Top Tourist Attractions in Srikakulam
Srikakulam is a city and the headquarters of Srikakulam district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
Best Places to Visit in Srikakulam
- Arasavilli
- Srikurmam
- Salihundam
- Srimukhalingam
- Mandasa
- Sangham
Arasavilli
The renowned Sun God Temple is located in Arasavalli Village, about 1 km east of SRIKAKULAM Town in Andhra Pradesh, which is the head quarters of the coastal district in Andhra Pradesh. It is one of our country’s oldest and one of just two sun God temples. According to Padmapuranam, Sage Kasyapa erected the Surya Idol in Arasavalli for the benefit of mankind. As a result, the Surya belongs to the Kasyapasa Gotra. He is also known as the Planetary King.
According to the temple’s ‘Sthalapuranam,’ Lord Devendra constructed this temple and erected the present idol of the sun God, generally known as Lord Suryanarayana Swamy Varu, under the following conditions. Ignoring the teachings of Dwarapalaka Nandi, Lord Devendra once sought to force his admittance for Darshan of Sri Rudrakoteswara Swamy varu at an inconvenient hour when Lord Siva was with his bride. In the course of his responsibilities, Dwarapalaka Nandi kicked the invader.
Srikurmam
Srikurmam is one of the oldest and most well-known temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the village of Srikurmam. Sri Kurmam is Lord Vishnu’s second incarnation, in which He adopts the Avatara (shape) of a Tortoise, and therefore the Lord is known as “Sri Kurmanatha.” This is the only temple in the country where Lord Vishnu appears in the film “Kurmavatara.” According to certain inscriptions, the principal god of this temple was Lord Shiva, who was worshipped by Saivaites (devotees of Lord Siva). Sri Ramanujacharya, the most prominent philosopher and saint of Sri Vaishnavam, eventually changed it to Vaishnavite (sect of people who worship Lord Vishnu). The temple is said to have been constructed from a face rock.
There are many inscriptions on the pillars of the temple, most of them in Devanagari (scripting language) script dating from 11th to 19th century AD. The architecture of the temple is magnificent with beautiful sculpture, paintings and carvings. You just cannot move your eyes off the carvings.
Pilgrim Attractions
Ancient temple constructed between 9th and 11th Centuries in it’sprestine form
The Trinity of Madhukeswara, Someswara and Bheemeswara Temples
The Lingam is formed by the trunk of Madhuca tree with a naturally carved face
Architecture grandeur of red stone sculpture
On the banks of beautiful river Vamsadhara
protected by Central Archeological Department
Salihundam
Salihundam is a village and panchayat in the Gara Mandal of the SRIKAKULAM district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the south bank of the River Vamsadhara, 5 kilometres west of Kalingapatnam and 18 kilometres from SRIKAKULAM. Salivatika was the name given to it (meaning rice emporium). However, many people referred to it as “Salyapetika” (meaning box of bones or relics). On a hilltop surrounded by beautiful scenery, there are a number of Buddhist stupas and a massive monastery complex. Gidugu Venkata Rama Murthy found the place in 1919. During excavations, relic caskets, four stupas, a Chaityagriha, structural emples, and a variety of sculptures illustrating the three periods of Buddhism – Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana – spanning from the 2nd century BC to the 12th century AD were discovered. The sculptures of ‘Tara’ and Marichi were unearthed here, and Buddhism spread to Sumatra and other far-eastern nations from there.
Srimukhalingam
Srimukhalingeswara Temple is a Shiva temple located on the left side of the Vamsadhara River. This temple is a set of three temples devoted to three avatars of Lord Shiva, namely Mukhalingeswara, Bhimeswara, and Someswara, and is elegantly crafted. The temple is constructed in the Indo-Aryan style. This temple is a must-see for everyone interested in magnificent sculptures, carvings, and exquisite construction. The temple’s architecture is so beautiful that one can’t take their gaze away from it. When you look attentively, you can see that every piece and corner of the temple is as good as the next. Two lions on each side of the few stair-cases greet you at the entry, which is a massive arched gate. The first gate leads to the outside prakara have, where you may find a Nandi in a mandapam.
Mandasa
This location is at the foot of Mahendragiti, which is 26 kilometres from Sompetatown. There is a fort that is regarded to be the tallest in South India, and it is a popular tourist destination. Tourists are drawn to the Varahaswamy temple in this hamlet.
Sangam
Sangam is a hamlet and pilgrimage place located in Vangaramandal, SRIKAKULAM district, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is around 56 kilometres from the town of SRIKAKULAM and 20 kilometres from Rajam. The confluence of the rivers Nagavali, Suvarnamukhi, and Vegavati occurs here. As a result, it is a Triveni sangam, similar to those found in Allahabad. One of Lord Sangameswara’s five lingas has arrived. During the MahaSivaratri Festival, thousands of devotees congregate here. Sangham is located in Vangara Mandal, 56 kilometres from SRIKAKULAM. Three rivers, Nagavali, Suvarnamukhi, and Vegavathi, meet here. On Mahasivaratri, hundreds of people converge at the Sangameswara temple, which is one of the five lingakshetras.
Best Time to Visit in Srikakulam
The weather in the middle of the year is really pleasant, with peak temperatures that are pretty warm. These months have the most precipitation, averaging 5 to 11 days each month. Because June to August is a somewhat sluggish season for tourists in Srikakulam, housing and other accommodations may be slightly less expensive.
How to Reach Srikakulam
By Air
Nearest Airport: Visakhapatnam (Srikakulam is 117 KM away from Visakhapatnam)
By Rail
Nearest Railway Station: Srikakulam road (9km from Srikakulam City), on Vizag – Bhuvaneshwar Line
By Road
To Srikakulam City Distance From: Visakhapatnam – 117 km, Bhuvaneshwar – 325 km, Vijayawada – 455 km