Visakhapatnam, also known as Vizag or Vishakha, is a famous tourist destination in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Vizag, located on the southeast coast of India, is one of the largest cities in Andhra Pradesh. Vizag, primarily an industrial city, soon became a hot tourist destination owing to its beautiful beaches, scenic hills, lush green landscape, and rich history and culture. The city of Visakhapatnam derives its name from Vishakha, the Hindu god of valor. The city is beautifully situated amidst the hills of the Western Ghats, whose eastern side faces the Bay of Bengal. The city is also nicknamed the City of Destiny and the Goa of the East Coast. Vizag, the largest and cleanest city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, is also known as the Gem of South India.
A Glimpse of history
The holy books say that the city of Vizag was under the reigned of King Visakha Varma over 2000 years ago. The name of the city was mentioned in the epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. In 260, BC, it was ruled by Ashoka and came under the Kalinga Kingdom. After that Visakhapatnam was under the Utkala Kingdom till the 1600 AD. Later, the kingdom was ruled by the Andhra kings of Vengi and then it went to the Pallava Kings. The Mughals also ruled the area during the 15th and the 16th century through the Nizams of Hyderabad. In the 18th century, Vizag was under the rule of the French. In 1804, the French and the British squadrons fought a battle near the Visakhapatnam Harbour and the British came to control the region.
The port of Hyderabad played a very crucial role for the East India Company during the rule of the British. Visakhapatnam was a part of the Madras Presidency during the British Rule. After India became independent, Visakhapatnam was the largest district in India. The district later divided into three districts by the names of Srikulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam.
Tourist places In and Around Vizag
Vizag has emerged as a paradise for travellers. Vizag has the resources to interest and entertain travellers from a wide range of interests. From beautiful beaches, to the scenic hills, to the natural valley, to the modern city infrastructure; it has something for everyone. Vizag is surrounded by hills such as the Sri Venkateshwara Konda, Ross hill and the Dargah Konda. Each of these hills houses the shrines of three different religions.
The Venkateshwara hill houses a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ross Hill has the Virgin Mary Church and the Dargah Konda has the tomb of the Islamic saint, Baba Ishaq Madina. Beaches such as the Rishikonda Beach, Gangavaram Beach, Bhimli and Yarada beach flank the eastern side of the city. Other tourist attractions include the Kailasagiri Hill Park, the Simhachalam hills, Araku Valley, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Submarine Museum, the War Memorial and the Naval Museum are a few places that are a must visit. One can also go shopping to the famous Jagadamba Center Mall.
Travelling to Vizag
The hospitality industry of Vizag is extremely competitive and world class. There is a wide range of facilitates that the travellers can enjoy and which cater to every pocket. Since Vizag has become a popular tourist destination, it is recommended that travellers make an advance booking to avoid disappointment.
How to reach Vizag
Visakhapatnam has a very well connected transport system. The Visakhapatnam airport is connected to most major cities in India. The airport is located 16 km away from the city centre, and taxis are easily available from the airport. Visakhapatnam is also well connected by the railway to all cities in India. One can travel to Visakhapatnam by bus as well as the road transport connects Vizag to many major cities of South India and is nominally priced.
Vizag weather
The best time of the year to visit Visakhapatnam is post the Monsoon months and during the winter season in the months of October to March. The city experiences hot summers and heavy rainfalls during the monsoon. The weather conditions are thus not suitable for tourist activities during these times of the year. The Visakha Utsav, which is a tourism promotion festival celebrated in Vizag, is also celebrated during the December-January months, making it the best time to be in Vizag. Vizag is a must visit for every traveller.