How to Reach Vijayawada from Hyderabad
By Train
The largest railway junction of South India, Vijayawada is an important railway station on the Chennai – Delhi rail route. This station is well-connected by regular trains to all the major states and cities in India, including Hyderabad.
By Air
The Vijayawada airport in Gannavaram is around 20 km away from the city center. It is well-linked to Hyderabad by regular flights. From the airport, taxi services are available to the city.
By Road
Hyderabad and Vijayawada are around 4 hour’s drive away from each other, therefore, you can rent a car or a hire a taxi for a comfortable journey. Apart from this APSRTC buses connect Vijayawada to Hyderabad. There is also an option of private luxury tourist buses as well.
Tourist Attractions in Vijayawada
Kondapalli Fort
Constructed way back in the 14th century, Kondapalli Fort is a fort with 3-storied rock tower that is located on a hill top near the city. There is a confusion about its construction, some say it was built by the founder of Reddy kingdom of Kondaveedu, Prolaya Vema Reddi while the other believe that it was built by King Krishna Deva Raya during the 7th century. Within its premises, there is also the Dargah of Gareeb Saheeb.
Lenin Statue
One of the few statues of Lenin in India, one of the Lenin Statues is placed in Vijayawada. This statue is a symbol of the struggle of India’s working class and the ideologies of communism. This spectacular Lenin Statue is garlanded on 1st May, World Laborer’s Day. There is also a statue of Karl Marx close to it. Both these statues were erected during the 1980’s.
Mogalarajapuram Caves
Mogalarajapuram Caves, located in the proximity of Vijayawada, is famous for three cave temples believed to be as old as 5th century. One among the three cave temples adorns a spectacular carving of Ardhanariswara, which is believed as the only one of its kind in South India. These cave temple have carved deities of Lord Vinayaka and Lord Shiva in Nataraja form. This is a good ancient temple to visit and see the ancient culture and ancient style of living.
Undavalli Caves
Lying in the Undavalli village, the well-known Undavalli Caves are 4-storied caves that belong to the 7th century. Facing the free-flowing river Krishna, these caves are placed on a height. A popular and amazing example of cut-in sculptural and architectural model, these caves also have a huge Lord Vishnu state in a reclining form. This statue is carved from a single granite piece.
Victoria Museum
Popular amidst archaeology enthusiasts, Victoria Museum of the Archaeological Department consists of ancient idols, sculptures, weapons, cutlery, paintings and inscriptions. There is also an amazing collection of pre-historic metal works, coins, arms, Microlithic and Neolithic implements. A major crowd puller in the museum is a huge granite statue of Lord Buddha as well as a statue of Lord Buddha in standing position made of white limestone.
Rajiv Gandhi Park
Currently the gateway to the city, the Rajiv Gandhi Park has been named after Late Rajiv Gandhi, the former PM of India in remembrance of his contribution to India’s development. Quite popular amidst horticulture enthusiasts, this park also consists of a mini zoo as well as musical fountain. It is popular amidst locals and tourists, alike.
Gandhi Hill
Also known as Gandhi Stupa, Gandhi hill is a popular tourist attractions, mainly because of housing a planetarium and the Light and Sound, organized here every day. This show is a depiction of the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. This stupa also consists of a statue of Gandhi, 7 stupas, at a height of 150 meters as well as a Gandhi Memorial Library.