Gudi means temple and vada means place in Telugu. Gudivada might be derived from existence of number of temples. Gudivada was known as VIDARBHAPURI in past. Reference: Khandeyayani Kaikaluru Silasasanam of AD 1628. The place was in existence for over 2,000 years and has been flourishing perpetually from the time of the Satavahanas.
Gudivada was a cultural center during the period of Vijayanagar Empire. The excavations discovered certain archaeological remains such as Buddhist and Jain relics. There are also about 99 low mounds with the ruins of Buddhist stupas. The notable one among the old Buddhist stupas is an elevated mound in a cylindrical form with a semi-spherical top
Mahatma Gandhi addressed the public in Gudivada on December 17, 1933.