Vijayawada, amongst the leading trading centres of India is the hub of commercial activities in the coastal area.Vijayawada is a vital rail and road link between North and South India and is, also, known as 'The City That Never Sleeps, It has earned the sobriquet of Venice of India because of the number of canals criss-crossing the city.

Vijayawada is not only famous for its cinema theatres and typical Andhra food but also for its historical landmarks viz. The Prakasam Barrage, St. Mary's Church, Gandhi Hill, Victoria Jubilee Museum, Hazrat Bal Mosque, Moghalrajpuram Caves, Kondapallu Fort etc. It, also, offers rich Buddhist heritage sites in Undavalli Caves, Amaravathi and Ghantasala.

Bhavani Island: At a distance of 4 km from Vijayawada, the Bhavani Island is situated upstream of River Krishna close to Prakasam Barrage. It is famous with nature lovers

Gandhi Hill: The first Gandhi Memorial with 7 stupas in the country was constructed on this hill. The Sound & Light show on Mahatma Gandhi's life and a planetarium are main attractions.

Hazrat Bal Mosque: A holy relic of Prophet Mohammed is kept here and displayed once a year.

Kanaka Durga Temple: This famous temple celebrates the festival of Dussera for Goddess Durga every year.

Kondapalli Fort: Located 16 kms west of Vijayawada, it was built by King Prolaya Vema Reddy.

Moghalrajpuram Caves: Constructed in 5th century AD, the caves are reputed to be the first of its kind in South India. The idols of Lord Nataraja, Vinayaka and Arthanareswara are carved here.

Prakasam Barrage: Built across the river Krishna, Prakasam Barrage with a length of 1.2 km has created a panoramic lake. Its three canals that run through the city give Vijayawada a Venitian look and irrigate over 1.2 million acres of land.

Victoria Jubilee Museum: Established in 1887, it displays a collection of precious ancient sculptures, idols, manuscripts, inscriptions, paintings, pre-historic stone tools, coins, arms, metal works, Neolithic and Microlithic implements, the huge granite Buddha and limestone figure of Alluru Buddha

 Around Vijayawada:

Kolleru Lake: Located 95 kms from Vijayawada, it is a fresh water lake spread over 450 sq.kms of area that attracts several species of migratory birds every year.

Kuchipudi: About 60 kms from Vijayawada, this is the birth place of Siddhartha Yogi, the originator of Kuchipudi dance form famous throughout the World.

 Buddhist Sites:

Amaravathi: About 65 kms from Vijayawada, it is situated on the banks of river Krishna. During the reign of Satavahanas from 2nd Century BC to 2nd Century AD, Buddhism flourished in Andhra Desa.
This is the site of 'Mahastupa' measuring 36.5 meters wide and 16.5 meters meters high.
The Amaravathi Musuem displays the relics of 2nd Centruy BC, images of Buddha, Coins, Beads, Inscribed Pillars Drum Slabs, Dome Slabs, two Buddha images etc.

Ghantasala: About 85 kms, East of Vijayawada, it is a rare and reputed centre for Buddhist Scriptures. It portrays a circular medallion in the style of Amaravathi Sculptures that depict the return of Budhistva Siddhartha to Kapilavastu after his renunciation.

Undavalli Caves: 8 kms from Vijayawada, these two storeyed caves were used as a rest house by Buddhist monks. A huge monolith of Lord Buddha in reclining posture is a magnificent sight.

 
Kanaka Durga Temple
Bhavani Island
Kondapalli Port
Prakasham Barrage
Amaravathi - Buddhist-Monastery
Undavali Caves
Ghantasala