Visakhapatnam

The city is said to have derived its name Visakhapatnam from the deity 'Visakha' (the God of Valour)






TOURISM

The Beach road from East point colony to Coastal battery is studded with parks, statues, etc. It is the favorite evening gathering point for youth, couples and old and young alike. The beach road is surrounded by many high rise and beautifully designed buildings. This black-top road can said to be one of the best beach roads in India. There are granite platforms for people to sit. In the same beach Road, India's only submarine museum INS Kursura is located. Visakha museum and Matsyadarsini ( India's second aquarium, the other is Taraporewala in Mumbai ) is situated. The Indian Navy has also contributed by building Victory at sea, commemorating the victorious 1971 war against Pakistan. The beach road is one of the neatest and cleanest in India. There are many theme statues studded beautifully in Green carpet grass and well made concrete patways. The best among these are the elephant,Dragon, warflight,battle tank and Matsyakanya. Beach road is filled with lots of fast food vendors and food chains. There is a Durga temple opposite R.K.Beach carved like Kali temple of Dakshineshwar and the other temple like that of a pagoda, adjacent to Matsyadarsini. In the evenings the beach road attracts crowds of upto 10,000 people from all over the city. Despite being crowded one will not find the clumsiness as in other locations in India. The pavements are about 10 feet wide on each side giving enough room for the pedestrians who come to enjoy their evenings. One will find the people to be very disciplined and well behaved. Visaka utsav is celebrated by VUDA and AP Tourism every year between Jan-Mar.

VUDA park
It is at the beginning of the Beach Road is also one of the major attractions, it has musical fountain, mini disneyland and boating to entertain the kids. It has a roller skating ground, where skating is taught. It was also venue for several national and international skating competitions. This park is one of the largest parks developed by an Urban Development authority.

Rushikonda beach
Six km away from Vizag city, has become one of the favorite evening spots these days. AP Tourism has developed some cottages known as Punnami resorts for the tourists. It is one of the best resorts in India. It is a must for romantic couples, who would like to have a beautiful view of beach from elevation. There is another resort nearby known as Saipriya resorts, the oldest of all and still the best because of its beautiful private beach. Many Telugu and Tamil movies are shot at this place.

Bhimili-Vizag beach Road
30 km in length offers one of the best views of Sea, sand, Hills and greenery. Throughout the entire stretch one can see breathtaking view of sea. Sea is never more than 500 m away. One will find one of the most beautiful beaches one can imagine of in the entire trip. In certain locations hills are cut across to lay the road. These locations give you one of the finest views of Sea, city and nature. Many parks are constructed adjacent to this road- VUDA park, Kailasagiri, Tennati park and Thatlakonda park.

Tenneti park beach park
Is a park constructed on the cliff of Kailashagiri. Its picture perfect scenic beauty along with luxuriant carpet grass intertwined with concrete pathways makes it the most revered place for romantic couples. The rocky beach beneath can be seen from all points in the park. Many Telugu, Tamil and Hindi movies are shot here. The climax scene of Hindi Movie " Ek Dhuje ke liye" , in which Rati Agnihotri after getting raped drowns into the sea was shot here. Actually many people may not be aware that the movie is shot in Vizag, not in Goa as claimed. This movie was a remake of Telugu movie "Maro Charitra". There is another view point on the way up to Kailasagiri. Ross Hill is adjacent to the Inner Harbour. This hill was cut into three parts to lay Road and Rail to connect to Vizag inner Harbour with outer harbour. On top of the hill are a temple, a church and a mosque. This is probably the only place in India where symbols of three different religions are located in such close proximity, with not even a single incidence of communal violence. The native Vizagites are one the most hospitable and tolerant people in India giving it a cosmopolitan outlook. From the church one can have an excellent view of the outer harbour, inner harbour and the Dolphin's nose mountain. There is a Duffering signalling centre. Previously, people were allowed to enter, but lately this has been closed to the general public.

Yarada beach
Is one of the most picturesque locations on the seaward side of the Dolphin nose mountain. This beach is a private beach of Agrigold and reminds one of a tropical paradise. Hill entering into the sea is the boundary of this beach on one side and the rest is a golden beach away from the crowd. The roar of the waves prevents you from getting lost in the beauty of the location. This stunningly beautiful beach has some resemblance to Kovalam beach of Kerala. The route to this beach from Dolphin's nose hill is one of the best views in Vizag. From the hill one can see the Vizag city surrounded by hills, HPCL Refinery, Vizag port and the various industries and the Naval Dockyard too. Dolphin's lighthouse on top of the Dolhin's nose Mountain is the most powerful east of Suez. It can be seen from upto 40 nautical miles out to sea. It is the most prominent and unforgettable landmark in Visakhapatnam. Dolphin's Nose, a single massive hillock of more than 350mts height, resembles the shape of the dolphin’s nose, hence the name. It protects the Visakhapatnam Harbour. The port channel cuts in between three hills. Ross Hill, the highest mount named after Mr. Ross, local authority, who built a house on it in 1864, Darga konda, has a mosque and a shrine of a Muslim sage Ishaque Madina, who was revered for his prophecies. Sri Venkateswarakonda has a temple, which was built by Capt. Blackmoor in 1886. A beautiful road is laid by Indian Navy on the hill top connecting Scindia Junction. This road is not open general public. This road offers the fines view of the Vizag harbour. There are many quarters on the hill top that offers the best view and stunning Scenic beauty. Probably this is the best view Indian Navy has had in India.

