Visakhapatnam (locally known also Vaishakhapuram or Vizag) is the largest metropolis in the state of Andhra Pradesh and seventh largest in India. It covers an area of 544 sq km on the South-East cost of India about 625 km away from Hyderabad, the capital town of Andhra Pradesh. The city is surrounded by the Mountain ranges of Eastern Ghats to the south, north and west. Its eastern side is protected by the Bay of Bengal.
Visakhapatnam was a small fishing village at early twentieth century (about 1900 AD) but it has changed rapidly in last century and it turned into a new looks with lots of large industries, IT Hubs, Shopping complex and many more. Visakhapatnam Sea port is one of the largest seaports in India and it also the headquarters of Eastern Naval Command for Indian Navy. Languages and Religions in Visakapatnam.
The climatic characteristic of Vishakhapatnam is tropical savanna type and its temperature remain almost unchanged (average 30°C) throughout the year (except December to February) due to the proximity of the ocean Bay of Bengal. Usually, three major seasons are observed in the city namely summer, winter and monsoon.
Summer Season: Normally, the summer season of Visakhapatnam continues from March to mid-July. During this season temperature ranges varies between 30°C and 35°C. Some time temperature reach up to 40°C in May.
Winter Season: Normally, the winter season of Vishakhapatnam continues from End-November to February. During this season temperature ranges varies between 18°C and 24°C.
Monsoon Season: Normally, the monsoon season continues from July to October. In this season, weather Visakapatnam remains hot and humid. But the evenings and mornings blow a pleasant wind from Bay of Bengal. The average annual rainfall of the city is about 95 cm.
Population of the city increased rapidly in last few years due to the migration of many peoples from the neighboring cities and states (Orissa and West Bengal). According to the census report 2011, India, approximately 4288113 people reside here. Among them males constitute 50% of populations and rests are female.
Hinduism is the main religion in Visakhapatnam with 93% of total population. Rest citizens of the city belong to Muslim, Christian and Buddhist. Telugu is the most spoken language of Visakapatnam, Hindi and English are also used in few areas of the city. Telugu is accepted as official language of the city.
Araku Valley is the best tour spot in Vizag or Visakhapatnam city located about 112 km away (six hours journey by train or bus) from city center. You have to book a government rest house (rest house constructed by APTDC) in advance for night stay. Padmavathi botanical gardens are the major attraction in Araku Valley.
Borra Caves is located close to Araku Valley. Recently, it was modified by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC). There is an entry fee of thirty rupees to enter this cave.
Kailasagiri hill gives you a spectacular view of the sea, Ramkrishna Beach and Rishikonda Beach of Vizag. Visitors often fall in love with the city especially after visiting this hill.
Ross Hill is an area where three different religious places situated on three hill tops. Ross Hill, named after a certain Monsieur Ross who built a house on it in 1864, it has now been converted into a chapel Mother Mary's Church. A Roman Catholic Church was constructed in 1864 respect to Mother Mary. A temple of Hindu god Venkateswara Konda and a mosque a are also available nearby.
Simhachalam or Simhadri is a hill Temple located about 16 km north from Visakhapatnam city. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Narasimha or Vishnu. The temple was constructed by Gajapathi Kings of Orissa before 15th century.
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park was completed in 1972 and it opened for people during this year. It is located on the coastal hills north of the city located between the National Highway 5 and Beach Road. You will found here about 700 animals belonging to about 89 species and some of these are rarest species.
Gopalapatnam is situated on the left bank of River Tandava, is a village surrounded by brick stupas, viharas and other Buddhist remains. Ancient pottery was also excavated from these sites.
Ramakrishna Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Visakhapatnam. Traveler can enjoy a great holiday here with facilities of several water sports, boating, fishing, etc.
Rishikonda Beach is placed about 11 km away from Visakhapatnam, has become a popular tourist destination in the city. It is a place here you found huge sculpture of Hindu god Shiva and Parvathi.
Gangavaram Beach is situated about 11 km away from Visakhapatnam. Most interesting thing of the beach is a rock like structure which looks like a small island.
Yarada Beach is a private beach owned by Agrigold group located close to dolphin nose. Visitors have to pay a minimum entry fee charge to travel this beautiful beach. Regular bus services available here from Vizag main town to trip here.
Bhimili is a beautiful village located about 25 km from Vizag city. You will discover several Dutch cemeteries and a Portuguese church of medieval period of India.
Kambalakonda Reserve Forest or Wildlife Sanctuary (wls) is located about 20 to 25 minutes drive away from the Vizag city center. There have a watch tower in this forest from where you can observe a fantastic nature view of the forest and ocean adjoining to the forest. Entry fee - 10 Rupees per head…
Some Buddhist sites at Vizag
Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex is located just 15 km from Visakhapatnam city on a hillock (128 meters height) near Bheemili town. It was a residential of some Buddhist communities during the ancient period of Indian history. You will found some evidence of this culture still today.
