India is a country which has diversity in every breath of air. Southern of our country is rich in so many ways, so many vibrant and historic cities. One such beautiful city of Andhra Pradesh is Vijayawada, indicated by kanaka temple of goddess Durga & Krishna river. One of the best cities to live in the country is this town of Victory - Vijayawada, ranked 9th out of top 10 as per the ease of life index survey. The life is easy, simple, urban and climate is moderate. Indrakeeladri hills on one side and other River Krishna flowing through, Budameru stream in north - gives a tropical kind of climate to the city. So this effluent city of culture, heritage, progress & lifestyle is a must visit. It is a charming city to find solace in. Business and industries springing, city has been recognised as the Global city of future by McKinsey Quaterly. It is also financial capital of Andhra Pranesh. It becomes developing urban city with a historic n cultural rich edge changing rapidly with times and developing every facet. Malls, multi cuisine restaurants, five star hotels, parks and super dimensions of life are the upcoming highlights of the city. It has no villages or towns.

History of Vijayawada

History of the city remains ancient and old, being rich in cultures and heritage monuments. Vijayawada is etched in history for several imperative events. It is believed that Goddess Durga killed vicious Mahesasur and relaxed on the peek of Indrakeeladri hills, therefore it was called Vijayvatika. In ancient history it was known as Bezawada ( Vijayawada), which was founded by Parichchedi kings and was ruled by King Madhava Varma from Vishnukundina dynasty. Several caves and rock cut temples showcasing convoluted architecture was built during Vishnukundina reign. In 16th century when Qutb Shahi dynasty ruled Vijayawada and found diamond mines on the banks of Krishna river. 

Culture and festivals in Vijayawada

Hindu constituted major population of Vijayawada. It is a city multi-cultural city where people are modern yet traditional. Vijayawada is dipped in urban livelihood with a dash of traditionalistic values.  Unity in diversity righteously demonstrating Vijayawada is one such city. Now talking about the festivals, there are some that are remarkably celebrated in Vijayawada and calls for you to explore places that are must visit in Vijayawada:

• Durga Puja is celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm in the city. Dedicated to patron goddess of the city, Goddess Durga for her victory over Mahesasur. 
• Deccan festival organized during February to exhibit city’s culture and art. It’s a five day long festival. 
• Theppotsavam in Krishna river is a very prominent event if the Hindu. 
• Happy Sunday is an event organized by corporation to indulge in sports, events, fun and frolic get-together and food. It happens once in every month on Sundays.

Places to visit in Vijayawada

• KANAKA DURGA TEMPLE: Roosting on the Indrakeeladri hills, depicting south Indian architecture and most revered temple in  in Andhra Pradesh. As per foretold stories it’s built by Arjuna where goddess Durga manifested herself. It’s a shrine hindu temple and dushhera is celebrated grandly. This destination qualifies as a spiritual places to visit in Vijayawada. 
• PRAKASAM BARRAGE: Named after first chief minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri Tungturi Prakasam, this scenic bridge connects districts of Krishna and Guntur. If you want to hone your photography skills, this is the place. Flowing Krishna on this 1 km long bring, It’s a picturesque which needs to be captured. 
• UDAVALLI CAVES: One of the places to visit in Vijayawada, Rock cut temples amidst lush greenery, the Undavalli caves serene attestation to history, culture and heritage to the region. Dedicated to lord Narasimha and lord padmanabha, carved out of a single sandstone base. It also contains Jain and Buddhists designs. 
• MOGALARAJPURAM CAVES: More than 1500 year old landmark in Vijayawada heritage, an adventerous places to visit in Vijayawada. The mogalarajpuram is a must visit for history buff, testimony to affluent culture  and religious practices of Vijayawada. These rock cut caves exhibit sculptures and artifacts , idol of lord Ganesha, lord Natrajan, five rock cut sancturies and sculpted pillars at the entrance. It’s a place to indulge in diversified history. 
• BHAVANI ISLANDS: One of the largest river island in India and delightful places to visit in Vijayawada, Bhavani island is located in the middle of Krishna river. Water sports and surreal landscape it’s favorite picnic destination in Vijayawada. 
• KONDAPALLI FORT: Tale about mediaeval history of Vijayawada, perched on a hill you can explore it’s fortification. Village is also famous for kondapalli dolls, so don’t forget to buy a souvenir. This is a must visit places in Vijayawada.
• GANDHI HILLS: An utmost tourist footfall destination for Vijayawada, Gandhi hill is an elevated hill station. Scenic view, a planetarium, library, a show on father of nation and the stupa, you can indulge in several activities. 
• HAZRATBAL MOSQUE: A white building and shrine Muslim place for devotees. This mosque is located in the heart of the city. 
• RAJIV GANDHI PARK: If you are fond of tranquility and no hustle it’s the ideal destination. A park located on Krishna rivers to tread across leisurely.
• SCRAP SCULPTURES PARK: As name suggests it’s a park made of metal scraps sculptures. An artificial park to look into indeginous art and craft in city and considered as one of the must explored places to visit in Vijayawada.
• MANGALAGIRI TOWN: Mangalagiri is a town located near Vijayawada which is a cultural centre and has many religious attractions. Laxmi Narsimha temple, a forest of bird species, outskirts trails and largest tower in south india. A roundabout trip is a worth it option and it is a popular places to visit in Vijayawada. 
• SUBRAMANYA SWAMI MANDIR: One of the beautiful places to visit in Vijayawada, located on sacred Indrakeeladri hills, it’s a temple consisting all the avatar of Lord Subramnaya. 

How to reach Vijayawada?

• Airport: Vijayawada airport nearly 19 kms from city. It has an average air traffic with a subtle amount of connectivity. 
• Railway: One of the busiest railway station in India. Vijayawada is mostly well connected via tracks. 
• Road: An upcoming metro city, Vijayawada has well maintained routes. Though traffic can be congested at times.

Best time to visit Vijayawada

Be a tourist mostly in winter from about September to February. 

• Summer: Temprature ranging from 26°c to 40°c (Unbearably hot) 
• Monsoon: Temprature ranging from 23°c to 32°c ( Blazewada in  Rain) 
• Winter: Temprature ranging from 15°c to 27°c (Pleasant)