Rajashri Venkatesh
Visakhapatnam (nicknamed Vizag) is the largest city, both in terms of area and population in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the coast of Bay of Bengal in the north eastern region of the state. It is the administrative headquarters of Visakhapatnam district and also the Financial Capital of Andhra Pradesh.As of 2011, the population of the city was recorded as 1,897,823, making it the 15th largest city in the country.Here is the list of places to visit when you are in Vizag!
Borra Caves are located at a distance of 92 Km north of Visakhapatnam. The caves open with 100 meter on horizontal plane and aobut 75 meters on vertical plane. These caves spread over an area of one square KM and the origin of river Gosthani which flows through the district. This you must see if you are in Araku Valley or in Visakhaptanam. This location is at a height of 800 to 1300 meters from MSL. William King the British geologist discovered this million years old cave in the year 1807.
Araku is a famous hill station of AP. It is located at a distance of 120 KM from Visakhapatnam ( Vizag ). It is famous for its scenic beauty. Located on the eastern ghats , it has valley, water falls and streams flowing by the side of the train track and roads. The journey to Araku Valley is the most enjoying as the rail passes through tunnels, hill sides and streams. . It is better to go to Araku by train and return by road.
Yarada Beach is surrounded by hills from three sides and Bay of Bengal on the fourth side. Located in close vicinity of the destination, the beach is dotted with lush green surroundings and soft golden sands. The beach is an ideal tourist spot for nature lovers as they can capture beautiful views of sunrise and sunsets on this huge coastline.
Rushikonda Beach is dotted with golden sand and the tidy waves of Bay of Bengal. Possessing a vast stretch of water, it is an ideal beach for indulging in various water sports such as swimming, water skiing and wind surfing. Lined with green plants and foliage, the beach attracts many nature lovers and adventure lovers to the destination.
The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is a good location to spend time with animals - particularly Sunday mornings. The one of the largest Zoological Park in Andhra Pradesh - next only to the one in Hyderabad and has a rich and varied collection of Wild Species including the Indian Tiger, Deer, Elephants and other attractions from Australia. Spread over 425 Acers of Land, the Zoo park is a host for over 400 varieties of animals. On Jan 1, 2000, there a news attraction to the Zoo Park. A Special Mini-Train was installed to facilitate people to watch the wild life in a open top train. The Train which runs of rubber wheels was installed at a cost of Rs. 8.5 Lakhs.
Kailasagiri is a hilltop park in the city of Visakhapatnam. The park was developed by Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) comprising 380 acres (150 ha) of land covered with flora and tropical trees. The hill, at 360 feet (110 m), overlooks beaches, forests, and the city of Visakhapatnam.
VUDA Park, also called Taraka Rama Park was named after former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Sri N T Rama Rao. The Park is develped by Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) near the Rama Krishna Beach in Visakhapatnam. The Park is one of the best places in the city to enjoy with family in weekends. With a green playfield, artificial caves, beautiful long lawns, flower gardens, and a children's park, boating and swimming facilities makes this park a good place to spend time. Children can spend their time in a 3000 plastic ball coverage.
Ramakrishna Beach is the most popular beach of Visakhapatnam. With its serene waters and tranquil atmosphere, the beach offers a lovely vista of the countryside. In the past few years, it has gained immense popularity amongst the tourists. Situated on the coastline of Andhra Pradesh, the beach overlooks the Bay of Bengal, along with its natural splendor. Infact, the marvelous landscape is beyond comparison.
Visakhapatnam has another Golden leaf in its feather and this Golden leaf has its speciality. The Submarine Museum - Kurusura being set up at the Rama Krishna Beach in Visakhapatnam has a speciality. The Submarine Museum is the first submarine tuned to a museum in the whole of Asia and second in the World.INS Kusura is a Russian built submarine built on December 18, 1969. The submarine embarked on its journey on February 20, 1970 via the Baltic Sea and reached Visakhapatnam on the May 11, 1970. Since then INS Kusura is being used by the Indian Defence.
A strange but popular tourist attraction, Dolphin's Nose is a huge rocky headland 174 meters high and 358 meters above the sea level, jutting out into the sea, resembling the shape of dolphin. The rock juts out into the sea, forming a headland on which is the lighthouse. The nation's powerful beam of the lighthouse directs ships 65 KMs away. Whole of Visakhapatnam city can be seen from this place
