Legend has it that Arjuna, according to the epic Mahabharata, prayed on top of Indrakila hill and won the blessings of Lord Shiva and thus the name of Vijayawada is derived from ‘Vijaya’ - victory. As the heart of Andhra Pradesh, Vijayawada is 275 km. from Hyderabad, between the river Krishna and its tributary, Budameru. 

Vijayawada lies in the rich coastal delta area of the state, a fact that is reflected in its spicy and deliciously varied cuisine.The most luscious mangoes are grown here and the region is renowned for its tradition of pickle making. A famous landmark is the Prakasam barrage, the 1223.5 mt. long modern regulator and road bridge across the Krishna river, completed in 1957. Its panoramic lake and the three canals that run through the city give Vijayawada, a venetian appearance.