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Machilipatnam is a district administrative
headquarters, a railroad terminus, and an important educational centre of
Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh. This
place with its rich history has found a coveted place in the historical
map of India. It was a flourishing seaport on the east coast during the
time of the Satavahanas and in the 17th century AD, it was a centre of
French, British, and Dutch trade.
Machilipatnam was a commercial port of importance. It is one of the
earliest known British settlements in the subcontinent of India.
Machlipatnam derived its name owing to the construction of a gateway to
the town decorated with eyes of a fish. This place is famous for
Kalamkari printing.
It has a carpet-weaving industry; other products include rice, oilseed,
and scientific instruments.
Temples
The important temples at the place include those of Kanyakaparameswari
also known as 'Shivagangamma', 'Nageswaraswami', 'Venugopalaswami',
'Venkateshwaraswami', 'Lakshminarasimha', 'Ekambareswaraswami' and
'Panduranga' ('Chilkalapudi'). The shrine of Panduranga was built
attractively on a grand scale and is on par with the one at Pandaripuram.
Manginapudi
Beach
Manginapudi, situated at about 10-km from Machilipatnam is noted for its
fine beach in the district The beach possesses tremendous potential with a
natural bay and comparatively shallow and safe waters.
Kuchipudi
About 65-km from Machilipatnam is Kuchipudi, the birthplace of Siddhendra
Yogi, originator of the famous Kuchipudi style of dance. The village is in
an area known for artistic divine and literary pursuit.
Ghantasala
Situated
24-km to the northwest of Machilipatnam Ghantasala is an enchanting
Buddhist site. When Buddhism was at its zenith, this place was an
important religious centre.
Gudivada
Gudivada is located at a distance of 39-km from Machilipatnam. It derived
its name from the existence of a number of temples in the past. Many Jain
and Buddhist relics are found here.
Air:
Nearest airport is at Gannavaram.
Rail:
Machilipatnam has a railway station and is connected by rail to all the
important places of the state.
Road:
Private and government buses connect Machilipatnam with all the important
places of the state.
Tourist lodges and guesthouses are available at Machilipatnam.
Shivagangamma Utsavam on Chaitra Suddha
Poornima and Sri Pandurangaswamy Utsavam from Kartika Suddha Dasami to
Kartika Poornima are some of the important festivals of Machlipatnam.
Climate: Tropical
Temperature Range (deg C):
Summer- Max 42, Min 27.6
Winter- Max 30, Min 20.
Clothing: Light Cottons
STD Code: 08672
Manginapudi:
10-km
Ghantasala:
24-km
Gudivada: 39-km