Machilipatnam

Machilipatnam is a seaside city located in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. The name of the city is derived from 2 words – machili or fish and patnam or port town. It was the first port town established by the British in the Coromandel Coast and used to thrive for trading purposes. Currently the city’s port is not functional and plans are underway to restore it to its previous glory. The city was known by many names in olden times like Masula, Bandar, Masulipatnam and Maisolos. Muslin cloth was traded here by the Greeks and it is said that the word muslin is derived from this city’s name.

Population
Machilipatnam has a population of 170,008 as per 2011 census; of which the male population is 83,561 and female population is 86,447.

Places to See
Machilipatnam has many beaches and temples. Manginapudi is a scenic beach with shallow water and black soil. The beach also has a lighthouse. The Dattashram is a famous temple located nearby. It has 12 wells for bathing. Due to the presence of Dattashram, Maginapudi is also called Datta Rameshwaram. It is considered auspicious to bathe in the sea here during Maghapoornima and many pilgrims come here to take the holy dip every year.
The Vishwakarma temple is a major attraction of Machilipatnam. It is said to be the oldest temple in Krishna district.
Sai Baba temple in Machilipatnam has a huge idol of Sai baba. It pulls many devotees every year.
Pandurang Swami temple is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Agastheeswara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva or Ekratri Mallikaarjunaswami, as he is known here. An annual pilgrimage takes place every year at this temple where processions are taken out with the deity’s idol. There are five other temples located near Machilipatnam that are dedicated to Lord Shiva. These temples are located at Chebrolu, Draksharama, Bhimavaram, Amravati and Samalkot.
Gudivada contains ruins of stupas that draw a lot of Buddhist pilgrims annually.
Machilipatnam church is another major tourist attraction. It was built by a Britisher in the 19th century.

How to Reach

By Road
Machilipatnam is connected to Pune, Hyderabad, Suryapet, Vijayawada and several cities in Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh via NH 9.  Private buses and state run buses ply to this route. APSRTC buses also connect Machilipatnam to other cities and towns within Andhra Pradesh.

By Rail
Adoni has 2 railway stations and it falls in the Southern Central railways division. It is well connected by train to Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Bengaluru, Tirupati and Vishakhapatnam.

By Air
The nearest airport from Machilipatnam is Vijayawada, located at a distance of 70 Kms.

Business

Machilipatnam is famous for Kalamkari clothes. The design is said to have originated here and muslin clothes and textile material incorporating the design can be found in the city. It is also famous for imitation jewelry called Chilakalapudi Bangram and fashion gold. Bharat Electronics Limited has a manufacturing plant in Machilipatnam which provides livelihood to many locals. Agriculture is another major means of livelihood.