Low lying, both in terms of geography and altitude, Kakinada is a deep sea port and part of a government SEZ (Special Economic Zone) in Andhra Pradesh. Surprisingly it is also a calm well planned city that is known as ‘Pensioner’s Paradise’ owing to its serenity and quality of life. IT parks and ancient temples alternate along tree lined streets, while only a short distance away the Godavari River flows by forming a delta populated by some of the rarest flora and fauna to be found on the Indian sub-continent. With such paradoxes surrounding it, who wouldn’t want to explore this place?
Ruled by Nandi chiefs before being colonized by the Europeans, Kakinada takes its name from the Telugu name of the red lotus ‘konanadamu.’ This is because at one time the area was blessed with many ponds filled with this graceful flower.
Kakinada is a city of glorious contrasts. Temples jostle with beaches who wrest attention from mangrove forests filled with rare wildlife. Several temples are scattered around Kakinada such as including the Sri Chalukya Kumararama Temple, one of the five Pancharama Kshetras dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Godavari district. This National Heritage site is located just 10 km away from Kakinada and draws tourists from across the nation. Other notable temples in and around Kakinada include the Tholi Thirupathi Sri Srungara Vallaba Temple, Annavaram Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, the famous Shakti Peetha and the Kotipalli Kotilingeswara Temple.
The Sri Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple is dedicated to the Sun God and showcases characteristic architecture and engravings on its façade. Nature lovers can head to the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary which is a vast mangrove ecosystem located in the Godavari delta. Home to over 120 species of birds including the white-backed and long-billed vultures, this park also has animals such as smooth-coated otters, golden jackals, sea turtles, fishing cats, and estuarine crocodiles. The sanctuary also has a sand pit stretching 18 km where the iconic Olive Ridley sea turtles nest from January to March each year. A watch tower, a wooden walkway and a boat ride in the estuary waters are the different ways visitors can experience this unusual nature park.
The government is also making efforts to develop Kakinada as a tourist destination. The newly institutionalized Kakinada Beach Festival is one such effort. This annual three-day event witnesses participation from performing artists, restaurateurs, and the general public. With dog shows, baby shows, flower rangoli competitions and miniature temple models on the cards, the festival is a great way to feel the beat of the city. You can also head to the Uppada beach to experience the Bay of Bengal in all its glory.
A port town and industrial hub, Kakinada has no dearth of public and private transport. The various parts of the city are connected by well maintained roads plied by buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws and private cabs. Hop onto public transport, or hire a car for a more leisurely experience of the city.
On a daily basis there are approximately 2 flights that operate at Rajahmundry Airport.SpiceJet is the popular airline brand that fly frequently to this airport.
Besides flying you can also reach Kakinada through train.Kakinada Town, Godavari, Kakinada Portare some of the most popular train stations in Kakinada.On an average about 25 trains pass through Kakinada on a daily basis.Vijayawada to Kakinada, Nidadavole to Kakinada, Kovvuru to Kakinadaare some of the most popular routes to Kakinada with 63, 58, 42 trains weekly respectively.
By road Kakinada is surrounded by Pithapuram, Ramachandrapuram, Rajahmundry which are 9.0 km, 15.88 km, 27.84 km away respectively. These places are ideal spots for people to plan their short weekend break.
Kakinada has a total of 15 hotels.There are 15 hotels in Kakinada with the popular ones being Paradigm Sarovar Portico, Hotel Royal Park, Hotel Venky Residency, Ishwarya Grand, Hotel Jaya Residency, Hotel Arka etc.