Visakhapatnam, formerly known as Vizag, along the eastern coast of Andhra Pradesh was a quiet fishing town with little or no infrastructure till the early 1920s. Visakhapatnam was established by the British and was opened to sea-going vessels in 1933. Since then it has been a medium - sized port town, catering to the needs of the Deccan Plateau and the eastern regions of the country. Known as Waltair under British rule, Visakhapatnam was also seen to be of strategic importance by the military who set up base here.
Visakhapatnam is the right place where one can find the charm of Andhra. From lakes to cool beaches, from beautiful hill ranges to caves and valleys enclosures, Visakhapatnam has all of them. A visit to Visakhapatnam will certainly be an exciting, enriching and enthralling experience with all its amazing beaches, exquisite caves and spectacular temples.
Map of Visakhapatnam (click to enlarge)
Places you can see in Visakhapatnam
Rishikonda BeachAt a distance of 8 km from Visakhapatnam is the Rishikonda Beach, a golden, virgin beach, caressed by the sun-kissed sea. The beach is an ideal place to laze around..
Ramakrishna BeachOne of the most alluring beaches on the Eastern Coast is the Ramakrishna beach, which is a favorite haunt for tourists visiting Visakhapatnam. The combination of both Ramakrishna Beach and Lawson’s Bay presents a very picturesque site. It presents quite a contrast with its long and calm water stretches from the busy city life of Visakhapatnam.
The Ramakrishna beach is a favorite beach resort for tourists visiting Visakhapatnam. Both the Ramakrishna beach and the Lawson's bay present a picturesque and beautiful scenic beauty. The vast stretch of water and the accompanying calm is in sharp contrast to the scurrying activity on the road and the apartments on the other side. On the shores, it is a virtual fair with a colorful crowd of tiny tots, young and old having a fun filled time on the sand bed.
Lawson's BayOn north of Visakhapatnam is this pretty cove is located which is ideal for swimming. Lawson's Bay proves to be the ultimate for sea escapists.
Indira Gandhi Zoological ParkThis is the second Zoological Park in the State after the one in Hyderabad. This zoo is the largest in terms of area with an encompassing area of 450 acres full of exotic species of animals and birds amidst rolling landscapes of natural habitat. Half of this wilderness has been allotted for the deer park. The other 300 types of specimens are allowed to roam freely in huge enclosures. There is a separate enclosure called the crocodile park.
Dolphin’s noseIt is the most conspicuous and unforgettable landmark in Visakhapatnam about 25 Kms away. The cliff rises as a single, massive 358 mts. Rock breaks the coastline and again juts into the sea resembling a dolphin. It is a permanent feature of the city's silhouette. It also shelters the harbor, from where manganese and iron ore are shipped out. The lighthouse here has a beam visible more than 60km out to sea.
FortThe fort, constructed in 1661 by the Dutch forms the oldest part of the city. It is separated from the Dolphins Nose, by a small river which forms a sandbar. Here the remains of 18C barracks, an arsenal, the Court House, a protestant church and cemetery can be seen. The cemetery has some European graves dating back to 1699. The fort was completely ruined.
Line of three hills Visakhapatnam is framed by a line of three hills, each with a shrine sacred to a different religion.building yard from here.
The north hill Darga Konda, has a mosque and the mausoleum of the Muslim saint, Baba Ishaq Madina, revered for his prophecies and venerated by Hindu and Muslim devotees alike.
The HarborIt is one of the natural harbors in the world. A temple, mosque and church are located on hills overlooking the harbor.
Borra CavesSituated at around 90 Kms from the City by road, Borra caves at the Anantagiri Mandal are one of the best places to visit in Vizag. Borra Caves can also be reached from Araku Valley. Its a 29 Km journey(5-6 hrs) through the thick vegetation of the Eastern ghats is splendid.
The Araku ValleyAraku Valley Gardenslong trip
Tyda Nature campTyda. There are log huts and tents set in tribal environment for tourists.
Submarine MuseumINS Kusura, a Russian built submarine was turned to a museum on Feb 2001. The Submarine was brought from the sea, to the sands of the Ramakrishna Beach and set up as a museum- one of its kind in Asia. It had been in use by the Indian Defense since its arrival in Vizag in 1970.
Visakha MuseumLocated.
