Sprawling along the pristine waters of the Bay of Bengal, Visakhapatnam, the largest city of Andhra Pradesh, is a beach paradise. Boasting stretches of golden sand kissed by tranquil waters, the city is surrounded by picturesque waterfalls, lush forests and scenic hill stations. Popularly known as Vizag, the city is home to the oldest shipyard in the country, ancient temples and spectacular caves. The main attraction in the city is a submarine-turned-museum, the first of its kind in Asia. Exploring life in the underbelly of the sea as you move through the various rooms that house exhibits showing the same can be an exciting experience. Borra caves, one of the largest in the country, are a delight for adventure lovers, who get to walk to the deep reaches of the warmly-lit caves. The city is peppered with parks and gardens, where visitors can laze around and soak in the natural beauty. Built around 11th century, Visakhapatnam is popularly called the city of destiny, referring to its soulful natural beauty. It is also the headquarters of the Eastern Command of the Indian Navy. History says Visakhapatnam was ruled by king Visakha Varma, who built a temple here in the name of Lord Visakha and hence the city was minted. It is said Visakhapatnam was once a part of the empire of Kalinga, where emperor Ashoka fought a fierce battle. Primarily an industrial city, it draws a large number of tourists throughout the year. It is fondly called as "Jewel on the Coromandel Coast." Anantagiri A popular hill station of Andhra Pradesh, Anantagiri lies between Visakhapatnam and Araku Valley and makes for a great weekend getaway. Dotted with endless acres of picturesque coffee plantations, the hill station once served as the summer retreat of the erstwhile rulers of the region. Anantagiri is also known for its numerous waterfalls, fruit orchards, eye-catching ravines and beautiful gorges set amidst hillocks. The most popular among all is Chaparai Waterfalls, also known as Dumbriguda Falls. Borra Caves, one of the largest in the country, lie nearby and one can witness million-year-old stalactite and stalagmite formations in the caves. Visitors can also visit the Padmapuram Botanical Gardens. A visit to the sacred lake of Bhavanasi makes for a delightful experience. The hill station is blessed with rich fauna and flora, including medicinal herbs. Anantagiri lies at a distance of 87 km from Visakhapatnam and should not be missed. Andhra University A beautiful location surrounded by the Bay of Bengal and fringed by the majestic Kailasagiri Hills, Andhra University Is one of the oldest in the country. Founded in 1926, it offers courses in science, engineering, arts and commerce. The university campus houses 121 buildings for academic, administrative and support services. The university caters to the educational needs of people from five districts of Andhra Pradesh. While the university's south campus houses the arts and science departments, the north campus has the Engineering College. The College of Arts and Commerce is the biggest college in the university with 28 departments offering 55 courses. The college of Science and Technology has 19 departments and offers 44 courses and the College of Engineering has 16 departments. Araku Valley Nestled in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, the stunning Araku Valley is one of the most beautiful tourist stopovers near Visakhapatnam. Bordered by towering mountains and lush forests, the valley makes for an ideal spot to relax and nourish your soul. Located at a height of 2,990 ft, the mountain ranges of the Eastern Ghats make for a great escape for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The most popular attraction in the valley is Chaparai Waterfall, also known as Dumbriguda Falls. It is situated at a distance of 5 km from the valley and serves as a popular picnic spot. Tourists visiting the valley can also visit Araku Tribal Museum, which gives a detailed insight into the lives of the people of Araku Valley by taking you through their rich history. Bavikonda The name 'Bavikonda' means a hill of wells as earlier the place had a number of wells where rainwater used to be stored to be utilised as per need later. It is located around 15 km from the city of Visakhapatnam and is known for its ancient artefacts and heritage sites. Bavikonda finds particular prominence among Buddhists and has a monastery, called the Bavikonda Monastery, which dates back to the 3rd century BCE. A large Buddhist complex was also excavated at this site and interesting remnants were found: a piece of bone stored in an urn (believed to be the remains of Lord Buddha), inscriptions, pottery, relic caskets, moulded bricks, stuccos, tiles, among others. Bavikonda is a popular place in the state of Andhra Pradesh and lies at a distance of 20 km from Visakhapatnam. Bheemunipatnam Beach More famous as Bhimili, Bheemunipatnam Beach is one of the longest in the country and stretches for about 25 km. Despite its popularity, the beach is quiet and serene and known for a Dutch fort and a cemetery. Located on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam, the beach is one of the most exotic attractions of Andhra Pradesh and draws tourists from all corners of the country. Surrounded by lush coconut plantations, the beach offers a calm