The darshan of Goddess Kanaka Durga in her enchanting eight-armed, standing posture over Mahishasura is captivating. The idol is adorned beautifully, making you instantly feel a sense of peace and devotion. The presence of Lord Malleswara Swamy alongside adds to the sanctity. The location is unbeatable. Whether you take the steps (for the devout who prefer the Metla Pooja) or the motorable ghat road, the reward is a stunning panoramic view of Vijayawada, especially beautiful at night. Despite the crowds, especially during festivals, the atmosphere inside the main sanctum remains deeply spiritual. The temple is active with daily rituals, aartis, and archanas. The temple management provides good facilities. Locker facilities are available for mobile phones and cameras (which are not allowed inside), and they also offer free Annaprasadam (food) to pilgrims, which is a wonderful gesture. As with many famous temples, there's a slight feeling of commercialization, and sometimes there can be pressure for donations or services. It is best to be aware of the official fee structures beforehand. While the ghat road is available, a large number of devotees still prefer climbing the steps, which can be physically demanding.Also, if you by a special Dharshan like 100/300/500 you will get a lift access to go up in 1 min. A must-visit destination when in Andhra Pradesh. A trip to Vijayawada is incomplete without paying respects to Maa Durga here. Plan your visit for an early morning slot if you prefer a less crowded, more serene darshan. One important thing you must follow here is dress code, Girls / Women must have scarfs and no shorts allowed. ...Jai Matha Di...

1. Can go for divinity and vibe. 2. Here brahmins force for money ( Giving 2 star because of this and third point) Temple became so commercial. 3. Better go for free darshan than 100 rupees ticket, at least in free darshan we can stand few minutes but in 100 rs ticket they are pushing us in 2 seconds. 4. Prasadam is good. 5. Maintenance is average. 6. Footware keeping charges - Free 7. Mobile & luggage keeping charges - 5Rs/ item ( but we can take mobiles inside by keeping in pocket or bag, they will not check much 😛) 8. Drinking area is worst. 9. Bus facility is available for temple to go to top of hill - cost 10rs/-

A Divine Visit to Kanaka Durga! Visiting the Kanaka Durga Temple on Indrakeeladri hill felt like stepping into a godly embrace. From the moment we arrived, the place radiated a quiet, sacred power the kind that makes your chest tighten with reverence and your mind slow down. Perched high above the Krishna River, the temple overlooks the city and the shimmering stretch of the Prakasam Barrage, making the whole experience both spiritual and cinematic. We chose the ticket that included the lift, and that small convenience turned out to be a blessing. The lift whisked us up directly, saving the climb and letting us arrive composed and focused for darshan which, for me, deepened the devotional mood instead of leaving me breathless. The temple complex itself is impressively large; walking its precincts felt like moving through layers of history and devotion, with every stone and carving echoing centuries of faith. (If you want an easy, serene arrival, the lift option is worth it.) The legend here is intimate and powerful: Goddess Kanaka Durga is said to have manifested on this very hill to protect the people and vanquish evil a story of courage that gives the temple its timeless meaning. Locals and pilgrims speak of the goddess as Swayambhu (self-manifested), and that sense of immediacy of the divine revealing itself right here lingers in the air. It isn’t just architecture or ritual; it’s an encounter, and you feel small and grateful in the face of it. The view from the hill is another layer of the experience. Looking out toward the Krishna River and the Prakasam Barrage at dusk the water catching the last light felt almost metaphysical. The river’s calm paired with the goddess’s presence gave the whole visit a sense of protection and benevolence, like being watched over by something both mighty and tender. Service and management were notably devotional and efficient. There’s careful attention to darshan flow and sevas during festivals, and the temple’s staff maintain a respectful atmosphere that keeps the focus on prayer and reflection. Watching other devotees families, elders, young pilgrims offer their prayers, I felt a communal devotion that was moving and humbling. Recent festivals and special alankarams show how the temple continues to be a living heart of faith for the region. If you’re seeking something beyond a tourist snapshot if you want to feel the hush of real devotion, to stand where myth and everyday life meet Kanaka Durga is profoundly rewarding. Go with an open heart, take the lift if you prefer to preserve your calm, and spend a few quiet minutes looking over the Krishna toward Prakasam Barrage. It’s not just a visit; it’s a small pilgrimage that leaves you spiritually lighter, quietly sure that you’ve touched something divine.

Visiting the Sri Kanaka Durga Temple on Indrakeeladri Hill was a soul-stirring experience. The temple’s majestic location overlooking the Krishna River adds to its serene and powerful aura. From the moment I stepped into the premises, I felt a deep sense of peace and devotion.

I visited 2 times in one day and I can't believe how beautiful and crowd less it was. Unline north side, it's really good there. Loved it, would definitely recommend and I also lost my 18 ladoos🥹 but overall amazing experience.

Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam—commonly known as the Kanaka Durga Temple—located atop the Indrakeeladri hill in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 🌸 Overview & Significance Officially named Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Kanaka Durga, revered as a self-manifested (Swayambhu) deity . It’s considered one of the most powerful and sacred temples in Andhra Pradesh with deep mythological roots involving Arjuna and Adi Shankaracharya. 🕉️ Visiting Experience Location & Access • Perched on Indrakeeladri Hill, the temple offers panoramic views of the Krishna River and Vijayawada city • Visitors can ascend via well-maintained steps, or take advantage of a lift facility from the entrance to near the sanctum (similar to reaching seven floors) • Free shuttle buses run from the base up to the hill; otherwise local transport options are plentiful. Timings & Facilities • Open daily from 5:00 AM to approximately 9:30 or 9:40 PM with a short break midday . • Facilities include parking, cloakrooms for storing footwear and phones, and prasadam counters serving local delicacies like laddu and pulihora at nominal cost (e.g. ₹15 and ₹5) ⭐ Pros & Cons ✅ Pros • Highly revered spiritual site, especially during festivals such as Navratri and Dussehra . • Lift and stairs options provide flexibility for all visitors, including elderly or less-abled individuals . • Well-maintained temple campus, with beautiful panoramic views from the hilltop. Visitors frequently mention feeling calm and spiritually uplifted . ❌ Cons • Temple premises can get overcrowded, especially during weekends and festival seasons; morning hours are recommended for quieter darshan . • Some reviewers note that cleanliness and organization could be improved in high-traffic areas . • Limited seating or rest areas inside, especially up top—visitors must often sit on the floor; stairs can be steep for elders. “A majestic and spiritually charged destination atop the Indrakeeladri hill. The journey—whether by stairs or elevator—is rewarding, with stunning views and divine presence. Early morning darshan ensures serenity. Plan ahead for festivals, and be prepared for crowds and modest facilities. Nonetheless, a must-visit for anyone seeking the blessings of Goddess Kanaka Durga in her self-manifested form.” 🕒 Best Time to Visit & Tips • Early morning (before 8 AM) offers peaceful darshan and cooler temperature especially ideal from November to February. • Avoid weekends and Navratri peak days, or book special darshan tickets (₹100 to ₹300) for faster access and better proximity to the sanctum. • Follow temple norms: deposit phones and bags before entry and follow dress code modesty. Would you like a tailored review for Google Maps or a caption for social media? Let me know—I’d be glad to help! Thank you 🙏

We were traveling from Bengaluru to Kolkata, but since we didn’t get a direct ticket, we first went via Vijayawada and then planned to continue towards Odisha. At Vijayawada station, we had about 4 hours to spend, so we decided to visit a nearby temple, it was within walking distance. We reached there around 11 PM, but unfortunately, the temple was closed. Still, the experience was beautiful. The mountain view, the river, and the clean roads around Vijayawada created such a peaceful vibe. Even without darshan, it felt special. Hopefully, someday I’ll return and have the blessing of a proper darshan.

The place is clean and neat. The workers who sweep the road keep telling us not to throw plastic and food items there, and they will be fined for that. I loved the little places Vijayawada and Prakasam Barrage. Overall a very good experience. While crossing that railway bridge I just got Kerala vibes. Krishna River in between and trees on the side, completely green n clean. Just an amazing place

The Prakasam Barrage, located in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India, is a 1223.5-meter-long barrage and road bridge across the Krishna River. Built between 1954 and 1957, it's primarily used for irrigating over 1.2 million acres of agricultural land, supplying water to the Buckingham Canal, and aiding in flood control. It also serves as a vital road link and a significant tourist attraction, known for its scenic views and the three canals that give Vijayawada a "Venetian" appearance. It was named after Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu, the first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.

I love Vijayawada because of Clean and Neat city with good Roads, also this Prakasham Barrage view is very beautiful, Pleasant atmosphere 😍

A nice place to feel the river flow post dinner time.. less or no traffic, cool breeze, the sound of water !!! And a drive on the barrage… good experience for the kids before retiring for the day…

Prakasham barrage the iconic land mark of vijayawada.. krishnanadhi the water flows , the breeze the sounds Early morning best place to see sun rise and sun set at vijaywada

Prakasham Barrage, It's a Beautiful view of the Vijayawada city. You can Take pictures there Hang arround with family. Lights, peace And Devotional place.

It was amazing in the evening for a small walk. However, small provisions to make walking more secure and pleasant would help. Has huge potential

Good enough place for a casual stroll, but don't go with high expectations--especially if you are visiting it as a tourist.

Must vist site if you tour vijayawada.

Beautiful rock cut caves of Jain period. Must visit.

