Ross Hill

Ross Hill in Visakhapatnam is a stunning attraction that invites large numbers of visitors and religious followers. Also known as Kanyamarykonda,  it is one of the highest peaks on the Eastern Ghats. It’s one of the few places you can climb to get a fabulous view of the picturesque city and the Port area. Photographers and nature lovers frequently visit the attraction, particularly to see the incredible sunrises and sunsets. Ross Hill is at a distance of 5 km from Vizag railway station.

Ross Hill is a place of communal harmony. There are a dargah and a temple at the foot of the hill and a chapel or church at the top of it. Dargah Konda or the north hill features a mosque and a shrine to the Muslim saint, Baba Ishaq Madina, popular for his prophecies in both Muslim and Hindus. According to the local account, a Muslim saint from Mecca Madina settled down on this hill some 700 years ago named Baba Ishaq Madina Walli along with his family. Reportedly he is said to have performed many miracles and aided his devotes.

With a magnificent and majestic arch near the temple entrance, the temple of Lord Vishnu welcomes you. A Dutch ship, commanded by European Captain Blackmoor, was hit by a strong cyclonic storm at the end of the 17th century, according to a legend. The ship safely reached the calm waters of the inner channel thanks to the workers ‘ prayers onboard and was prevented from being pulled back by a big rock. The next day, when the storm was gone, it was found that it was Sri Lord Venkateswara’s’ idol that was supporting the ship. The locals and sailors of the ship built the idol overlooking the harbor on the majestic Sringamani Hill. The idol has been worshipped since that day.

A local judge, Monsieur Ross, who built a house on it in 1864, names the main and highest hill among the three. To accommodate the increasing number of devotees, the Church underwent several renovations. This iconic Roman Catholic Mother Mary’s Church, almost a century old, is a landmark sanctuary for people from all walks of life, regardless of caste, religion, and color. This church is very beautiful in its architecture. It is a very old and very well maintained religious icon. When you sit in church and meditate, you can sense the feeling of positiveness. At night the place becomes more enchanting because of the lighting.