Visiting Vijayawada: Kanaka Durga Temple, Prakasam Barrage and Undavalli Caves

Vijayawada is built along the Krishna River, and its main sights are on or near the water.

• Vijayawada is the second largest city in Andhra Pradesh, on the banks of the Krishna River, flanked by the Eastern Ghats and the Indrakeeladri Hills.[1]

The temple is the city's best-known landmark and is busiest during Dussehra.

• The Kanaka Durga Temple is on the Indrakeeladri hill, on the banks of the Krishna River, and is dedicated to Kanaka Durga.[2]
• Durga Pooja and a Theppotsavam on the Krishna river are important events of the Dussehra festival in the city.[1]

The barrage is close to the temple, so the two are usually seen together.

• The Prakasam Barrage is 1,223.5 m long, runs across the Krishna River and also serves as a road bridge.[3]
• Three canals from the barrage run through the city of Vijayawada.[3]

The caves are in Guntur district, on the other side of the Krishna from the city centre.

• The Undavalli Caves, south-west of Vijayawada in Guntur district, were carved out of solid sandstone hills in the 4th–5th centuries CE.[4]
• They are a centrally protected Monument of National Importance.[4]

• See the temple first thing in the morning, then the barrage and the caves.
• Dress modestly for the temple, and expect queues on festival days.
• A day rental covers all three and the river crossing with the same car.