The topography of Vijayawada is a striking contrast between absolute flatlands and abrupt, rocky hills. The majority of the city is built on the flat, low-lying alluvial plains of the Krishna Delta, sitting at an average elevation of just 11 meters (36 feet) above sea level.
Interrupting this flat terrain are several prominent hillocks, the most famous being the Indrakeeladri Hill, which rises sharply from the banks of the Krishna River. Other notable elevations within the city limits include the Mogalrajapuram hills and the Gunadala hills. The juxtaposition of these rocky outcrops against the wide expanse of the Krishna River and the sprawling, flat urban grid provides a highly varied urban landscape. To the south, the terrain slopes gently into the extensive agricultural flood plains nourished by the Prakasam Barrage.
