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Indian
States
Andhra Pradesh
Amaravathi
Some 30km due west of Vijayawada, near the bank of the Krishna
River, stands the ancient Buddhist centre of Amaravathi, the former
capital of the Satvahans, the successors to the Mauryas in this
part of India. Here you can see the 2000 year old stupa with its
intricately carved pillars and marble-surfaced dome which itself
is equally richly carved. The carvings depict the life from everyday
life. It's not as large as that at sanchi in Madhya Pardesh but
it's worth a visit if you're interested in Buddhist relics of the
Hinayana era. There's a Museum on the site containing relics found
in the area. The ancient Buddhist centre known as Dhanyataka and
the former capital city of Satavahanas is 60kms south west of Vijayawada.
During the time of Acharya Nagarjuna, the Buddhist philosopher,
Amaravathi was a renowned seat of learning where a Buddhist university
flourished. It is built of kiln-burnt bricks and faced with marble
slabs, the Maha stupa was richly adorned with carvings, depicting
events from the life of Buddha along its dome and the outer and
inner sides of the railing.
Kanakadurga
Temple
Built atop a hill, the temple is synonymous with Vijayawada.
It is among the important mentioned in the sacred texts. Adi Sankara
is believed to have visited the temple and installed the 'Sri Chakra'
here. On the way to the Kanakadurga temple are the rock-cut carve
dedicated to akkanna and Madanna, Ministers in the court of Abul
hasan Tanashah, the 17th century Qutub Shahi ruler.Kanaka Durga,
the goddess of power, riches and benevolence is the presiding deity
of Vijayawada.
Gandhi
Hill
The tallest structure in the Vijaywada skyline, Memorial to
the Father of the Nation, is the 15.8m stupa on Gandhi Hill for
merely known as Orr Hill. The Gandhi stupa is a monument erected
in memory of Mahatma Gandhi. It was unveiled in 1968. The Gandhi
Memorial Library, sound and light show, planetorium are the another
places which attract the tourists.
Mogalrajapuram
Caves
Of the three cave temples dating back to the fifth century only
one is still is good shape. It contains the idols of Lord Nataraja
and Vinayaka among others. The other famous caves are the Undavalli
Caves, situated about 8 kms. from Vijayawada. These caves were built
in 7th century A.D.
Hazratbal
Mosque
Hazratbal Mosque is believed as a holy relic of Prophet Mohammad
is a famous shrine of the Muslims.
St.
Mary’s Church
It was Build on a hillock in the east side of Vijayawada. St.
Mary’s Church attracts people from all religion and also from
whole count. A fair is held annually in which thousands of people
participate.
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