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Kakinada (; formerly known as Cocanada) is a Port and municipal corporation in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Situated along the Bay of Bengal, it serves as the headquarters of Kakinada district and is a prominent economic and cultural centre in the region. It is the sixth most populous city in the state and is recognised as one of India's most livable and cleanest cities among those with a population under one million. Nicknamed the "Pensioners' Paradise," Kakinada is known for its well-planned layout and modern infrastructure.
The city rose to prominence in the mid-19th century, when the decline of the nearby Coringa port, caused by natural disasters and silting, redirected trade activities to Kakinada port. It became the administrative headquarters of the Godavari district in 1859, further growing as a cotton export hub during the American Civil War. By the late 19th century, Kakinada emerged as one of India's largest ports and the most significant in the Andhra region. According to the 1891 census, Kakinada was the most populous city in the Andhra region, a status it largely retained until the 1930s. During the colonial era, the city also gained importance as the starting point of the Buckingham Canal, a vital route for trade and transportation.
In modern times, Kakinada's economy is driven by industries such as fertilizer production, edible oil refining, natural gas extraction, food processing, IT, and power generation. The city also plays a vital role in the Krishna-Godavari Basin, serving as a key hub for petrochemical companies. Culturally, Kakinada is known for its iconic sweet, Kakinada Kaja, and has been the hometown of several notable personalities in Telugu cinema. Historically, Telugu migrants to countries like Myanmar and Malaysia were referred to as "Coranghees," a term derived from the nearby Coringa port, which served as a major migration point in Andhra.
Kakinada is also an educational hub, hosting institutions such as Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Rangaraya Medical College, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) campus, and Andhra Polytechnic, the first polytechnic college in Andhra Pradesh. The city also boasts nearby attractions such as Hope Island, which acts as a natural barrier protecting it from cyclones and tsunamis, and the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, home to vast Mangrove forest. Notably, Kakinada was among the first 20 cities selected under the Smart Cities Mission.
During British rule, the city was known as "Cocanada." Some believe the name "Cocanada" was modified by the British East India Company from "Co-Canada" for convenience, as the original name was considered difficult to pronounce. The city was also referred to as "Coringa," a name derived from its proximity to the Koringa River River.
The name "Cocanada" gained prominence with the establishment of the first Canadian Baptist Mission in the area under British administration. After India gained independence, the city was officially renamed Kakinada.
In 1781, during the Fourth Anglo-Dutch War, the English seized Dutch settlements along the Coromandel Coast, including Jaggernaickpuram. The Dutch factory and public buildings were demolished that year. However, in 1784, after peace was declared, the Dutch factories were returned to the VOC.
The Dutch settlements were once again captured by the British during the wars of the French Revolution (1789-1795), but were handed back in 1818 through the Convention of 1814. Finally, in 1825, the Dutch territories in India, including Jaggernaickpuram, were transferred to the British under a treaty between Netherlands and the UK.
In 1802, a wet dock was constructed in Coringa, making it a vital facility for repairing Royal Navy and other vessels. This dock was notable for being the only wet dock between Mumbai (now Mumbai) and Kolkata (now Kolkata) and one of the few locations capable of accommodating large ships. Additionally, the area, including Cape Cori (now known as Hope Island), became internationally recognized for its shipbuilding industry, which flourished alongside its repair operations.
The town's coastal location, however, made it vulnerable to frequent storms and inundations. In 1784, a sea rise caused vessels to drift as far inland as Rajahmundry. Coringa also suffered significant damage from various storms, including a devastating storm in 1789 that claimed 20,000 lives, and another in May 1832 that further damaged the area. The most catastrophic of these was the cyclone of 25 November 1839, which had a storm surge estimated at 40 feet. This cyclone completely destroyed the port and around 20,000 vessels killing over 300,000 people across the region. This event was one of the first to be cited by Henry Piddington, who coined the term "cyclone" to describe such phenomena.
After the 1839 disaster, Coringa's port never fully recovered, and homes were relocated further inland. By the 1870s, the river had become too shallow, and the approaches too difficult, limiting the town's role to servicing only small craft. Despite this decline, Coringa continued to maintain some trade connections, particularly with Mawlamyine and Yangon. Neighboring villages, such as Thallarevu, took over the shipbuilding activities, further cementing Coringa’s decline as a maritime centre. By 1901, Siltation in the estuary rendered the port inaccessible to large ships, and by 1905, shipbuilding activities ceased, leading to the eventual closure of the port.
In 1859, Kakinada became the administrative headquarters of the newly formed Godavari district following the reorganization of the Rajahmundry, Masulipatam, and Guntur Collectorates. This reorganization resulted in the creation of two districts, Godavari and Kistna, with their boundaries defined by the Upputeru and Tamaleru rivers. Since its designation, Kakinada has consistently served as a district headquarters, cementing its role as a key administrative and economic centre in the region.
