You're Going to Love Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam is a port city and industrial center in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, on the Bay of Bengal. It’s known for its many beaches, including Ramakrishna Beach, home to a preserved submarine at the Kursura Submarine Museum.
Visakhapatnam, also commonly known as Vizag, is one of the oldest port cities in the country. Situated in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam is known for its picturesque beaches and serene landscape, as well as a rich cultural past. The port of Visakhapatnam is renowned for being home to the oldest shipyard in all of India. Located a short distance away from Visakhapatnam is Araku Valley, one of the prime attractions of Vizag. Situated at a lofty 910 metres above sea level, Araku Valley is a hill station replete with gushing waterfalls, crystal clear streams, lush green gardens and some challenging trekking trails.
Vizag is dotted with many beaches along its coastline, with the most famous one being the Yarada Beach. One of the most stunning places to see in all of Visakhapatnam, Yarada beach is surrounded by majestic hills on three sides, and by the Bay of Bengal on the other side. One of the best things about Vizag’s beaches is that they are a lot cleaner and a lot less crowded than other famous beaches along the Indian coastline, and Yarada beach is no exception. It is the perfect place to sit back on the golden sands and witness a marvellous sunrise or sunset.
If you’re a history lover, the Borra Caves are one of the best tourist attractions that Vizag has to offer for you. Nestled amidst the Ananthagiri Hills in Araku Valley, the Borra Caves are over thousands of years old and are the biggest among all the caves found in India. Made entirely of natural karstic limestone, the caves are kaleidoscopic in nature, and the light falling on the rocks coupled with the waterfalls creates an extremely colourful effect, lending an aura of magic and mysticism to the entire ambience.
The Katiki Waterfalls, situated a short distance away from the Borra Caves, is a gushing waterfall that measures around 50 feet in height and is completely surrounded by the lush greenery of the valley. The crystal-clear water cascading down the rocks, bordered by the gleaming green foliage is a sight for sore eyes. Being a coastal area, the primary cuisine of Visakhapatnam includes seafood, as well as traditional Andhra South Indian cuisine. While Visakhapatnam is not exactly renowned for being a shopping destination, you will still find a lot of things that you can take back home. You can purchase a wide variety of stuff starting from handicrafts to Kalamkari paintings to wooden toys to even gorgeous Pochampalli and Ikat sarees.
Best places
Borra Caves
Located on the east coast of India, the Borra Caves are situated in the Ananthagiri hills of the Araku Valley in Visakhapatnam district. Breath taking hilly terrain, beautiful landscape, semi-evergreen moist…
Submarine Museum
Submarine Museum is located in Visakhapatnam in the south-eastern state of India. The museum is inside an actual submarine, INS Kurusura, which was India’s 5th submarine. The museum is situated on…
Industrial Hub
The city has many major industries like Fertilizer, Oil Refinery, Ship Building, Steel Mills, Petro Chemicals and a Naval Base. Visakhapatnam is a very important shipbuilding centre and the first steamer to be built in India was launched in Vizag’s harbour in the year 1948.
Culture Of Visakhapatnam
Owing to its historical ancestry that encompasses many great and diverse dynasties – ranging from the Buddhists, the Vijayanagara, the Mughals and finally the European colonial powers, Vishakhapatnam has a rich cultural heritage. The city is home to a cosmopolitan crowd including Ango-Indians and people from many different regions of the country. All religions find prominence in architecture devoted to them in and around the city – from Buddhist shrines to temples, from churches to mosques and minarets. Vishakapatnam hosts many popular festivals annually such as the ISKON Utsav, Chandanotsavam, Vishakhapatnam Music Festival, Rishikonda Beach Festival and Navy Day. A famous celebration is the Dhimsu dance performed by tribal women from the hills in their traditional costumes.
History Of Visakhapatnam
Vishakhapatnam has a richly interesting history, stretching back to around 5th to 6th century BC. Ancient Buddhist roots and influence can be traced back to when the city was believed to be a part of the Kalinga empire. Later it was ruled by many dynasties including the Pallavas and the Cholas until it passed to the hands of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 15th century. Subsequently, the Mughals ruled the city under their Nizam before the French conquest of the city. Being a strategically crucial coastal location, the British wanted control of Vishakhapatnam’s ports and harbours, and they fought the French in the naval Battle of Visakhapatnam in 1804. They subsequently took over the city, and it remained a part of the British Madras Presidency till India’s independence over 100 years later.
Restaurants and Local Food in Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam’s cuisine is a blend of all that’s in and around. From an elaborate South-Indian thali, the local favorite Hyderabadi Biryani , flattering North-Indian food to instances of fast food and the tangy and teasing Andhra cuisine, there is little space left in Visakhapatnam’s platter.
Do try the South-Indian relishes here such as Dosas, Idlis, and Upmas as well as popular items like Murri Mixture, Pickles and Chutneys, Booralu, Pulihara, Appadams and much more. One may also want to try Laskora Undalu (coconut laddu) Sunnundallu, Pachadi-typically made of vegetables/greens and roasted green/red chilies, Pappu Koora(Lentil based dish), Vepudu(Fry)- crispy fried vegetables and Garelu (A type of Vada) .
Suggested Itinerary for Visakhapatnam
Day 1 – Arrive and visit Kailashgiri, Submarine Museum, Rushikonda Beach. Then visit the local markets for shopping.
Day 2 – Visit Araku & Borra caves, spend time at the beach and then visit local food joints.