Bhavani Island is a naturally formed island on the Krishna River, located close to the Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada. It is one of the largest river islands in India, featuring a variety of attractions, including adventure sports, boating, eco-tourism activities, and luxurious stay options. The island’s picturesque beauty, enhanced by well-maintained gardens and modern recreational facilities, makes it a must-visit spot in Andhra Pradesh.
Temple Description
Kanaka Durga Temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Kanaka Durga, situated atop the Indrakeeladri Hill overlooking the Krishna River in Vijayawada. The temple is renowned for its Dravidian architecture and holds significant spiritual importance, especially during the Navaratri festival.
specialty
Water Sports: Jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, banana boat rides, and bumper rides.
Eco-Tourism: Lush greenery, tranquil river views, and well-maintained gardens.
Family Entertainment: Robotic dinosaur park, mirror maze, garden maze, and simulators.
Luxurious Stay Options: Well-furnished cottages and resorts with scenic river views.
Location and Address
Address: Bhavani Island, Krishna River, Near Prakasam Barrage, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Coordinates: 16.5139° N, 80.6174° E.
Visiting Timings
Island Access: Open 24 hours a day.
Ferry Services: Operate from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Traveling Facilities
How to Reach Bhavani Island
By Air:
Nearest Airport: Vijayawada International Airport (23 km from Bhavani Island).
Transport Options: Taxis and local transportation available from the airport to Punnami Ghat.
By Train:
Nearest Railway Station: Vijayawada Junction Railway Station (7 km from Bhavani Island).
Transport Options: Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and local buses available to reach Punnami Ghat.
By Bus:
Nearest Bus Station: Pandit Nehru Bus Station (8 km from Bhavani Island).
Transport Options: State-run and private buses connect Vijayawada to major cities.
By Ferry:
Boarding Point: Punnami Ghat (Main ferry terminal for Bhavani Island).
Ferry Frequency: Regular services available between 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Facilities on Bhavani Island
Food Facilities
APTDC-managed restaurant serving South Indian, North Indian, and Andhra delicacies.
Small snack counters and tea stalls available.
Stay Facilities
Haritha Resort (Managed by APTDC): Offers well-furnished cottages, suites, and rooms with modern amenities.
Private Resorts & Hotels: Several resorts with scenic views and luxury stay options are available.
Nearby Transport Hubs
Nearest Railway Station: Vijayawada Junction (7 km).
Nearest Airport: Vijayawada International Airport (23 km).
Nearest Bus Station: Pandit Nehru Bus Station (8 km).
Public Transport to Bhavani Island
Bus Routes
Regular APSRTC buses connect Vijayawada to Punnami Ghat, from where ferries take visitors to the island.
Train Routes
Direct trains from major cities such as Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Delhi arrive at Vijayawada Junction.
From the station, visitors can take local transportation to Punnami Ghat.
Airways
Vijayawada International Airport is well-connected with major Indian cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and Delhi.
From the airport, taxis and buses are available to reach Bhavani Island.
Nearby Attractions
Temples and Religious Sites
Kanaka Durga Temple (5 km): A famous Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kanaka Durga.
Subramanya Swamy Temple (7 km): A temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, offering scenic river views.
Mangalagiri Temple (13 km): A historic temple known for its unique architecture.
Tourist Attractions
Prakasam Barrage (2 km): A scenic dam offering stunning views of the Krishna River.
Undavalli Caves (10 km): Ancient rock-cut caves known for their stunning sculptures.
Kondapalli Fort (22 km): A historical fort known for its architecture and Kondapalli toys.
Industrial and Business Hubs
Vijayawada Industrial Area (12 km): A major business and commercial hub.
Auto-Nagar Industrial Estate (15 km): Home to various manufacturing and automobile industries.
Preferable Visiting Season
Best Time to Visit: October to March (Pleasant weather, ideal for water sports).
Avoid: Peak summer months (April to June) due to extreme heat.
Shopping and Local Markets
Famous For:
Mangalagiri Handloom Sarees – Available at Mangalagiri Market.
Kondapalli Toys – Traditional wooden toys made in Kondapalli village.
Vijayawada One Town Market–Best place to shop for spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Bhavani Island is an extraordinary destination that offers a perfect balance of adventure, nature, and relaxation. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie looking for thrilling water sports, a nature enthusiast wanting to explore lush landscapes, or a traveler seeking spiritual and cultural experiences, Bhavani Island has something for everyone. With well-developed facilities, excellent connectivity, and a plethora of nearby attractions, this island is a must-visit destination in Andhra Pradesh.
