About Srikakulam

It is a town and centre of all operations of Srikakulam District in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, India. This beautiful town is situated on the left bank of River Nagavali. The town enjoys all the charms of a well developed city with beautiful places to see, the shopping centres, the hotels and historical monuments and Pilgrimage Places. The town is a land of friendly people with diverse culture. Srikakulam was formerly called as Gulshanabad during Muslim rule. The town is in the coastal region so the climate is sultry during summers and the cold wind from the sea blows during winter and rainy season. Srikakulam is adorned with three major pilgrimage centres in the district, which are famous all over the state. There is a Buddhist site at Salihundam Village near or on the way to Kalingapatnam beach. There are also Excellent Beaches like Kalingapatnam, Baruva etc and many good places around with natural scenic beauty near the town to spend a relaxing and refreshing holiday. Nagavali, Vamsadhara, Champavathi and Bahuda are the important rivers of the region which feed this city continually. This place enjoys a seacoast of 193 kilometres and is pigeonholed by humidity. A good amount of rain drenches this tranquil district during the annual monsoon which mostly ranges from July to October. Srikakulam is tremendously affluent in biodiversity and exhibits a mixed variety of flora and fauna. Sal trees and hilly Savannahs embellish the pristine arena which caters as a natural habitat to foxes, wild cats, dogs and jackals among others. This serene and secluded conurbation has a lot to offer for the hungry travelling souls.

Tourist Attractions In Srikakulam : 11

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1: Arasavalli

Arasavilli lies in the Srikakulam district and is approximately 1.6 kilometres apart from the main city. It is the abode of extensively eminent and ancient Sun Temple out of the limited left in the country. The erection of the existing idol of the Sun God in the temple is credited to Lord Devendra and the construction of the temple has been carried out in such a novel way that the sun rays touch the feet of the idol twice a year, specifically in February and June during the dawn. Sundays of the five months of the Indian season Magham are considered to be extremely pious for the devotees. The temple has idols of five lords installed in it which have been carved out of a single black granite stone exquisitely. Arsavilli is well connected via Indian railway network.

2: Srikurmam

Srikurmam village is at a distance of roughly 14.5 kilometres from the Srikakulam town. The Vishnu temple, Srikurmam is an eminent pilgrim shrine which boasts of state of the art kind of an architectural style. It consists of several inscriptions engraved during the historical period from 11th century to 19th century AD depicting about the decree of numerous dynasties who claimed throne in the region. The village gets heavily besieged during the festival of Dolostavam as more than 40000 pilgrims flood the region.

3: Salihundam

Salihundam is a village and panchayat in Gara Mandal of Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh. It is situated on the south bank of River Vamsadhara at a distance of 18 kilometres from Srikakulam town. It was known as Salivatika but many called it Salyapetika. There are a number of Buddhist stupas and a huge monastic complex on a hillock amidst scenic surroundings. The site was first discovered by Gidugu Venkata Rama Murthy in 1919. During excavations relic caskets, four stupas, a Chaityagriha, structural temples and a number of sculptures reflecting the three phases of Buddhism ¬ Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana were found dating back to about 2nd century BC to 12th century AD. The statues of Tara and Marichi were discovered at this site and from here Buddhism spread to Sumatra and other far¬ eastern countries.

4: Srimukhalingeswara Temple

Srimukhalingeswara Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the left banks of River Vamsadhara. Elegantly carved, this temple is a group of three temples dedicated to three forms of Lord Shiva namely, Mukhalingeswara, Bhimeswara and Someswara. The temple is built in Indo Aryan style. To witness one of the marvellous sculptures, carvings and intricate architecture, one has to visit this temple. The architecture of the temple is so elegant that one just cannot move eyes from it. As observe closely, one can see that every piece and corner of the temple is as excellent as the other. At the entrance, which is a huge arched gate, one is welcomed by two lions on each side of the few stair¬cases. The first gate takes to the outer prakara have where there is a Nandi in a mandapam.

5: Kalingapatnam

Kalingapatnam has a history, which dates back to the advent of western invaders into India. European merchants disembarked from their ships and made it their port. Until 1958, huge ships from Malaysia and Singapore arrived at this port wherein perfumes, clothes and many other things were exported. There was a huge coco plantation spread across the local beaches that were also exported. During British rule, the port was closed to avoid other invaders to enter the country. However the light house constructed during the British times still exists near the port.

