Vijayawada

Kanakadurga temple :

Kanaka Durga Temple (Telugu: కనకదుర్గ క్షేత్రం) is a famous Hindu Temple of Goddess Kanaka Durga located in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is located on the Indrakeeladri hill, on the banks of Krishna River. Kaalika puraana, Durgaa sapthashati and other vedic literature have mentioned about Goddess Kanaka Durga on the Indrakeelaadri and have described the deity as Swayambhu, (self-manifested) in Triteeya kalpa.According to a legend, the now verdant Vijayawada was once a rocky region strewn with hills that obstructed the flow of River Krishna. The land was thus rendered unfit for habitation or cultivation. Invocation to Lord Shiva for His intervention directed the hills to make way for the river. And lo! the river started flowing unimpeded with all its might, through the tunnels or "Bejjam" bored into the hills by Lord Shiva. That is how the place got its name Bezawada.

One of the many mythologies associated with this place is that Arjuna prayed to Lord Shiva on top of Indrakeela hill to win His blessings and the city derived its name "Vijayawada" after this victory. Another popular legend is about the triumph of goddess Kanakadurga over the demon King Mahishasura. It is said that the growing menace of demons became unbearable for the natives. Sage Indrakila practiced severe penance, and when the goddess appeared the sage pleaded Her to reside on his head and keep vigil on the wicked demons. As per his wishes of killing the demons, Goddess Durga made Indrakila Her permanent abode. Later, She also slayed the demon king Mahishasura freeing the people of Vijayawada from evil.

Sightseeing

Explore a new area. Be inspired by another culture. The Gateway Hotel wants to help you get as much as possible out of every travel experience. Here are some local attractions and intriguing destinations we think you’ll like.

01 Kanaka Durga Temple

One of the most popular temples in and around Vijayawada, it is located on a hill overlooking the city and the Krishna River. The vedas mention that the deity in this temple is regarded as Swayambhu or self-manifested and therefore, is considered very powerful.

02 Amaravati

Located in the Guntur district and formerly called Dhanyakataka and Andhranagari, this 2000 year-old spot is one of the most important Buddhist sites in the country. It is the most sacred pilgrim centre for Buddhists in South India.

03 Hazarat Bal Mosque

This mosque features a holy relic of Prophet Mohammed.

04 Gunadala Matha Shrine

Popularly known as St. Mary's Church, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes is an annual event here, attended by hundreds of people. The church is situated on a hilltop on the eastern side of the city.

05 Prakasam Barrage

Built across the Krishna River, Prakasam Barrage has three canals that run through the city and give Vijayawada a Venetian look. Another result of this engineering marval is the creation of a panoramic lake.

 06Bhavani Island     

Perhaps one of the largest isla river, Bhavani Island is located on the Krishna River and is near the city. It is being transformed into a full-fledged resort area and currently has some cottages on rent and adventure activities.

    Kondapalli Fort

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This spot sits 16 kms from 

 Vijayawada. The fort was built in the seventh century  A.D. and was once used as a military training base by British forces.

  08  Mangalagiri

Mangalagiri means the auspicious hill. This place is one of the eight important Mahakshetrams (sacred places) in India. Mangalagiri is famous for special Handloom cotton sarees and dress fabric. The distance from The Gateway Hotel is 16 kms.