Vishakhapatnam, Information about Vishakhapatnam, Vishakhapatnam Tour

Vishakhapatnam was named after the God of Valour, Vishakha in the 11th century. Vishakhapatnam is located between the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal and the low mountains called the Eastern Ghats in the northeastern part of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the finest sea resorts on the eastern sea board of India and known for its fine beaches and verdant contryside. Vishakhapatnam or Vizag is a famous industrial area and one of India’s finest sea-ports. Once, Vishakhapatnam was a little fishing village, but now it has been converted into major sea port and industrial centre. Vishakhapatnam is one of the most heavily industrialised cities in Andhra Pradesh. Today, Vishakhapatnam has the India's largest shipbuilding yard, powerful lighthouse, a long length of road and the highest broad gauge railway track. The Vishakhapatnam port is the fourth largest port in India. The best time to visit Vishakhapatnam is from November to February as the weather is pleasant during this time.

History of Vishakhapatnam

Vishakhapatnam was a tiny little fishing village, named after the God of Valour, Vishakha. This village became a part of the powerful Kalinga Empire that was conquered by the Emperor Ashoka in 260 BC. After the Ashoka, it was ruled by the Pallavas, Cholas and the Gangas. The decline of the Mauryan Empire saw it pass into the hands of the Andhra kings. In the 15th century, Vishakhapatnam became a part of the grand Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagar. But it was the British who realised its true potential and developed it into the bustling, busy harbour, major port and industrial centre. The British also set up a resort town here on a rise near the sea shore. Waltair Uplands as it is called still retains its original character with beautiful lagoons and a panoramic view. Vishakhapatnam became a part of the Andhra Pradesh when it was formed in 1956.

Tourist Attractions in Vishakhapatnam

Vishakhapatnam is not a famous tourist spot. But there are some places to visit in Vishakhapatnam like Dolphin's Nose, Vishnu Temple, Araku Caves and Rishikonda Beach.

Vishnu Temple, Vishakhapatnam

Dolphin's Nose
Dolphin’s Nose is the most picturesque place in Vishakhapatnam. It is a rock promontory that juts out over the Bay of Bengal and shelters the port.

Vishnu Temple
The Vishnu Temple is situated on the top of the Simhachalam Hill. This temple belongs to the 11th century and situated about 16 kms. from the city. Simhachalam, the Hill of the Lion, is a famous pilgrimage center. This temple has interesting architecture and sculptures.

Ramakrishna Beach
This magnificent beach occupies the largest part of the sea front and is one of the most popular sites of the town. The Ramakrishna Mission is located nearby and there is also an imposing Kali Temple near the beach. An aquarium here is also worth visiting.

Lawson’s Bay
It is located to the north of Visakhapatnam and is considered ideal for swimming as well as surfing. The beach has changing rooms and facilities for fresh water bathing after a swim in the sea.

Ross Hill (Kanyamarykonda)
This highest hill on the Eastern Ghatsis named after Mr. Ross, a prominent personality who built a house here in 1864. the house was later converted into a Roman Catholic Church.

Darga Konda
This Magnificent hill has a mosque and ashrine dedicated to the Muslim saint Ishaque Madina, who is revered for his prophecies.Sri Venkateswara. According to the Telugu inscriptions, a British soldier Captain Blackmoor built this temple in 1886.

Kailasagiri
This charming Hill on the sea front affords breathtaking scenic views especially towards Bheemli. It has been developed as an attractive picnic spot. The well laid out hill park sprawls over an area of 350 acres, teeming with enchanting flora and tropical trees. There are magnificent statues of Shiva – Parvati, which are illuminated at night and are worth seeing. The 40 ft. high statue of Lord Shiva has a stream of water emanating from it, representing the descent of the river Ganga. The Sankham, Chakram and Namam measuring up to 40 mts. High are fully illuminated in the night and are visible from most parts of the city.

Vuda park
The Beautiful park on the Sun-n-Sea beach is one of the most important tourist attraction of the city. It is also called as Taraka Rama Park and has been developed by VUDA (Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority). The main attraction are a musical fountain, boating, swimming, skating rink, gymnasium, camel and horse rides etc. Every Evening cultural programmes like classical music, dance, and poetry are held at the Visakhi Kalavedika open auditorium.

