Visakhapatnam, nestled among the hills of the Eastern Ghats is a main port and second largest city of Andhra Pradesh.

Visakhapatnam, named after the God of valour, Visakha was once a small fishing village that was transformed into a major port on the east coast of India during the British Raj. Since then this port city has witnessed industrial evolution. Tour to Visakhapatnam includes beaches, zoological park, wildlife sanctuary, limestone caves, submarine museum and exotic long drives along the coast.

History of Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam, often referred as The Jewel of The East Coast, existed as a part of the vast Kalinga territory in 5th century BC. The Chola kings between 11 and12 centuries AD built temples in the city. In the late 15th and early 16th century, the Mughals dominated this area, and the European merchants from France, Holland and the East India Company exported tobacco, ivory and muslin via the natural port.

In the 18th century, Visakhapatnam was part of Coastal Andhra and southern coastal Orissa under French control and later the British. In 947, post Indian independence it was segregated into three districts - Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam.

Tourism in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam (Vizag), once a small fishing village transitioned into a bustling industrial and commercial hub. Dolphin's Nose, 358 m high is a famous cape in the port. From pristine beaches to serene lakes, exotic caves, hill ranges to magnificent valleys, Vizag has them all.

The nearest beach from the city is the R.K. Beach, and you can enjoy fun and frolic with family and friends. Children massively enjoy the excitement at the VUDA Park – a perfect blend of green patches and water. Visakhapatnam

Roll back into the Indian history with Visakha Museum. Learn the history of water transport in the Submarine Museum, the first ever Museum in Asia build off a Submarine.

The Keertana Vanamu Beach resort developed by VUDA offers guests a pleasant stay. Bheemunipatnam beach resort is an ideal place to spend long-weekends.

The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park located on the outskirts of the city, 30-minute drive from the city centre with unique species of birds and animals and varied flora and fauna is a must stopover. The Zoo houses the Indian Elephant, Indian Tiger, Crocodiles, wide array of colourful and vibrant species of parrots, Australian parrots are a major attraction here.

Araku Valley, situated 112 km from Visakhapatnam, is a pleasant hill station at an elevation of 1000 m. It is famous for its scenic gardens, valleys, waterfalls and streams.

The temple of Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami- Simhachalam Temple with magnificently carved 16-pillared Natya mantapa and the 96-pillared Kalyana mandapa is one of its kinds in entire India. Gajapathi Kings of Orissa built it before 1500 AD.

Not to forget the Water Boat rides and Theme Parks that makes Visakhapatnam a popular place to visit in India.