Tourist Places in Kakinada

Kakinada is a beautiful city lying on the Bay of Bengal in Andhra Pradesh. It is the sixth-largest city in Andhra Pradesh. The city has been commercially important and once contained Asia's largest seaport, through which many people from Andhra Pradesh moved to places like Myanmar, Fiji, and Mauritius in search of work. They are still the residents of those countries and have kept the culture of Andhra alive there in various ways. Established in 1946, J.N.T.U. College of Engineering is one of the oldest government colleges in Andhra Pradesh, and it is situated in Kakinada. This city is also well-known for its customary delicacies. One of them is named Kaja, a popular sweet in entire South India known as Kakinada Kaja. Lying in close proximity to various holy shrines of the district, the city of Kakinada has a well-known dialect of Godavari dialect that people speak.

The place has a Tropical Savanna Climate with hot and humid weather dominating most of the year. With its beaches and temples, this place fascinates many tourists. Some of the places of tourism are mentioned below-

1. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and estuary is home to more than 35 mangrove species as well as 120 rare species of birds and myriad kinds of flora. The sanctuary is also renowned as the habitat of White-backed vultures and the long-billed vulture, which fall in the critically endangered category. Since it's an estuary, you can also enjoy stunning views at the point where the ocean joins the river.

Just 20 kilometres away from Kakinada, this sanctuary spans an area of 235 square kilometres. There are numerous wooden bridges spanning the thick forest, which allow visitors to stroll through the forest, looking over Flora and fauna. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is famous due to its saltwater crocodiles, as well as diverse species of flora that are salt-tolerant such as Avicennia, Rhizophora and many other species. The area also has a significant expanse of shrubs and plants.

The best time to visit this place is between October and May, as during the summer months, the temperature can soar up to 47 degrees Celsius, and the winter months can be a little cold, with temperatures at around 14 degrees Celsius.

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

Entry Fee: Adults: Rs. 10/-, Kids: Rs. 5/-; boating prices vary.

2. Shri Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple

Sri Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated in the East Godavari district of Andra Pradesh, 5 kilometres away from Kakinada. This temple is said to have been built around 500 years ago and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is situated on the outer periphery of Kakinada.

The design of this classically old temple is beautiful and intricate. The temple was constructed with high walls surrounding it, with Gopura to the north and Simhadwara to the east. God Bhavanarayana Swamy serves as the principal deity of the main temple along with his wife, Shri Rajyalakshmi. The gracious and generous Lord offers 'darshan' to his followers and showers his blessings upon them. This temple has three pratishthas inside the shrine. This is the reason it is also known as Thrilinga Kshoni Vaikunth. This temple also has two beautiful lakes.

Timings: 6 AM - 11 AM and 5 PM - 8 PM.

3. Pithapuram, Kakinada

Pithapuram is an important temple town of Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. It is highly revered due to having numerous temples that the followers of Hinduism admire. Additionally, Shripada Shri Vallabha, who is believed to be a perfect embodiment of Lord Dattatreya, was a resident of the area during his time in Pithapuram. It is believed that Goddess Parvati's left hand fell in this area, and for this reason, it is a significant Shakti Peeth. The energy here is very pure and vibrant.

Pithapuram is among the twelve pilgrims as well as among the Madava Kshetras. The principal temples of the region are Kukkuteshwara Swamy temple, Kunthi Madhava Swami Temple, Sripada Srivallbha Mahasansthanam, and Sri Viswa Viznana Vidya Adhyatmika Peetham.

The entire town is filled with tales, legends, stories and breathtaking architecture. It is an excellent illustration of the architectural style and historical significance that dates back to the 4th Century!

Timings: 5 AM - 9 PM

4. Shopping in Kakinada

Kakinada is a small town within Andhra Pradesh, having various shopping sites to fit all budgets. The city is charming and has numerous stores to shop at that range from bazaars and haats to malls and plazas. A simple activity like souvenir shopping can be quite enjoyable at this place. Spencer Hypermarket, the Super Bazaar complex, and Kakinada Main Market are among the most sought-after shopping locations in the area.

Kakinada is famous for its many shopping spots. Kakinada's Main market will always be buzzing with activity, and it's not surprising because it is a unique mix of flea markets and high-end stores.

Spencer Hyper Market is famous for its various food shops. Super Bazaar complex is a place to go to for all of your requirements- small or big. No matter if you are looking to purchase things for your home or indulge in simple shopping, Kakinada is the place to be!

5. Kumararama Bheemeshwara Swamy Temple

Kumararama Bheemeshwara Swamy temple is an architectural masterpiece that exemplifies architectural grandeur. It is a splendid example of the Dravidian design of architecture. It is considered to be the most important symbol of Samalkot.

Constructed in honour of Lord Shiva, this temple has 100 pillars, which help support the entire structure of the temple, which is made up of two levels. A monolithic figure of Nandi is located in front of the entrance and guards the Shiva lingam. Goddess Bala Tripura Sundari's idol is erected on the ground floor of the temple. She is revered as an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The main entrance of the temple is called Surya Dwaram, and the primary shrine of the temple is within the sanctuary. People who are religious can offer prayers to lingam from the first floor, which was recently renovated and is decorated in intricately designed lotuses, flat leaves salas, kalasa, salas and row of geese Kutas. From the east end of the temple, which is where the mandapam, also known as 'Koneti', is located, one is able to catch a view of Pushkarni Lake.

