Vijayawada (Telugu: విజయవాడ Vijayavāḍa) or Bezawada (బెజవాడ Bejavāḍa), the second-largest city in Andhra Pradesh, is the state's major commercial hub, on the upper banks of the Krishna River, opposite the state capital Amaravati. Famous for the Kanaka Durga Temple that attracts millions every year, Vijayawada is a part of the "Capital Region" (CR) of Andhra Pradesh, with almost all the amenities a traveller might need.
The name "Vijayawada" literally means the "Place of Victory" in Telugu. It is spread over an area of 61 km² (urban area) with a population of over 1 million in 2011. On the upper banks of the Krishna River, Vijayawada is bounded by the Indrakeeladri Hills on the west and the Budameru stream on the north.
Travel by cycle rickshaw was once the most common mode of transport in the city. It is now rarely seen on the road. If you can find a cycle rickshaw, they are often a good, cheap ride to most locations within the city. These metal and motorised vehicles can take you around the city. Ensure you bargain the fare with the driver before making the trip. There is commonly no meter fitted, so if you don't bargain you might end up paying a lot more based on excuses such as 'there was too much traffic' or 'you didn't know the directions'.
1 Kanaka Durga Temple (Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam). This temple is on a hill (Indrakeeladri) overlooking the city and the River Krishna. One can either motor up the ghat road or take the steps on foot. Inscriptions of different dynasties are found in the temple. During the Dasara Festival, thousands of devotees come from the city and its environs throng to the temple after a holy dip in the River Krishna. (updated May 2026) 2 Gandhi Hill. The first Gandhi Memorial with seven stupas in the country was constructed on this hill at a height of 500 ft (150 m). The 52 ft (16 m) stupa was unveiled on 6 October 1968 by Dr. Zakir Hussain, the President of India.
1 Blue Fox Bar and Restaurant, Congress Office Rd, Buckinghampeta. (updated Jan 2016) 2 The Chocolate Room, 54-15-11B, NH5 Frontage Road, Bharathi Nagar, ☏ +91 866 655 6655. The Chocolate Room places an emphasis on a hip, modern atmosphere. Service can be slow, but this place is geared more towards those who are seeking a place to "chill" and be seen, not those who are on a lunch business meeting. (updated Jan 2016) Hotel Anjaneya Vilas. This location serves authentic Andhra food in the Kaleswara Rao Market. There can be long lines but the food is often worth it. The thalis are priced around ₹30. Only vegetarian food is served.
Café Coffee Day, M.G. road. Daily. No bathrooms for customers. (updated Jan 2016) Vijayawada has a special take on south Indian filter coffee which can be purchased almost anywhere.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Aug, Vijayawada typically sees ~33°C daytime highs and 20 rainy days.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-08-04. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
stayonomy