Simhachalam
It is a hill shrine in the city that is 16 km away from the City centre on the other side of the Hill on the north of the city.One of the most exquisitely sculpted shrines of Andhra Pradesh, Simhachalam temple is situated 16 km from Vizag among thickly wooded hills. The beautifully-carved 16-pillared Natya mantapa and the 96-pillared Kalyana mantapa bear testimony to the architectural brilliance of the temple. The image of the presiding deity, Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy, is covered by a thick layer of sandalwood paste. This is one of the oldest temple in India dedicated to Narasimha, one of the incarnations of Vishnu, built in 11th century by Kullotunga, an Eastern Chalukyan king. One Vijaya stamba is erected by Sri Krishna Deva Raya emerged victorious over the Gajapati kings of Orissa. One will find ancient telugu inscriptions in this temple. These inscriptions are probably one of the oldest telugu inscriptions. This temple is one of the most famous temples in India. Its architecture is Dravida (South Indian). There is a popular belief that this lord is protecting Vizag from natural disasters like Floods, cyclones, Earthquakes and Tsunamis. Till date there is not even a single death occurred due to natural calamities. Couples just before marriage go to this temple as a ritual. This temple is one of the most crowded temples of Andhra Pradesh.

Araku
Is one of the most important tourist destination in Andhra Pradesh. A pleasant hill station famous for its scenic gardens with lush green nature, valleys, waterfalls and streams. It is situated at a distance of 112 km from Visakhapatnam, The journey to Araku valley on the Eastern Ghats with thick forest on either sides is itself highly interesting and pleasant. The place is over 3200ft. high with a bracing climate. The Botanical Garden at Padmapuram, Government Silk Farm with Mulberry gardens is the live examples to know the socio-economic conditions of the area.

Tribal Museum
Is a biggest attraction of the Araku. Chaaparai, a picturesque place about 15 km from Araku is another picnic spot in this region. One must experience the climatic conditions and the natural beauty of this Valley. The natural beauty of this valley comes alive with the aboriginal tribes who dwell here and who have to this day kept their tradition and culture alive. About 19 tribes inhabit this area. The Dhimsa dance, an age-old folk dance normally performed during ‘Itikala Pongal’ is now offered in tourist’s packages everyday.

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, situated in between the National Highway -5 & Beach road, spreading over an area of 625 acres, exhibits about 700 animals belonging to about 89 species. The important attractions of the Zoo are Deer Safari, Nocturnal animals, Toy train, Shanty Sarovar view, Zoo van drive and Bay of Bengal view points.

Borra Caves
On the way to Araku Valley, 90 km from Vizag, Borra Caves house spectacular, million-year-old stalactite and stalagmite formations, standing as a testimonial to its pristine glory and age woven into intricate design through the centuries. While the formations resembling mythological characters are an added attraction, illumination of the caves by AP Tourism turns the naturally sculpted glory into a grand visual feast. The nature made Borra Caves are a million and odd years old and said to be discovered by William King in 1807. The river Gostani, beautiful hills and valleys surround these caves. The local tale says, the tribals discovered the caves, when a cow fell into the caves through the hole of the cave.

These caves are said have their origin from the river Gosthani. It was said, due to the flow of the river Gosthani through the layers of lime earth, the caves were formed, over the course of millions of years, The 300 ft. thick roofed Borra caves spread over one square km., presenting a mind-boggling and breath-taking display of naturally sculpted splendor. This is truly a worth seeing.

Tyda
Tyda is a small village nestling in the wooded hills of the Eastern Ghats, on the way to Araku from Vizag. Tyda is located 75 km from Vizag. This place is a natural bounty of flora and fauna, It is now home to an enchanting date with untouched nature. AP Tourism department in association with the Department of Forests ha established the Jungle Bells Nature Camp, an Eco-Tourism Resort. The camp provides great view of Eastern Ghats, facilities for trekking, hiking and bird watching in addition to accommodation in log huts amidst serene surroundings. A must see place for nature lovers.

Anantagiri
This place is located at the highest altitude place in Andhra Pradesh. Located on the way to Araku Valley, the entire village is surrounded by coffee plantations, giving you a pleasant feel of nature’s beauty. Several waterfalls, adorn the hillocks around the Village. A. P. Tourism has developed a beautiful wayside restaurant to cater the needs of the tourist passing through Anantagiri towards Araku.

