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Visakhapatnam
 Location
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Built Along The Seashore of The Bay Of Bengal, Andhra Pradesh
Also Known As
: Vizag
Famous As :
Shipbuilding Centre
Attractions :
Kailasagiri, Dolphin's Nose, Ramakrishna Beach, Rishikonda Beach, VUDA Park
This land of the Golden Beaches was just over half a century ago a small fishing village. One would be amazed at the manner in which this port city with a natural harbour developed into one of the fastest growing cities in Asia.
Vast stretches of beaches right next to the city on one side and undulating green hills on the other side has made Vizag, as it is endearingly called, a Tourist Haven.
An ideal destination, it caters to the religious - minded, the Buddhist pilgrim, the fun-lovers and adventure-seekers. A number of beaches and a long stretch of road along the seashore up to Bheemunipatnam town, the second oldest municipality in the country, are pleasure to experience.
No trip to Vizag is complete without a sojourn at Araku, 110 kilometers away; a lovely valley nestled amidst the high Eastern Ghats. Simhachalam temple, Rushikonda beach, the Dolphin's Nose hillock projecting into the sea... enchantment unlimited - that is Visakhapatnam.
 According to the history, the city was named after the god of 'Valor-Vishakha'. It was a part of the Kalinga Kingdom, under Ashoka's rule in 260 B.C. It passed on later to the Andhra Kings of 'Vengi'. After this Pallava, Chola and Ganga dynasties ruled the city. In the 15th century, Vishakhapatnam became a part of the Vijayanagar Empire.
The Europeans, the Dutch, the French and the English established themselves from the 17th century onwards and used this as a major trading center to export textiles, ivory, tobacco, indigo etc. This port is well documented in the histories of these colonial powers as well as in Indian historical records. This coast played a major role during the reign of the Asaf Jahis and the Golcondas.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS:
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Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is located in Vishakhapatnam amidst the scenic eastern ghats of India, flanked by hills on either sides and Bay of Bengal on the east.
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Ramakrishna Beach
One of the loveliest beaches on the East Coast, the Ramakrishna beach is a favorite resort for tourists visiting Vishakhapatnam.
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Rishikonda Beach
Just 8-km from Vishakhapatnam is the Rishikonda Beach, a golden, unspoilt beach, washed by the sun-warmed sea.
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Kali Temple
Small temple beautifully constructed situated near Rama Krishna Beach.
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Vishakha Museum
Situated on the shores of the Rishikonda beach, this museum gives historic insights of the past.
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VUDA Park
Located in Vishakhapatnam, VUDA Park is a heavy crowd puller and has a dancing musical fountain.
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The Harbour
It is one of the natural harbours in the world. A temple, mosque and church are located on hills overlooking the harbour.
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Dolphin's Nose
A huge rock, 357m high, is shaped like a Dolphin's nose. The rock juts out into the sea, forming a headland on which is the lighthouse. This lighthouse has a beam that can be seen 65-km out at sea.
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Kailasagiri
Kailasagiri is located on a hilltop and is a must to visiting place for all people visiting Vishakhapatnam. The charming hill on the seafront, affords a breath taking scenic view, especially towards Bheemunipatnam.
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Mudasarlova Water Works And Park
Situated 10-km from the city, it is beautiful valley framed by hills with a lake that supplies water to the city. There is also a scenic 18-hole Golf course belonging to East Point Golf Club.
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Submarine Museum
Another Attraction to Vizag is the recently setup submarine museum, one of its kind in the country and the first Museum in Asia to be build off a Submarine.
EXCURSIONS:
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Bheemunipatnam
About 25-km from Vishakhapatnam is Bheemunipatnam. The most important aspect of interest at the place is the beach, which is perhaps matchless for its beauty all along the east coast.
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Simhachalam
About 16-km from Vishakhapatnam is Simhachalam, famous for the temple of Sri Varaha Lakshminarasimha. Architecturally this ancient temple deserves high praise.
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Araku Valley
About 115-km from Vishakhapatnam is the beautiful Araku Valley, with its bracing climate, orchards, and the Ananthagiri Ghats, which present an enchanting view to the visitors, is attracting tourists not only in India but from abroad too.
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Borra Caves
At a distance of about 90-95-km from Vishakhapatnam are the Borra Caves, which attained historical and religious importance.
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Ananthagiri Hills
Anantagiri is a breathtakingly beautiful resort sheltered in the lush undulating ranges of the Eastern Ghats. It is considered to be a perfect head off to get away from the blistering summer months. The Ananthagiri hills are on the way to Araku Valley and are famous for coffee plantations.
How to reach Vishakhapatnam
It is well connected with major Indian cities and state capital Hyderbad by Air, Railway and road. Indian Airlines operates daily flights to Vishakhapatnam from Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai.
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