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Vizianagaram, often known as the “City of Victory,” is a city in Andhra Pradesh that not many tourists know of. The offbeat location, lack of discussion and hype and limited sightseeing spots explain why many tourists often miss out on exploring such a culturally significant spot in the state. Among the many places to visit in Vizianagaram, having a proper plan ensures that you get to witness the beauty of the temples, forts and the natural wonders that make up this city. Several cultural spots let you get a glimpse into Andhra Pradesh’s enriching past.
10 Places To Visit In Vizianagaram
This list of places to visit in Vizianagaram offers a unique and enriching travel experience, especially with its vibrant cultural and heritage sites, religious destinations and natural landscapes.
1. Vizianagaram Fort
Photo: Adityamadhav83 / Wikimedia Commons
The primary attraction is the Vizianagaram Fort, which is an 18th-century fort that was constructed by Vijaya Rama Raju, who served as the Maharaja of Vizianagaram in 1713. The location of this fort is where the “five vijayas” were supposed to exist. The entire fort is built out of stone and has a distinct square shape measuring 240 metres in length and around 10 metres in height. Like most of the other forts in India, even this one is further strengthened with fortifications in the form of bastions and stone slabs. The structure houses several palaces, courtyards, and gardens, which were once part of the residence of the royal family.
Location: Jonnaguddi Area, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh 535002
Timings: 24*7
2. Maharaja’s College
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn / Wikimedia Commons
Among the popular tourist attractions in Vizianagaram, Maharaja’s College is an educational institute that you can consider visiting. The college was established back in 1879 and initially, it was opened as a middle school in 1857, following which it was expanded into a college in the 1870s. It was the royal family during that period that constructed and commissioned the college’s establishment. The campus is adorned with well-maintained gardens, vintage buildings, and a library that houses rare books and manuscripts. When you are visiting the college, ensure to explore the well-maintained garden and courtyard area.
Location: Tupakula Street, Kaspa West, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh 535001
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
3. Ganta Stambham (Clock Tower)
Photo: CHUTTERSNAP / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Another one of the Vizianagaram tourist places you must add to your travel plans is the Ganta Stambham (Clock Tower), which is located in the heart of the city. This is a historical landmark that features a 68-foot clock tower that was constructed in 1885. The design and purpose of this clock tower is reminiscent of the Big Ben in London. It was built by the Vizianagaram kings. Also, after every hour, the clock tower plays a melody siren, which is quite an iconic experience to listen to. Since the clock tower is in the middle of the city, you can also shop around the local market.
Location: Tower Clock Area, Santhapeta, Ghantastambham, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh 535001
Timings: 8:30 AM – 9 PM
4. Ramatheertham
Photo: Adityamadhav83 / Wikimedia Commons
Another popular village located in the Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh is Ramatheertham. It is around 12 km from the main city and there is archaeological evidence that depicts the association of this place with Lord Rama. Also, there are temples dedicated to Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu, which make this a popular destination among religious travellers. The most prominent temple here is the Sri Rama Temple, which is believed to date back over a thousand years. Ramatheertham is also known for its rock-cut caves that contain Jain relics, showcasing the area’s religious diversity as well.
Location: Ramatheertham, 12 km from Vizianagaram
Timings: 24*7
5. Pydithalli Ammavari Temple
Photo: రవిచంద్ర / Wikimedia Commons
Pydithalli Ammavari Temple is one of the best places to visit in Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh. The temple dates back to the 18th century and is one of the most spiritually empowering sites in the city. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Pydithalli and one of the main attractions of this temple is the Sirimanu Utsav, a grand annual festival that attracts thousands of devotees. Legends depict that the Goddess appeared in the dreams of the Maharaja of Vizianagaram, asking him to build the temple. Beyond the sanctum sanctorum, the entire temple features stunning architecture, which is a sight to behold.
Location: Sivalayam Street, Three Lamps Area, Park Gate Area, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh 535002
Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM and 1:30 PM – 8:30 PM
6. Thotapalli Barrage
Photo: Neerajpandeyin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located around a 1-2 hour drive from Vizianagaram, Thotapalli Barrage is another one of the places for Vizianagaram trip. It is a significant irrigation project on the Nagavali River and the barrage was built between 2003 and 2015 and named after the freedom fighter and political leader Sardar Gouthu Latchanna. It replaced an older regulator built in 1908 has a storage capacity of 2.51 Tmcft and can irrigate an additional 56,000 acres. The barrage’s location near the village of Thotapalli allows it to serve many towns and villages in the surrounding area.
Location: Parvathipuram Manyam district, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24*7
7. Kumili
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you are interested in exploring an offbeat and remote location in Vizianagaram, Kumili is one of the villages that you must visit. It is located on the outskirts of the city and is home to several temples and a stunning lake that add to the charm. One of the main attractions is an extensive temple complex with multiple temples inside. The smaller temples inside the complex are dedicated to Kalika Devi, Satyanarayana Swamy, Navagrahalu and Lord Ganapathi. Each temple features intricate carvings and beautiful architecture. There are a few other temples dedicated to Anjaneya Swamy, Lord Subramanyeswara, Lord Venu Gopalaswamy and Seetharamaswamy.
Location: Kumili Village, 15 km from Vizianagaram
Timings: 24*7
8. Bobbili Fort
Photo: Tanuj Matta / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Bobbili Fort is another one of the popular tourist places in Vizianagaram that you must visit and explore. The construction of this fort dates back to the 19th century. The fort is associated with a mud fort, which had a similar name but it was destroyed during the devastating Bobbili War between the Rajas of Bobbili and the neighbouring Maharaja of Vizianagaram. The Bobbili Fort that exists now is spread across an area of 10 hectares and it was constructed by Chinna Ranga Rao in the mid-19th century. The entrance of the fort features a massive gate inspired by the Indo-Saracenic architectural style with a Durbar Hall inside.
Location: Maharanipeta, Bobbili, Andhra Pradesh 535558
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
9. Punyagiri
Photo: G.N. Subrahmanyam / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
As the name suggests, Punyagiri is a sacred site that you must add to your Vizianagaram tourist places list. It is home to one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is located roughly 25 km from the main city centre. One of the most alluring elements of this Shiva Temple is that the lingam is regularly bathed by an underground water source. Besides the main temple complex, you can also visit a nearby cave with three distinct lingams with a constantly pouring water source above it. During Maha Shiv Ratri, the area becomes a centre of attraction among tourists.
Location: 25 km from Vizianagaram
Timings: 24*7
10. Thatipudi Reservoir
Photo: SlimMars 13 / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Last on the list of places is the Thatipudi Reservoir. It is a picturesque water body located in the hills of Vizianagaram, making it an amazing spot to relax, unwind and even host picnics. It serves as an excellent getaway spot for the families. You can soak in the views of the calm waters, click pictures of the surrounding lush greenery or bask in the serenity around. The reservoir also plays a vital role in supplying drinking water to Vizianagaram and the nearby areas. You can also enjoy a boat ride experience or even take a stroll around the reservoir.
Location: Jadderu, Andhra Pradesh 535160
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
There are numerous places to visit in Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh, each catering to the unique interests of the tourists. Surrounded by temples and historical spots, planning a trip down to this remote city will only add to your enriching travel experience. Plan your vacation to Andhra Pradesh with TripXL so you can spend some time exploring and visiting offbeat destinations in the state.
Cover Photo: ddzphoto / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
