Krishna is a coastal district of Andhra Pradesh with Machilipatnam as its administrative headquarters. It takes its name from the Krishna River. Formerly known as Machilipatnam or Masulipatnam district, it was renamed Krishna district in 1859. Its present boundaries date from Andhra Pradesh’s 2022 district reorganisation, when NTR district was separated. Krishna district covers about 3,773 sq. km, has an 88 km coastline and a Census 2011 population of 17,35,079. It is known for the Krishna delta, Machilipatnam Kalamkari, Kuchipudi dance, temples and Manginapudi Beach.
Quick Overview of Krishna District
| Particular | Details |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| District Headquarters | Machilipatnam |
| Historic Name | Machilipatnam/Masulipatnam District |
| Renamed Krishna District | 1859 |
| Present District Structure | 2022 reorganisation |
| Area | 3,773 sq. km |
| Population | 17,35,079 |
| Literacy Rate | 73.75% |
| Coastline | About 88 km |
| Revenue Divisions | 3 |
| Current Mandals | 26 |
| Villages | 502 (486 inhabited, 16 uninhabited) |
| Main Court | Principal District & Sessions Court, Machilipatnam |
| Main Railway Station | Machilipatnam Railway Station |
| Railway Station Code | MTM |
| Major Railway Junction | Gudivada Junction (GDV) |
| Railway Zone | South Central Railway |
| Railway Division | Vijayawada Division |
| Main Machilipatnam PIN Code | 521001 |
| Nearest Airport | Vijayawada International Airport, Gannavaram |
| Official District Website | krishna.ap.gov.in |
The latest division-wise administrative page lists three revenue divisions and 26 mandals. The current count reflects separate Machilipatnam North and Machilipatnam South mandals; some older portal pages still show 25.
Location of Krishna District
Krishna district lies on the central-eastern coast of Andhra Pradesh, with the Bay of Bengal along its eastern and southern side. Machilipatnam is the headquarters and an old port city. The district borders Eluru and NTR districts to the north and Guntur district towards the west.
The Krishna River and its delta shape the district’s geography and economy. Canal irrigation supports extensive agriculture, especially paddy. The coastal belt has delta lands, fishing settlements and estuarine areas, while Gudivada, Vuyyuru and Gannavaram are closely linked with the Vijayawada region. Kuchipudi classical dance originated in the district’s Kuchipudi village, while Machilipatnam is noted for Kalamkari textiles.
Administration of Krishna District
Machilipatnam is the district administrative headquarters. The current district administration is organised into three revenue divisions: Machilipatnam, Gudivada and Vuyyuru.
Machilipatnam Revenue Division
This division contains 12 mandals:
- Avanigadda
- Bantumilli
- Challapalli
- Ghantasala
- Guduru
- Koduru
- Kruthivennu
- Machilipatnam North
- Machilipatnam South
- Mopidevi
- Nagayalanka
- Pedana
Gudivada Revenue Division
This division contains seven mandals:
- Bapulapadu
- Gannavaram
- Gudivada
- Gudlavalleru
- Nandivada
- Pedaparupudi
- Unguturu
Vuyyuru Revenue Division
This division contains seven mandals:
- Kankipadu
- Movva
- Pamarru
- Pamidimukkala
- Penamaluru
- Thotlavalluru
- Vuyyuru
The Collectorate, Revenue Divisional Offices and mandal-level Tahsildar offices handle land, revenue and local administrative services. Residents should use the office having jurisdiction over the relevant locality.
Krishna District Court
The principal judicial establishment is the Principal District and Sessions Court at Machilipatnam, supported by subordinate civil, criminal and special courts. The District Legal Services Authority for Krishna also operates from the District Court Buildings.
Citizens can use official eCourts services for:
- Case status
- Hearing dates
- Cause lists
- Court orders
- CNR searches
- Case-number and party-name searches
Eligible persons can seek legal aid through the District Legal Services Authority. Court users should check the current cause list and court number before travelling.
District Court Location
The main judicial complex is located at:
District Court Buildings, Machilipatnam, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh
The complex is within Machilipatnam and is accessible from the railway station and bus stand by local transport. India Post lists the District Court Post Office under PIN 521002, while Machilipatnam Head Office uses 521001.
