Visakhapatnam/Vizag, Andhra Pradesh

The city has been mentioned in the Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as the forests of the Eastern Ghats where the two brothers Ram and Lakshman wandered in search of Sita, wife of Lord Ram. According to the epics, Rama formed his army of monkey men in the region with the help of Hanuman and Jambavant. The monkey army of Rama later defeated the King Ravan to claim back his wife Sita. An episode of Mahabharata when Bheema killed the demon Bakasura, was believed to have happened in the village Karmanvati, just 40 km from the city.

Visakhapatnam, the port city, holds the distinction of being the second largest city of Andhra Pradesh. Sited on the eastern coastline of India, amidst the hills of Eastern Ghats, Vizag serves as the administrative headquarters of Visakhapatnam District and the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy. It is also known as the 'City of Destiny' and makes the domicile of one of most advanced steel plant of India, along with numerous heavy industries. 

The City of Destiny has one of the largest ports in the country, the oldest shipyard and the only natural harbor on the eastern coast of India. Visakhapatnam also embraces the esteemed Andhra University in its expanse. Rivers like Godavari and Indravati flow across the city of valor. A huge rock, by the name of Dolphin's Nose, makes the most remarkable landmark of the port city. As per the folklores, Vizag was named after Vishakha - the God of Valor. 

The port city had been ruled by the Kalingas, Pallavas, Cholas and Gangas in the earlier times. It became the part of Vijayanagar Empire in the 15th century. Along the seashore of the Bay of Bengal, Visakhapatnam served as a major trading center for the Europeans, the Dutch, the French and the English to export textiles, indigo, etc. Besides being a shipbuilding centre, Vizag has number of attractions that make it an amazing destination for tourism. 

The sun-kissed beaches, deep valleys, ancient temples, excavated Buddhist sites, impressive monuments, atypical museum, lofty hills and many more pleasurable sites serves as a major boost to the tourism industry, calling on people to enjoy amidst the natural beauty of the city.

Transport

Places to See:

Ramakrishna Beach

Ramakrishna Beach is the most popular beach of Visakhapatnam. With its serene waters and tranquil atmosphere, the beach offers a lovely vista of the countryside. In the past few years, it has gained immense popularity amongst the tourists. 

Rishikonda Beach

Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Rishikonda Beach is the perfect destination for people on a holiday. The untouched sandy stretches and warm waves of the ocean make this beach definitely worth-visiting. 

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is one amongst the largest zoos of India, sited in the natural surroundings of a reserve forest. Sprawled in an area of 625 acres, the park was named after Indira Gandhi - the former Prime Minister of India. It was opened to the public in the year 1977. 

Kailasagiri

Perhaps Kailasagiri is the most beautiful places in the expanse of Vizag. Perched on a hilltop, it is an interesting place that certainly looks like the abode of God.

Dolphin's Nose

Indeed Dolphin's Nose is the famous landmark in Visakhapatnam. With a height of 357 meters, the landmark is a rock in the shape of a Dolphin's nose.

Mudasarlova Water Works and Park

About 10 km from Visakhapatnam, Mudasarlova Park is actually sited in a valley encircled by hills. The attraction of the place is made by a lake that supplies water to the park, where slides and sports are attracting tourists and city-dwellers. It also has a Golf Course, which is owned by the East Point Golf Club. 

The Harbour & the Three Hills

Visakhapatnam boasts of embracing the natural harbour of the country. Dotted with trees and hills, this harbour is one of the most beautiful harbors in the world. In the company of three hills, it presents a wonderful vista.

Submarine Museum

Submarine Museum is a nice place to feel real-life experience at submarines. It is the only museum in India as well as the Asia to build a submarine. Actually, the museum has been crafted out of a real submarine of Indian Navy. Here, you can get to know about the working inside the submarine. 

Jagadamba Center

Jagadamba Center / Junction is a downtown place, which can be said the gist of entertainment in Vizag. Here, you can have leisure-time and even have a glimpse of the crowd. It has both local shopping centers and famous malls, from where you can shop the artifacts and accessories on top. It is named after the Jagadamba movie theatre, which is one of the best movie auditoriums of India. 

