Legend has it that Arjuna, according to the epic Mahabharata, prayed on top of Indrakila hill and won the blessings of Lord Shiva and thus the name of Vijayawada is derived from ‘Vijaya’ - victory. As the heart of Andhra Pradesh, Vijayawada is 275 km. from Hyderabad, between the river Krishna and its tributary, Budameru. 

Vijayawada lies in the rich coastal delta area of the state, a fact that is reflected in its spicy and deliciously varied cuisine. The most luscious mangoes are grown here and the region is renowned for its tradition of pickle making. 

Places To See

Gandhi Stupa 
The Gandhi Stupa, 15.8 ft. in height, stands on Gandhi Hill, which was once known as Orr Hill. The monument, built in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled in 1968. The Gandhi Memorial Library, sound and light show and planetarium are added attractions. From the top of the hill visitors get a panoramic view of Vijayawada. 

Hazrathbal Mosque
Here is the holy relic of prophet Mohammed and is displayed once a year. 

Mogalrajapuram Caves
An interesting site worth a visit, the well preserved Mogalarajapura caves have three cave temples, dating back to the 5th century AD. The Ardhanareeshwara Murthy found here is considered the only one of its kind in south India. The other famous caves are the Undavalli caves situated about 8 km. from Vijayawada which were carved in the 7th Century A.D. A huge monolithic Vishnu, is a magnificent sight at these caves. 

Undavalli Caves
The Undavalli caves are at a distance of 8 km. from Vijayawada and nearly 280 km. from Hyderabad. The high hill over looking the river Krishna at the village of Undavalli, hosts fine specimens of cut-in architectural and sculptural models. This east oriented cave with a Anantasaya Vishnu figure, is one of the best and earliest type here. Others within the koshthas and over the flat hills all around (nearly twenty) provide the thrill and joy of discovering carvings on rocks amidst the shrubby contours.

Mary's temple
Situated on a hillock on the side of the town, Mary’s temple attracts a large number of devotees. Annually, a fair is held in which thousands of people participate. 

Kanaka Durga temple
Kanaka Durga, goddess of power, riches and benevolence is considered the presiding deity of Vijayawada.The temple is set on Indrakila hill. A temple of Lord Malleswara is also within the city area. It is said that Adi Sankara visited this temple and installed Sri Chakra here. Special celebrations are held here during Dasera festival.

At the Kanakadurga temple, the enchanting four-foot high icon of the deity gleams into sight even before one enters the garbha griha. The goddess with eight hands and equipped with eight powerful weapons is seen in a standing posture over the demon Mahishashura and piercing him with her trident. The Goddess bedecked in glittering ornaments and floral decorations is the epitome of beauty. Devotees worship goddess Kanakadurga to bestow them with health, wealth and prosperity. 

Victoria Jubilee Regional Museum
The Museum of the Archaeological Department situated on Bandar Road contains beautiful sculptures and attractive paintings worth seeing. ‘Buddha’ Alluru inscriptions of first and second centuries and Mahishasura Mardhani are some of the important exhibits. 

Air : Vijayawada is connected to Hyderabad & Rajahmundry by air. 

Rail: Vijayawada is connected by rail with most parts of the country. 

Road: Good motorable roads connects Vijayawada with major cities in India. Some distances are Amaravati (66 km.), Bhubaneswar (792 km.), Mumbai (1010 km.), Calcutta (1245 km.), Delhi (1724 km.), Hyderabad (271km.), Chennai (433 km.), Rajahmundry (167 km.), Tirupati (380 km.), Visakhapatnam (366 km.), Warangal (253 km.).