INTRODUCTION
On the banks of the mighty Krishna River Vijayawada is a major railway junction on the east coast line from kolkotta to Chennai. It is practically the centre of Andhra in all its aspects. About 265km east of Hyderabad, it''''s an important industrial centre and a fairly hectic town. Few travellers stop here but it''''s a most convenient place from which to visit Amravathi. In vijayawada itself, there are a number of important Hindu temples including the Kanaka Durga Temple on Indrakila Hill, as well as two 1000 year old Jain temples. About eight km from Vijayawada, across the river, are the ancient Hindu cave temples of Undavalil. The name of Vijayawada is derived from the "Vijaya" - victory. A famous landmark in the Prakasam barrage, the 1223.5 long modern regulator and road bridge across the Krishna river, completed in 1957.It is the third largest city of Andhra pardesh. The places to visit in Vijaywada are the Mogalrajapuram caves, Prakasam Barrage, Gundala Church, Kanakadurga Temple, Undavalliand Gandhi Stupa. Some site of religious significance in Vijayawada is Hazrat Bal Mosque. It contains the idols of Lord Nataraja, Vinayaka and others. The Ardhana-reeshwara Murthy found here is considered the only one of its kind in South India. St.Mary''''s church, set on a hillock in the eastern side of the town at Gunadala, is also worth visiting. So altogether Vijayawada presents a colourful and varied picture and can be termed as a business cum pilgrim cum tourist centre. Asia''''s biggest bus stand, with modern architecture, planned during NTR''''s time, was commenced in the city sometime back.

Facts of the Vijayawada

Altitude : 125 metres.
Best Season : September to February
Temparature : (deg C) Summer- Max 45, Min 28; Winter- Max 32, Min 18. Rainfall Mid June to August
STD : Code 0866