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Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh’s capital city, takes immense pride in its rich blend of history, natural beauty and cultural heritage. Be it with the historical temples or the myriad of festivals and cultural events held throughout the year, the beauty and charm of Amaravati deserve to be talked about. There are several things to do in Amaravati, from exploring varying temple complexes to going on adventures inside caves, the list is long. To make the most out of your trip to Amaravati, having a solid plan of action is mandatory so you don’t miss out on any experiences.
Top 10 Things To Do In Amaravati
Things to do in Amaravati offers a unique blend of historical sites, cultural experiences, and modern amenities, making it an intriguing destination for travelers.
1. Visit The Amaravati Stupa
Photo:Bhaskaranaidu / Wikimedia Commons
Despite being a ruined Buddhist stupa, Amaravati Stupa is one of the major attractions in this metropolis. Historical evidence depicts that the structure was built between the third century BCE and about 250 CE and stands out as one of the most unique historical structures in Andhra Pradesh. It is a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site that was built by the Satavahanas, surrounded by the pristine flow of the Godavari River. The architectural highlight of this stupa lies in the domical stupa structure, covered with relief stupa sculptural slabs.
Location: Amaravathi, Palnadu district, Andhra Pradesh, India
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: ₹20 onwards
2. Explore The Amaravati Museums
Photo: Krishna Chaitanya Velaga / Wikimedia Commons
There are multiple museums in Amaravati, including the Buddhist Archaeological Museum and Amaravathi Heritage Centre and Museum, each offering a glimpse into the rich heritage and culture of the state. Depending on your likes and dislikes, you can explore the archaeological museum first to witness varying Buddhist Stupas, monuments and structures that date back in history. One of the most astounding parts of this temple lies on the first level at the display of Amaravati Art. Other important panels are showcasing Sibi Jataka, Dome Panels from Chandavaram, etc.
Location: Main road, opposite AMBEDKAR STATUE, Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh 522020
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: ₹5
3. Seek Divine Blessings At Amareswara Temple
Photo:Krishna Chaitanya Velaga / Wikimedia Commons
Located on the southern bank of the Krishna River, visiting Amareswara Temple is one of the best things to do in Amaravati. It is a popular temple among Hindu devotees where Lord Shiva is worshipped. It is believed that Lord Shiva manifested himself as a marble lingam in the temple, and he is worshipped there in this form. Legends depict that to stop the growth of the shiva lingam, a nail was hit on top, and the red stain signifies the blood stain.
Location: Mandal And Town, Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh 522020
Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
4. Discover The Bhattiprolu Buddhist Stupa Site
Photo:Adityamadhav83 / Wikimedia Commons
Amaravati boasts a series of unique Buddhist pilgrimage sites and the Bhattiprolu Buddhist Stupa Site is another one worth adding to your itinerary. It is located in a remote village near Amaravati and is a centrally protected monument. The stupa at this Buddhist Stupa Site was once 30-40 feet tall, adding to its significance. One of the major attractions in this stupa site is the crystal relic casket of Sarira Dhatu of the Buddha, which attracts the majority of tourists. The grand excavation of this place took place in 1870, which unearthed three different mounts or stupas in the area.
Location: Bhattiprolu, Andhra Pradesh 522256
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
5. Visit Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary
Photo: J.M.Garg / Wikimedia Commons
One of the fun things to see in Amaravati is to visit the Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary, which is located near Guntur City. Previously, around 12,000 birds were resident in the sanctuary. However, the numbers have now come down to 7000 or so. However, that doesn’t take away from the beauty and the experience of witnessing some of the rarest bird species. There are unique plant and tree species in the sanctuary, which are planted to support the well-being of the birds like spotted bill gray pelicans, Painted stork, and red-crested pochard.
Location: Uppalapadu, Andhra Pradesh 522509
Timings: 7:30 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: ₹10 onwards
6. Explore Bhavani Island With Family
Photo:Saisumanth532 / Wikimedia Commons
Bhavani Island is located amid the Krishna River and is spread across an area of 133 acres. You have to enter through Berm Park and explore the expanse of the island at your convenience. There are tree houses and boating opportunities that you can explore at your convenience. You can take a ferry from Berm Park to the island to explore a variety of water activities around, including riding pedal boats, banana boats, swan boat rides, and bumper boats.
Location: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: ₹50
7. Wander Around The Undavalli Caves
Photo: Jayadeep Rajan / Wikimedia Commons
If you are wondering what to do in Amaravati, consider adding Undavalli Caves to your itinerary. Located around 10 Km from the main city of Amaravati, these caves feature a series of rock-cut cave temples that date back to the 4th-5th century CE. With their unique architecture, including a massive monolithic statue of Vishnu and intricately carved pillars, they stand out as popular spots for travelers to explore. There is a path away from the caves that leads to a vantage point, which you can visit for unobstructed views of the stunning caves and the surrounding landscape.
Location: Penumaka – Vijayawada Road Near Prakasam, Barrage, Undavalli, Andhra Pradesh 522501
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹5
8. Admiring The Dhyana Buddha Statue
Photo:Koushik03 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most popular attractions in Amaravati is the 125-foot-tall statue of Dhyana Buddha, which is located on the banks of Krishna River. The statue is installed around an area of 4.5 acres and the statue was sculpted by R. Mallikarjuna Rao. The statue’s construction was completed in 2015 and since then, it has served as a major tourist attraction. Surrounded by lush greenery and clear blue skies, you can relax in the serene surroundings, click pictures and unwind. There are dome-shaped vantage points around the statue from where you can witness the surrounding views too.
Location: Dharanikota, Near-police station, Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh 522020
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fees: ₹ 20
9. Indulge In Adventure At Moghalrajpuram Caves
Photo:Bhaskaranaidu / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the things to see in Amaravati Andhra Pradesh is the Moghalrajpuram Caves. These historical rock-cut shrines are dedicated to Lord Shiva and are one of the oldest rock-cut sculptures in South India. They reportedly date back to the 5th Century CE. There are five rock-cut sanctuaries in the caves but only one is preserved well and can be explored at the moment. Inside lies the Mogalarajapuram temple that houses the statue of Ardhanareeshwara. There is an idol of Lord Nataraja and Vinayaka inside another one of the caves.
Location: Siddhartha College Rd, Moghalrajpuram, Christurajupuram, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 520010
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹3
10. Take A Day Trip To Pedaganjam
Photo:B Udaykiran / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Depending on how long you are staying in Andhra Pradesh, you can also plan a day trip to the nearby Pedaganjam village. It is renowned for its scenic beauty and traditional rural life. A day trip to this village offers a chance to experience the local lifestyle, enjoy the lush green landscapes, and visit traditional temples. If you are tired of the hectic chaos of city life and want peace and tranquillity, this is potentially one of the best spots to visit and spend your day in. There aren’t any accommodation options in the village, so you’d have to return to Amaravati by evening or night.
Location: Peddaganjam, Andhra Pradesh 523186
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fees: N/A
There are a plethora of things to do in Amaravati, depending on your interests. You can explore the ancient and historical side of the capital city or immerse yourself in the modern side of the city. From ancient Buddhist monuments and archaeological sites to serene riverfronts and vibrant local markets, there is something for everyone. Plan a trip with TripXL and immerse yourself in the beauty of its capital city.
Cover Photo: iMahesh / Wikimedia Commons
