From giant mountains to serene shores, India is brimming with travel-rich destinations. While we look at the major and larger areas when preparing our travel diaries, the most fascinating experiences are found in smaller divisions of the nation. One such area is Kakinada. The coastal city of Andhra Pradesh may not come easily on your travel radar, but it surely packs a cultural punch. The hidden gem is worth exploring, for sure. It boasts beautiful beaches and iconic historical sites. Along with this, the mystical tales and culture-rich temples make the area a magnet for travellers. So, do you need to know more about places to visit in Kakinada? Let’s unravel it all.
Places To Visit In Kakinada
Kakinada can be an ideal destination for all types of travellers. In the following, we will explain why and how, with a look at the ideal places to visit in Kakinada.
1. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Srikanth Mannepuri for Wikimedia Commons
The Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful estuary in Andhra Pradesh, India, close to Kakinada. With 24 varieties of mangrove trees and over 120 bird species, it is India’s third-largest area of mangrove forests. The long-billed vulture and the severely endangered white-backed vulture can be found there. Mangroves are a type of coastal intertidal zone tree and shrub community distinguished by a thicket of prop roots that give the trees the appearance of being elevated above the water.
At this sanctuary, the mangrove forest floods at least twice a day because of the tree’s ability to withstand the regular rise and fall of the tides, thanks to its intricate web of roots. Additionally, the roots impede the flow of tidal waters, which draws sediments out of the water and accumulates on the muddy bottom. The sanctuary features a sizable mangrove and dry deciduous tropical forest, and it is a portion of the Godavari estuary. The 18-kilometre-long sand pit that makes up the backwater occupies around half the total area. Along with other water channels, the region is intersected by the rivers Coringa and Gaderu and their deltaic branches. This creates wetlands covering 335.7 square km. The area’s typical temperature ranges from 17 to 40 degrees Celsius.
Address: Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh 533005
Entry Fee: ₹10 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners
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2. Hope Island
Image Credit: Sivaji Yadav for Wikimedia Commons
Hope Island is one of the wonders and best places in Kakinada. It is a relatively new island that was created in the late 1700s when the waters of the Koringa River, a Godavari distributary, transported sediment outflow. Enclosed within Hope Island is a little bay that serves as the outflow basin of the Koringa, the Godavari’s northernmost distributary. The island is a must-visit tourist destination that offers breathtaking views of the eternal sea.
Kakinada Bay, which encloses an area of about 146 km 2, is between Hope Island and the Kakinada coast (56 sq mi). Kakinada is shielded from the powerful storm surges that originate in the Bay of Bengal by Hope Island. Kakinada Port is one of the safest natural ports on India’s eastern coast since Hope Island serves as a natural barrier against storm surges and potential tsunami disasters. It also offers peace and quiet to the ships docked in Kakinada Bay. “Godavari Point” on Hope Island’s northernmost point shows the entrance to Kakinada Bay and the Kakinada harbour. The vulnerable olive ridley turtle nests on the sandy beaches of Hope Island and the nearby Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.
Address: Off the coast of Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh
Entry Fee: Access typically through boat services; fees may vary
3. Uppada Beach
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Located in Kakinada, Uppada Beach is among the most exquisite beaches in our nation. From Kakinada, it is roughly 5 km away. The Bay of Bengal’s crystal-clear waters found at this beach are ideal for swimming and tanning at the beach. The ocean breeze is calming and revitalising to people. The beach is a good spot for families to hang out and spend quality time. Uppada Beach’s expansive shoreline and crystal-clear blue ocean are its key draws.
One of Uppada Beach’s unspoiled features is the gorgeous ecotourism park that enhances the beach’s beauty. The name Uppada Beach derives from its location. The shoreline at Uppada Beach is perfect for deep-water fishing. You can go fishing by speaking with the local government or the fishermen in your area. It is the perfect spot for sunbathing because it is a calm and beautiful beach. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, or APTDC, maintains the beach, which permits surfing.
Address: Uppada, Andhra Pradesh 533448
Entry Fee: Free
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4. Draksharamam Temple
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The famous Draksharamam Temple is around 28 km away from Kakinada. The popular pilgrimage is on the Eastern Bank of the Godavari River and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The term “Draksharama” is used informally to refer to the Abode of Daksha Prajapathi, the father-in-law of Lord Siva and the cherished father of “Sati,” the spiritual bride of Lord Siva. The Sri Vyasa “Skanda Purana” covers the history of the Sacred Pilgrimage in great detail.
