Photo by rahul suryan on unsplash

Plotting the Escape from Routine

What happens when a group of overworked, under-traveled friends decide to leave spreadsheets and sleepy meetings behind? A cinematic escape to Vijayawada.

“Let’s go somewhere spiritual… but also scenic.” “Somewhere historic… but with great food.” “Somewhere we won’t get lost.”

We all looked at our directionally challenged friend, Ramesh.

And thus, Vijayawada was chosen. Land of rivers, temples, barrage selfies, and mirchi bajjis.

The Great Train Debacle (and Unexpected Friendships)

We boarded the train with snacks, banter, and unrealistic expectations of napping. By midnight, one friend was using a backpack as a pillow and another had accidentally shared ghost stories with a fellow passenger’s grandma.

Tip #1: Never trust your friend’s claim of “this is a silent coach.”

Checking In — Where Smart Booking Saves the Day

With five people and ten opinions, finding a hotel was going to be chaos. Luckily, I’d used cheQin.ai — an AI-powered hotel booking platform that lets you enter your travel needs and receive live offers from hotels competing for your stay.

No hidden fees. No 200 tabs open. No “surprise charges” for an extra blanket.

We got a centrally-located hotel, with a rooftop view, hot water, and a staff member who recommended a killer dosa place. Win.

Kanaka Durga Temple — Faith, Fitness & Filter Coffee

First stop: the Kanaka Durga Temple.

This temple sits atop Indrakeeladri Hill and the climb up felt like a redemption arc for our sedentary lifestyles.

Between breaths, we admired the view of the Krishna River below. Once inside, the spiritual energy was undeniable. Bells rang, flowers offered, prayers whispered.

Then came the real test: leaving our shoes outside and one of us (not naming names) forgetting exactly where.

Prakasam Barrage — Selfies and Samosas

After the spiritual high, we needed selfies. Enter Prakasam Barrage, a stunning stretch over the Krishna River.

The wind blew just right, the light hit just right… and then a monkey stole Ramesh’s samosa.

We laughed, took photos, and agreed this place had “major Instagram energy.”

Tip #2: Do try the roadside mirchi bajjis. Spicy, crunchy, addictive. Bring tissues.

Undavalli Caves — History, Echoes & Echoes of Laughter

If the Kanaka Durga Temple is a spiritual pillar, then the Undavalli Caves are a historical gem.

Carved out of solid sandstone, these 4th-century caves house massive monolithic statues and Jain architecture.

We explored the cool interiors, played echo games (immature but satisfying), and tried re-creating movie scenes, including a slow-motion walk that turned into a sprint when someone yelled “snake.”

There wasn’t a snake. But the panic was real.

Food Chronicles — Biryanis, Bajjis, and Brain Freeze

🍛 Ulavacharu Biryani

Rich, spicy, and a little messy to eat when you’re laughing nonstop.

Lassi at Besant Road

We went for one glass. We stayed for three.

🌯 Ghee Karam Dosa

Crispy on the outside, fiery on the inside, just like our group chat.

Tip #3: Carry antacids. We got ambitious. We paid the price.

Ghat Nights & Laugh Attacks

Evenings in Vijayawada? Pure magic.

We walked by the riverfront, shared childhood stories, and had one of those spontaneous heart-to-heart moments under the streetlights. The city felt calm, friendly, and oddly comforting.

One friend (again, not naming names) tried to climb a railing for the perfect night shot and fell. He’s fine. The photo’s blurry. The memory is gold.

Offbeat Discoveries

📍 Bhavani Island

Boat rides, hammocks, and fewer crowds. We spent half a day here doing absolutely nothing. It was glorious.

📍 Gandhi Hill

Offers panoramic views of the city and a giant spinning wheel. Fun fact: it’s India’s first Gandhi memorial built on a hill.

Tip #4: Rent a scooter if you can. Exploring the city at your own pace is part of the charm.

The Goodbye That Wasn’t

As we packed up, someone said, “Let’s do this again.”

Everyone nodded. Even the one who swore never to travel in sleeper class again.

Vijayawada gave us faith, food, fort walls, and funny fails. But mostly, it gave us stories.

And thanks to cheQin.ai, we didn’t argue once about where we’d stay.

That’s a miracle.

Practical Tips for Visiting Vijayawada

✅ Best Time to Visit:

October to March for pleasant weather

✅ Must-Try Foods:

Ulavacharu Biryani
Ghee Karam Dosa
Mirchi Bajjis
Lassi from street stalls

✅ Must-Visit Spots:

Kanaka Durga Temple
Prakasam Barrage
Undavalli Caves
Bhavani Island
Gandhi Hill

✅ Offbeat Tips:

Stay near MG Road for easy access to food & transport
Use local autos or scooters for short rides
Bargain politely in markets

Things to Do in Vijayawada: A Fun-Filled Friends’ Road Trip Guide