Visakhapatnam is a land of golden beaches, ancient caves and beautiful valleys. Also known as Vizag, the city is popular for its state-of-the-art ultra modern shipbuilding yard and giant steel plant. Vizag is a port city and has a natural harbor that houses one of India's major ports. Located in Andhra Pradesh, Vizag is said to be one of the fastest growing cities in Asia.
Places to visit
Vizag has many tourist spots that reflect the culture and heritage of India. History apart, there are many exciting destinations for the fun-loving and adventurous tourist too.
Kailasagiri
Located on a hilltop at an altitude of 360 feet, Kailasagiri is the most attractive tourist spot in the city. It has a hilltop park with beautiful views of the sea on the east coast. Also popular as a picnic spot, the must see list includes the Shiva Parvathi Statue, Shanku Chakra Naama, Floral Clock, Jungle Trails, 7 Wonders of Vizag, Titanic View Point, Shanti Ashram, Art Gallery, Gliding Base Point, Children Play Park, Conference Hall, Telescopic Point, etc.
VUDA Park
Your children will enjoy visiting the Vuda or Taraka Rama Park. It has a dancing musical fountain, skating ring and facilities for boating, horse and camel riding.
Rishikonda
Situated on the Visakhapatnam-Bheemunipatnam beach road, Rishikonda has a golden sandy beach and is ideal for those interested in water-sports. There is a 14th century temple here as well.
Borra Caves
Located on the way to Araku Valley, the Borra Caves are one million year old natural stalactite and stalagmite formations. Some of the formations resemble mythological characters like Shiva and Parvathi. A few others resemble the human brain, mother-child, crocodile, etc. To further highlight the interiors, the AP Tourism has illuminated the inside of the caves turning the whole area into a visual treat for visitors. The caves are the origin for the river Gosthani which flows through the district.
Bheemunipatnam
Popularly known as Bheemli, Bheemunipatnam is a sleepy little town and was once a thriving Dutch settlement. It has 25 kilometers of road that almost hug the Vizag coastline offering breathtaking views. Bheemili has pilgrimage centers, temples, old churches, a clock tower, light house, etc. and some of them reflect the colonial past of the town.
Beaches in Vizag
The beaches of Vizag are lined up on the east coast and spread over the waters of the Bay of Bengal. The wind here makes the atmosphere perfect for surfing, skiing and other water sports. In addition to the beach at Rishikonda, you can also visit the following:
- The Bheemunipatnam beach or Bheemli is located at the mouth of the river Gosthani and is a haven for swimmers. You will also find ruins of the oldest Dutch settlement dating back to the 17th century on this beach.
- The Rama Krishna beach (also referred to as the RK beach) is a great picnic spot.
- The Lawson's Bay also known as the Pedawaltair beach has shallow crystal clear waters for miles together.
- The Yarada beach offers a relaxed and private setting. The calm and shallow waters are perfect for kids too.
- The Gangavaram beach is lined with palm trees and has a picturesque coastline.
Dolphin's Nose
The Dolphin's Nose is a huge rocky hillock jutting out into the sea resembling the shape of a dolphin. The Visakhapatnam Port Trust's light house is situated on top of this hill.
Matsyadarshini
This aquarium has 18 large and medium-sized tanks showcasing many varieties of marine and fresh water species. The aquarium has rare marine invertebrates like the gray starfish; red, brown, orange and white tentacle anemones, etc.
Visakha Museum
The Visakha Museum houses historical treasures and artifacts from in and around Vizag. The major attractions include crockery, coins, silk costumers, jewelry, an unexploded bomb dropped by the Japanese during the World War II, manuscripts, etc.
Simhachalam
Located around 16 kilometers from Vizag, Simhachalam has the deity of Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy covered in a thick layer of sandalwood paste. The temple is nestled among thickly wooded hills and has a carved 16-pillar Natya Mandapa and a 96-pillared Kalyana Mandapa.
Buddhist sites
There are many Buddhist sites in Vizag owing to the influence of the Mauryan Empire under the reign of Emperor Ashoka, and are worth a visit.
How to reach
Vizag is well connected by rail, road or air to all major cities in India.
