[8] 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.

[13] During the colonial era, the city also gained importance as the starting point of the Buckingham Canal, a vital route for trade and transportation.

[11] 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.

Historically, Telugu migrants to countries like Burma and Malaysia were referred to as "Coranghees," a term derived from the nearby Coringa port, which served as a major migration point in Andhra.

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 forests.

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.

On 25 September 1734, Haji Muhammad Hussain, the Nawab of Rajahmundry, granted the Dutch a parwana and kaul, officially transferring the hamlet of "Jagernaykpalam" to the VOC for the construction of a trading lodge.

[22] Its strategic location and safe anchorage attracted European merchants, including the British, French, Dutch, and Portuguese, who utilized its port for trade and maritime activities on the Coromandel Coast.

[22] Additionally, the area, including Cape Cori (now known as Hope Island), became internationally recognized for its shipbuilding industry, which flourished alongside its repair operations.

[32] In 1859, Kakinada became the administrative headquarters of the newly formed Godavari district following the reorganization of the Rajahmundry, Masulipatam, and Guntur Collectorates.

[34] Since its designation, Kakinada has consistently served as a district headquarters, cementing its role as a key administrative and economic centre in the region.

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.

[38] The local economy thrived on exports of cotton, gingelly oil seeds, sugar, and rice, while imports included iron and copper.

Kakinada port played a crucial role in trade within the Godavari district and its hinterlands, and even with parts of the Nizam's Dominions.

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.

[49] To the southeast, Kakinada Bay and surrounding marshlands are home to India's second-largest mangrove forest, which includes the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kakinada experiences a tropical savanna climate (Köppen: Aw) , characterized by hot and humid conditions throughout most of the year.

The city's average annual rainfall is between 110 and 115 centimetres (43 to 45 inches).As of 2011 Census of India, Kakinada had a population of 443,028, with 222,461 males and 220,567 females.

The urban agglomeration includes the Kakinada Municipal Corporation, census towns such as Chidiga, Ramanayyapeta, and Suryaraopeta, as well as the outgrowths of Ganganapalle, Sarpavaram, Vakalapudi, and Turangi.

[60] By the early 1980s, before the establishment of fertilizer companies, the local economy expanded to include the textile industry, auto parts manufacturing, steel-related ancillary units, alongside its traditional reliance on agriculture and fishing.

Reliance has an onshore terminal in Gadimoga, about 25 kilometres (16 mi) from Kakinada, to process and distribute gas to other parts of the country.

[84][86] Kakinada has made notable contributions to Telugu cinema (Tollywood) with several prominent actors, actresses, and filmmakers hailing from the city.

In addition to its contributions to cinema, Kakinada is also the hometown of Indian cricketer Hanuma Vihari[94] and the freedom fighter Baru Alivelamma.

[95] Kakinada has been a significant hub for Telugu literature, hosting numerous scholars, poets, and historians who have contributed extensively to the language and its history.

[97] 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.

[98] Modern contributions to Telugu literature include Ryali Prasad, a poet, short story writer, and historian.

His works include Ancient Cities of East Godavari and Yanam under French Colonial Rule, which highlight the historical and cultural significance of the region.

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.

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.