canals and the hill are all visible from the same spot. It pairs naturally with the riverfront sights nearby.
5. Akkanna Madanna Caves
At the foot of Indrakeeladri Hill, this group of 7th-century rock-cut caves is dedicated to Shiva and is a monument of national importance.
Because it sits at the foot of the same hill as the Kanaka Durga Temple, it fits neatly into the same outing rather than a separate trip across town.
6. Mogalrajapuram Caves
Said to have been excavated in the 5th century, these caves are reputed to be the first of their kind in South India. The idols of Lord Nataraja, Vinayaka and Ardhanareeswara are carved here.
The Mogalrajapuram hills hold five rock-cut temples built during the fourth to ninth centuries, some of which can be attributed to the Vishnukundina dynasty, so allow time to look at more than one carving.
7. Bapu Museum (Victoria Jubilee Museum)
On MG Rd, this is a place for archaeology lovers, with a carefully preserved collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, idols, weapons, cutlery and inscriptions.
It is a good counterpoint to the cave sites: see the excavated and collected material indoors, then visit the rock-cut shrines themselves.
8. Gunadala Matha Shrine
In 1925, Rf. Arlati, the Rector of St. Joseph's Orphanage at Gunadala, installed a statue of Our Lady. A church was later built and consecrated in 1971 as St. Mary's church.
Since then, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes has become an annual event attended by hundreds of people. The church is situated on a hillock on the eastern side of the city.
9. Krishnaveni Mandapam (River Valley Museum)
This museum stands in front of Prakasam Barrage and was constructed by the Vijayawada Industrialists & Fertilizers Association. It consists of four rooms depicting the story of the Krishna River, along with a statue of Krishnaveni.
On the river bank there is also a Bridge Museum just beside the bus stand. Nearby, beside Pushkar Ghat, is Swathantra Samarayodhula Samsthanam, so you can combine all three in one walk.
10. Hazarat Bal Mosque
A holy relic of the Prophet Mohammed is kept here and displayed once a year. A large number of non-Muslims join the celebrations too.
If your visit does not coincide with the annual display, the mosque is still worth noting as part of the city's places of worship.
11. Subramanya Swamy Temple
This temple is on Indrakeeladri hill, overlooking the city as well as the River Krishna, and you can take the steps on foot. It is maintained by the Iddipilli Family.
During the Skanda Shashti Festival, thousands of devotees come from the city, and some come from as far away as Tamil Nadu. Since it shares the hill with the Kanaka Durga Temple, the two can be visited together.
12. Sri Nagarala Sri Maha Lakshmi Ammavaru Temple
This temple is in the area of Chittinagar and is maintained by the Nagaralu Community. During the Dasara Festival, thousands of devotees arrive from the city.
If you are in Vijayawada during Dasara, this is one of the places where the festival's local observance is most visible.
13. Rajiv Gandhi Park
Created by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation, this park is at the entrance of the city and features an impressive horticultural network. It also has a mini zoo and a musical water fountain.
It works well as a relaxed stop at the start or end of a day, particularly if you are travelling with children.
14. Hinkar Thirtha (Jain Temple), Mangalagiri
Hinkar Thirtha is a Jain temple at Mangalagiri, stated to be the biggest Jain temple in the region.
It lies beyond the city itself, so treat it as a separate excursion rather than part of a walkable circuit.
15. Indira Gandhi Stadium
The stadium is listed among the city's things to do and is the one sporting venue named in the source material.
Check locally whether anything is scheduled during your dates before making the trip.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at the Kanaka Durga Temple on Indrakeeladri hill, taking either the ghat road or the steps. While you are on the hill, add the Subramanya Swamy Temple, which shares the same hill and the same river view. On the way down, stop at the Akkanna Madanna Caves at the foot of the hill.
Afternoon: Move to the Prakasam Barrage for the view over the Krishna and the canals, then visit Krishnaveni Mandapam in front of the barrage, along with the Bridge Museum beside the bus stand and Swathantra Samarayodhula Samsthanam beside Pushkar Ghat. If time allows, take the boat across to Bhavani Island for the river crossing and the island's sports.
Evening: Head up to Gandhi Hill for the memorial stupas, the Sound and Light Show on Mahatma Gandhi's life and the toy train ride. If you still have energy, the Mogalrajapuram Caves and the Bapu Museum on MG Rd fill out the day's history, and Rajiv Gandhi Park at the entrance of the city is an easy finish.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to visit Vijayawada?
January is the coldest month and May is the hottest, when maximum temperatures often cross 40 °C. The city receives rainfall from both the South-west and North-east monsoons.
How do I get up to the Kanaka Durga Temple?
You can either motor up the ghat road or take the steps on foot. The Subramanya Swamy Temple on the same hill is also reached by steps.
What can I do on the Krishna River?
Take a boat to Bhavani Island, which offers cottages to stay in and some adventure and fun sports. The Prakasam Barrage and the Krishnaveni Mandapam in front of it are on the river as well.
Which festivals bring the biggest crowds?
During the Dasara Festival, thousands of devotees come to the Kanaka Durga Temple and to Sri Nagarala Sri Maha Lakshmi Ammavaru Temple after a holy dip in the River Krishna. The Skanda Shashti Festival draws crowds to the Subramanya Swamy Temple, and the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes is an annual event at Gunadala Matha Shrine.
Decide which hill you want to climb first, check the festival calendar, and start planning your days around the river.