About Machilipatnam

Andhra Pradesh

Overview

Machilipatnam, once called Masulipatnam or Bandar, is a coastal town in Krishna district where the Krishna delta meets the Bay of Bengal. In the 16th and 17th centuries it was the main sea port of the Golconda kingdom, and Dutch, English and French companies kept trading posts here for its cotton cloth. Today travellers come for Kalamkari block printing in nearby Pedana, the long sands of Manginapudi Beach and Bandar Laddu from the town's sweet shops. It works as a day trip or an overnight stop from Vijayawada, about 70 km away.

Best Time to Visit Machilipatnam

Plan your trip around the right season

Nov-FebBest Window

Why visit

Cooler, drier days for Pedana workshop visits, beach evenings at Manginapudi and walks in the old town.

Keep in mind

Sankranti in January fills local hotels and buses, so book ahead.

Mar-May

Why visit

Fewer visitors and easy workshop visits if you start early.

Keep in mind

Hot and humid coastal afternoons make midday outings tiring.

Jun-Oct

Why visit

Green delta landscapes and quiet beaches between showers.

Keep in mind

Monsoon rain and Bay of Bengal cyclone alerts can close the beach and disrupt travel.

How to Reach Machilipatnam

Intercity connectivity and travel options

Vijayawada airport at Gannavaram is about 75 km away. Machilipatnam railway station has trains from Vijayawada, and APSRTC buses run often on the Vijayawada to Machilipatnam road.

Getting Around Machilipatnam

Local transport and practical tips

Local transport

Autos and APSRTC buses run within town and out to Pedana and Manginapudi. Hire a cab for a half day if you plan several workshop visits.

Best Areas to Stay in Machilipatnam

Pick the right neighbourhood for your trip

Koneru Centre / town centre

Short stays and easy transport

Close to the bus stand, railway station and sweet shops, with simple hotels and lodges.

Manginapudi Beach road

Beach evenings

Quieter stays near the coast for sunrise and evening walks on the sand.

Vijayawada

Day trip planning

Larger choice of hotels if you prefer a city stay and a day trip to the coast.