Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Machilipatnam, also known as Masulipatnam, is a historical port town located in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The city is located in Krishna district and is renowned for its beaches, ports and temples too. There are numerous places to visit in Machilipatnam, each offering a unique experience for you to unfold. You can start your experience unwinding on Manginapudi Beach or immersing in the history of the Bandar Fort. To have a diversified travel experience around Andhra Pradesh, ensure that you spend a few days exploring the laid-back town of Machilipatnam.
10 Places To Visit In Machilipatnam
Visiting Machilipatnam enables you to immerse yourself in the iconic historical spots, varying temples and the laidback wonders of nature.
1. Manginapudi Beach
Photo: iMahesh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Machilipatnam is Manginapudi Beach, which is renowned for its laidback experiences and serene environment. The unique trait of this beach is its unique coastline, which gently slopes into the sea, creating a natural harbour. During the Karthika Purnima festival, several people take a dip in the sea believing that it rids them of their sins. The beach is also near Bandar Kota and the lighthouse, adding to its accessibility.
Location: Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24*7
2. Machilipatnam Port
Photo: Marc Ryckaert / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Since Machilipatnam is a port town, it goes without saying that you must visit the renowned Machilipatnam Port as well. It is one of the oldest ports in India, which reportedly dates back to the 3rd century BCE, since the existence of the city. It played a crucial role during the rule of the Satavahanas, Dutch, and British, serving as a major trading hub for textiles, spices, and other goods. Today, the port area is a fascinating place for history enthusiasts and those interested in maritime activities.
Location: Chilakalapudi Rural, Kara Agraharam, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24*7
3. Panduranga Swamy Temple
Photo: PlaneMad / Wikimedia Commons
Among the top Machilipatnam tourist places, Panduranga Swamy Temple is a must-visit religious site in the town. The temple is dedicated to Lord Panduranga, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple was built in the 18th century by the Rajas of Challapalli and is one of the few temples in South India that is dedicated to this deity. The temple itself features a very intricate Dravidian style of architecture, very reminiscent of the other temples in Andhra Pradesh. Some of the best periods for visiting this temple are during the festivals of Ekadashi and Ratha Saptami when grand celebrations take place in the temple.
Location: Panduranga Swamy Temple Rd, Chilakalapudi, Machilipatnam, Chilakalapudi Rural, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
4. Dattashram
Photo: Premkumaravp / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another one of the places to visit in Machilipatnam is Dattashram, which is an offbeat and less-explored spot from Machilipatnam. This is a holy Hindy sightseeing spot, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. One of the main reasons why tourists visit is due to the nine wells that are present inside the temple for bathing. The temple is also referred to as Datta Rameshwaram due to this particular reason. You can offer your prayers to the deity and explore the expanse of the temple once you are done with the puja and darshan.
Location: Near Manginapudi Beach, Machilipatnam
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
5. Bandar Fort
Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Machilipatnam Fort, also known as Bandar Kota, is a historical site that you must visit when visiting the city. The fort offers a glimpse into the rich colonial past of the country. The fort dates back to the 16th century and despite having withered so many centuries, the fort is currently at a point of collapse. The Portuguese built the fort, which was later expanded by the Dutch. The fort’s remnants, including the watchtowers, bastions, and sections of the walls, offer a glimpse into the architectural style and defensive strategies of the time.
Location: 521001, 31/138-1, Bandar Ft Rd, Bandarkota, Kojjilipeta, Kara Agraharam, Machilipatnam Rural, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
6. Manginapudi Lighthouse
Photo: iMahesh / Wikimedia Commons
When you are visiting Manginapudi Beach, ensure to visit the Manginapudi Lighthouse, which is located nearby. It is another one of the places to visit in Machilipatnam Andhra Pradesh. This lighthouse, built in the early 20th century, served as a crucial navigational aid for ships entering the Machilipatnam port. With the backdrop of the majestic sea in the background, the views surrounding the lighthouse are truly a treat to the eyes. There isn’t permission to climb to the top of the lighthouse due to the lack of stability of the structure. However, this 50-metre high lighthouse has a lot of history associated with it.
Location: Behind Manginapudi Beach, about 15 km northeast of Machilipatnam
Timings: 3:30 PM – 5 PM
7. Koneru Center
Photo: Julia Volk / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Koneru Center is the bustling heart of Machilipatnam, known for its vibrant markets, local eateries, and cultural attractions. Think of it as a cultural centre and local market where you get to unwind, shop till you drop and truly immerse in the culture and heritage around. The centre is named after the large pond (Koneru) located nearby, which is a popular spot for locals to relax and socialise as well. There isn’t much to do there besides explore and shop. However, it is one of those areas that you must visit during the evening to get your hands on some local Andhra snacks.
Location: Ramanaidupet, Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24*7
8. Sri Nageswara Swamy Temple
Photo: Prasannavathani.D / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located in the centre of Machilipatnam, Sri Nageswara Swamy Temple is another one of the popular temples to add to your itinerary. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is reportedly 500 years old. The temple’s architecture reflects the traditional South Indian style, with beautifully carved pillars, a grand entrance, and a towering gopuram. Since it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple comes to life during the annual Maha Shivaratri festival when thousands of devotees visit the temple from across the country. The temple complex also includes a sacred pond and several smaller shrines dedicated to various deities, adding to the place’s charm.
Location: Machilipatnam Town
Timings: 5:30 AM – 8:30 PM
9. Mangalagiri Handloom Park
Photo: przykuta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Mangalagiri Handloom Park is another one of the popular tourist places in Machilipatnam. It is located around 80 km from the main town centre. This handloom park is a hub for the famous Mangalagiri sarees and textiles, known for their fine craftsmanship and intricate designs. There are several weavers around the area, making the sarees from scratch, right in front of you. Getting to witness the age-old art of handloom weaving, producing high-quality cotton and silk fabrics, right in front of you is an experience that you can’t miss out on.
Location: Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh 522503 (80 km from Machilipatnam)
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
10. Hamsaladeevi Beach
Photo: Manju Shakya / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another one of the spots to add to your Machilipatnam tourist places list is Hamsaladeevi Beach. It is located around 32 km from the main town, which offers a secluded escape for the beach lovers. Getting to witness the views of the confluence of River Krishna with the Bay of Bengal makes this beach a spot worth visiting. There are no activities available around the beach besides swimming and sunbathing. However, while on the beach, ensure that you relax and unwind while snacking from the local food stalls that line the coastline of the beach.
Location: Ramakrishnapuram, Andhra Pradesh 521328
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Places to visit In Machilipatnam is enriched with history, natural beauty, and amazing hotspots, enabling every tourist to have a unique and unforgettable travel experience. There are a variety of amazing natural wonders, each more fascinating than the other. The next time you plan a visit to Machilipatnam, ensure that you also add all the tourist spots that serve prime importance. To truly embrace the beauty and significance of this coastal gem, ensure that you get all your bookings sorted with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Bharath Reddy / Unspalsh / Image For Representation Only