Draksharamam Temple is one of the few pilgrimages where the Goddess and God are equally important. To bring beauty and a holy environment to this temple, rehabilitation is regularly done by the Archaeological Department. For the epigraphist and historian, the abundance of inscriptions and epigraphical facts that may be gleaned from the inscriptions on the walls of this temple is a veritable treasure trove. The main festivals of this temple include Devi Navaratrulu, Karthika Masam, Dhanurmasam, Sri Bhimeswara Swamy Varu’s birthday celebration, Subrahmanya Shasti, Maha Sivaratri, and Kalyanam, among others.
Address: Draksharamam, Andhra Pradesh 533262
Entry Fee: Free
5. Kakinada Beach
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Serenity follows beauty, and that’s what the sun-kissed Kakinada Beach represents. The gentle, white waves draw every traveller’s gaze to the pure beauty of the 15-kilometre shoreline. The expansive ocean floor is an ideal retreat for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Travellers are enthralled with the place’s simplicity as they listen to the soft murmurs of the waves and the rustle of the swinging palms.
The seashore of Kakinada Beach is located in the Andhra Pradesh city of Kakinada. This seaside area draws many people because it is home to the Koti Lingeswara Swami shrine. The 15-kilometre Kakinada beach in Andhra Pradesh runs parallel to the coast. Fishing is the primary source of income for the residents of Kakinada. Alongside the shore are little bungalows. One can enjoy the evening walk, gazing at the blistering sunset or take in the local vibes offered at this place through local eatery joints. Due to its serene atmosphere, many tourists often come here to revitalise their journeys, admiring the beauty of Kakinada Beach.
Address: Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh
Entry Fee: Free
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6. Sri Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple
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Nestled in the centre of Bapatla, Kakinada, the Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple is one of Andhra Pradesh’s oldest temples. The renowned king Krimikantha Chola built the Bhavanarayana Temple in 1465, and in 1856 Raja Vasireddi Venkatadrinaidu of the Amravati kingdom renovated it. For many years, the Indian Archaeological Department has maintained this temple. Lord Bhavanarayanaswamy, who over time came to be known as Bapatla, is the subject of the Bhavanarayana Swamy temple in Bapatla.
Summertime chariot festivals are always a lot of fun, and participants usually pull the Lord’s Chariot up to the Anjaneyaswamy Temple and back. The Temple was constructed in stone, 1500 years ago, by the Chola kings. Zamindar of Challapalli Sri Raja Vasireddi Venkatadri Naidu constructed Galigopuram 200 years ago using bricks and mortar. This Galigopuram construction fell on October 23, 2011. However, the ancient temple was still standing in December 2011.
Address: Sarpavaram, Andhra Pradesh 533005
Entry Fee: Free
7. Adurru Excavation Site
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In Razole taluk, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, Adurru (locally known as DubarajuGudi) is a 2400-year-old Buddhist site near the banks of the Vainateya river. The river is a branch of the Godavari River that flows near the Bay of Bengal. It is believed that Sanghmitra, the daughter of Ashoka, put the stupa’s foundation here while travelling to Sri Lanka.
The Archaeological Survey of India conducted excavations here in 1923. During the excavation, numerous stupas, chaityas, and viharas were found. The Mahastupa is a 17-foot-diameter wheel-shaped structure with raised platforms encircling the drum and Ayaka platforms oriented in cardinal directions. After excavating for the first time in 1925, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) designated the site as a protected monument in 1955.
Address: Adurru Village, Andhra Pradesh 533247
Entry Fee: Free
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8. Annavaram Satyanarayana Swamy Temple
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The Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, also known as the Annavaram Temple, is a Hindu-Vaishnavite temple located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh’s Annavaram town in the Kakinada district. The temple honours Veera Venkata Satyanarayana, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, and is situated atop Ratnagiri hill. The temple is a popular place for visitors drawn to the culture of this place. A 13-member Trust board oversees the temple’s management under the Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department.
Situated on the banks of the Pampa River, Ratnagiri Hill is home to this iconic temple. It is reachable by road (3km) and stone steps on foot. The temple has four wheels on each of its four corners, like a chariot. The main entrance is gold-plated, and the sanctum is spread across two floors. The temple conducts Satyanaraya Vrathams in a mandapam.
Address: Annavaram, Andhra Pradesh 533406
Entry Fee: ₹20 for general darshan
9. Sri Veereswara Swamy Temple
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Sri Veereswara Swamy Temple is an important religious place for the local community and one of the most spiritual places to visit in Kakinada. The temple is famous for being a palace where anyone can pray and get married soon. There are many stories and history-related tales about this temple, which is a major draw here. Daily worship ceremonies occur, and festivals are celebrated with great joy.
