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        VISAKHAPATNAM TRAVEL GUIDE

Visakhapatnam (also known locally as Vizag) is the second largest city in Andhra
Pradesh.
Vizag has India’s largest shipbuilding yard, India’s most powerful lighthouse. The
city is home to several state owned heavy industries, one of the most advanced steel
plant and has one of the country's largest ports and its oldest shipyard. It has the
only natural harbour on the eastern coast of India.
Vizag is primarily an industrial city, apart from being a tourist destination.

This region, formerly part of the great Kalinga empire that stretched up to the river
Godavari, has also been mentioned in Hindu and Buddhist texts from the 5th and 6th
centuries BCE, as well as by Sanskrit grammarians Panini and Katyayana in the 4th
century BCE.

This city was ruled by several dynasties: the Kalingas during the 7th century, the
Chalukyas during the 8th century, the Cholas, the Qutb Shahis of Golconda, the
Mughal Empire and the Nizams of Hyderabad.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Time zone         IST (UTC+5:30)
Area                   11,161 km˛ (4,309 sq mi)    
Elevation          5 m (16 ft)
Distance(s)
From Guntur     414 km N (land)
District(s)          Visakhapatnam
Population        1,498,900 (2001)
Density              340/km˛ (881/sq mi)

PLACE TO VISIT

Ramakrishna Beach - R.K.Beach is the most popular beach in the sense
that, you can find the locals hanging out during the hot summers, and relatively less
hot winters.

Rushikonda - Located 11kms away from the city, this has become a popular
tourist spot that even the locals frequent. A lot safer to wade into than the R.K. Beach,
cradled among hills, this used to be an excellent beach away from the madding
crowds.

Kambalakonda - A gorgeous nature preserve that many people in Vizag itself
seem to be unaware of. The solitude and the peace that one can experience at
Kambalakonda located within 20-25 minutes drive from the city center is priceless.

Jagadamba Center - Also called Jagadamba junction. Can be considered as
Downtown and is a must visit place. There is all forms of entertainment avilable
here, from scenic beauty to the noisy crowds. All the famous shopping centers and
malls can be found here.

Kailasa Giri - A local favourite, a short ride on to this hill gives you a spectacular
view of the sea, RK.Beach and Rushikonda Beach on right and left hand side. There
is a huge sculpture of Shiva and Parvathi. With a children's play area, a people-
mover akin to a ski lift called a ropeway. Beautiful scenic view can be obtained from
the ropeway, specially in the evening, when the city comes alive with all the lights.

War Memorial - There is a war memorial on remembrance of the victory at the
sea on 1971 Indo pak war. It is situated on the left side of Beach Road, just opposite
to the Submarine Museum. There is a fighter plane, a tank and few bombs/ missiles
kept as exibits. There is no entry fee and can be viewed from the road.

Simhachalam - A must see on a trip to Visakhapatnam, for its architectural
splendour although some of the sculptures were defaced during the Islamic
invasions. The temple inscriptions date the earliest donors to the 10-11th centuries.
The exact date of construction is unknown. It is located 15 kms from the city and is
dedicated to the half man half lion avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Matsyadarshini Aquarium - This aquarium is situated on the left side of
Kali temple of R.K. Beach. It has a good collection of marine as well as freshwater
fishes. The exit gate of the aquarium resembles the open mouth of a huge white
tipped shark. 'Kala Shrusti' a handicrafts sales shop is on the top of the aquarium.

Submarine Museum - is a one of its kind museum created in a real (now de-
commisioned) submarine of Indian Navy.This is the first of its kind in eastern asia.
This submarine is one of the earliest submarine procured from Russia. One gets to
interesting facts of working in the submarine. The museum is manned by retired
naval people.

Naval Museum -  is one more museum about maritime history of India. Again
its a lovely museum displaying pictures, models and content of Indian maritime
history.