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Vishakapatnam
Visakhapatnam (also Visakhapattanamu, shortened and anglicized: Visakha/Vizag or Vizagapatnam) is a coastal, port city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, located on the eastern shore of India, nestled among the hills of the Eastern Ghats and facing the Bay of Bengal to the east. It is the administrative headquarters of Visakhapatnam District and is also home of the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy.
Visakhapatnam, is primarily an industrial city, apart from being a tourist destination. Tourists are attracted by its unspoilt beaches, nearby scenic Araku Valley and Borra caves, the 11th-century Simhachalam temple and ancient Buddhist sites like Totlakonda & Bavikonda spread across the area.
The city hoasts a submarine museum, the first of its kind in South Asia, at Rama Krishna Beach.
Visakhapatnam is naturally locked with sea and mountains;
Victory at Sea 1971 commemorating victory over PakistanThe city was so important during times of war that the Indian government decided to set up the Eastern Naval Command, overlooking the more populous Madras and Calcutta and developed Vizag during that period. The establishment of the E.N.C. soon after the construction of the ship building yard firmly secured Vizag's place in the annals of the Indian Navy. More defence related establishments would later come up including the N.S.T.L. (Naval Science and Technology Laboratories), which is responsible for the development and testing of warship technology, equipment and weapons. The Navy is also constructing a second base as the current base is overpopulated and not sufficient to meet the needs of the E.N.C. Despite its importance, the Naval establishment has become a hindrance for the development of Vizag. The most beautiful harbour is not made open for the general public citing the reasons of security, while in Bombay and Cochin, entire port along with Naval docks are opened for boating and of course the tourism in those locations are linked to it. The same is true when they are blocking the Road on Dolphin's nose mountain to Scindia.
The famous submarine museum near "Victory At Sea", Vizag Visakhapatnam is surrounded on three sides by the overlapping mountain ranges, and the south eastern city is safeguarded by the Bay of Bengal. Vizag is far away from any international border, both land and sea, making it the choice for strategic placement of the headquarters of the eastern naval command.
Hinduism is practised by the majority of vizagites followed by Islam and Christianity. The city patronised Buddhism for 2 millennia as evident from the presence of many Buddhist sangharamas in the outskirts. The Buddhist population has however waned since. All the religions co-exist peacefully, Vizag never witnessed communal riots during its entire history.
Climate
The climate of Visakhapatnam has no appreciable seasonal changes. Being close to the sea, the level of humidity is high. The fluctuations in temperature are fairly uniform in character, except during the dry months when the rise in temperature is higher than it is during the monsoon period. From February onwards, the temperature rises progressively till May, which is the hottest month. From 1931-60 the maximum average (Mean) temperature was 34 °C. This has been showing an upward trend with the minimum and maximum for the period of 1975-81 being reported as 38 °C and 29 °C, respectively. In recent years, it has not been uncommon for the daytime temperature to exceed 43 °C during May. December, January are the coldest period of the year.
Transportation
Visakhapatnam is well connected with daily flights from Hyderabad, Madras, Delhi, Bombay, Bangalore, Tirupati and Calcutta. Visakhapatnam Airport has recently received permission to operate night flights. A new 10,000 feet long runway became operational to accommodate international flights and larger aircraft. The airport was one of the few chosen by the center for modernization including facilities like aerobridges and immigration booths.
Visakhapatnam International Airport is coming up at S.Rayavaram, 50 km from the city. This will serve as the gateway and hub for international flights connecting South East Asia to the Indian subcontinent.
Vizag seaport; harbor interchange fly-by road can be seen hereVisakhapatnam is one of the cities on the east coast of india connected by NH5, a major national highway and a part of the Golden Quadrilateral system of Indian highways connecting Madras and Calcutta. The highway is an important route for transportation of cargo and people from these cities to and from Vizag. Visakhapatnam has a good network of roads. There are frequent buses to Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Araku and Rajahmundry. There are even bus services to Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Bangalore, Madras, Calcutta and few other parts of Orissa and Karnataka.