Timings: 7 AM to 12 PM; 4 PM TO 8 PM

6. Uppada Beach

Uppada Beach is one of the most secure and captivating beaches along the east coastline of India. It is located in Kakinada town and has an extensive beach. It is a great retreat for solo travellers, adventurers, couples, and families. It is also a picturesque place to view the sunset and sunrise, as well as it is a dream-like place for nature-lovers and photographers. Tourists can be found playing and indulging in activities like football or cricket, while some may even choose to hike along the beach. A well-maintained park that is located behind the beach adds to the appeal of the beach. Uppada Beach is an ideal beach for deep-water fishing. It is possible even to meet the anglers from the local region and join them in deep-water fishing. Since it is a peaceful and tranquil beach, it's the perfect spot to relax and sunbathe. It is managed with the help of A.P.T.D.C., which is also known as Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, which permits surfing at the beach.

Fresh seafood can be purchased from this place, and other sea-related products like conch, jewellery made of sea-based products, etc. A unique item in the region is in the Uppada village, called Uppada Pottu Sarees, which the villager weaves. They are considered to be one of the costliest sarees in the world. They are made using the traditional jamdani weaving technique and are admired worldwide.

7. Draksharamam

It is located on the Godavari river's eastern bank; Draksharamam Temple is one of the nation's five most eminent and powerful worship sites devoted to Lord Shiva. It is located at a distance of 40 kilometres from Rajahmundry. The temple's design dates back to the 11th Century. Draksharamam is a perfect place for a pilgrimage. The landscape around the temple is beautiful, and the drive toward the shrine is gorgeous. The temple and the area are also known as 'Dakshin Kashi', which is symbolic of its significance as a revered place.

The structure of the ancient temple is intriguing as it is decorated with images, inscriptions and symbols that were carved into the walls. There are many stories that are related to the construction of the temple and the Sapta Godavari Kundam in the vicinity of the temple. The temple's architecture is designed in the shape of a fort and has thrilled a lot of pilgrims from across the globe.

Timings: 6 AM - 7 PM

8. Adurru

Adurru is an ancient Buddhist site with many excavated monuments that will set the pulse racing for history lovers; it is located in the Razole Taluk. Archaeological Survey of India (A.S.I.) found several ancient remains and took them under its care for excavation and research purposes. These included Buddhist Stupas, Chaityas, and Viharas. Adurru has been declared a protected monument by the A.S.I.

Mahastupa, which looks like a wheel mounted on a raised dais with a 17-feet diameter, is another major attraction of this place. There are many ancient artefacts found in the area, including jars, dishes and bowls of Kaolin, red pottery, and troughs. Adurru mound, which is also known among the village residents as "Dubaraju Gudi", is a well-known name.

9. Visakhapatnam

Also known as 'Vizag', Vishakhapatnam is one of the oldest and most commercially important ports in the country. It is situated at a distance of 152 kilometres from Kakinada by road and is a worth-visiting place if you plan on visiting Kakinada. Visakhapatnam, situated on the northern side of Andhra Pradesh, is popular for its beautiful beaches and serene landscape. Its rich cultural past echoes the colonial era in India. Located a few minutes away from Vishakhapatnam is Araku Valley. This popular tourist site is based 910 metres above sea level and is a hill station with exuberant green gardens, babbling-burbling luminous streams, and gushing waterfalls. It also has tricky hiking trails.

Vizag is home to many beaches, and Yarada beach looks like its favourite member. Yarada Beach is a naturally peaceful and alluring beach in Visakhapatnam. It is bestowed with an exceptional view of marvellous hills on its three sides, with the open side covered by an enchanting water body stretching as far as the eye can see; It is the Bay of Bengal. The beaches in Vishakhapatnam enjoy the privilege of being less crowded and hence, tend to remain cleaner than other beaches on the Indian coast. Yarada beach is also privileged in this regard. This is the ideal spot to relax on the sparkling, golden sands while watching the spectacular rising and setting of the sun.

The Borra Caves, a must-see for history lovers, is one of Vizag's best tourist attractions. The Borra Caves, located in the Araku Valley's Ananthagiri Hills, are more than 2,000 years old. They are also the largest caves in India. The caves are made entirely from natural karstic limestone. They have a kaleidoscopic appearance and are lit by the water falling on them. This creates an incredibly colourful effect that adds magic and mystery to the whole area.

At a short distance from the Borra Caves is the Katiki Waterfalls. This waterfall, which is approximately 50 feet high, is completely surrounded by abundant greenery. It is a sight to behold, with the crystal-clear water cascading down rocks.

Visakhapatnam is a coastal region, so the main cuisine includes seafood and traditional Andhra South Indian food. Although Visakhapatnam may not be a well-known shopping destination, there are still many things you can buy as souvenirs. These include handicrafts and Kalamkari paintings, as well as wooden toys. You can also find beautiful Pochampalli or Ikat sarees.

10. Antarvedi

Antarvedi is located at a distance of 108 kilometres from Kakinada by road. You can also undertake a train journey. Antarvedi is also sometimes called South Kashi. It is a village located at a point where a distributary of river Godavari called Vashista Godavari meets the Bay of Bengal. The meeting point is also where you will find the temple of Lakshmi Narasimha. The main attractions here are Varshitha Sevashramam and the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. A beautiful island awaits the tourists on the banks of the Godavari River. Tourists can enjoy a wonderful trip to the end of the meeting point of the river and the sea and be enchanted by the beautiful journey. You can also visit Samalkot, Palakollu and Bheemavaram. These four locations include one of the Pancharama temples, which are Kumara Rama (Daksha Rama), Soma Rama, Sama Rama, and Ksheerarama. Amaravati, Guntur district (Amara Rama), has another temple.