The temple text states that Lord Shiva wed Bhadrakali in the Gandharva tradition in Muramalla. After Sati Devi’s self-immolation in the Daksha Yagna, a furious avatar of Rudra was appeased by marriage. She was sent to earth, so the belief goes, by Adi Parasakshi, to bring peace. Rudra and Bhadrakali were wed at Munimandala, a group of sages today known as Muramalla. Additionally, it’s said that sages like Agastya, Suka, and Viswamitra visit the temple to watch the marriage ceremonies at night.
Address: Muramalla, Andhra Pradesh 533220
Entry Fee: Free
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10. Sarpavaram Temple
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The Sarpavaram Temple is yet another unique and highly revered places to visit in Kakinada. Its main aspect is its age-old architectural style, which has been preserved for centuries. The historic Vaishnavite temple represents the northern and southern architectural styles and exhibits an exquisite and harmonious fusion of Chalukyan and Chola (7th to 12th Century AD) architecture.
The Chalukyas carved exquisite images into the pillars using khod and red natural stone. Among the well-known 108 Vaishnava temples is the Sri Bhavanarayana temple. Officials from the Archaeology Department claim that the Indo-Aryan and Dravidian temple architectural styles are juxtaposed with Chalukyan architecture at this very temple. Red stone masonry gradually replaced the rock-cut architectural style. The Chalukyas made a singular contribution by building Sukhansi and Stambha Mandapa (Navaranga) in addition to Garbhagriha.
Address: Sarpavaram, Andhra Pradesh 533005
Entry Fee: Free
11. Kotipalli Kotilingeshwara Temple
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In the Rajahmundry district, Kotilingeshwara Temple is one of the most visited temples and one of the most popular places to visit in Kakinada. It is a Lord Shiva pilgrimage centre constructed in the tenth century. The temple is well-liked by devotees and tourists due to its abundant baths, or ghats, surrounding it. According to folklore, the cursed Kind Indra used a ghat to break the power of a curse. In Kannada, “koti” refers to one crore, and Kotilingeshwara is home to one crore Shiva Lingas.
This temple houses more than 90 million Shiva Lingas of all sizes, including the tallest Shivalinga in the world. The focal points of the temple are the 33-metre-tall Shivalinga and the 11-metre-tall Lord Nandi, the Bull. Shiva Lingas of different sizes can be donated to the temple and erected with the donor’s name engraved on them. Swami Sambha Shiva Murthy initiated and oversaw the temple’s construction in 1980.
Address: Kotipalli, Andhra Pradesh 533251
Entry Fee: Free
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From unique adventure offerings to special culture-rich places, Kakinada has it all. And beyond the ordinary, the local vibe here is something to look for. Also, you can enjoy special cuisine and a good stay at the hotels in the area. So, plan your trip to Andhra Pradesh and ensure that you spend a day or two visiting the majestic lands of Kakinada.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Kakinada
What is the most famous food or sweet of Kakinada?
Kakinada is well-known for its Kaja sweet, which has gained popularity in South India as the Kakinada Kaja recipe. In addition, food is another reason for its fame. Renowned for its traditional vegetarian dishes, the Subbayya Gari Hotel in the city is well-known throughout the nation.
What is the scenic beauty of Kakinada that makes it famous?
Kakinada is a well-known city in Andhra Pradesh that is located along the East Godavari district. The city is also popular for its vibrant culinary scene. Kakinada is often praised for being the ultimate retiree's paradise. Many tourists from all around the nation and the world choose to visit the city because of its exquisite culinary offerings. Facing the picturesque Bay of Bengal, Kakinada attracts plenty of tourists worldwide. Kakinada has much to offer in the way of regional cuisine. Owing to its thriving culinary scene, the city has also earned the honorific title of Kakinada Kaja. Kakinada is where bajji, a popular dish in Andhra Pradesh, first appeared.
What are the famous tourist spots to visit in Kakinada?
There are plenty of tourist places to see in and around Kakinada. You can choose to visit the ancient and culture-rich temples here. You can also visit various parks or simply enjoy staying at the luxurious resorts of the town. Kakinada also offers various natural wonders for nature lovers.
Are there any beaches in Kakinada?
Yes, there are many beaches as Kakinada is close to the Bay of Bengal. Kakinada Beach is one of the most famous places in Kakinada. Also, there is the popular Kakinada port that acts as a tourist destination.
How is the weather in Kakinada?
The weather in Kakinada is usually coastal. Here, nights are cooler and days are humid and warmer.
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