Location is very beautiful

Nice place to visit for side seeing and can see the beauty of krishna river from top of the hill

It’s a good place to spend quite sometime

Ancient structure, devotional place

Located about 4 km from Vijayawada Bus Station and 3.5 km from the Vijayawada Railway Station, Bhavani Island is a peaceful getaway nestled on the Krishna River. It is a scenic location and can be accessed by boating from Punnami Ghat, which is 1.7 km from Durga Ghat (Kanaka Durga Temple). The boating charges are fairly reasonable: ₹120 per adult, ₹90 per child for a regular boat ride, while a speedboat ride for 3 people costs ₹600. There are also luxury boat options at ₹200 per adult and ₹150 per child. Currently, AP Tourism is working on converting this 133-acre island into a stunning tourist spot and River Front Resort. Although some areas are still under renovation due to recent flooding damage (as of my visit on 13-04-2025), the island offers a number of fun activities. You’ll find a Haritha restaurant, water sports, and an evening floating restaurant. The cool breeze and serene surroundings make it a great place to relax. The island is filled with lush trees, treehouses, and playgrounds for children. Facilities include washrooms for both males and females, a snack center with water and cool drinks, and a small Macau attraction where you can take a photo for ₹150 (printed and WhatsApped). Despite the ongoing renovations, it’s still worth a visit for the scenic beauty, cool atmosphere, and family-friendly activities. A peaceful retreat close to the city.

Visited twice.. first in 2013.. then in 2024.. lot of changes from the first visit... many activities have been bought up.. island is completely filled with trees and plants.. highly suitable for families and families with kids.. kids have a lot of place to run around and enjoy on this island.. recommended to visit during summers to avoid the heat of the city.. activities like speedboat, banana ride, tube ride etc; are present and can be purchased upon personal interest... You can find the prices of activities in the below image.. For those looking for accommodation, there are villas on the island which can be booked through aptourism website..

A perfect weekend getaway in Vijayawada for friends and families. Maintenance is need of the hour to get more tourists.

Good place one should go by boat very beautiful, lot of potential area of ap needs much encouragement from government of ap, though kanaka durga temple near by beaches,the development is 10% as against 100 , let's hope more good days

Adventure & Fun: Highlights include a mirror maze, maze garden, robotic dinosaur park, zip lines, rope courses, simulators, cycling, badminton,

Nice island resort with lots of activities. You need to travel via boat (120/-) to reach the island. You can buy some combo packages before boarding the boat. You can buy the tickets inside the resort as well. Prepare to walk a lot as the resort is quite big. Weather was quite pleasant when we visited the resort. Overall it was a nice experience

Very good place for family outing. Kid's playing zone. Good locations for photography. Safely enjoy the ride. Different types of water rides available. Highly recommended place for one day trip.

Gandhi Hill lost its charm. Toy train developed by the Railway is not on its move. Need the government take over it back. GOVT can come up with a A P State Art Gallery here to pullup the tourism like one previously built one at Kavuri Hills- Hyderabad. It will be a bright culture centre.

Visited this place in the evening. Entrance ticket is priced at 10₹ per person to the hill. Play area for kids. Very disappointed that toy train is not functional. It is not working for more than a year. Place is very quiet with a little visitors. We can see a good view of town from this place.

Gandhi Hill is a 500-foot-tall hill in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India that honors Mahatma Gandhi. It's located behind the Vijayawada railway station in the Tarapet area. Features Gandhi memorial: The first Gandhi memorial in India with seven stupas Gandhi stupa: A 52-foot-tall stupa unveiled by Dr. Zakir Hussain, the then President of India, in 1968 Library: A library with books on Indian independence and Gandhi Planetarium: A planetarium located on the hill Sound and light show: A show that depicts the life of Mahatma Gandhi Toy train: A toy train ride around the hill Inscriptions: Stone slabs with inscriptions of Gandhi's teachings History The hill was formerly known as ORR Hill It was the venue for the 1921 AICC meeting where Mahatma Gandhi called for prohibition Significance A symbol of the rich history and cultural significance of Vijayawada A monument of the Indian independence struggle A major tourist spot in Vijayawada Facts 👇 Gandhi Hill is considered as a monument of Indian Independence struggle and pays homage to Father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The Gandhi Hill Memorial has a stone slab with inscriptions of Gandhi quotations. The facility has a library and a planetarium, and offers a show on the father of the nation. On 6 October 1968, a stupa 52 ft (16 m) tall was unveiled by former President of India, Dr. Zakir Hussain. There are also seven tall pillars, each 150 m (490 ft) tall. 🥰🥰🥰

Relaxing and beautiful views. It is under maintenance, and the train service isn't working. But the panoramic views of Vijayawada are simply stunning! Must visit if you are around 1 town area or close to railway station.

Budget friendly view point of Vijayawada , here you can have fun with children and the train is really worth will be available for only 20/- per head canteen food court and hill all will be present you'll have a chance to view railway station the city full of lights amazing really .

Not having any Rail train, not having more playable instruments for kids! Only capable of viewing the city from heights! So less people coming there! For privacy some teenagers were using

Nice place to spend your weekend, enjoying the view and cool breeze in the evenings There's a mini train which gives you a great view up from the hill , Gandhi stupa and a play place for kids. ✔️ Toilets ✔️Mini canteen 💵Does cost you entry fee