Etikoppaka
Over an hour's drive from Vizag, Etikoppaka is a delightful little village on the banks of river Varaha. The craftsmen of the village have won fame on a national scale with toys made of soft wood called "Ankudu" and coated with lac. These toys are colourful and depict the rural life in an endearingly simple manner.

Submarine Museum
The Indian Navy has installed a decommissioned Submarine I.N.S. Kurusura on the sands of R K Beach, Visakhapatnam as a museum for the display to the public. This is the first of its kind in Asia. The aim of setting up this museum is to create awareness among the public as to how the submarines work during wartime and how the crew takes action etc.

Buddhists Sites

Visakhapatnam is surrounded by ancient Buddhist sites, most of which have been excavated recently. The imprint of Buddhist legacy is so strong here that the interest of archeologists in this area is growing by the day.

Thotlakonda
The Buddhist Complex on the hill-top of Mangamaripeta, locally known as Thotlakonda lies about 16 km from Visakhapatnam on Vizag Bheemili Beach Road. It is picturesquely located on the hilltop at about 128mts. high above the MSL. The existence of Buddhist site at Thotlakonda came to light during an aerial survey undertaken by the Indian Navy. After its discovery, the Government of A.P has declared the site measuring an area of 120 acres on the summit as protected monument during 1978.

The excavations that lasted from 1988 to 1992 have exposed structural remains. These remains are classified as A) Religious, B) Secular and C) Civil. These structures include the Stupa, Chaityagrihas, pillared congregation halls, bhandagaras, refectory (bhojanasala), drainage and stone pathways etc. The complex comprises several structural components such as a Mahastupa, 16 votive stupas, a stone pillared congregation hall, 11 rock-cut cisterns, well paved stone path ways, an apsidal chaitya-griha, 3 circular chaitgya-grihas , two votive platforms, 10 viharas consisted of 72 cells, a kitchen complex with three halls and a refectory (dinning hall) etc. Associated with the above structures were unearthed several inscribed chatra pieces with early Brahmi letters, nine Satavahana and five roman silver coins, terracotta tiles, stucco decorative pieces, sculptured panels, miniature stupa models in stone, Buddha padas depicted with asthamangal symbols, early historic pottery etc.

Bavikonda
Bavikonda, an important Buddhist heritage site located on a hill about 15km, northeast from Visakhapatnam city. Here the Buddhist habitation is noticed on a 40 acres flat terraced area. Bavikonda in Telugu means a hill of wells. A Hinayana school of Buddhism was practiced here. Bavikonda Monastery flourished between 3rd Century B.C., and 3rd Century A.D., The discovery of relic caskets in Mahachaitya is significant. Bavikonda has remains of an entire Buddhist complex, comprising 26 structures belonging to three phases. A piece of bone stored in an urn recovered here is believed to belong to the mortal remains of the Buddha. It also contains large quantity of ash, charcoal, and earthenware. Three abandoned water tanks were also have been found on this hillock.

Sankaram
A Britisher Alexander Rea unearthed Sankaram, a 2000-year-old Buddhist Heritage site in 1907. Located 40 km from South of Vizag, locally it is known as Bojjannakonda. The three phases of Buddhism viz. Hinayana, Mahayana & Vajrayana flourished here. This complex is famous for its numerous Monolithic Votive Stupas, Rock cut caves, and brick build structural edifices. Excavations yielded several historic potteries, Satavahana coins dating back to the 1st century A.D. several clay tablets bearing figures of Buddha etc.

Bojjannakonda
The Eastern one bears richer architecture of the two hills. It presents a picturesque appearance with its Main Stupa on the hilltop and dominating myriads of stupas, mostly rock-cut and rarely brick-built, one above the other. Almost every outcrop and protuberance has been converted boldly into a stupa. Similarly at Lingalakonda, there are innumerable rock-cut monolithic stupas in rows spread all over the hill. Other Attractions are a Maha stupa nearby which yielded a relic casket, 3 chaitya halls, votive platforms, stupas and vajrayana sculptures. A gold coin of Samudragupta dating to 4th century AD was also found at this place. The Vihara was active for about 1000 years, spanning the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana phases of Buddhism. This place offers a glimpse into the rich Buddhist heritage and culture is a must see for any tourist.

Pavuralakonda
Pavuralakonda or 'the hill of the pigeons' is a hillock lying to the west of Bhimli, at about 24 km from Vizag. The Buddhist setllement found here is estimated to have witnessed human habitation between 1st century BC to 2nd century AD. Sixteen rock cut cisterns for impounding rain water are found on the hillock, which offer a panoramic view of the coastline.

Gopalapatnam
Gopalapatnam, situated on the left bank of River Tandava, is a village surrounded by brick built stupas, viharas and other Buddhist remains. Ancient pottery was also excavated from these sites.