Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam, better known as Vizag, is a port city on the East coast of India. The city is a harmonious blend of the magical past and the bustling present and is home to a peaceful community living in the midst of golden beaches, lush green fields, verdant valleys and splendid monuments from the past.

Visakhapatnam is an amalgam of the old and the new, where ancient temples lie in the shadows of gigantic shipyards. Still, it maintains the small-town friendliness which charmed pioneers into settling here, bringing their enthusiasm and adventurous spirit.

The eastern coastal city of Andhra Pradesh-Visakhapatnam, popularly known as Vizag, began as a small fishing village of just a few hundred people, and has developed into a progressive, cosmopolitan port city, and bustling industrial and commercial center with over one million people. Vizag is the amalgamation of what were originally two separate towns -- Waltair and Vishakapatnam.

This beautiful city is said to have derived its name from the deity 'Visakha' (the God of Valor). The history of the town can be traced back to Ashoka the Great (273-232 B.C.) when this was a small fishing village of the Kalinga Empire. Later on this port town successively passed from the Andhra Kings of Vengi to the Pallavas, Cholas and the Gangas. In the 15th century Visakhapatnam became a part of Vijayanagar Empire. The British took charge of this beautiful land and transformed this into a busy and flourishing port town. Today it has emerged as an important port on the east coast of India. The port of Vizag handles the maximum cargo in the country and promises to become one of Asia's major ports by 21st century.

Today, the city is on the threshold of a major technological revolution through which the civic services rendered by its Municipal Corporation are being thrown open to the citizens using information and communications technology, which could be the first of its kind in the country.

BEAUTIFUL beaches and the vast blue sea, green-capped hills, breathtaking valleys, dense jungles and crystal clear cascades, million-year-old caves, a 11th century temple, ancient Buddhist sites, the only submarine museum in Asia, lush green parks, and salubrious climate, - Visakhapatnam has everything to make a perfect tourist destination.

The district has many tourism spots that represent the Culture and Heritage of the true India. Industrial Hub with gigantic steel plant, a world class port and largest shipbuilding yard and enormous engineering talent pool from Andhra University, since 1926. Visakhapatnam, or Vizag as it was often called, is the best tourism destination in Andhra Pradesh. From Lakes to cool Beaches, from beautiful Hill Ranges to Caves and Valleys, Visakhapatnam has them all.

The Araku Valley is a must visit for any one visiting Andhra Pradesh. Beauty is packed at the Kailasa Giri where we can find green meadows, beautiful and well spread parks to fill your mind with peace. The Borra Caves shows the magnificence of colors in the natural cave formations.

Visakhapatnam is a city of cultural & religious diversity. One should not miss to see the Cultural constructions built during the age of kings who rules this region.

Vizag Beaches

The best beach in the entire South Coast of India, the R K Beach is considered the best place to have fun with water. Children can find pure excitement and joy at the VUDA Park. The Water Boat rides, Theme Partks are additional attraction. Bheemunipatnam has a good Beach Resort.

Another must visit is the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park which has some of the best species of Birds and Animals - the Indian special species such as the Indian Elephants and Indian Tiger, the Crocodiles and a whole range of coloured Parrots specially brought from Australia and more.

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. VUDA is also in the process of developing Keertana Vanamu Beach resort.

One of the finest sea resorts in the country, Bheemunipatnam popular, as 'Bheemli' s located at a distance of 24 Kilometers North east of Visakhapatnam. Its beautiful beach and invigorating climate coupled with the pleasantness provided by the lush green palm groves add to its immense attraction.

The 24-km. beach road from Vizag to Bhimili is one of the longest beach roads in India. The sun-kissed beaches en route make the Car/Bike drive as enjoyable as the destination.

Bheemunipatnam is located on a slope, which just rises from the sea and presents a beautiful background of a seascape. The town is situated at the confluence of river Gosthani and the Bay of Bengal. There is a big late rite topped hill dedicated to Lord Narasimha.

Being a seaside resort and owing to its close proximity to Visakhapatnam city, Bheemunipatnam holds a rich potential for development.

Once a Dutch settlement, the ruins of a fort and cemetery built by the Dutch are still seen. Remains of a round house close to the sea throw light on the Dutch architecture.

The beach at Bheemli is one of the safest for swimmers. This tourist resort is well connected by road from Visakhapatnam. City buses carry the tourists to Bheemli. Private taxis can also be arranged from Visakhapatnam. People can carry food packets or buy food at the small cafes at Bheemunipatnam. The drive from Visakhapatnam to Bheemli is exhilarating.