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Vijayawada

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Vijayawada is a major urban center in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

Vijayawada from Gandhi Hill
Vijayawada from Gandhi Hill

It serves as a massive commercial, political, and educational hub for the region. The city is located on the banks of the Krishna River. It is positioned between the Eastern Ghats and the Indrakeeladri Hills.

Night view of Prakasam Barrage
Night view of Prakasam Barrage

This location makes it an integral part of the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region. The city also acts as the administrative headquarters for the NTR district.

The geography of the city is defined by water and hills. The Krishna River flows past the urban area. A large structure called the Prakasam Barrage crosses this river. This barrage is a vital piece of infrastructure. It connects the NTR district to the Guntur district.

Night view of Prakasam Barrage
Night view of Prakasam Barrage

Three specific canals flow through the city. These are the Eluru, Bandar, and Ryves canals. They all originate from the north side of the Prakasam Barrage reservoir. The city sits at an altitude above sea level within a tropical wet and dry climate.

Ancient legends explain many of the city's names. One legend involves the Hindu Goddess Durga. It is said she killed the demon Mahishasura at this location. Because she was victorious, the place became known as Vijayavatika. In Telugu, "Vijaya" means victory and "Vatika" means land or place.

Sri KodandaRamalayam
Sri KodandaRamalayam

Another legend features Arjuna from the epic Mahabharata. He reportedly prayed on Indrakeeladri Hill to receive the Pashupatastra from Lord Shiva. This connection is why the hill is named Indrakeeladri. A different tale suggests the name Bezawada comes from the word "bejjam." This means a hole made by Arjuna through the mountains for the river Krishna.

History shows that the city has been important for centuries. It was founded around 626 A.D. by the Paricchedi Kings. The Vishnukundina dynasty also ruled the area. In the fourth to ninth centuries, rock-cut temples were built in the Mogalrajapuram hills.

Sri KodandaRamalaya Kalavedika
Sri KodandaRamalaya Kalavedika

The Akkana Madanna Caves are located at the foot of Indrakeeladri Hill. These caves are considered a monument of national importance. In the early 16th century, diamond mines were discovered near the city. These mines were found on the banks of the Krishna River during the Qutb Shahi dynasty.

Today, Vijayawada is a center of massive human activity. It is the second most populous city in Andhra Pradesh. The population exceeds one million people.

Rythubazar
Rythubazar

The city is also the third most densely populated urban built-up area in the world. It has about 31,200 people per square kilometer. The literacy rate is 82.59%, which is higher than the national average of 73.00%.

Dr NTR University of Health Sciences A.P
Dr NTR University of Health Sciences A.P

Most residents speak Telugu, though many others speak Urdu, Hindi, or Tamil.

Economic growth is a defining feature of the city. A 2023 Oxford Economics report ranked it among the top 10 fastest growing cities globally.

Exterior View of Mall
Exterior View of Mall

McKinsey Quarterly named it a "Global City of the Future." This report expected the city's GDP to reach $17 billion by 2025. The city is also a major transport node. The Vijayawada Junction railway station is the tenth busiest junction in India.

VijayawadaRailwayStation
VijayawadaRailwayStation

Many students travel to the city to attend its various educational institutions.

Modern management and sustainability are key to its future. The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation manages the city's services. It was the first ISO 9001 certified urban local body in India.

Office of Asst.Cmmissioner of police . Traffic division - III ,
Office of Asst.Cmmissioner of police . Traffic division - III ,

The city is also part of the Pilot Solar Cities scheme. To protect the environment, the city uses CNG and electric buses.

Vijayawada Airport 5 (November 2018)
Vijayawada Airport 5 (November 2018)

Local craftwork, such as Kondapalli toys, also connects the city to its regional culture.

Kondapalli toys at a house in Vijayawada
Kondapalli toys at a house in Vijayawada
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🖼️ Images & Media (13)
File:Sri KodandaRamalaya Kalavedika.jpg
Sri KodandaRamalaya Kalavedika.jpg
File:Rythubazar.jpg
Rythubazar.jpg
File:Office of Asst.Cmmissioner of police . Traffic division - III ,.jpg
Office of Asst.Cmmissioner of police ....
File:Exterior View of Mall.jpg
Exterior View of Mall.jpg
File:Kondapalli toys at a house in Vijayawada.jpg
Kondapalli toys at a house in Vijayawada.jpg
File:Night view of Prakasam Barrage.jpg
Night view of Prakasam Barrage.jpg
File:Sri KodandaRamalayam.jpg
Sri KodandaRamalayam.jpg
File:Vijayawada from Gandhi Hill.jpg
Vijayawada from Gandhi Hill.jpg
File:VijayawadaRailwayStation.jpg
VijayawadaRailwayStation.jpg
File:Vijayawada Airport 5 (November 2018).jpg
Vijayawada Airport 5 (November 2018).jpg
File:Dr NTR University of Health Sciences A.P.jpg
Dr NTR University of Health Sciences A.P.jpg
File:VRSEC - V.R. Siddhartha Engineering College - Administrtive office.JPG
VRSEC - V.R. Siddhartha Engineering...

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