Vijayawada(
Vijay-uh-waw-duh), popularly known by its colonial name
Bezawada, is the second largest city and commercial hub in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The city is part of the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region and is located on the banks of the Krishna River surrounded by the hills of the Eastern Ghats, known as the Indrakeeladri Hills. The city is home to the important Hindu shrine of Kanaka Durga Temple. It geographically lies on the center spot of Andhra Pradesh. The city has been described as the commercial, political, cultural and educational capital of Andhra Pradesh. It is the administrative headquarters of NTR district. The Prakasam Barrage across the Krishna River connects the NTR and Guntur districts.