Tourism
Vizag beach Road
Visakhapatnam offers a plethora of tourist attractions that cannot be matched by any other city or place in India. Initially it did not attract much attention due to lack of proper marketing and government support. It offers wide range of choices for the nature lovers. In Vizag one can find golden beaches, cliffs, parks on the hill top facing the sea, beaches, long drives along the beautiful beach road, zoological park and wildlife sanctury, submarine museum, hill stations, limestone caves, coves, mountain ranges and colourful valleys, all within a distance of 100 km from the city.
A park on RK beach
The Beach road from East point colony to Coastal battery is studded with parks, statues, etc, is the darling of the vizagites, 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 topped road can said to be the best Roads/beach Roads in India. There are granite platforms for people to sit and enjoy their gala time in the evening. In the same beach Road, India's only submarine museum INS Kursura is located.
Bhimili Beach
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 of 30 km. 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.there are RED SAND HILLS popolarly called as yerra matti dibbalu which is unique place to visit.
Tenneti Beach ParkTenneti 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. There are several points from which the beautiful rocky beach down beneath can be seen. There is a way to go to that location. That location is favorite for cinema shootings. Many Telugu, Tamil and movies are shooted. The climax scene of Movie " Ek Dhuje ke liye" , in which Rati Agnihotri after getting raped drowns into the sea. Actually most of the people may not be aware that the movie is Shooted in Vizag but not in Goa as they say in the movie. This movie was a remake of Telugu movie "Maro Charitra". One more view point is there in the park which is about 50 ft in elevation that shall give a beautiful view of the sea, Beach road and the beach park.
Church on Ross Hill
Ross Hill, this is adjacent to the Inner Harbour. 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.This is actually a hill that was cut into three parts to lay Road and Rail to connect to Vizag inner Harbour with outer harbour. On top of the hill there is one a temple, a church and a mosque. This is a unique symbol of "Communal Harmony". This is probably the only place in India symbols of three different religions are located side by side 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 take a very excellent view of the outer harbour, inner harbour and the Dolphin's nose mountain. There is a Duffering signalling centre. Previously, people were made to enter, but of late this was closed to general public.
Yarada Agrigold Paradise Beach
Splashing of waves on a Rock at Yarada BeachYarada beach, it is one of the most picturesque locations on the seaward side of the Dolphin nose mountain. This beach is a private beach of Agrigold. This reminds 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. One can find the serenity of the nature. Beautiful waves and its roar awakens 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 view's one can ever think of from the hill one can see the Vizag city surrounded by hills, HPCL Refinery, Vizag port. There is lighthouse on the top of the Dolhin's nose Mountain ( The name derived from its shape, its shape resembles a dolphin's nose).This light house is the most powerful east of Suez.It is the most prominent and unforgettable landmark in Visakhapatnam. It is a single and massive hillock of more than 350mts height, resembles the Dolphin’s nose hence the name. It protects the Visakhapatnam Harbour as well as the Head Quarters of Eastern Naval Command. Visakhapatnam Port Trust’s, Light House is situated on top of the hill and guides the approaching ships to Visakhapatnam. The port channel cuts in between three hills which emphasis the lovely topography of Visakhapatnam. 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 Temple
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.
Araku Valley
Beautiful Araku ValleyAraku Valley 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.
Cavern in Borra caves
Limestone roof in Borra cavesBorra 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.
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 INS Kurusura on the sands of R K Beach, Visakhapatnam as a museum for the display to the public and tourists as well. This is the first of its kind in the Asia. The aim of setting up of this museum is to create awareness among the public to know how the submarines work during wartime and how the crew takes action etc.
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.
The beauty of the Township is that it sits in the cradle of the unspoilt forest belt starting at the Valleys of Aracu through Yelamanchili to Narsipatnam. The township comes under the mandate of the Town Administration. The continued afforestation efforts of the management has ensured a green and pollution-free environment and thereby creating a unique ecosystem in itself. The township has well kept roads, regulated traffic. The township also has all market places, parks, clubs, sports facilities exclusively for the employees and their dependents.
Last but not the least is the vistas that the Big Kanithi Balancing reservoir offers. This large mass of water reservoir is for the captive consumption of the plant and the township alike and sits between the Township and the NH5. It draws its water from a special canal built exclusively for it from the River Yeleru, a tributary of the great river Godavari.
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