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Being the cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh, Vijayawada stands out as a hub for tourists to set out on their adventure to explore the state. Be it the spiritual aura of the Kanaka Durga temple or the history behind the Undavalli Caves, Vijayawada appeases the travel interests of every individual. However, beyond the vicinity of this bustling city lies a treasure of additional experiences that you have to explore. There are numerous places to visit near Vijayawada, each standing out with its charm and excitement.
10 Places To Visit Near Vijayawada
Be it the current capital of Amaravati or the spiritual pilgrimage experience to Tirupati, there is a long list of places that you can add to your itinerary.
1. Amaravati
Photo: Kishoresreenidhi / Wikimedia Commons
To begin with, we have the nearest city to Vijayawada, Amaravati. This is the capital of Andhra Pradesh and stands out for its historical significance and Buddhist heritage. The Amaravati Stupa, which is the primary attraction in the city, dates back to the 2nd or 3rd century and the place is also renowned for the Dhyana Buddha Statue. For a religious experience, you can head to Amareswara Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses the 15-foot-tall Shiva Lingam made entirely out of marble. You can also visit the Amaravati Museum, which unfolds details about the city and its heritage.
Distance From Vijayawada: 20 km
Major Attractions: Amaravati Stupa, Amaravati Museum, and Amareswara Temple
2. Kondapalli Fort
Photo: Koushik / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the best places to visit near Vijayawada is the Kondapalli Fort. Being an architectural marvel, the fort was reportedly used as a military training base during colonial rule. The giant ramparts of this fort are one of the main attractions of this place, enabling you to immerse yourself in the grandeur of the place. One of the main elements of this fort is the “Dargah Darwaza,” which has been carved out of a single granite boulder. Some of the other attractions in the fort include the Golconda Darwaza, the Dargah of Gareeb Sahib and the Tanisha Mahal.
Distance From Vijayawada: 27 km
Major Attractions: Dargah Darwaza, Golconda Darwaza, the Dargah of Gareeb Sahib, and the Tanisha Mahal
3. Suryalanka Beach
Photo: Mdhar / Wikimedia Commons
If you are in the main town of Bapatla, travelling to Suryalanka Beach shouldn’t take you more than 5-10 minutes. The combination of the pristine shoreline with crystal-clear waters makes this a popular beach not just among the tourists but the locals too. You can swim in the ocean and relax on the beach. However, one of the most popular activities on the beach is witnessing the stunning sunrise and sunset views. If you are visiting in November, you might be lucky to spot a few dolphins at a distance in the waters around the beach.
Distance From Vijayawada: 93 km
Major Attractions: Swimming, sunbathing, spotting dolphins, and trying snacks
4. Kolleru Lake & Sanctuary
Photo: Rajukhan Pathan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Both the lake and the sanctuary are of prime importance in the area. Kolleru Lake is the largest freshwater lake in India spread across an area of 245 sq. km. The lake is fed by seasonal Budameru and Tammileru streams and it is connected to the Krishna and Godavari irrigation systems too. Beyond the tranquillity of the lake, the main reason why it is usually frequented by tourists is because of bird watching. During the winter months, the lake and the surrounding bird sanctuary become home to a variety of bird species including Siberian crane, painted storks and ibis.
Distance From Vijayawada: 78 km
Major Attractions: Bird watching
5. Manginapudi Beach
Photo: Ganeshk / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Manginapudi Beach is another one of the best places to go near Vijayawada. Located in the Krishna district, it is one of the best travel destinations around Vijayawada. The locals also called it Machilipatnam Beach and Bandar Beach and is best known for stunning views of the sunrise and sunset. The offbeat and remote location of the beach explains why it is usually not frequented by tourists. Around the area, you can indulge in swimming, quad biking and other adventure activities too. You can also explore jet skiing activities on the beach.
Distance From Vijayawada: 83 km
Major Attractions: Swimming, jet skiing, quad biking, and strolls
6. Jaggayyapeta
Photo: Adityamadhav83 / Wikimedia Commons
Jaggayyapeta is known for its historical and cultural significance. The town features several ancient temples and is surrounded by lush landscapes. While you are there, take your time to explore a few of the ancient Hindu temples like Vedadri Narasimha Swamy Temple and Paritala Anjaneya Temple. Even places like Amareswara Temple are located nearby, making it easily accessible to reach. Beyond sightseeing, Jaggayyapeta is also a great spot for you to unwind and relax, especially if you want to take a break for a day or two before continuing your vacation. Jaggayyapeta offers a blend of history and nature, making it an interesting day trip from Vijayawada.
Distance From Vijayawada: 82 km
Major Attractions: Vedadri Narasimha Swamy Temple, Paritala Anjaneya Temple, and local markets
7. Kondaveedu Fort
Photo: Abdaal / Wikimedia Commons
Kondaveedu Fort is another popular destination to visit near Vijayawada. It is the largest hill fort in Andhra Pradesh and is located on the Kondaveedu Hills Range. It was Prolayavemareddy who initiated the construction of this fort back in the 13th century and the completion was done by his son, Anavotha Reddy. Inside the Kondaveedu Fort, you will find several small and big monuments, most of them currently in ruins. The Nemalla Buruju is one of the main attractions in the fort but besides that, there are 22 other Burujus inside.
Distance From Vijayawada: 72 km
Major Attractions: Monuments inside the fort, Nemalla Buruju, and ruins and the surrounding views
8. Dwaraka Tirumala
Photo: IM3847 / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Eluru district, Dwaraka Tirumala is yet another one of the good places to visit near Vijayawada. The town’s main attraction is the Sri Venkateswara Swami Vari Devasthanam, which attracts thousands of devotees throughout the year. Inside the temple, you will find two idols of Lord Venkateswara, which is unlike any other. Beyond that, you’d find the staple architecture that mimics the other temples across South India. Inside the temple, you can also witness the idols of Dashavatar and Astalaxmis. The locals also call this temple “Chinna Tirupati.”
Distance From Vijayawada: 99 km
Major Attractions: Sri Venkateswara Swami Vari Devasthanam
9. Khammam Fort
Photo: Pavithrans / Wikimedia Commons
Khammam Fort is one of the best places to travel near Vijayawada, which was constructed by the Musunuri Nayaks. Beyond that, the fort also played a lot of significance during the reigns of Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahis. Despite how long it has been, the fort remains tall and majestic with some part of it in ruins. During the excavation process, several of the inscriptions were found around Khammam and Krishna districts, depicting the history and the importance of the fort. The fort is spread across an area of 4 sq. miles, which suggests its grandeur.
Distance From Vijayawada: 121 km
Major Attractions: Ruins of the fort and still-standing architecture
10. Sri Uma Markandeyeswara Temple
Photo: Sai Varun N / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
From Vijayawada, Sri Uma Markandeyeswara Temple in Rajahmundry is another popular tourist attraction that you should consider exploring. It is one of the most ancient temples in the region that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was constructed in 1818 and is located on the banks of the Godavari River. Some legends suggest that the temple is named after sage Markandeya, who was a devotee of Lord Shiva. The majority of the devotees visit this temple as part of the Kshetra Yatra. Beyond the main shrine, there are smaller shrines in the temple dedicated to other deities too.
Distance From Vijayawada: 159 km
Major Attractions: The main shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple’s architecture, and the temple complex
There are a plethora of places to visit near Vijayawada, each catering to the interests of the travellers. Whether you want to immerse yourself in a spiritual experience or wish to experience the beauty of nature around you, there are quite a few different destinations that you must add to your travel plans. For the ultimate travelling experience, ensure that you get all your vacation bookings done with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Sushumnarao / Wikimedia Commons