6: Kaviti

Kaviti village is located at a distance of 130 kms from district head quarters in between two towns Viz Sompeta and Ichapuram, towards East. The area constituting Kaviti Mandal is popularly known as Uddanam. The coastal belt at this place presents a pleasant appearance, covered with large extents of Coconut, Cashewnut, Jack and other fruit trees. The Uddanam area is a scenic spot for the visitors. Two famous temples Chintamani Ammavaru and Sri Sitharamaswamy temple are situated in this village.

7: Baruva

Baruva in Sompeta Mandal is situated at a distance of 109 kms from Srikakulam town. The famous Sri Kotilingeswara Swamy and Janardhana Swamy temple are located at this place. Further, there is a coconut nursery and a Coir Industry located here. The river Mahendra Tanaya merges into sea at this place. Thousands of people take sea bath during festivals. Baruva was once an important seaport. Two obelisks, one of black and the other of white, of 50 ft height above the sea level, mark the seaport. Large grown up Coconut Trees and the paddy fields make the place picturesque.

8: Telineelapuram

Telineelapuram is a village situated in Ichchapuram, a mandal headquarters in the Srikakulam district. The place is visited by migratory birds like pelican and painted stork from Siberia during winters. Around the late 1990s, the first migratory movement was recorded here, which numbered more than 10000 birds. However, the number has drastically reduced to around 3000. It is a paradise for bird observers. Researchers at Andhra University said the birds had been following this aerial route since 15 years.

9: Mandasa

Mandasa village is situated on the foothills of the Mahendragiri hills. The place is popular for the fort which is believed to have been the residential place of the erstwhile landlords of Mandasa. It is believed to have been constructed in 1779 by Lakshmana Raja Mani Deo and has several fortifications that are decorated with beautiful paintings and carvings. The fort is considered to be the highest is South India and it is place of tourist interest. The Vasudevamurthy Alayam temple is another popular attraction of this place, which is believed to have been constructed by Raja Harihara Mani Deo, one of the landlords of Mandasa. The idol of the presiding deity is carved from a red sand rock. Tourists also visit the other prominent religious attraction, the Varahaswamy temple.

10: Ponduru

Ponduru is situated at a distance of 21 kms from Srikakulam town. The village is famous for production of fine quality of Khadi which is popular throughout India and in loacal market.

11: Danthapuri

Danthapuri village is popular for an ancient Buddhist Stupa and the Boudha Gynana Dantha Puri, an archaeological site. During the excavation, pots, terracotta articles, bricks, bangles and iron articles were found at this site by the Archaeological Department. As per historical records, this site was elevated by Ashoka Chakravarthi after the battle of Kalinga in 261 BC. Brahma Datt, one of the Kalinga rulers, built a monument on the ruins of the Boudha Gynana Dahtha, which is believed to be known as Danthapuri.

How To Reach Srikakulam

By Air - Srikakulam does not have an airport. Nearest airport is Visakhapatnam Airport 110 kms away from Srikakulam.

By Train - Tourists can easily get regular trains to Srikakulam from other major cities of the country.

By Bus - There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Srikakulam.

Traditional Food (Regional cusine of Srikakulam)

1 - TRAFFIC JAM RESTAURANT, LOCATED AT BESIDE CHANDRA MAHAL, GT ROAD, OFFICIAL COLONY - (FAMOUS FOR EGG ROLLS AND NOODLES)

2 - 4SEASONS, LOCATED AT SHANTI NAGAR COLONY, BALAGA - (FAMOUS FOR BRIYANI AND CHICKEN WINGS)

3 - CHOTU ROLLS, LOCATED AT GT ROAD, DHAVALA COLONY, RANASTHALI, NEW COLONY - (FAMOUS FOR EGG AND CHICKEN ROLL)

4 - URVASI RESTAURANT, LOCATED AT MARUTHI NAGAR, NARASANNAPETA - (FAMOUS FOR FRIED RICE AND VEG CURRIES)

5 - RAJADHANI SWEETS, LOCATED AT SEVEN ROAD JUNCTION AREA, NEW COLONY - (FAMOUS FOR BADHAM MILK)

Weather & Quick Info Of Srikakulam

Srikakulam, nestled in Andhra Pradesh, is a renowned tourist destination offering a wealth of attractions for beach enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

The climate in Srikakulam is most enjoyable between September and February, with December and January standing out as the peak months for tourism.

For travelers planning a visit, allocating 1-2 days is recommended to fully immerse oneself in the charms of Srikakulam.

Furthermore, Srikakulam boasts numerous nearby attractions, including mesmerizing waterfalls, picturesque landscapes, and much more, ensuring an enriching experience for every traveler.