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
The Zoo is located amidst scenic setting near the Sea-coast and is considered to be largest in-door zoological park of its kind in the country. The well planned park different sections for primates, carnivores, lesser carnivores, small mammals, ungulates and birds. A special mini-train carries the visitors to various sections of the zoo and is also a means of fun ride for the children.

Mudsarlova Water Park
This beautiful site near a lake nestles amidst hills and palm trees is about 10 kms. From the city. There are pretty parks full of beautiful flowers and different types of trees, fountain, birds and peacocks in cages as well as several picnic spots. An excellent Golf Course club is also located here.

Visakha Museum
It is housed in a 150 years old huge “Dutch Bungalow” on the beach road. The museum has a rich and varied collection of ancient armoury, crockery, coins, silk costumes, jewellery, manuscripts, stuffed animals, photographs, letters, diaries, records, documents, currency, sculptures and scrap books as well as periodicals, maps and historic memorabilia etc.

Submarine Museum
This unique museum is housed in the INS Kusura, a Russian built submarine and is the first submarine in Asia which has been converted into a museum. It is located at the Ramakrishna Beach and was set-up on 27^th Feb 2001.

Araku Valley
Araku Valley is situated at a distance of about 112 km from Vishakhapatnam at an altitude of 950 meters above sea level. It is a cool hill resort and also home for many tribal sects whose dances and festivities are of great interest. The drive to Araku is through coffee plantations. The limestone Borra Caves are situated about 90 km from Vishakhapatnam and has stalagmite and stalactite formations.

Rishikonda beach
The Rishikonda beach is the finest beach. This beach is located a little outside the town in the northeast direction. This beach is clean, serene and really gorgeous.

Around Vishakhapatnam

Borra Caves (90 kms.)
The spectacular caves believed to be over I million year old are located on the way to Araku valley. These caves cover an area of over 2 sq. kms. And were formed as a result of the action of the waters of Gosthani river on the limestone terrain. The fascinating stalagmite and stalactite structures in the caves are truly amazing.

Bheemunipatnam or Bheemli (24 kms.)
The historical town at the mouth of river Gosthani is said to be named after Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers of Mahabharta epic. Bhima is believed to have killed demon Bakasura over here and installed an idol of Lord Narasimha at the temple atop the Narasimha hill. Bheemli was under the Dutch occupation during 17th century and still has some relics of a Dutch for a dn settlement. A cemetery here has tombs embossed with the skull-and – cross bones motif of the sea pirates. The Bheemunipatnam beach is quite calm and considered to be the safest for the swimmers. The municipality of Bheemli was established in 1861 and is the second oldest in the country.

Simhachalam (16 kms.)
Simhachalam or the ‘Lion’s Hill’ is famous for the 11th century Varaha Lakshmi Narasimhaswami temple, one of the most important shrines of Lord Vishnu is the presiding deity of the shrine. The idol of the presiding deity is always covered with sandal paste and the real shape can only be seen during Chandanayatra Festival (March – April), when the sandal paste is removed. It is also one of the best sculpted shrines in Andhra Pradesh.

Tyda Nature Camp (75 kms.)
It lies on the Araku road and has camping facilities at Jungle Bells which provides an enchanting experience to the tourists. The region is rich in exotic flora and fauna.

Srikakulam (120 kms.)
Arasavalli, the small village located 3 kms. From Srikakulam is famous for sri Suryanarayana Swamy temple. The ancient temple dedicated to Sun God is only on of its kind in the state. It was built by the Ganga Kings around the 7th century A.D. and is a marvel of architecture.

How to get here

By Air:
Vishakhapatnam is connected by air to major cities of India. The airport is located about 13 km from town. There are flights to Vishakhapatnam from Hyderabad, Calcutta and Chennai.

By Train:
Vishakhapatnam Junction is situated on the main broad gauge railway line from Calcutta to Chennai that runs along the coast.

By Road:
Vishakhapatnam is connected to various places in and around Andhra Pradesh and to other neighbouring places like Behrampore and Puri in Orissa.

To know the distances from Vishakhapatnam click here.