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The City Of Destiny
Vishakhapatnam is built along the seashore of the Bay of Bengal, and is
bounded and broken by the bold headland called the Dolphin's Nose (357m
above the sea level). The city boasts of a beautiful beach with a long
beach road ending at nearly
Bheemunipatnam
on the northern end. The surrounding area is dominated on the west by the
well-forested Eastern Ghats and farther east is drained by numerous
rivers, among them the Godavari and Indravati.
The
city is also known as "Vizag" and is surrounded by three hills,
each of which has a shrine dedicated to a different religion -
Venkateswara temple (also spelt as Venkateshwara) on Venkateswara Konda,
Baba Ishaq Madina Dargah on Dargah Konda and Church of the Virgin Mary on
Rose hill.
The History
According to the history, the city was named after the god of
'Valor-Vishakha'. It was a part of the Kalinga Kingdom, under Ashoka's
rule in 260 B.C. It passed on later to the Andhra Kings of 'Vengi'. After
this Pallava, Chola and Ganga dynasties ruled the city. In the 15th
century, Vishakhapatnam became a part of the Vijayanagar Empire.
The Europeans, the Dutch, the French and the English established
themselves from the 17th century onwards and used this as a major trading
center to export textiles, ivory, tobacco, indigo etc. This port is well
documented in the histories of these colonial powers as well as in Indian
historical records. This coast played a major role during the reign of the
Asaf Jahis and the Golcondas.
A Prominent Shipbuilding Centre
Vishakhapatnam is an important shipbuilding centre; the first steamer to
be built in India was launched in Vishakhapatnam's harbour in 1948.
Vishakhapatnam's port has grown greatly in importance because it has the
only protected harbour on the Coromandel Coast. Agriculture is the
mainstay of the region's economy. There are major industries like Ship
Building, Oil Refinery, Fertilizer, Petro Chemicals, Steel Mills and a
Naval base. The suburb of Waltair, at the north end of the bay, is the
site of Andhra University.
Vishakhapatnam is the true spot where one can find the beauty of Andhra.
From lakes to cool beaches, from beautiful hill ranges to caves and
valleys enclosures, Vishakhapatnam has them all. A visit to Vishakhapatnam
will definitely be exciting, enriching and refreshing experience with all
its sun kissed beaches, caves and temples.
Indira
Gandhi Zoological Park
The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is located in Vishakhapatnam amidst the
scenic eastern ghats of India, flanked by hills on either sides and Bay of
Bengal on the east.
Ramakrishna
Beach
One of the loveliest beaches on the East Coast, the Ramakrishna beach is
a favorite resort for tourists visiting Vishakhapatnam.
Rishikonda
Beach
Just 8-km from Vishakhapatnam is the Rishikonda Beach, a golden, unspoilt
beach, washed by the sun-warmed sea.
Kali Temple
Small temple beautifully constructed situated near Rama Krishna Beach.
Vishakha Museum
Situated on the shores of the Rishikonda beach, this museum gives
historic insights of the past.
VUDA Park
Located in Vishakhapatnam, VUDA Park is a heavy crowd puller and has a
dancing musical fountain.
The Harbour
It is one of the natural harbours in the world. A temple, mosque and
church are located on hills overlooking the harbour.
Dolphin's Nose
A huge rock, 357m high, is shaped like a Dolphin's nose. The rock juts
out into the sea, forming a headland on which is the lighthouse. This
lighthouse has a beam that can be seen 65-km out at sea.
Kailasagiri
Kailasagiri
is located on a hilltop and is a must to visiting place for all people
visiting Vishakhapatnam. The charming hill on the seafront, affords a
breath taking scenic view, especially towards Bheemunipatnam.
Mudasarlova Water Works And Park
Situated 10-km from the city, it is beautiful valley framed by hills with
a lake that supplies water to the city. There is also a scenic 18-hole
Golf course belonging to East Point Golf Club.
Submarine Museum
Another Attraction to Vizag is the recently setup submarine museum, one
of its kind in the country and the first Museum in Asia to be build off a
Submarine.
Bheemunipatnam
About 25-km from Vishakhapatnam is Bheemunipatnam. The most important
aspect of interest at the place is the beach, which is perhaps matchless
for its beauty all along the east coast.
Simhachalam
About 16-km from Vishakhapatnam is Simhachalam, famous for the temple of
Sri Varaha Lakshminarasimha. Architecturally this ancient temple deserves
high praise.
Araku
Valley
About 115-km from Vishakhapatnam is the beautiful Araku Valley, with its
bracing climate, orchards, and the Ananthagiri Ghats, which present an
enchanting view to the visitors, is attracting tourists not only in India
but from abroad too.
Borra Caves
At a distance of about 90-95-km from Vishakhapatnam are the Borra Caves,
which attained historical and religious importance.
Ananthagiri
Hills
Anantagiri is a breathtakingly beautiful resort sheltered in the lush
undulating ranges of the Eastern Ghats. It is considered to be a perfect
head off to get away from the blistering summer months. The Ananthagiri
hills are on the way to Araku Valley and are famous for coffee
plantations.
CLICK HERE FOR MAP OF
VISHAKHAPATNAM
CLICK HERE FOR ROAD
MAP OF VISHAKHAPATNAM
CLICK HERE FOR
RAILWAY NETWORK MAP OF VISHAKHAPATNAM
GETTING THERE