and serene environment. It is also known for displaying a large Buddha sculpture along with smaller sculptures where he can be seen sharing his teachings with his disciples. The Bheemunipatnam Beach lies at a distance of 24 km from Visakhapatnam and makes for a great one day excursion. The drive to the beach from the city is just as charming. Borra Caves One of the largest caves in the country, Borra Caves are home to million-year-old stalactite and stalagmite formations. Perched at an elevation of 1,400 m above sea level, the majestic caves are a visual treat for visitors. They came into existence as a result of the flow of Gosthani river on the limestone deposits in the area. Some of the imposing stalactite and stalagmite formations that can be seen here include those of Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati, a mother and her child, a crocodile, a human brain and a tiger. These caves were discovered by William King George of the Geological Survey of India. Legend has it that Borra Caves was first discovered when a cowherd, while searching for one of his lost cows, accidentally came across them. There he found a shivling deep inside the cave, along with his cow. He believed that Lord Shiva had saved his cow. Later, villagers built a small temple just outside the caves. Borra Caves draw tourists from all across the country and are worth marking on the itinerary. Dolphin's Nose One of the most gorgeous attractions of Visakhapatnam, Dolphin’s Nose is a natural wonder. Clearly visible from almost all parts of the city, the hill gets its name from its distinctive shape, which resembles the nose of a dolphin. It is one of the most sought after tourist spots in the city and is also known as Yarada Konda. A fishing village by the same name is located near the hills and makes for an interesting exploration. The lighthouse situated on Dolphin's Nose dates back to mid 1960s and offers great views of the sea. It is visible from 64 km away in the sea. Dolphin Hill falls under the Indian Naval Base and there are a few restricted areas on the hill but tourists have access to most picturesque spots. Etikoppaka Toys Located on the banks of River Varaha, the quaint village of Etikoppaka is widely renowned for its lacquer-coated wooden toys, traditionally known as Etikoppaka toys or Etikoppaka Bommalu. Creating attractive and colourful toys from wood has been a traditional art for the people of Etikoppaka, which has been practiced since before India became independent. The toys are made of wood and after the desired shape is achieved, they are coloured with natural dyes derived from seeds, lacquer, bark roots and leaves. A much softer wood is used to make these toys and the art of toy-making is also known as turned wood lacquer craft. The artists use a colourless resinous secretion of several insects, known as lac. The lac is mixed with dyes during the oxidation of the toys. This lac dye is used in decorating the toys. The toys of Etikoppaka are not only famous in India but are even exported to other countries of the world. These toys make for great decorative pieces and memorabilia to take back home as a reminder of your trip to Visakhapatnam. Hindustan Shipyard Located at Gandhinagaram, Hindustan Shipyard is the country's biggest shipbuilding yard. It was at this shipyard that independent India's first ship Jal Usha was constructed. Spread over an area of 46.2 hectare, the shipyard is equipped with plasma cutting machines, steel processing and welding facilities, material handling equipment, cranes, logistics and storage facilities. The shipyard also has facilities for testing and measuring. The covered building dock is used for building vessels. The shipyard has a dry dock, wet basin and repair centre for ship and submarine repair and retrofitting. Over 180 vessels have been built by the Hindustan Shipyard Limited and almost 2,000 ships have been repaired. The shipyard builds bulk carriers, offshore patrol vessels, survey ships, drill ships, offshore platforms and repair and support vessels. It is a unique experience to explore this grand shipyard. Indira Gandhi Zoological Gardens Spread over 625 acre, Indira Gandhi Zoological Gardens is situated amid Kambalakonda Reserve Forest where visitors can spot up to 80 species of animals. Located on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam, it is the third-largest zoo in the country and also has a biosphere learning centre and a library. Some of the common sightings here include tigers, pumas, panthers, lions, jaguars, rhesus monkeys, jackals, hyenas, wolves, elephants, spotted deer, sambar, ratels and baboons. The park also houses a number of reptiles like pythons, lizards and snakes. Painted storks, pied hornbills, peacocks and ducks are some of the birds you can come across at the park. It also houses a separate section for butterflies and moths. The walls of this section are decorated with pictures and information about these beautiful creatures. Tourists can also take a mini train ride inside the park and explore the entire area. Jungle Bells Nature Camp Head to the Jungle Bells Nature Camp en route Araku Valley if your idea of a perfect holiday is staying in the lap of nature. Hidden amidst densely forested hills of the Eastern Ghats, the popular resort is situated in Tyda and was