About Kakinada

Kakinada is located at a distance of about 65 Km from Rajahmundry in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. It is the largest city of entire district and is spread over an area of 192.3 square Kms (74.2 sq mi). It is one of the most prominent cities of entire Andhra Pradesh and attracts a huge number of visitors every day. It has the status of a municipal corporation and is the 6th largest city in Andhra Pradesh by Area. It also stood at 8th position in terms of population in entire state. As per the census of 2011, the city is home to 376,861 people with an overall literacy rate of 81.23 percent with 84.88 percent for men and 77.76 percent for women. The city is the fourth largest cities in Andhra Pradesh and is the second largest tier II cities in India. It has recently received the status of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), and the same has helped the city in its fast development.

History of Kakinada

Kakinada being a young city does not have many tales in its history lessons. However, some stories regarding its name are known among the locals. Initially the name of the city used to be "Kakanandivada"during the reign of Nandi chiefs before the arrival of the Europeans, and was later changed to  Co-Canada in British era. After the independence of the country, it was again renamed as Kakinada and he same has not been changed since then.

Geography of Kakinada

Kakinada is located at 16.93°N 82.22°E with an average elevation of 2 Meters (6 Feets). The city has a length of 15 Kms and an average width of 6 Kms with rough north-south orientation in a long, narrow strip parallel to the coast. Most of the areas of the city are below sea level. Kakinada is a natural harbor as Hope Island is located at a mere distance of about 5 Km from the city. The city is divided between two regions including the Southern part and the Northern part. Both of these regions are connected by bridges. Jagannathapuram is known as Southern part and is separated from the rest of the city by the Buckingham Canal. This canal along with its branches forms Medaline Island. This island adjoins the city in southwest. While on the other hand, the northern region of Kakinada is the result of its recent extension. Hence, this part is more modern as compared to the Southern area. The city is surrounded by Kakinada Bay on the southeast side.

Climate of Kakinada

Kakinada is known to have hot and humid weather throughout the year. Summer months starts from April and ends in June with a temperature of around 38 degrees Celsius to 42 degrees Celsius. Winter months are December to February with a minimum temperature around 18 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius. The city receives an average annual rainfall of 110 – 115 centimeters, and most of the rainfall is received from southwest. However, northeast monsoon also deliver some amount of rainfall from mid – October to mid – December. The city is very frequent to the cyclones due to the Bay of Bengal and most of the winds are also received from southwest only.

Distance From Kakinada to Other Major Cities of Andhra Pradesh and India

• Kakinada to Rajahmundry: 60 km
• Kakinada to Visakhapatnam: 145 km
• Kakinada to Vijayawada: 223 km
• Kakinada to Guntur: 248 km
• Kakinada to Hyderabad: 523 km
• Kakinada to Chennai: 684 km
• Kakinada to Bangalore: 856 km
• Kakinada to Kolkatta (Howrah): 1028 km
• Kakinada to Mumbai:1234 km
• Kakinada to New Delhi: 1848 km

Culture of Kakinada

Kakinada is home to a vast and vivid culture. The city leaves its impact on its visitors in everything. People of Kakinada are pretty hospitable. Most of the people speak in Godavari Telugu accent and interact with other people often. Most of the younger generation of the city believes in migration to big cities for work, while some of the immigrants of local villages come to the city for work opportunities available here. Also, some people of the city enhances the economy of the same by expanding the businesses and investments they own. The city is a major educational hub and offers different educational programmes for all stages of education.



Kakinada Beach Festival is one of the most famous festivals of the city. It is also known as Sagara Sambaralu. It is a music festival and is celebrated for three days. Government of Andhra Pradesh has declared the same as an annual festival and various artists perform in this event.  Other regular festivals of all communities including Hindu, Muslim and Christian are also celebrated here with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm.

Architecture and languages of Kakinada

Unlike other cities of Andhra Pradesh, Kakinada is a younger city and has seen most of its development in past 300 years only. Nandi kings were among the ancient rulers of the city, however, it received the much required architecture development in British era. European settlers made it the administrative headquarters for the local area they ruled. Hence, impact of European architecture can be easily seen in the buildings of Kakinada.

Similar to the other parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telugu is the official language of the city. Urdu, English and Hindi are the other prominent languages of the city. Youngest generation of the city prefers English, while Hindi and Urdu are preferred by the older generations of Hindu and Muslim religions respectively. Chaganti Koteswara Rao is one of the most famous Hindu scholars of the city.

Facts and Figures of Kakinada

State: Andhra Pradesh
District: East Godavari
Elevation: 2 Metres
Latitude: 16.93°N
Longitude: 82.22°E
Population: 312,255
Literacy rate: 81.23%
Average Temperature: 28 degrees Celsius
Average Rainfall: 110–115 centimetres
Languages: Telugu (Official), English, Hindi
Religions: Hindu, Muslim,
Best Time to Visit: December to February
STD Code: 884
Postal Code: 533***