Bavikonda is a famous Buddhist heritage site located in the Sankaram village of Anakapalli about 15 km northeast from Visakhapatnam city.
Pavuralakonda is a Buddhist site located about 24 km from Visakhapatnam to the west of Bhimli town. The Buddhist settlement found here is estimated to have witnessed human habitation from first century BC to second century AD.
Bojjana Konda is an architectural remnant of the Buddhist period located 40 km away in Anakapalli.
Besides of these some more tour spots are waiting for you with their unique attraction like, Naval Museum, Submarine Museum, Matsyadarshini Aquarium and Jagadamba Center.
Travel by Air
Visakhapatnam Airport is 2nd largest in Andhra Pradesh (after Hyderabad) and it located just 7 km away from main city point. This airport provides regular flights from the larger cities of India like Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Kolkata, Pune, Kochi, Raipur and Indore.
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport of Hyderabad located about 625 km away from Visakhapatnam city. People from outer world of India should first reach at Hyderabad (Via) airport then he or she can make a journey to Visakhapatnam.
Travel by Road
There have a well-connected Road-Network in throughout the city of Visakhapatnam. It is directly connected to Chennai and Calcutta via Bhubaneswar and Vijayawada with National Highway No-5. Andhra Pradesh State Road Travel Corporation (APSRTC) provides lots of regular buses from main town of Visakhapatnam to almost every tourist destinations of Andhra Pradesh.
Main bus terminal of the city, Dwaraka Bus Complex, receives regular bus services from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Guntur, Tirupati, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and few other parts of Orissa and Karnataka. This bus terminal is just ten minutes drive from rail station.
Travel by Rail
The railway network of Visakhapatnam is under the control of East Coast Railway zone and it directly connected to Chennai and Kolkata. Regular express and passenger trains are available here from big cities of India. One can reach here via Secunderabad railway station (Hyderabad city). There is a name list of trains from major cities of India to Visakhapatnam.
New Delhi - Link Express, Samatha Express, Swarna Jayanthi Express, Hirakudh Express...
Mumbai - Konark Express...
Vijayawada - Ratnachal Express, Simhadri Express, Vijaywada-Visakhapatnam Passenger...
Chennai - Coromandal Express Chennai and Madras-Howrah Mail...
Bangalore - Prasanthi express...
Kolkata - Coromandal Express, Howrah-Madras Mail, Falaknuma Express, East Coast Express, Gurudev Express, Thiruchurapalli Express and Yeshwantpur Express...
Travel by Seaway
Visakhapatnam or Vizag Sea port is one of the best forts in India. It serves as the gateway of waterways for the state of Andhra Pradesh. People can travel by seaway to enter the city through this sea port.
|Hotel Taj Residency, Beach Road.
Telephone: 567756, 564874.
|Hotel Green Park
|Hotel Athidi Inn
Telephone: 0891-302 44 45.
|Hotel Saraswathi Orchid
|Green Park Hotel
|Athidhi Guest House
Mobil Number: 9949662424.
|Area||543 sq km|
|Population||4288113 (census 2011)|
|Time Zone||IST (UTC+5:30)|
|Country code||0091 or +91|
|Best time to visit||Winter Season.|
|Attractions at Visakhapatnam||Top tourist spots in Vizag or Visakhapatnam are Araku Valley, Borra Caves, Kailasagiri hill, Ross Hill, Simhadri hill, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Gopalapatnam, Ramakrishna Beach, Rishikonda Beach, Gangavaram Beach, Yarada Beach, Bhimili village, Kambalakonda Reserve Forest, Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex, Bavikonda, Pavuralakonda, Bojjana Konda, Naval Museum, Submarine Museum, Matsyadarshini Aquarium and Jagadamba Center.|
|Fooding||Most popular foods of Vizag are Upamas, Idlis, Dosas, Murku, Booralu, Appadams, Putharekulu, Anabshahi, Murri Mixture, Pulihara, mango pickle and Gongoora.|
|Language||Telugu, Hindi and English|
|Climate||Summer - temperature vary from 30°C to 35°C
Winter - temperature vary from 15°C to 24°C.
|Tourist Enquiry||Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation
Central Reservation Office
46/A, RTC Complex, Visakhapatnam-530016.
Mobile no: 9848007022/9848813584/9848023948
Timings: 6 am - 10 pm.
Tourist Information & Reservation Centre
Main Entrance, Railway station, Visakhapatnam.
Tele-Fax No: 0891-2788821,
Mobile No: 9848813585
Timings: 5 am to 11 pm.