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.
Tourist
Destinations:
» Simhachalam
One
of the most exquisitely sculpted shrines of Andhra Pradesh, Simhachalam
temple is situated 16 km from Vizag among thickly wooded hills.
The beautifully-carved 16-pillared Natya mantapa and the 96-pillared
Kalyana mantapa bear testimony to the architectural brilliance of
the temple. The image of the presiding deity, Sri Lakshminarasimha
Swamy, is covered by a thick layer of sandalwood paste.
» Rushikonda
Beach
Just
8Kms from Vizag, Rushikonda beach is a picture perfect setting with
golden sands, surf, sea and hill cottages overlooking the grand
vista. For lovers of swimming and water sports like skiing and wind
surfing, Rushikonda is an ideal destination. At the end of a grueling
session, one can always chillout at the bar cum restaurant attached
to the cottage.
» Dolphin’s
Nose
It
is the most prominent and unforgettable landmark in Visakhapatnam.
It is a single and massive hillock of more than 350mts height, resembles
the Dolphin’s nose hence the name. It protects the Visakhapatnam
Harbour as well as the Head Quarters of Eastern Naval Command. Visakhapatnam
Port Trust’s, Light House is situated on top of the hill and
guides the approaching ships to Visakhapatnam. The port channel
cuts in between three hills which emphasis the lovely topography
of Visakhapatnam.
» Ramakrishna
Beach
It
is one of the most prominent beaches on the East Cost. It is the
most happening place in Visakhapatnam one of the crowed pullers
in the city. It is commonly called as R K Beach, which derives its
name from the Lord Ramakrishna Mission.
» Indira
Gandhi Zoological Park
Indira
Gandhi Zoological Park, situated in between the National Highway
-5 & Beach road, spreading over an area of 625 acres, exhibits
about 700 animals belonging to about 89 species. The important attractions
of the Zoo are Deer Safari, Nocturnal animals, Toy train, Shanty
Sarovar view, Zoo van drive and Bay of Bengal view points.
»
How to reach Vishakhapatnam
By Air : Connected with Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata,
New Delhi and Bhubaneshwar. Indian Airlines flies daily to Hyderabad
and five times a week to Chennai, New. Delhi and Kolkata.
By Rail : Visakhapatnam is a major junction on
the commercially important ChennaiKolkata rail line. As such the
city is well connected by rail with New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata
and Hyderabad. Daily express trains are available to all these
four maj or cities.
By Road : Visakhapatnam is 650 km from Hyderabad
and 350 km from Vijayawada. Regular bus services are available
to Hyderabad, \Tijayawada, Bhubaneswar, Chennai and Tirupati.
