Run Around Vizag

Visakhapatnam or Vizag as popularly known and called is major industrial town as well as major tourist hub of Andhra Pradesh. Named after the God of velour, Visakha, Visakhapatnam was a fishing village under Ashoka's Kalinga empire, say, around 260 BC. During the 15th century it became part of Vijayanagar empire. The British converted it into a port. Today Vizag is the India's largest shipyard. A well-known landmark in the town is Dolphin's Nose, a rocky promontory. Ramakrishna beach and Rishikonda are two popular beaches. Ninety km from Visakhapatnam is Borrox Caves, on way to Araku valley, by bus. The caves are one million years old. They have stalactite and stalagmite formations. Visakhapatnam is well-connected by air to Hyderabad, Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Calcutta, Delhi etc. There are trains and buses to all major towns. Hindustan Shipyard, as well as the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. The city, once a small fishing village, gained cultural and political importance. For the tourist, the most outstanding feature of Vizag are its wonderful beaches. Unlike more well-known beach destinations, Vizag presents no problems of overcrowding. In fact, instead of wading through hordes of fellow tourists looking for the best spot on the beach, you practically have a huge section to yourself.

HOW TO REACH
By Air - Vizag is well connected to the major cities like Bombay, Calcutta, Hyderabad and Madras. There regular flights by Indian Airlines and Jet Airways.
By Rail - Visakhapatnam is well connected to the major cities with some express and regular trains. It is the center point for the Trains which goes between Chennai & Howra and Howra & Secunderabad. Few express trains are listed here :: Cormondal Express Chennai/Howra Mail Chennai/Howra, Falknama Express, Godawari Express, Konark Express, Link Express, Bangalore Express, East Cost Express, Howra/Chennai Mail, Gawhati Express, H. Nizamuddin Express, Okha - Puri Express, Swarna Jayanthi Express, Ratnachal Express, Bokaro Express etc.
By Road - National Highway No.5 (Howra to Chennai) passes through Visakhapatnam. The Visakhpatnam to Steel Plant - Anakapalli Road is most modern 4 Line Highway spans 45 Kms. The APS RTC runs buses which connects major cities to Visakhaptnam and the cities in the neighboring states Orissa and Madhya Pradesh.
WHEN TO GO
Best time to travel Visakhapatnam is between September and March.

WHAT TO SEE
Borra Caves - These limestone caves were formed as a result of the action of the Gosthani river. Due to the pressure exerted by the river water on the mineral deposits, the lime stones dissolved and gradually solidify to form the irregularly shaped stalagmites formed.

Araku Valley - Hill Station that is home to aboriginal tribes.





Bhimili - (Once Dutch Settlement) A small town on the coast line that holds its reputation for India's first municipality. There are many Buddhist settlements of yestee years like totla konda, bavi konda etc



Kailasagiri - Kailasagiri is located on a hilltop and is a must to see place for all people visiting Visakhapatnam. The charming hill on the seafront, exudes a mind blowing picturesque view, especially towards Bheemunipatnam.


Rishikonda Beach - At a distance of 8 km from Visakhapatnam is the Rishikonda Beach, a golden, virgin beach, caressed by the sun-kissed sea. The beach is an ideal place to laze around.


Ramakrishna Beach - One of the most alluring beaches on the Eastern Coast is the Ramakrishna beach, which is a favourite haunt for tourists visiting Visakhapatnam.


Indira Gandhi Zoological Park - The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is situated in Visakhapatnam amidst the picturesque eastern ghats of India, enclosed by hills on either sides and Bay of Bengal on the east.


Visakhapatnam also have other tourist attractions like, one of the most beautiful beaches of India, Kailashgiri, and some exotic parks by the side of the beach, of cource friendly people. There is lot to shop in visakhapatnam, like toys from Etikoppaka, tribla arts in Araku creations of Sea shells etc. Vizag doesn't have many good eating places but have some good places ,try eating some specialties like Biryani in Kamat, Tiffins in Sai Ram Parlours, South indian food is good at the most of the places.

WHERE TO EAT
There are few good restaurants in Vizag. Swagath Restaurant, Main Rd near Poorna Market, has good cheap food. There are two good restaurants at the Hotel Daspalla, one South Indian and the Vaisakhi Restaurant, which serves North Indian cuisine.