Vijayawada, the Land of Victory.
Vijayawada, also known as Bezawada, is one of the most commercial cities of Andhra Pradesh. With a vast area, Vijayawada stands as the second biggest city in Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the banks of river Krishna. With the water resources available in abundance, Vijayawada happens to be a region with vast agriculture practice. Vijayawada is also known as the commercial capital of Andhra Pradesh. Vijayawada is also having the biggest railway station of Andhra Pradesh. According to 2011 census it has the population of 1 million plus. It is also the home of education and hence known as “Vidyalawada”. First theater of the state “Maruthi Talkies” was built in the year 1921 in One Town.
Significance of river Krishna
The River Krishna is the third longest river in central−southern India, after the Ganges and the Godavari. The river is almost 1,300 kilometers (810 mi) long. The river is also called Krishnaveni. It is a major source of irrigation for Maharashtra, Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh. The river Krishna serves a great purpose to the city for agriculture. It occupies the eastern region of the Vijayawada. It has the humidity of 78 % on an average due to it’s location(Coastal Area) and the river Krishna, of course. The river not only constitutes for agricultural purposes but also for fishing and tourism. There are many residents of Vijayawada, who rely on fishing alone.
The river originates at Mahabaleswar near the Jor village in the extreme north of Wai Taluka, Satara District, Maharashtra in the west and pours into the Bay of Bengal at Hamasaladeevi (near Koduru) in Andhra Pradesh, on the east coast. It flows through the state of Karnataka before entering Andhra Pradesh. The delta of this river is one of the most fertile regions in India and was the home to ancient Ikshvakula Sun Dynasty kings. Vijayawada is the largest city on the River Krishna.
The Kanaka Durga Temple
The temple of Goddess Kanaka Durga on the hill is one of the most significant landmarks of Vijayawada. A great number of devotees visit the temple everyday. Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Devi is well know for it’s Dussehra festival celebrations. A vast number of devotees, the beautifully hill and the spirit through the surroundings makes it an eye feast for the visitors. One of the many mythologies associated with this place. Arjuna prayed to Lord Shiva on top of Indrakeeladri hill to win his blessings and the city derived its name “Vijayawada” after this victory.
Development
There are many significant changes in the Vijayawada city since 2009. A large number of shopping malls, movie theaters, food courts and other franchises have been established successfully and are being run in full swing. Next shopping malls are being constructed in the city.
The wide roads of Vijayawada help allot for the transportation. The national highway 5 and the national highway 9 enhances travelling facilities from different parts. To control the traffic in the city the state government proposed Metro Rail and the work is expected to start by 2018.
Origin
Vijayawada has got a number of tales regarding the origin of it’s name, Vijayawad. It is believed that Goddess Durga, after killing a demon, rested in this place for a while. Since she was victorious(Vijaya) in the battle, it was named Vijayawada(Victory: Vijaya; Wada: Place).
Tourist places
Krishna Barrage
Undavalli Caves
Krishnaveni mandapam(Museum)
Rajiv Gandhi Park
Victoria Jubliee Museum
Bhavani Island
Kondapalli Fort
Hotels in Vijayawada:
The Kay Hotel
Hotel Minerva Grand
Hotel Green Valley
Hotel Gateway
Fortune Murali Park
Hotel Continental Park
Hotel Executive Inn
Hotel G Square
Hotel Ilapuram
Hotel Marg Krishnaaya
Landmarks:
Goddess Durga Devi Temple
Krishna river barrage
Shoppers Stop
Inox
Benz Circle
Ramesh Hospitals
Mary Stella College
Andhra Loyola College
Population:
~1048k
Transport
One can reach Vijayawada by bus. Vijayawada bus stand is one of the biggest bus stand of India. Vijayawada has got even a very big railway network. Many important train pass through here. One can even come by a flight to Gannavaram Domestic Airport and then by a bus to Vijayawada.