Places to Visit in Vizag/Visakhapatnam

PLACES TO VISIT

Simhachalam Temple: The World famous temple of Lord Varaha Narasimha, (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu), built in the 11th century. The main deity is always covered with sandalwood paste. This temple is situated 16 kms away from Visakhapatnam.

Kailasagiri Hills: The Shankham, Chakram and Namam atop the hills glow at night and stand as sentinels watching over the city of Vizag. The statues of Lord Shiva and Parvati are a tourists delight. An art gallery on the hills is an added attraction.

Araku Hills: This is 112 kms way from Visakhapatnam and the valley is situated at a height of 3,100 feet. The journey to Araku valley is unique, especially the train journey to Araku valley is an experience of a life time, as one goes through 46 tunnels. The lush green valley is the perfect destination for Tourists who visit Vizag. There are holiday resorts for tourists and tourists can also get a glimpse of folk dances like Dhimsa and Mayuri which are performed here.

Borra Caves: On the way to Araku is the fascinating Borra caves, about 90 kms away from Vizag. A million year old, these caves have magnificient stalactite and stalagmite formations. It has been illuminated with lights, by the Tourism department of Andhra Pradesh so that tourists can see nature at its best.

Jungle Bells, TYDA: TYDA is a tribal village 75 kms away from Visakhapatnam, on the Araku Road. An eco-tourism park has been created at TYDA, also known as 'Jungle Bells'. Its location on the slopes enables the tourists to look at the unspoilt beauty of the valleys and appreciate it. There are 4 Eurocon cottages, a twin log hut, 2 igloo cottages and 2 twin cottages at the site for all the people who cherish to be one with nature.

Dolphin's Nose: About 174 metres in height and 358 metres above sea level, stands the rocky promontary, called Dolphin's Nose. The Light House atop the hillock glows at night from over the mountain top.

Rushikonda Beach: Just 8 kms away from the city, this is truly a tourists delight as it is away from the city and yet near the city. This portion of the sea is safest to bathe or surf. The Government owned Punnami Resorts offer rooms at reasonable rates for tourists.

Ramakrishna Beach: This stretch of the sea which has been developed is a virtual treat for the residents and the tourists of Vizag. It is a tourist destination in itself with various statues, the Kali Temple, the Ramakrishna Ashram, the Submarine Museum, the Visakha Museum and various other attractions along the road.

Ross Hill: The Hill is one of the most unique Landmarks of Vizag with the Sri Venkateswara Temple, The Roman Catholic Church called Kanyamary konda and a Mosque called Ishaque Madina all located at the same place.

Bheemunipatnam: This is 24 kms away from Visakhapatnam. The drive along the beach road is fruitful as it leads to the remains of the 17th century Dutch settlement, ruined fort, armoury and the oldest Dutch cemetery.

Erra Matti Dibbalu:  Erra Matti Dibbalu means Red Mud Hillocks in Telugu. These are the naturally formed ravines which have been formed over the years because of wind currents and soil erosion. These ravines located at Bheemili are a rage with the tourists and it is thrilling to get lost in the maze of these ravines.

BUDDHIST SITES:

Thotlakonda: Some 15 kms away from Vizag, on the Bheemili Road are these beautiful ancient structures. Legend has it that the stones of the mountains were carved into giant sized tubs to store water by the Buddhist monks in the days of yore. Bavikonda: This is 16 kms away from Visakhapatnam. Sankaram: This is 41 kms away from Visakhapatnam.