Top 5 things to do in BZA Vijayawada

I haven't slept for over 24 hrs.. 

After an eventful day at Vizag, I had a night train to Vijayawada. And although it's just a 5 hour train journey, after only 3 hrs of sitting, I started with back pain... Not to mention that I found it difficult to even doze beside the window seat due to the shrill wind blowing into my face. 

 

I finally reached BZA Vijayawada 02.30 hours, and after walking along the platform explored the best possible option to catch a few hours of Zzzz in the given situation... I spent the next few hours trying to .. in a seat at the general waiting room.

Anyway, 5.30 am..

I got a auto that dropped me at my hostel. So after a decent rest, a nice shower and breakfast, I set out to explore the city.

Where to stay at Vijayawada

If you are a solo traveler like me, there are some women's hostels. These usually cater to students and working women who stay long-term~ but no harm in asking if there's a bed vacant for the days you need. My hostel was happy to oblige. They do charge a bit more on daily basis ( 300 rs approx) including all 3/ 4 meals which I think is a good deal.

For family oriented stay, there are plenty of decent hotels in all ranges.

About Vijayawada

The city is now being called as Bezawada railway code BZA, and if you are here during peak summers you might be tempted to call it 'Blazewada' instead. The best time to visit would be ideally from Sept to Jan/ Feb.

Vijayawada may not feature as a touristy place and it doesn't give a damn about that either. The city carries its glory lightly.

HERE'S MY PICK OF TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN VIJAYAWADA OR BEZAWADA

 

1- Drive down Prakasam barrage

Situated across the river Krishna, driving down the Prakasam barrage is an exhilarating experience.

The barrage's interesting history goes back to 1798, when Captain Buckle of the British East India Co. came up with the idea of building a dam on the river Krishna. The bridge was finally completed in 1855 and has been a major source of irrigation water supply since then.

Prakasam barrage and highway view from atop Kanaka Durga temple, Vijayawada

The bridge called Prakasam bridge, on the other hand, was built by the State in 1953. 

2- Visit Kanakadurga temple

Vijayawada's most loved goddess is Sri Kanaka Durga and the temple is situated on the top of a hillock. The deity is Swayambhu and much revered, so do expect crowds as people from all over come here to worship.

3- Connect with history at the Bapu museum

 

Bapu museum, Vijayawada

Formerly called as Victoria Jubilee Museum, the museum is named Bapu after Sattiraju Lakshminarayana a well-known Telugu satirist, illustrator and cartoonist who was known as Bapu. The museum houses a rich collection of exhibits in the form of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures, Paintings and Relics.

Built in 1887, to commemorate the Golden Jubilee celebration of Queen Victoria. Later inside the Victoria hall within the museum precincts, a major event was held, when in 1921, Pingali Venkayya presented the Tiranga our tri-color flag to Gandhiji, who in turn added the Ashoka Chakra to it.

4- Take a boat ride to Bhavani island

Although there's really not too much to do on the island, the boat ride at sunset is just awesome.

A boat ride at sunset to Bhavani island

5- Soak in the city at night

Vijaywada is catching on fast to becoming a city worth living in. It's clean and has all the amenities and lifestyle of a major city~ be it malls, transport or shopping. Drive down M.G. Road for the best shopping experience~ major brands in jewelry, clothing, footwear etc all have their outlets here.

Thanks for reading. Do comment if you know any other places I have missed.