visakhapatnam travel guide-Andra pradesh-south indian touriest places

The History of Visakhapatnam
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.

Major Attractions of Vishakhapatnam

• 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.
• Rishikonda Beach
  Just 8-km from Vishakhapatnam is the Rishikonda Beach, a golden, unspoilt beach, washed by the sun-warmed sea.
• Ramakrishna Beach
  One of the loveliest beaches on the East Coast, the Ramakrishna beach is a favorite resort for tourists visiting Vishakhapatnam.
• 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.

Excursions of Vishakhapatnam

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Festivals of Vishakhapatnam
The annual tourism event, the 'Vishakha Utsav' is held in Vishakhapatnam for three days from the third Friday to Sunday in the month of January.

Places to stay in Vishakhapatnam

• Daspalla Hotels Limited
• Dolphin Hotels Limited
• Green Park
• Hotel Jyothi Swaroopa
• Hotel Meghalaya
• Hotel Prince
• Palm Beach
• Hotel Taj Residency
  

Nearby Cities of Vishakhapatnam

• Simhachalam: 16 km
• Araku Valley: 115 km
• Borra Caves: 90 to 95 km

How to Get There

• Air
  Vishakhapatnam has an airport. Indian Airlines flies to Vishakhapatnam daily from Mumbai, Kolkatta, Hyderabad and Chennai.
• Rail
  Vishakhapatnam is the centre point for the trains going between Chennai and Howra and Howrah and Secunderabad. It is well connected by rail to all the important places in and outside the state.
• Road
  National Highway No.5 (Howrah to Chennai) passes through Vishakhapatnam. The Vishakhapatnam to Steel Plant - Anakapalli Road is most modern 4 Line Highway spans 45-km. The APSRTC runs buses and private buses connect major cities of the state and the cities in the neighboring states of Orissa and Madhya Pradesh with Vishakhapatnam.

General Information about Vishakhapatnam

• Climate: Tropical
• Temperature Range (deg C):
  • - Summer- Max 36, Min 25
  • Winter- Max 28, Min 19.6
• Altitude: 15 feet above sea level
• Clothing: Light Cottons in summers and light woollens in winters
• Best Season: August to October and January to March
• Languages Spoken: Telugu, Hindi, English
• STD Code: 0891

Visakhapatnam Photos Gallery:

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