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.