established by Andhra Pradesh Tourism. Visitors can indulge in birdwatching, hiking and trekking or spend a quiet day amidst natural surroundings. Take a refreshing dive in the swimming pool or burn some calories at the gymnasium or pamper yourself with a therapeutic massage at the spa, there are multiple options. The multi-cuisine restaurant at the nature camp offers a variety of scrumptious delicacies. Special arrangements are also made by the staff for organising campfire nights where you can have a memorable time with your friends and family and entertain yourself with amazing dhimsa dance performances. Kailasagiri Perched on a hilltop at a height of 304 m, the well-maintained Kailasagiri Park is a prime attraction of Visakhapatnam and makes for a great picnic spot. Sprawling over an area of 380 acre, the park offers spectacular views of the surrounding hills and the city. The park is noted for housing a 40-ft-high statue of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati that has become a popular symbol of the city. Even though the park can be accessed via road, the best way to reach here is taking a ropeway ride and enjoying the breathtaking views of the city on the way. For kids, the park offers an exciting toy train ride, which gives a circular tour of the site. Other popular attractions in the park include Floral clock, Titanic Viewpoint, Shanthi Ashram and amazing jungle trails. There is also a dedicated play area for children where they can enjoy horse riding and other activities. Kailasagiri has also emerged as a haven for paragliding enthusiasts and offers amazing facilities for tourists. Lawson's Bay Beach One of the many beaches of Visakhapatnam, Lawson's Bay Beach, also referred to as Pedawaltair Beach, is the perfect place to unwind in the arms of nature. The quiet, serene and undisturbed beach lies on the way from the Ramakrishna Beach to the Kailasagiri Hills. The crystal clear water of the majestic sea makes it the perfect spot for surfing, swimming and sunbathing. The picturesque location of the beach will leave you totally rejuvenated. Tourists can also visit the newly opened Lawson's Bay Beachfront Park, which makes for a great picnic spot. Built with an aim to ease congestion at the Ramakrishna Beach, the park is lined with beautiful walkways and lush green trees. After spending quality time at the beach, tourists can head to the nearby Lawson Bay Colony, one of the most beautiful residential areas of Visakhapatnam and stroll through its verdant streets. Rajahmundry Located about 190 km from Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry is one of the oldest cities in the country. Sitting on the banks of River Godavari, it attracts tourists for its ancient monuments, grand temples, picturesque landscapes and thrilling adventure sports options. One of the most popular attractions in Rajahmundry is the ISKCON Temple complex located on the riverside. The Saraswati and Pushkar ghats or bathing steps on the banks of River Godavari are filled with devotees who arrive in droves to take a holy dip. Tourists can also visit the nearby Godavari Bridge, which offers splendid views of the river. Another popular attraction is the beautiful Papi Hills. You can take a cruise through Godavari river to reach Kolluru Village where you can stay in bamboo huts and experience the beauty of the hills. Also known as Papi Kondalu Hills, Papi Hills are a set of three hills that form a beautiful gorge on the Godavari river. Tourists visiting Rajahmundry should not miss visiting the grand Kotilingeshwara and Markandeya temples. Ramakrishna Beach Possibly Visakhapatnam's most popular spot, the beautiful Ramakrishna Beach gets its name from the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, which is situated near the beach. Popularly known as the RK beach, it attracts locals and tourists alike. Visit the beach to witness ethereal views of sunsets amidst its bustling yet calming environment. Popular tourist activities one can indulge in include swimming, sunbathing, surfing and playing beach volleyball. Tourists can enjoy a bumpy camel ride on the beach, opt for a boat ride in a traditional fishing boat or even take a cruise in the water. Other nearby attractions include Kali Temple, INS Kurusura Submarine Museum, TU-142M Aircraft Museum and Visakha Museum. The serene beach is sure to lift your spirits with its picturesque views and fun-filled environment. Rishikonda Beach One of the finest beaches in Visakhapatnam, Rishikonda is skirted by azure blue waters lapping at the carpet of golden sands. Spanning along the coast of the Bay of Bengal, the beach invites tourists from around the region. Set amidst verdant hills of the Eastern Ghats, it provides a truly blissful experience to visitors. Its vast stretch of water makes it an ideal place to indulge in various sports like swimming, water skiing and windsurfing. The tourism department of Andhra Pradesh has also constructed cottages around the beach along with restaurants and other useful amenities that make Rishikonda a great stop for tourists. Taking a peaceful stroll on the beach as the cool breeze caresses you, makes for a truly rejuvenating experience. Tourists can also opt for enjoyable pony rides on the beach during the early morning and evening hours. Sankaram Situated on the