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Getting to witness the charm of two states fused into one is a pretty unique experience. Visiting Srikakulam is exactly that. Located around the border site of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, there are influences from both sides. Be it the stunning architecture of the Arasavalli Sun Temple or the beautiful sunset views from Baruva Beach, the places to visit in Srikakulam are going to leave you with some fascinating experiences. With a blend of historical and cultural significance, there’s a lot to unfold in this small town.
10 Places To Visit In Srikakulam
With a plethora of places to visit in Srikakulam, you are going to have experiences that cater to the interests of varying travellers.
1. Arasavalli Sun Temple
Photo: K. Venkataramana / Wikimedia Commons
To begin with, one of the major tourist attractions in Srikakulam is the Arasavalli Sun Temple. Dedicated to Lord Surya, aka the Sun God, it is one of the oldest temples in the area. Historical evidence depicts that the temple’s construction dates back to the 7th century wherein it was built by the Kalinga dynasty rulers. The temple features the classic influence of Dravidian architecture, especially with the towering gopurams. One unique feature is that the early morning sun rays fall directly on the feet of the deity due to the architecture of the temple.
Location: Arasavilli, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh 532001
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM – 8 PM
2. Srikurmam Temple
Photo: G. N. Subrahmanyam / Wikimedia Commons
Another popular temple in Srikakulam that is a must-visit is the Srikurmam Temple, also known as the Sri Kurmanadha Swamy Temple. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Kurma (tortoise) avatar, the temple’s rare deity, the Kurma avatar, is the only one-of-its-kind in the world, making it a must-visit for those interested in Hindu mythology. Besides the temple complex, there is a sacred pond, Swetha Pushkarini, inside the temple where the devotees take a dip because it reportedly has healing properties. The temple’s origins date back to the 14th century.
Location: Srikurmam Rd, Srikurmam, Andhra Pradesh 532404
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
3. Kalingapatnam Beach
Photo: Dilip Poddar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
For unwinding and relaxing, Kalingapatnam Beach is one of the popular Srikakulam tourist places. Beyond the staple beach activities like swimming, sunbathing and beach combing, you can also learn about the geographic significance of the beach. It is where the river Vamsadhara meets the Bay of Bengal, creating a stunning confluence. The beach has gentle waves and calm waters, which makes swimming comfortable and safe for visitors. Not only that, the beach also holds historical significance since it was a major trading port during British colonial rule.
Location: Srikakulam district, Kalingapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 532406
Timings: 24*7
4. Baruva Beach
Photo: Milin John / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
While discussing beaches, Baruva Beach is another one of the popular tourist places in Srikakulam. Known for its golden sands and clear waters, this beach is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The serene atmosphere of the beach explains why it is loved by not just the tourists but also the locals. You can swim in the waters, sunbathe on the beach and even take a stroll around, picking up shells here and there. It is historically significant as the site where the British cargo ship ran aground in 1917.
Location: Andhra Pradesh 532263
Timings: 24*7
5. Sri Mukhalingam Temple
Photo: రహ్మానుద్దీన్ / Wikimedia Commons
Mukhalingam served as the capital of the Eastern Ganga dynasty back in the day. However, the main attraction that draws in devotees from across the country is the Sri Mukhalingam Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple has deep historical roots. Unlike a lot of the other temples around Srikakulam, this temple boasts unique Kalinga-style architecture, which sets it apart. There are intricate carvings on the walls and pillars of the temple depicting several Hindu deities and mythological stories as well. One of the major festivals celebrated in the temple is Maha Shivaratri.
Location: Mukhalingam, Andhra Pradesh 532428
Timings: 5 AM – 12:45 PM and 2 PM – 7:45 PM
6. Sangam
Photo: Anzarmk / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh, Sangam is a renowned pilgrimage site. The major significance of this place comes from the fact that it serves as the spot where the confluence of Nagavali, Suvarnamukhi and Vegavati rivers occur to form the Triveni Sangam. Around the area of the Sangam, you will find an idol of Lord Sangameswara, a form of Lord Shiva. Besides that, there is an idol dedicated to Lord Balaram too, Sri Krishna’s brother. During the Maha Shivratri, thousands of devotees visit this spot to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the deity.
Timings: 24*7
7. Salihundam
Photo: G. N. Subrahmanyam / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the remarkable tourist places in Srikakulam Andhra Pradesh is Salihundam, which is an archaeological site. This Buddhist monument dates back to the era and reign of the Kalinga dynasty and serves as a major pilgrimage site for Buddhist devotees. It is also one of the primary excavation sites that date back to the 2nd or 3rd century, depicting that Buddhism was a thriving culture and religion back in those days. Beyond the monument itself, you can also take your time to explore the area surrounding the site to truly soak in the peace there.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
8. Mandasa Fort
Photo: Jansher Chakkittammal / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
A short drive from Srikakulam lies the Mandasa Fort, another one of the significant Srikakulam tourist places. Located in the Mandasa village of Srikakulam, the fort was reportedly constructed by the Rajamani royal family during the British Raj. It sits on top of a hill like most of the other forts in the country, enabling you to witness panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and the village. The fort is primarily in ruins at the moment. However, that doesn’t take away from the fact that it still retains its grandeur.
Location: Mandasa, Andhra Pradesh 532242
Timings: 24*7
9. Telineelapuram And Telukunchi Bird Sanctuaries
Photo: J. M. Garg / Wikimedia Commons
If you are a bird enthusiast and like exploring different bird species around, Telineelapuram and Telukunchi Bird Sanctuaries need to be added to your Srikakulam tourist places list. The sanctuaries feature a lively habitat that creates ideal living conditions for the various native and migratory birds. Some of the most popular birds you can witness there are painted storks and spotted-billed pelicans. Not just that, a few of the migratory birds reportedly fly from as far as Siberia to find shelter inside the sanctuary, which is quite fascinating too.
Location: Telukunchi, Andhra Pradesh 532312
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
10. Mandasa Vasudeva Perumal Temple
Photo: Satyabrata / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Last on the list of places for Srikakulam trip is the Mandasa Vasudeva Perumal Temple. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple holds a lot of significance among the locals, especially for its visually stunning architecture. The blend of Dravidian and Vijayanagara styles is quite prominent in the temple’s design and layout. Also, the temple complex and its surroundings feature a laidback and serene environment, which adds to the charm of the place. Inside the temple, Lord Vishnu is worshipped in his Vasudeva form, which is believed to enrich the lives of his devotees with prosperity.
Location: Sri Vasudeva Street, Mandasa, Andhra Pradesh 532242
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM
If you are planning a getaway to Andhra Pradesh, consider exploring all the top places to visit in Srikakulam, which truly enable you to immerse in the spiritual experiences. With the numerous temples and the laidback natural wonders like beaches and sanctuaries, there’s something to appease the interests of every traveller. You can plan your trip with TripXL for the ultimate experience of exploring the beauty of this hidden gem.
Cover Photo: విశ్వనాధ్.బి.కె. / Wikimedia Commons
