Three magnificent hills, each having its special religious significance, line the canal leading to the inner harbour, serving as a unique witness to social harmony and the peace-loving spirit of Vizagites. The Venkateswara Temple, the Ross Hill Church, and the Baba Ishq Madina Dargah are all located on the 'Sringamani Hillock,' the 'Ross Hill,' and the 'Dargah Konda,' respectively.

Each of these shrines has contributed to Vizag's splendour and history. The Dargah is around 700 years old, while the temple is more than two centuries old. The Ross Hill Church, which is almost a century old, emphasises the essence of spiritualism, that all religions are merely branches of the same tree.

Dargah Konda
On the north hill near the port is Dargah Konda, a mosque. The mausoleum of the Muslim saint, Baba Ishaq Madina, was revered for his prophecies and venerated by Hindu and Muslim devotees. As per the local narrative, a Muslim Saint, Baba Ishaq Madina Walli from Mecca Madina, and his followers settled down on this hill about 700 years ago.

He reportedly performed many miracles and helped his devotees. Once he appeared in Aurangzeb's dream and purportedly summoned him. Aurangajeb visited the Baba subsequently ordered the construction of the Dargah.

The devotees of Baba believe that Visakhapatnam was called 'Ishaq patnam' in recognition of Baba's service to society and the devotees. The local 'Pirs Festival' here attracts many Muslim devotees and people from other religions. 

Ross Hill
The central and the highest hill amongst the three is named after a local Judge, Monsieur Ross, who built a house on it in 1864. In 1866, the then Bishop Msgr J.M. Tissot acquired the bungalow, and on 15 August 1867, an altar was erected and blessed as a chapel by the then Vicar General Fr. Richard. Cyclones in 1870 and 1876 wrought havoc and affected the chapel too. Consequently, on 1 May 1877, a new statue of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart was placed upon the altar. 

Sringamani Konda
Visitors to Lord Vishnu's abode are greeted with an exquisite pyramidal gopura at the entrance. As we dive into the late 17th century, a Dutch Ship commandeered by European Captain Blackmoor was shattered by a severe cyclonic storm floundering off the coast of Vizag. The next day, the 'rock' restraining the ship was an idol of Sri Lord Venkateswara. The locals and the ship's sailors reverently installed the idol on the stately Sringamani Hill overlooking the harbour.

Since that day, the idol has been worshipped, and many devotees testify that the Lord grants them any boon they pray for. The temple attracts more than a lakh of people annually. The number of devotees of late is dwindling due to the dust pollution. Authorities need to take steps to restore the temple to its past glory.