Machilipatnam Railway Station
Machilipatnam Railway Station is the main railway station serving the district headquarters.
Railway Station Code: MTM
The station is under South Central Railway’s Vijayawada Division. Machilipatnam connects through Gudivada, an important junction for onward travel towards Vijayawada and coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Gudivada Junction (GDV) is useful when a train does not run directly to Machilipatnam. For some northern or western parts of the district, Gudivada can also be the more convenient arrival point.
Machilipatnam Railway Station Location
Machilipatnam Railway Station is located in the Station Road area of Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh – 521001.
Local onward transport normally includes:
- Autorickshaws
- Local taxis
- Buses
- Private vehicles
For Manginapudi Beach, Chilakalapudi, the court complex or central Machilipatnam, MTM is generally the most convenient rail arrival point.
Road Connectivity
Krishna district has strong road connectivity with Vijayawada and surrounding coastal districts. Machilipatnam has regular road links with Vijayawada, Gudivada, Pedana, Avanigadda, Vuyyuru and Gannavaram.
Road travel is especially important for Mopidevi, Nagayalanka, Hamsaladeevi and smaller delta villages that lack convenient rail access.
Nearest Airport to Krishna District
Vijayawada International Airport at Gannavaram is the nearest airport and lies within Krishna district. The Airports Authority of India lists it under PIN 521102.
Machilipatnam is roughly 68 km by road from the airport. Travellers can continue by taxi, bus or through Vijayawada/Gudivada connections.
Krishna District Pin Code
The main PIN code of Machilipatnam is 521001, used by Machilipatnam Head Office. Other towns and villages have different postal codes, so 521001 should not be used for every district address.
Important PIN codes include:
- Machilipatnam – 521001
- Chilakalapudi – 521002
- Gannavaram – 521101
- Avanigadda – 521121
- Mopidevi – 521125
- Movva – 521135
- Penamaluru – 521139
- Vuyyuru – 521165
- Gudivada – 521301
- Pedana – 521366
For official correspondence, confirm the PIN of the exact post office serving the locality.
Major Tourist Places in Krishna District
Manginapudi Beach
Manginapudi Beach is a major coastal attraction about 11 km from Machilipatnam. Its distinctive beach and easy access from the district headquarters make it a popular short excursion.
Kuchipudi Village
Kuchipudi village is the birthplace of the Kuchipudi classical dance tradition and is an important cultural stop for visitors interested in Andhra Pradesh’s performing arts.
Sri Subrahmanyeswara Swamy Temple, Mopidevi
Mopidevi is an important Sri Subrahmanyeswara Swamy pilgrimage centre about 30 km from Machilipatnam and a major stop on the Diviseema side of the district.
Panduranga Swamy Temple, Machilipatnam
The Panduranga Swamy Temple at Chilakalapudi is a prominent Machilipatnam religious site dedicated to Lord Panduranga Vithal.
Hamsaladeevi
Hamsaladeevi is associated with the point where the Krishna River meets the Bay of Bengal. The river-mouth setting is distinctive, but access is mainly by road through the delta region.
FAQs About Krishna District
Q. Is Vijayawada International Airport actually inside Krishna district?
Yes. Vijayawada International Airport is at Gannavaram in Krishna district. Machilipatnam is still roughly 68 km away by road, so visitors to the headquarters need onward road transport.
Q. Should I book a train to Machilipatnam or Gudivada?
Choose Machilipatnam for the district headquarters, Manginapudi Beach and nearby city areas. Gudivada Junction is useful when your train does not continue to Machilipatnam or your destination lies on the Gudivada side. Compare the final road distance before booking.
Q. Can Manginapudi Beach and Panduranga Swamy Temple be visited on the same day?
Yes. Both are on the Machilipatnam side, and Manginapudi Beach is about 11 km from the city. A taxi or private vehicle makes a same-day visit practical.
Q. Is Kuchipudi village the place from which the dance form got its name?
Yes. The Kuchipudi classical dance form originated in Kuchipudi village in Krishna district, making the village an important cultural destination for dance-history visitors.