The American Civil War (1861–1865) further boosted Kakinada's prominence as a key shipping hub for cotton from Guntur. With the disruption of cotton supply to mills in Lancashire during the war, the demand for cotton surged. As a result, Kakinada saw a significant increase in port activity, playing a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for cotton by supplying it to international markets. In 1865, infrastructure developments included an iron-girder bridge linking Kakinada with Jagannadhapuram and a lighthouse to support maritime activities. These improvements bolstered trade and communication in the region.
Kakinada was established as a municipality in 1866, reflecting its growing importance. The European Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1868, represented European firms, while the native Chamber of Commerce worked alongside it to promote trade. The local economy thrived on exports of cotton, gingelly oil seeds, sugar, and rice, while imports included iron and copper. The town also became a centre for publications, including the Cocanada Advertiser, a mercantile newspaper, and Suddhiranjani, a Telugu Weekly newspaper. In 1852, the Pithapuram zamindar established a middle school, which was elevated to a second-grade college in 1884, becoming Pithapur Rajah's College. This institution soon gained prominence as a leading educational centre.
By 1871, Kakinada's population reached 17,839, with Hindus making up 94% of the populace. Over the next decades, the population grew significantly, increasing by 61.8% between 1871 and 1881, and 40.5% between 1881 and 1891. By 1891, Kakinada's population reached 40,553, making it the most populous city in Andhra. It retained this position until 1921 when it briefly fell to second place with a population of 53,348, narrowly surpassed by Rajahmundry's 53,791 residents. However, Kakinada reclaimed its status as the region's largest city by 1931, with its population rising to 65,952.
By the early 20th century, Kakinada had emerged as the principal port on the Coromandel Coast, north of Madras. In 1902–03, it was ranked fifth among the ports of the Madras Presidency in terms of total trade and held the twelfth position among all ports in British India. Within the region of present-day Andhra Pradesh, Kakinada was the largest port and ranked seventh among the ports in the territory of modern India. The port became a thriving commercial hub, attracting prominent European and native merchants, including firms like Ralli Brothers, Gordon, Woodroffe & Co., and Volkart Brothers. Kakinada port played a crucial role in trade within the Godavari district and its hinterlands, and even with parts of the Hyderabad State. Local industries, such as rice mills, cheroot factories, and salt works, supported by companies like Simson & Co. and Innes & Co., contributed to the town's economic growth. But, its economy remained primarily focused on shipping. The port’s exports included cotton (to the United Kingdom, France, and Belgium), oilseeds (to France and the UK), rice (to Sri Lanka, Réunion, Mauritius), and tobacco (to Rangoon), while imports included cotton goods, gunny bags, rice, and kerosene.
By the early 20th century, Kakinada was home to five printing presses. Among them, the Sujana Ranjani Press published Telugu books, along with a weekly newspaper, Ravi, and a monthly magazine, Savitri. Another press produced a monthly magazine called Sarasvati. In 1923, Kakinada hosted the All India Congress Committee (AICC) meeting from December 28 to January 1, 1924. The event became notable for a controversy over the rendition of Vande Mataram, which highlighted religious sensitivities of the time.
During World War II, on April 6, 1942, Kakinada was targeted by a Japanese air raid. A single aircraft attacked the port, damaging two ships and causing casualties, including one death and five injuries. This marked one of the earliest Japanese air raids on India's eastern coast during the war.
Today, Kakinada is a thriving port city renowned for its industrial and economic importance within Andhra Pradesh. It serves as a key hub for trade, maritime activities, and cultural heritage in the region.
The city is divided into two regions, connected by bridges. The southern part, Jagannadhapuram, is separated from the main city by the Buckingham Canal. The canal and its branches form Medaline Island, which borders the city to the southwest.
Kakinada features an industrial belt that runs north–south, separating the eastern part of the city from the coast. To the southeast, Kakinada Bay and surrounding marshlands are home to India's second-largest mangrove forest, which includes the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary. The Gouthami, a branch of the Godavari River, flows into the Bay of Bengal near the city.
Prevailing winds are from the southwest for most of the year, except from October to January when they shift to the northeast. The city's average annual rainfall is between 110 and 115 centimetres (43 to 45 inches)
In October 2025, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal was likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm and approach the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kakinada with wind speeds up to 100 km/h. Due to its coastal location, Kakinada periodically experiences such cyclonic systems during the monsoon season.
Kakinada's principal exports include seafood (, Shrimp, Fish) and related products, agricultural products (including rice and corn), oilmeals, processed food products, chemicals, iron ore, bauxite powder and biofuel. Imports include chemicals, edible oils and agricultural products (including wheat and sugar).
