About Amaravati
Amaravati, located on the southern bank of the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh, is a city rich in historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. It is a prominent pilgrimage center for Hindus and Buddhists, featuring ancient temples, stupas, and monuments.
Major Tourist Attractions
Amaravati Mahachaitya (Stupa)
Description: One of India’s most famous Buddhist stupas, dating back to the Satavahana dynasty (2nd century BCE).
Specialty: Renowned for intricate carvings depicting Buddhist teachings and stories.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: 16.5730° N, 80.3570° E
Entry Fee: Nominal charges apply.
Amareswara Swamy Temple
Description: A famous Shiva temple and one of the Pancharama Kshetras.
Specialty: Built in Dravidian architectural style with a massive Shiva Linga.
Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sevas: Maha Abhishekam, Rudrabhishekam, and special pujas on Maha Shivaratri.
Location: 16.5740° N, 80.3580° E
Dhyana Buddha Statue
Description: A 125-foot-tall meditative Buddha statue symbolizing peace and enlightenment.
Specialty: Houses a Buddhist museum with ancient relics and teachings.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: 16.5270° N, 80.6150° E
Nearby Attractions
Undavalli Caves (22 km) – Ancient rock-cut caves from the 4th-5th century.
Kondaveedu Fort (50 km) – A historic hill fortress with scenic views.
Mangalagiri Temple (27 km) – A famous Narasimha Swamy temple.
Prakasam Barrage (39 km) – A major dam across the Krishna River.
Bhavani Island (41 km) – A scenic river island with adventure activities.
How to Reach Amaravati?
By Road
From Vijayawada: 39 km (~1 hour) via NH16.
From Guntur: 33 km (~45 minutes).
From Hyderabad: 270 km (~5-6 hours).
By Train
Nearest Railway Station:
Guntur Junction – 33 km
Vijayawada Junction – 38 km
Connectivity: Regular trains from Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and other major cities.
By Air
Nearest Airport: Vijayawada International Airport (59 km)
Connectivity: Flights from Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai.
Local Transportation
Auto-rickshaws and taxis available for sightseeing.
APSRTC buses connect Amaravati with Vijayawada and Guntur.
Food and Stay Facilities
Food Specialties in Amaravati
Guntur Chicken: Spicy and flavorful chicken curry.
Pulihora (Tamarind Rice): Traditional temple prasadam.
Gongura Pachadi: Tangy chutney made with sorrel leaves.
Royyala Vepudu: Andhra-style prawn fry.
Andhra Thali: A meal featuring pappu (dal), rasam, sambhar, and pickles.
Accommodation Options
Luxury Hotels:
Novotel Vijayawada Varun (5-star)
The Gateway Hotel, Vijayawada
Budget Hotels & Lodges:
Sree Residency (Guntur)
Hotel Kosala (Vijayawada)
Temple Guest Houses:
Amareswara Swamy Temple Guest House (Affordable and simple stay for devotees)
Festivals and Events
Maha Shivaratri – Grand celebrations at Amareswara Swamy Temple.
Buddha Purnima – Special prayers and processions at the Dhyana Buddha Statue.
Karthika Masam – Month-long prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Andhra Pradesh Tourism Festival – Showcases traditional dance, music, and handicrafts.
Shopping in Amaravati
Kondapalli Toys – Handmade wooden toys, famous for their intricate craftsmanship.
Mangalagiri Sarees – High-quality handloom sarees from the nearby Mangalagiri town.
Lepakshi Handicrafts – Brass, wooden artifacts, and souvenirs.
Buddhist Souvenirs – Miniature Buddha statues and Amaravati relic replicas.
Best Shopping Locations:Guntur Handicraft Shops
Vijayawada MG Road
Lepakshi Handicrafts Store
Best Time to Visit Amaravati
The ideal time to visit is October to March, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing.Avoid summers (April to June) due to extreme heat
Amaravati is a perfect destination for travelers interested in history, spirituality, and culture. Whether you're a devotee, history enthusiast, or casual tourist, this ancient city offers a blend of spiritual bliss, historical marvels, and scenic beauty.