Simhachalam TempleThena Deva rayam, is one of its kind in the country. Millions of devotees from round the world visit this temple every year especially during the Chandanotsavam Festival Season. On the Chandanotsavam day, swami varu is covered with a new fresh layer of Sandalwood
Sankaram Buddhist ExcavationsThe village of Sankaram near Anakapalli, 38 km from Visakhapatnam is known for its 3C - 4C Buddhist constructions situated on two small hillocks. The constructions are believed to have been made during Maurayana period. The hills, Bojjanakonda and Lingalakonda has a monastery, numerous rock- cut stupas and sanctuaries cut into the sides of the hill with Buddha images and Viharas (shelters) for the monks. The main stupa was first carved out of rock and then encased in bricks. The site, an archeologists delight has many excavated antiquities like the seals, inscribed tablets, pots, copper coins mostly of seventh century AD.
BavikondaBavikonda is located 16 km.away from Vishakhapatnam along the beach road leading to Bheemunipatnam. The hill acquired the name Bavikonda due to the existence of wells on the hill to collect rain water for drinking purpose..
Thotlakonda The Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex situated on a hilltop in Mangamaripeta village is 15 kms from Visakhapatnam on the Vizag-Bheemili beach road. The complex has a number of stupas, Chaityas, Viharas, a congregation hall and a refectory belonging to the Himayana School, mostly excavated during1982-92. Excavations at Thotlakonda comprise pottery, beads, bangle pieces, tiles, stuccos, iron objects, sculptural remains, moulded bricks, inscriptions, coins, etc.
PavuralakondaPavuralakonda or Narasimhaswamy Konda is located near Bhimli or Bheemunipatnam about 30 km. from Vizag..
Sankranti Sankranti Falls on January 14 somber celebration that ends up with cattle being decorated and taken in processions. Vinayaka Chaturthi Ganesh Jayanti occurs in September and 'Vighneswara - the remover of hurdles', the elephant headed deity, is worshipped in almost every Hindu household. Since the past two decades, this festival has become a major pubic event. On the ninth day, publicly displayed idols of Ganesha are taken out in large processions and immersed in water bodies.
UgadiUg, mangos, neem,asaraDasara A major Hindu festival that is observed for 10 days.'Navaratri' or nine nights of the festival is followed by Vijaya Dasami or the tenth day of victory symbolizing the destruction of the demon Mahishasura by Goddess Durga. During this festival the triumvirate of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati are worshipped. Vijaya Dasami or Dasara symbolizes victory of virtue over vice. During the festival artisans and workers worship the tools of their trade, seeking prosperity.
RamzanId-ul-Fitr (Ramzan) The holiest month for Muslims observed as thanksgiving to God for general wellbeing. Most of the Muslims observe a fast from dawn 'Haleem' during Ramzan months, a Moghlai specialty made of mutton, which is served after sunset.The final day of Ramzan is celebrated with prayers at various Idgahs, festivities and exchange of greetings Mahavir JayantiMahavir Jayanti is the major festival for the Jains who take out colorful processions to mark the event.
Events :
Visakha Utsav & Rishikonda Beach Festival at Visakhapatnam (22nd to 25th December)On the golden beaches of Visakhapatnam, this festival brings an inimitable blend of folk and classical dances and music. At this Festival, the people are in for a treat at the Craft Bazaars, Exhibition Stalls and Food Courts.
Navy Day, December the 4thThis city being the Head Quarters of the Eastern Naval Command proudly celebrates the Navy day every year with a grand display of all its potential at the Ramakrisna Beach which is a visual feast to every Vizagite.
AirVisakhapatnam has an airport. Indian Airlines flies to Visakhapatnam daily from Mumbai, Kolkatta, Hyderabad and Chennai.
RailVisakhapatnam is the centre point for the trains going between Chennai and Howra and Howrah and Secunderabad. It is well connected by rail to all the important places in and outside the state. RoadNational Highway No.5 (Howrah to Chennai) passes through Visakhapatnam. The Vis.
Hotels in VishakhapatnamVisakhapatnam hotels cater to a variety of tourists and it's fairly easy to get a good and affordable place to stay.
Weather: Average Climate 34 c - 22 c
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Languages: Telugu, English and Hindi.
STD Code: 0891
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