2 DAY TRIP FROM HYDERABAD | PANCHARAMA KSHETRAS
HIGHLIGHTS
- - Prakasam Barrage
- - Kanaka Durga Temple
- - Undavalli Caves
DETAILS
Company Name: Trawell
Price per person: INR 17500
Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night hours
Departure Point: Hyderabad
Return Point: Hyderabad
Type of Tour: Multi-Day Tour
Prakasam Barrage
At a distance of 2 km from Vijayawada Railway Station, Prakasam Barrage is a 1223.5 meter long modern regulator and Road Bridge built across the River Krishna and is located at the southern entrance of Vijayawada.
The beautiful backwaters formed by the barrage give the city a unique setting with the backdrop of Kanakadurga Hill. The barrage was first built by Sir Arthur Cotton in 1855 and later reconstructed in the 1950s. This is one of the earliest major irrigation projects in Southern India. It was named after the first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Tanguturi Prakasam. The scheme irrigates nearly one million hectors of land, converting the Krishna delta into a rich granary in Andhra Pradesh. This barrage also supplies water to Buckingham canal which was constructed as inland navigation canal initially but later used as irrigation water supply canal.
The idea of constructing a dam across the river Krishna dates back to 1798.
Kanaka Durga Temple
At a distance of 4 km from Vijayawada Railway Station, Kanaka Durga Temple is located on the Indrakeeladri hill on the banks of Krishna River in Vijayawada. Kanaka Durga, the goddess of power and riches is considered the presiding deity of Vijayawada. It is one of the famous temples in South India. The shrine also called Sri Durga Malleswara Swami Temple dates back to the 8th century.
According to legend, goddess Durga killed demon Mahishasura and enshrined on the Keela Mountain with eight arms in the form of Mahishasura Mardini as she had given boon to Keela. Indra and all other gods worshipped the goddess Kanaka Durga on the hill which later known as Indrakeeladri. In Dwaapara Yuga, Arjuna did great penance on Indrakeeladri for Lord Shiva in order to get the most powerful Astra called Paashupataastra. Later, Lord Shiva appeared to fulfill the desire of Arjuna and called him as Vijaya ( victorious ) . The place came to be known as Vijayawada after Arjuna's victory.
Undavalli Caves
At a distance of 6.5 km from Vijayawada Railway Station, 30 km from Guntur and 275 km from Hyderabad, The Undavalli Caves, a monolithic example of Indian rock-cut architecture, are located in Undavalli Village of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh.
The Undavalli Caves are ancient cave temples believed to be built between 4th and 5th centuries by Gupta dynasty. The caves are located on a hill overlooking the Krishna River. These caves have been carved out of solid sandstone on a hillside. The best known and largest one has four stories with a huge statue of Lord Vishnu in a reclining posture sculpted from a single block of granite in the second floor. Other shrines inside the cave are dedicated to Trimurti- Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Main cave belongs to the earliest examples of Gupta architecture, primarily primitive rock-cut monastery cells carved into the sandstone hills. Initially caves were shaped as a Buddhist monastery.
Kondapalli Fort
At a distance of 24 km from Vijayawada Railway Station & 262 km from Hyderabad, Kondapalli Fort, also known as Kondapalli Kota, is located at Kondapalli Village in the Krishna district close to Vijayawada.
This 14th century Fort is believed to have been built by the Reddy King of Kondaveedu, Prolaya Vema Reddy. Spread over an area of 18 sq.km, this Fort is said to have served as a recreational palace for the king. The Fort was also used as a business centre. Later, the fort went into the hands of Gajapati rulers of Orissa. In the year 1520 AD the King, Sri Krishna Devaraya of Vijayanagara Empire has captured the Kondapalli fort in Kalinga wars. Later, the fort came into the hands of Qutubshahi Kings in the 16th century. During the colonial rule, the British soldiers were given training in this fort.
Situated on a hill, the fort has an impressive three storied rock tower protected by three levels of entries. The main entrance gate is known as the Dargah Darwaza.
Gandhi Hill / Orr Hill
At a distance of 1 Kms from Vijayawada Railway Station, Gandhi Hill also known as Orr Hill houses a 15.8 feet tall Gandhi Stupa built in memory of the father of the nation. It is situated near Vijayawada Railway Station.
Built in 1968, it is the first Gandhi Memorial of the country. Other attractions of the hill include Gandhi Memorial Library, Sound and Light Show on Mahatma Gandhi's life and a Planetarium. The inspiring teachings of Mahatma Gandhi are inscribed on the stone slabs of the stupas.From top of the hill, one can get a bird's eye view of the city. A toy train is also available on the hill for kids.
Rajiv Gandhi Park
At a distance of 2 Kms from Vijayawada Railway Station, Rajiv Gandhi Park is developed by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation with great care. The park is adjacent to Prakasam Barrage.
A mini zoo and a musical water fountain are added to the park. It is located near the new Vijayawada bus station. This educative park contains built-up structures of dinosaurs and pre-historic animals. The other attractions of the park include a skating ring, play pen, rock fall, mini zoo and aquarium, mini train, gun shooting and jeep.
Musical Fountain Timings: 7.30 PM & 8.15 PM.
Mogalrajapuram Caves
At a distance of 2 Kms from Vijayawada Railway Station, Mogalrajapuram Caves are rock cut sanctuaries dating back to the 5th century AD. The caves are situated in the center of the city.
Out of 5 caves, only one cave is in good condition. The Mogalarajapuram temple has an Ardhanarisvara statue of Lord Shiva which is thought to be the earliest of this kind in South. One of the caves has an overhanging cornice with artificial windows. The idols of Lord Nataraja and Vinayaka in one cave are still in good condition. It is also a place of archaeological importance.
Akkanna & Madanna Caves
At a distance of 3 Kms from Vijayawada Railway Station, Akkanna & Madanna Caves are located at the foot of the Indrakeeladri Hill, on which the famous Kanaka Durga Temple is present.According to the records, these beautiful caves were brought to a shape by Akkanna and Madanna who were the ministers of Quli Qutb Shah, the Nawab of Golconda. However, some history records claim that these caves belong to 6th or 7th Century AD.The caves are triple-celled with pillared hall measuring 48 x 29 feet facing towards East. These are devoid of any ornamental moulding or sculpture. The caves can be visited while going to Kanaka Durga Temple.
Bhavani Island
At a distance of 3 Kms from Vijayawada Railway Station, the Bhavani Island is situated upstream of River Krishna, close to the Prakasam Barrage.The total area of the island is about 133acres. The island has extensive forest coverage, shimmering ponds and rolling meadows.Boat riding facility is also available here.
St.Mary's Church / Gundala Church
At a distance of 6 Kms from Vijayawada Railway Station, Gundala Church also known as St. Mary's Church or Gundala Meri Matha Church is located on top of Gundala Hill. As per records, Reverend Arlati who was the then rector of St Mary's Church established a beautiful sculpture of Our Lady at this place in 1825 and the church was later constructed. Irrespective of caste, creed and religion, people visit this shrine and receive the blessing. An annual event of Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes is held in the month of February that attracts thousands of devotees. A colorful fair takes place during this festival.
PRICE DETAILS
The total round-trip distance for Pancharam Kshetras is around 1200 Kms from Hyderabad.
The total trip cost would be Rs. 17, 500 for couple with Hatchback vehicle and 2-star accommodation.
ADDITIONAL INFO
The best time to visit Vijayawada is from November to February while the peak season is from November to February. Usually it takes 1-2 days to visit places in and around Vijayawada. This is very humid place and summer is usually very hot and humid.
CONTACT INFO