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  India » Vishakhapatnam
      City Guide





Once a small fishing village, it formed part of the Kalinga Empire under Ashoka in 260 BC, passing successively from the Andhra kings of Vengi to the Pallavas, Cholas and Gangas. In the 15th century, Visakhapatnam was a part of the Vijayanagar Empire. And transformed into a port town under the British.

Hills, beautiful beaches and lush green countryside surround the second largest town in Andhra Pradesh, Vizag. The undulating terrain off the city is emphasised by three hills - the Ross Hill housing a Roman Catholic Church with a pathway strewn with Catholic icons. The second hillock, Darga Konda, has a mosque and the tomb of a Muslim saint, Iashaque Madina, revered for his prophecies. The third hill, Sri Venkateswara Konda, has a temple built by Captain Blackmoor in 1886.

Visakhapatnam has been ranked as one of the fastest developing cities in Asia. From a fishing village it has burgeoned into a bustling port and a booming industrial city on the east coast of India. Today, you can see the country s largest ship building yard here.

 




By Air:
Visakhapatnam is linked by air from Hyderabad, Calcutta, Chennai & Bhubaneswar. Recently four flights a week have been introduced from Delhi to Vizag , via Raipur.The flight schedule is available on enquiry.

By Rail:
The port city of Visakhapatnam (Vizag) is situated on the main line of the Howrah-Chennai railway route. The Visakhapatnam Railway Terminus is well linked with various routes in India.

By Bus:
There is a Regional Transport Corporation Complex situated in the heart of the city, connecting Vizag by means of an excellent bus service.


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Climate:
Visakhapatnam has a typical coastal climate. Summer temperatures range between 22°C and 40°C and the winter between 17°C and 29°C.

When To Go:
October to April.

STD Code:
0891

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Dolphin s Nose:
The most conspicuous landmark in Vizag, Dolphin s Nose is a huge 174-m high rocky headland jutting out into the sea. At 358 m above sea level, this dolphin-shaped rock shelters the harbour from where large exports of manganese and iron ore are shipped out. The powerful beacon of the lighthouse atop the Dolphin s Nose hill directs ships from about 64 km away.

Rishikonda Beach
A golden, unspoilt beach washed by the sun-warmed sea, Rishikonda is 8 km away from Visakhapatnam. An ideal spot for swimmers, water skiers and wind surfers, the beach is peaceful. The balmy breeze invites you to be adventurous in the waters. Tourists can enjoy a holiday in picturesque settings. Andhra Pradesh Tourism has 12 elegant cottages overlooking the beach.

The Three Hillocks
Situated at 5 km from the main city, this mount in the Eastern Ghats was cut into three and houses the following places of worship:
The Ross Hill: The highest mount, named after Ross, an Englishman who built a house here in 1864. This was later converted into a Roman Catholic Chapel and named Our Lady of the Sacred Heart .
Darga Konda is a mosque and shrine of a Muslim sage Iashaque Madina, who was revered for his prophecies.
Sri Venkateswara Konda: According to the Telugu inscriptions, a British soldier Captain Blackmoor built this temple in 1886.

Ramakrishna Mission Beach
Its environs present a soul-stirring panorama of golden beaches and lush green vegetation. A place for leisure and relaxation, Ramakrishna Mission is an excellent example of untouched natural beauty. There is an imposing Kali Temple near this beach.

Lawson s Bay
To the north of Visakhapatnam lies this exquisite cove, ideal for swimming. A popular spot for sea bathing and surfing as well, the beach is well-equipped with changing rooms and facilities for fresh water bathing after a swim in the sea. The Aquarium here is an added attraction. Plans are on to upgrade this into an Oceanarium. Giving historic insights into the past, Visakha Museum is also located on the shores of this beach.

The VUDA Park
With a musical fountain, boating facility and a skating ring, the VUDA (Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority) Park is a favourite with the local crowd. As an added attraction, the place also has a well-equipped gymnasium and provides camel and horse rides.


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Bheemunipatnam Beach (24 km)
At the mouth of River Gosthani, Bheemunipatnam Beach forms an ideal spot for swimming and water sports. The drive from Vizag is one of the longest beach roads in India. The remains of a Dutch settlement with a ruined fort, an armoury and a Dutch cemetery dating back to the 17th century are preserved here. It also has a beautiful church with stained glass windows.

Simachalam (16 km)
Simachalam or the Lion s Hill is known for the 11th century temple dedicated to Varah Narasimha, the lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The deity is always covered with sandalwood paste, giving it the appearance of a sandalwood Shivalingam. During the Chandana Yatra Festival celebrated here in March-April, the real shape of the deity can be seen. One of the most important shrines of Lord Vishnu in the country, it is an architectural marvel with inscriptions dating back to 1098 A.D. on its walls.

Araku Valley (112 km)
Green and pleasant, filled with the music of waterfalls and streams, lies this valley in the Eastern Ghats where many colourful tribes have preserved their vibrant cultural traditions. Traditional folk dances, the most famous being the Dhimsa, are still performed here. The journey to Araku Valley, by the well-laid out ghat road that winds through forests, orchards and plantations, is a breathtaking experience. The Zilda Waterfalls add beauty to the rich valley.

Borra Caves (90 km)
Borra Caves at the Anantagiri Mandal are a must-visit. Situated at 1,400 m above sea level, the Borra Caves were discovered by William King George of the Geological Survey of India in the year 1807. A million years old, these caves have magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations brightly illuminated by mercury, sodium and halogen lamps, which make the interior of the caves colourful and spectacular.

Tyda/ Jungle Bells (75 km)
Located on the Araku Road, Tyda provides an enchanting experience in the wilderness to the tourists. Jungle Bells - a nature camp, is a first of its kind, eco-tourism-cum-environmental-education venture in the state. Tourists can enjoy their stay in log-huts and tents set in tribal environs and sylvan surroundings. This is one place ideal for viewing wildlife and birdwatching. Other attractions are rock climbing, trekking and archery.


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While Vizag may be better known as an industrial centre, it is in reality a city of shopkeepers. For some reason shops in the same trade tend to be located next to each other which makes shop-hopping and bargain-hunting easier. The Main Road - that entire stretch of road extending from Jagadamba Junction to the Old Post Office - has numerous shops with interesting names like Textorium (textile emporium!). Traditional items like silk sarees and the new and upmarket brands can be found on the Dabagardens Road. Visit Kurupam Market and Dwaraka Nagar for gold and silver jewellery.

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