AROUND GUNTUR
Kanakadurgamma Temple situated on the banks of river krishna,Indrakeeladri, Vijayawada. Sri Kanakadurgamma (kanaka durga) is swayambu(self-manifested). It is one of the largest temples in India. and 2nd largest temple in Andhra Pradesh. Temple commonly called as Vijayawada Kanaka Durgamma Temple,in the Krithayuga goddess Durga killed Mahishasura who was a disaster for World. Then goddess Durga shined on the Keela mountain with eight arms in the form of MAHISHASURA MARDINI as she had given boon to keela. On this mountain, goddess Durga had been glowing with the lighting of crores of suns, with golden colour. Since that, Indra and all the deities praised her chanting "KANAKA DURGA" and they had been worshipping her daily.
Amararama is one of the Pancharama Kshetras located in Amaravathi town near Guntur City of Andhra Pradesh State. Amararam temple is located on a small hillock called as Krouncha Shaila, alongside on the banks of river Krishna which flows for a short distances in a North-Southern direction. Most part of the river heads eastwards towards the Ocean. Krishna River is held in reverence at this Piligrimage. Amararama is one of the Pancharama Kshetras, Lord Indra installed Shiva Linga at this place. The Shivalinga is 15 feet height, carved out of marble. Priests have to ascend the steps for offering daily rituals and Abhishekams.
AMRAVATHI (GUNTUR): India's tallest Buddha statue, towering at 125 ft, will be unveiled soon in this pilgrim centre in Guntur district. The statue was designed by incorporating features from all the 50 types of Buddhist sculptures from 145 major heritage sites all over India. The essence of Buddhist teachings found in 24 chapters and 424 stanzas were also carved on 200 panels in the main hall of `dhyana mandiram'. It was a gigantic plan where Rao wanted to recreate every panel of the Amaravathi mahastupa (constructed over 500 years ago), which were stored in various museums in London, Chennai, New Delhi and Kolkata, to make visitors get a feel of the beauty and intricacy of the Amaravathi school of sculpture.
Guntur situated 64 km away from the Bay of Bengal lies in Andhra Pradesh and is the fourth largest city of the state. The city has something of everything. It is one of the learning centres of the state; it holds historical significance; it is a textile and transportation hub of the country and it also holds agricultural importance because of the production of cotton and tobacco. The history of Guntur dates back to the 10th century CE. It finds mention in an inscription of the Chalukyan King, Ammaraja. The city is believed to have been ruled by the Chalukyas for a majority of the time, although there is evidence to suggest that the Nagals also ruled this city over a period of time.
Mangalagiri is one of the oldest Vaishnavite Temples in South India. Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy is the deity in this holy place. 11 storied lofty Gali Gopuram (Temple Tower) is a main attraction to pilgrims as well as tourists. It was built by the then Zamindar Sri Raja Vasireddy Venkatadri Naidu during the period 1807-1809 and it has completed 200 years of its construction. While the people are looking forward to celebrate its Bi-Centenary of its construction, it was learnt through media that the Government of Andhra Pradesh has taken a decision to demolish it and to reconstruct a new Gopuram in its place, which is not being digested by the devotees and public.
Nagarjunakonda, a secluded island is beautifully situated across the river Krishna at a distance of 160 km from hyderabad, in the midst of Nagarjuna Sagar Lake in Nalgonda district of Andra Pradesh. Sri Venkata Ramaya, an Indian teacher is the founder of this island. It is one of the important historical evidence of Buddhist and Brahmanical teachings. Indian archeology department made 26 sq km of excavation and revealed more than 130 cities, marvelous cultural and civilization sequences right fro early stone age to medieval age. Around 170 decades ago, this island was flourished in spiritual and religious aspects. The name is coined from the Buddhist monk Nagarjuna, who lived in 2nd century AD.
Suryalanka Beach is situated at a distance of 8.5 kilometers from the town of Bapatla, in Guntur district. The natural beauty of the beach and its closeness to the town attracts tourists who often return to the calmness of the sea for the weekend. The shore of the beach is wide and spacious. The Suryalanka Beach overlooks the crystal blue waters of the Bay of Bengal. It is a small and beautiful beach.
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is one of the largest dams built in Asia. The tallest masonry Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is certainly the pride of India, This colossal dam supplies water for irrigation purposes to the districts like Nalgonda, Prakasam, Khammam and Guntur in Andhra Pradesh catchment area of 215000 sq km (83012 mi) . And is one of the largest networks of canal systems.This mighty Nagarjuna dam, which was completed in 1969, owing to its confounding height of 124 meters, and 1 km long, and has 26 crest gates. Nagarjunasagar Dam can store up to 11, 472 million cubic meters in its reservoir.
This is like the Central Park for Guntur City. Located on the Eastern part of the city, it is one of the man made parks located in Guntur. Managed by the GMC and UDA together. Crazy-World Water Theme Amusement Park, located on the premises of the N.T.R. Manasa Sarovar Park in Guntur on the Chennai-Howrah National Highway No.5 is being spruced up to welcome young visitors. NTR Manasa Sarovaram is about 6 km from Guntur town. NTR Manasa Soravaram covers an area of 55 acres and is beautifully designed with flowerbeds, lawns, ponds and small hillocks
Uppalapadu is a place of bird migration and a village near Guntur City. It is also a reputed bird sanctuary. Home to around 40 species of migratory birds from Siberia including pelicans and white ibis, this sanctuary is equivalent to Pulicat Sanctuary in Nellore District. From countries like Siberia, Australia Painted Storks, Spotted Pelicans and other birds migrate and use the sanctuary. Many species birds including endangered Spot-Billed Pelicans and Painted Storks take refuge in this water tanks in the village .The bird population in these tanks are around 7000 previously, however birds about 12000 were roost in this dwindling habitat through the year. But some initiatives have taken place such as adding artificial trees, local awareness, proper water supply to the ponds etc. The artificial tress are added in the pond on which the birds can perch in addition to the natural trees. Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary in Guntur District is 5 km from Guntur town. Best time to visit is from September to February.
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The Kondapalli Fort is located on a hillock at a distance of 16km from the city of Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. It is believed that the Kondapalli Fort was built in the 14th century by Prolaya Vema Reddi, the founder of the Reddy kingdom of Kondaveedu. However, it was restored later under the control of the Qutub Shahi kings.
Spread over an area of 18sq km, Kondapalli Fort is said to have served as a recreational palace for the king and was meant for his leisure purposes. Today, Kondapalli Fort is a major tourist attraction and a picnic spot of Vijayawada, visited by many.
The Kondapalli Fort is enhanced by a magnificent three-storied rock tower. The fort has three entry gates, one after the other. The main entrance gate is known as the "Dargah Darwaza", which has been made out of a single slab of granite. Another entrance gate of the fort is known as the "Golconda Darwaza".
The surrounding Kondapalli village is well-known for its Kondapalli toys, locally known as "Kondapalli Bommalu". These are made of light wooden material "Poniki" which is available on the hill itself. These toys are brightly coloured and adorned with beautiful designs of animals and birds, fruits and vegetables, mythological and religious figures. Kondapalli toys are very popular world-over.
The magnificence of the Kondapalli Fort and the popularity of the Kondapalli toys makes it a must visit when in Vijayawada.
Bhavani Island situated in the midst of the Krishna River, at Vijayawada. It is located at the upstream of Prakasam Barrage and is considered as one of the largest river islands in India, with an area of 133 acres.
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