Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh – Famous for the Surya Narayan Temple

Formerly known as Chicacole, Srikakulam is located in the extreme north east of Andhra Pradesh. With Nagveli river on one side and Vamsadhara river on the other, Srikakulam is mainly a religious destination. This place is famous for the Arsavalli Sun Temple.

Places to see at Srikakulam: Mainly famous for the Surya Narayan Temple, Srikakulam is also the base of a number of other tourist attractions. These are:

Arasavilli

The famous Sun God Temple situated in Arasavalli Village which is located at a distance of about 1 K.M. east of Srikakulam Town in Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the ancient and all among two sun God temples in our Country. According to Padmapuranam , Sage Kasyapa installed the Idol of Surya at Arasavalli for the Welfare of mankind . Therefore , the Surya is of Kasyapasa Gotra . He is also termed as planetary King . The ‘ Sthalapuranam ‘ of the temple narrates that lord Devendra had founded this temple and installed the existing idol of the sun God commonly known as Lord Suryanarayana Swamy Varu under the following circumstances . The Sun God “Sri Suryanarayana Swami” is most worshipped in Andhra Pradesh and tourists from all over the world visits the temple every year. He is popularly known as the God of Health.

Srimukhalingam

Srimukhalingam is another temple in Srikakulam. It is believed to have been built in the 9th Century. This holy place resides on the left bank of Vamsadhara. This is a group of 3 temples built by the Eastern Ganga Kings in the 10th century AD, including the deities of  Mukhalingeswara, Bhimeswara and Someswara. All these temples show evidence of the Orissa style of architecture (Indo – Aryan style). The Mukhalinga temple is a veritable art gallery. The temple entrances are marvels in themselves. There is an abundance of sculptural work and perforated windows. The Bhimeswara temple lacks such grand splendour. Someswara temple is rich in sculptural work.

Srikurmam

Srikurmam is one of the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu.  The village is also named after it. Sri Kurmam is the second form of Lord Vishnu wherein represents a Tortoise and hence the Lord here is called as “Sri Kurmanatha”. This is the only temple in the entire country where Lord Vishnu is seen in “Kurmavatara”. Some inscriptions has it that the presiding deity of this temple Lord Shiva and was worshipped by Saivaites (devotees of Lord Siva). It was later change to Vaishnavite by Sri Ramanujacharya – the most important philosopher and saint of Sri Vaishnavam (sect of people who worship Lord Vishnu). The architecture of the temple is magnificent with beautiful sculpture, paintings and carvings. You just cannot move your eyes off the carvings, which is spellbinding.

Salihundam

This place is situated on the right bank of the river Vamsadhara, and is about 16 km from Srikakulam town. It was known as “Salivatika” (meaning rice emporium). But many called it “Salyapetika” (meaning box of bones or relics). There are a number of Buddhist stupas and a huge monastic complex on a hillock amidst scenic surroundings of the place.

Kalingapatnam

Just 25 km from Srikakulam, Kalingapatnam has a history, which dates back to the advent of western invaders into India. It was the port of the European merchants. Until 1958, huge ships from Malaysia and Singapore arrived at this port wherein perfumes, clothes and many other things were exported. Here you will also find the confluence of Vamsadhara which is very attractive.

Ponduru

The village about 20 kilometers from Srikakulam Town is famous for the production of fine quality of Khadi which is popular through out India.

Nearby attractions from Srikakulam: A number of excursion tour can be made from Srikakulam which includes:

Kaviti

Kaviti village is located at a distance of 130 Kms, from Srikakulam  in between two towns viz. Sompeta and Ichapuram, towards East. The area constituting Kaviti Mandal is populary known as Uddanam (Udyanavanam). 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.

Baruva

Situated at a distance of 109 Kms from Srikakulam town, Baruva is famous for 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.

Telineelapuram

This is a village located at a distance of 65 kilometers from Srikakulam. It is the bird lovers’ paradise. Every year, over 3,000 pelicans and painted storks visit from Siberia to these villages during September and stay here upto March.

Things to do at Srikakulam: Site seeing is the only thing you can do here. You can also enjoy the excursion trips too in and around the place.

Best time to visit Srikakulam: The ideal time to visit Srikakulam will be during October and November, when the weather remains cool.

How to go ?

By Air

Srikakulam does not have an airport. Nearest airport is Visakhapatnam Airport connected to many cities in India including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad. From there cars available on hire will take you to Srikakulam.

By Train

You can easily get regular trains to Srikakulam from other major cities of the countries.

By Road

You can travel by bus to Srikakulam from all major and minor cities in the state like Vijayawada, Vishakhapatnam (121 km), Hyderabad. You can also reach Srikakulam by  cars from: Simhachalam (118 km), Gopalpur(181 km ), Puri (370 km).

Where to stay ?

There are both budget and luxury hotels at Srikakulam. Some options are:

Hotel Nagavali: +91-0 8942 -222916 , 228806 , 228807  Website: www.hotelnagavali.com
Hotel Blue Earth: +91- 08942- 229955  Website: www.hotelblueearth.com
Hotel Vijetha Inn: +91-08942- 227691  Website: www.hotelvijethainn.com

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.