Vakalapudi Industrial Park has attracted over $10 million in investment from biodiesel companies such as Reliance Industries, Natural Bioenergy and Universal Bio Fuel. Andhra Pradesh has entered into an agreement with Reliance Industries for jatropha planting. The company selected of land in Kakinada to grow jatropha for quality biodiesel fuel.
Nearly, 35 Software and IT companies are operating from Kakinada, including Krify, Avineon, Cyient.
An IT Association by the name "Godavari IT Association of East and West Godavari districts" (GITA) which an association of IT companies in the twin Godavari districts is formed in 2008 which is based in the city. Since 2016, GITA is merged with "IT Association of Andhra Pradesh" (ITAAP) forming a separate chapter called ITAAP Godavari Chapter.
In addition to its contributions to cinema, Kakinada is also the hometown of Indian cricketer Hanuma Vihari and the freedom fighter Baru Alivelamma.Janaki, Dr. Komanduri (1999). Role Of Women In Freedom Struggle In Andhra Pradesh (1st ed.). Hyderabad, India: Neelkamal Publications Pvt. Ltd. p. 82.
Kasibhatta Brahmaiah Sastry (1863–1940), a notable Sanskrit and Telugu scholar, was among the eminent figures in Kakinada's literary landscape. Another celebrated personality, Garikapati Narasimha Rao, earned the title Maha Sahasravadhani for performing one thousand Avadhanam feats, a challenging Telugu poetry competition. He also authored the epic poem Sagaraghosha, adding to his reputation as a literary luminary.
Modern contributions to Telugu literature include Ryali Prasad, a poet, short story writer, and historian. He authored 32 epic poems and historical works, delving into various subjects, including the history of Kakinada. His notable works include Kakinada Charitra, a comprehensive history of the city. Prasad was also skilled in performing Telugu Avadhanam in free verse poetry, exemplifying his versatility as a writer. Bolloju Baba, a contemporary poet and historian residing in Kakinada, has further enriched the region's literary heritage. He has authored 11 books, six of which focus on literature and the remaining on history. His works include Ancient Cities of East Godavari and Yanam under French Colonial Rule, which highlight the historical and cultural significance of the region.
and are the two railway stations serving the rail needs of the city. is classified as an ''A–category'' station in Vijayawada railway division. It is recognised as one of the ''Adarsh stations'' of the division in South Coast Railway zone.
SCR operates its carriage and Wagon depot which is one of the medium-sized depots in Vijayawada division. It's the second station after Vijayawada Junction railway station to have Intermediate Overhauling IOH shed for all types of coaches.
The city and its surrounding areas are home to numerous professional institutions offering courses in fields such as engineering, medicine, information technology, and management at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Among these institutions, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada (JNTU Kakinada), stands out. Originally established as Vishakapatnam College of Engineering on former military land, it offers a variety of engineering programs and includes a business school.
Rangaraya Medical College, established in 1958 by Dr. M. V. Krishna Rao and Dr. Datla Satyanarayana Raju, is another prominent institution in the city. Initially supported by donations, including land and financial contributions from various benefactors, the college became a fully government-run institution by 1981. The Government General Hospital, Kakinada serves as its teaching hospital.
The Andhra University Postgraduate Centre, founded in 1977, provides higher education in Kakinada. It is located on a campus in Thimmapuram, approximately six kilometers from Kakinada Town Railway Station. Andhra Polytechnic, the first polytechnic college in Andhra Pradesh, was established in 1946 by the British Indian government on land donated by M. S. N. Charities in Jagannaickpur.
In recent years, Kakinada's educational landscape has expanded with the establishment of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), inaugurated by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, making it the third IIFT campus in the country, after Delhi and Kolkata.
Additionally, the city is home to several other prominent institutions, including P. R. Government College and Ideal College of Arts and Sciences, offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The National Institute of Technology, Andhra Pradesh, located in Tadepalligudem, is also situated 80 kilometres from Kakinada, further strengthening the region’s reputation as an educational center.
Bhavanarayana Swamy temple in Sarpavaram in Kakinada suburbs is a historic temple renowned for its mythological significance, intricate architecture, and historical inscriptions dating back to various dynasties. It is recognized as one of the State Protected Monuments by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Andhra Pradesh. The Bala Tripura Sundari Devi Temple is a famous temple located within the city. The temples of Suryanarayana Swami and Kodandarama are located at G. Mamidada which is 20 km from the city.
Tennis is taught to students by the KTA (Kakinada Tennis Academy) at the tennis courts of Rangaraya Medical College There is a Roller rink in Vivekananda Park.
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