banks of River Sarada, Sankaram is a widely renowned Buddhist heritage spot. It is noted for the Buddhist sites of Bojjana Konda and Lingalakonda, which date back to the period between the 3rd and 4th centuries. The place once served as an important centre of Buddhist culture and teaching. Sankaram gets its name from the word Sangharama, which means monastery. The site houses numerous monolithic stupas, caves and structures. Excavations carried out at the site also revealed old coins belonging to the Satavahana period, coins from the time period of Samudra Gupta and clay tablets of Lord Buddha. The caves found here have been adorned with carved statues of Lord Buddha. Bojjana Konda was unearthed by a Britisher named Alexander Rea in 1906 and is named after a seated image of Lord Buddha. Sankaram lies at a distance of 21 km from Visakhapatnam and makes for an intriguing exploration. Simhachalam The alluring Simhachalam Hill in Visakhapatnam is popular for beautifully sculpted Shri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, also known as Simhachalam Temple. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here as Varaha Narasimha, the temple is one of the most important shrines of South India that is visited by millions of devotees every year. The grand temple resembles a fortress and has three outer courtyards and five gateways. A beautiful blend of the architectural styles of the Chalukyas, the Cholas and the Kalinga or Odishan style of architecture, the temple houses numerous sub-shrines and mandapams. The 16-pillared Natya Mantapa and 96-pillared Kalyana Mantapa were built in the 1st century AD. For most part of the year, the presiding deity, Shri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy is covered in a thick layer of sandalwood paste. According to legend, Lord Vishnu manifested in this peculiar form with a boar head, human torso and a lion's tail after he saved his ardent devotee Prahlada from being murdered by his father Hiranyakashipu. Simhachalam Temple is located at a distance of 20 km from Visakhapatnam. Submarine Museum On RK Beach at Visakhapatnam, lies one of the most renowned submarines of India, NS Kursura. After her decommissioning, Kursura was converted into a submarine museum. It was the first submarine in Asia to be converted into a museum and the second in the world. Inside the museum, various parts of the submarine like sonar room, radar room, control room and various war weapons, have been displayed. It traces the history of maritime evolution through various artefacts, photographs and scripts. Visitors can get a glimpse of the life and hardships inside a submarine through various exhibits. Kursura holds much significance in the hearts of Indians as she was the cornerstone of the foundation of Indian Naval Submarine Arm. She played a pivotal role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The submarine was also a pioneer in extending goodwill and harmony through visits and flag-showing missions to other countries. Kursura served the nation for 31 glorious years and traversed 73,500 nautical miles participating in almost all types of Naval operations. It was decommissioned in February 2001. The museum was inaugurated by Mr Chandrababu Naidu, then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on August 9, 2002, and opened for public on August 24, 2002. Thotlakonda Located on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam, Thotlakonda Hill is best known for a 2,000-year-old Buddhist complex. Sprawling over an area of 120 acre, the complex is a protected monument that attracts tourists from all parts of the country. The archaeological excavations conducted here revealed a number of relics including 16 votive stupas, 11 rock-cut cisterns, stoned pathways, circular chaitya-grihas, votive platforms, viharas, a mahastupa, a dining hall and a kitchen complex with three halls. Several sculptures, silver coins belonging to the Satavahana period (1st century BCE- 2nd century CE), miniature Buddha Padas or models of Buddha's feet were also discovered during the archaeological excavations. The Buddhist complex overlooks the sea and once served as the residential and academic complex for Buddhist monks. Perched at an altitude of 128 m above sea level, Thotlakonda Hill is not only an idyllic stop for Buddhists but also attracts scores of nature lovers for its peaceful environment and picturesque landscape. Three Hillocks Visakhapatnam is home to three scenic hillocks that stand testament to the communal harmony that India is known for. It is a fascinating experience to get to the three hillocks as one gets to visit a temple, a mosque and a church during the same trip. The Ross Hill is home to the Ross Hill Church while the Sringamani Hillock and the Dargah Konda Hillock are home to the Venkateswara Temple and the Baba Ishaq Madina Dargah, respectively. The temple is said to be two centuries old while the mosque has been there for as many as 700 years. The magnificent church at Ross Hill is more than a century old and its impressive white building stands as a fine specimen of Gothic architecture. The hilltops provide splendid views of Visakhapatnam and the port channel. The entrance of the inner harbour for ships and liners can also be seen.
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