Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam is popularly known by a name of Vizag and also as Vatnam stands to be port city on the southeast coast of India. It was quiet a fishing town and got its commencement of establishment in the early 1920’s. Standing as the second largest city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, after Hyderabad along with that the city bears the title of being the third largest city of the east coast after Chennai and Kolkata.

The city was established by the British and in its age only, in 1933it was opened to the sea-going transports. Since then, it has been serving to the Deccan Plateau and the eastern part of the country making up as the industrial hub of South India. During the British Raj, the city used to be recognized with a name Waltair and has witnessed several tragedies in the past. The city of Visakhapatnam makes one of the largest seaports in the country and also owns the oldest shipyard. It also has a privilege of being the only natural harbor on the east coast of India.

It is believed that the city was named after Visakha, the Hindu God of valor. Visakhapatnam also holds a rich cultural and historical heritage as has been a part of the ancient empire of Kalinga, ruled by eminent kings such as Ashoka and Krishnadeva Raya. In the 18th century the city had been the Dutch colony.

The city is snuggled in the midst of the hills of the Eastern Ghats and faces the Bay of Bengal on its east. Vizag is flanked by three startling hills, Sri Venkateswara Konda, Ross hill and Dargah konda and each of these carry the heritage of housing the shrines dedicated to the three different religions. Visakhapatnam is the administrative headquarters of the district of Visakhapatnam and headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy.

The city of Visakhapatnam is popularly called with its nickname The City of Destiny and recently has gained one more title the Goa of the East Coast. The city incorporates gorgeous beaches, massive hillocks along with a splendid backdrop in its west-coast counterpart.

Visakhapatnam travel and tourism is a popular among the Indian and foreign tourists alike and for that the Visakhapatnam tour packages are a perfect way of exploring the splendor of the destination in Southern Eastern India.

General facts about Visakhapatnam
Location: South Eastern India
Altitude: 5 m
Language: English, Hindi, Urdu and Telugu
Climate: Tropical
Major Attractions: Kailasagiri, Rishikonda Beach, Ramakrishna Beach
Ideal Time to Visit: November to February

Tourist sightseeing in Visakhapatnam
One of the most popular cities of the state of Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam holds many tourist attractions in its basket. Among them the most popular ones are Venkateswara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva on Venkateswara Konda, Simhachalam Temple,Buddhist Stupa, Baba Ishaq Madina Dargah on Dargah Konda, the tomb of a Muslim saint and the Church of Virgin Mary on Ross hill.

The other places to visit in Visakhapatnam are Kailasagiri Hill Park, VUDA Park, Mudsarlova, Dantapuram, the Beach Road, Ramanaidu Film Studios, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Araku-valley, Pavuralakonda, Gopalapatnam, Rushikonda Beach and Araku, a scenic hill-station. The city also has a submarine museum which is known as Smritika at Rama Krishna Beach, the first of its kind in the entire South Asia.

Climate of Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam bears a tropical savanna climate with few variations in temperature all across the year. Summers here are extremely hot with May having the hottest month and January is the coldest month of the region.
The city is located on the Bay of Bengal, thus making its atmosphere with high humidity throughout the year. The best time to travel in the city is in the month November till February as during these months the temperatures are moderate.

How to reach Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam by Air: Visakhapatnam Airport is the busiest airport in Coastal Andhra. It is well connected with the major cities of the country along with few cities abroad, through its well organized airway network.

Visakhapatnam by Rail: It is on the Chennai Central-Howrah Station route and is connected to many major cities of the country on the eastern coast railway route.

Visakhapatnam by Road: The city has a well developed network of roadways and is connected to NH5 on the east coast.