War Memorial

To be found opposite Submarine Museum on the Beach Road, War Memorial was built to commemorate the victory at the sea in the Indo-Pak war of 1971. The Naval Museum established here exhibits a fighter plane, a tank and few missiles. 

Matsyadarshini

Aquarium Sited near R.K Beach, Matsyadarshini Aquarium has a nice collection of marine fishes and freshwater fishes. Its, out of the ordinary, façade has an entrance doorway, which resembles the open mouth of a giant white-tipped shark.

Bavikonda

Dating back to the 2nd-3rd century, Bavikonda is a Buddhist excavated site. A drive of about 8 km from the city would bring you to this place, situated along the beach road. In the earlier times, the wells at the hill were used to collect rainwater for drinking purposes. Pottery, Roman coins and Satavahana coins were some of the artifacts found here. Further excavations revealed various stupas, monasteries, platforms, relic caskets, tiles, stuccos, iron objects, moulded bricks, coins, etc. 

Mangamaripeta

Mangamaripeta, a small hamlet, is situated about 16 km from Visakhapatnam. It is known for Thotlakonda, a hill embracing a Buddhist complex. At an elevation of 128 meters above ground, this complex was discovered by an aerial survey conducted by the Indian Navy. Dating back to 200 BC and 200 AD, Thotlakonda was under the sway of Kalingas and used to serve as the promotional centre of Buddhism.

Bheemunipatnam Beach

Bheemunipatnam Beach is a peaceful and serene beach, situated along the coastline of Andhra Pradesh. Amidst the blue waters and tall coconut trees, this beach appears to be the perfect site for honeymooners. The sparkling sands that get soaked by the warm waves revive the childhood days. 

Anantagiri Hills

When the tangled nerves need some break, a hill station is the only term that comes spontaneously to the mind. Anantagiri Hills is one such hill station, which soothes you to the core. Amidst the refreshing natural splendor, this hill station is certainly a paradise for all, mainly because of its serene atmosphere. 

Araku Valley

Araku Valley is a soothing hill station in the expanse of Andhra Pradesh. Enveloped in pastoral beauty, this beautiful valley has an elevation of 1,300 meters. Imagine a deep valley, where lush greenery is accompanied by shimmering waters of gorges and then you see an isolated hut and wish, if you could go there. 

Sankaram

Situated about 40 kms from Visakhapatnam, Sankaram boasts of two hills by the names of Bojjanakonda and Lingalametta. These hills have the Buddhist architectural remnants. Excavated in 1906, they possess the most amazing groups of Buddhist monuments that find their origin from 200 B.C. to 700 A.D. There are rock-cut caves, monolithic dagobas, massive pillars, rock-cut stupas etc, reviving the old-age charm. 

Pavurala konda

Pavuralakonda or 'Hill of the Pigeons' is to be found about 24 km from Visakhapatnam. This Buddhist site would give you an idea about the rain water harvesting concepts of the 3rd century BC. There are at least 14 - 16 reservoirs hewn into the bedrock. 

Salihundam

About 116 km from Visakhapatnam, Salihundam is another Buddhist site, next to Vamsadhara River, in the Srikakulam district. In 1919 AD, this site was discovered by Gidugu Venkata Rama Murthy. During excavations, various structures like stupas, monasteries, temples and sculptures were revealed here. Dating back from 2nd century BC to 12th century AD, these sculptures depict the three phases of Buddhism - Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana. 

Borra Guhalu

In 1807, Borra Caves were discovered by William King George, a British geologist. About 95 km from Visakhapatnam, these caves are formations of millions of years old stalactite and stalagmite. The term 'Borra' literally means 'human brain' in Telugu. Since the configuration inside the caves looks like a human brain, it was named Borra Guhalu or Borra Caves. Gosthani River flows next to the caves, so much near that you can even hear its sound inside. 

Simhachalam

Simhachalam is a small hamlet, sited about 16 km from Vizag. It is known for Sri Varaha Lakshminarasimha Temple, which boasts of excellent architecture. Dating back to the 10th-11th century, this religious shrine has many primeval inscriptions. Perched atop a hill, the shrine embraces the idol of Narsimha, the half man and half lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Its structure has similitude to the Chola and Chalukya styles of architecture............
http://famousindiantouristplaces.blogspot.com