A coastal town with sandy beaches and the old, crumbling facades of fading temples—Srikakulum is a town with great character. The town is truly a melting pot, bringing together Muslim, Hindu and Christian inhabitants, with their varied religious and cultural influences.
Much like many other Indian towns with an ancient history, the town passed through the hands of many rulers and kingdoms. Originally part of the Kalinga kingdom, which perhaps had the strongest and most lasting influence on the town and its people, it later became a part of Gajapati Kingdom of Odisha. In the 17th century, the Nizams took over, renaming it Gulshanabad, which translates into the city of roses. It was the British who finally gave the name, by which it is known today.
With the beautiful temples, natural rock formations and waterside views, Srikakulam will make for an interesting vacation.
Srikakulam is perhaps best known for the Temple of the Sun God, located in Arasavalli. Constructed by one of the kings of the Kalinga dynasty, this ancient temple has survived the elements and the ages, standing as testament to the region’s rich cultural and architectural legacy.
On the banks of the River Vamsadhara, the Sri Mukhalingam Temple is yet another religious site that displays stunning architecture. The intricate sculptures and the carved walls and windows tell tales of eras long gone.
On the other side of the river lies Salihundam, the remains of a Buddhist civilization, complete with stupas, statues, viharas and platforms. The Buddha statue in the midst of the Nahavali River is a sight you mustn’t miss.
The old lighthouse at Kalingapatnam and the bird sanctuary at Teli Nilapuram are also popular with tourists and should be fitted into your itinerary.
Many state-run buses ply through the town and to the nearby towns and villages as well. They provide an economical mode of transport and will also give you the opportunity to experience the local lifestyle. If you prefer the comfort and convenience of a private vehicle, you can also hire cars or cabs. These are most easily found near the railway station.
On a daily basis there are approximately 57 flights that operate at Vishakhapatnam Airport.SpiceJet, Air India and IndiGo are the most popular airline brands that fly frequently to this airport.
Besides flying you can also reach Srikakulam through train.Srikakulam Roadis one of the most popular train stations in Srikakulam.On an average about 83 trains pass through Srikakulam on a daily basis.Brahmapur to Srikakulam, Palasa to Srikakulam, Vizianagaram to Srikakulamare some of the most popular routes to Srikakulam with 120, 118, 117 trains weekly respectively.
By road Srikakulam is surrounded by Vizianagaram, Parlakhemundi, Bobbili which are 34.23 km, 35.98 km, 41.29 km away respectively. These places are ideal spots for people to plan their short weekend break.