ECO TOURISM

Mogalrajapuram Caves

Mogalrajapuram caves are located at a distance of 5km east of city. It has five rock cut sanctuaries dating back to the 5th century AD and of these only one is in good condition. The Mogalarajapuram temple has an ‘Ardhanarisvara’ statue which is thought to be the earliest in South India and one of its kind. 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 compared to the other worn out images of deities. It is also a place of archaeological importance.

Bhavani Island

Bhavani Island with a total area of 130 acres is situated in the middle of river Krishna. Journey to the island by boat is a very pleasant experience. An ideal place for picnics and other special occasions. This island is under the control of APTDC. Meetings and marriages can also organized on this island with prior permission.Bhavani Island is a unique aquatic joint blessed by the placid waters and rows of shady bowers. The picnickers can spend an exclusive day out with the family, friends and relatives at a low budget. Fringed by mangroves and manicured gardens, the woodlands, sparkling water bodies and undulating meadows, Bhavani Island is just the right destination for fun, frolic and amusement

Kondapalli Fort

Kondapalli Fort has been constructed as a rock tower rising up to 3 storeys. The fort has 3 entrances and the main entrance is called Dargah Darwazah, built with a single block of granite. Another entrance gate called as Golconda Darwazah is located on the other end of the hill, leading to Jaggaiahpet village. Located on a crest between two hills is the Tanish Mahal or Palace, the major attraction of Kondapalli fort. There is a deep reservoir near the palace where the water is very cold. Also, one can see several ruined structures in the fort. The surrounding Kondapalli village is famous for the toys made of light wood available on the hill, famously known as Kondapalli toys.

Gandhi Hills

Gandhi Hill, the first Gandhi memorial in India on a hillock, is a major tourist spot in Vijayawada. Situated at a height of 500 ft, this Gandhi memorial with seven stupas was constructed to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation. The 52 ft tall Gandhi stupa is the major attraction here, unveiled by Dr. Zakir Hussain, the then President of India, on 6th October 1968. Gandhi Memorial Library, with good collection of books; a Sound and Light show, depicting the life of Mahatma Gandhi; and a planetarium are other attractions here. A toy train ride around the hill is a favorite among the kids. The panoramic view of the Vijayawada city as seen from the Gandhi Hill is an added attraction here..

Victoria Jubilee Museum

The Bapu Museum (formerly: Victoria Jubilee Museum) is an archaeological museum, located at M. G. Road of Vijayawada.[3] It was renamed in the memory of the renowned film director, illustrator, cartoonist and author Bapu (film director).[4]The museum is maintained by the Archaeological department and has large collection of sculptures, paintings and artifacts of Buddhist and Hindu relics, with some of them as old as 2nd and 3rd Centuries. The structure of building is an Indo-European style of architectural and is more than a hundred years old structure.