Visakhapatnam Tourist attractions have turned the picturesque south Indian city of Vizag, Andhra Pradesh, into one of the greatest tourism centers of the country. The port city of Visakhapatnam is an amalgamation of natural beauty and modern development. Its green hills, golden beaches, the long coastline and its religious sites have made the city a paradise on earth.
Visakhapatnam is very well connected with rail, road and air transportation. Some of the popular tourist sites in and around Visakhapatnam are:
Kailasgiri
The charming hill on the seafront, sprawled over 100 acres of hill area, and rising 304 mts. above sea level, presents a breath taking scenic view, especially towards Bheemili. It has been developed as an attractive picnic spot. View points with roof and cement seats are located at different places on the hill to enjoy the serene atmosphere and scenic beauty and the whole city can be viewed in a panorama. The magnificent Shiv Parvathi statues with lighted mountains in front are worth seeing. Sankaram, Chakram and Namam fully lighted in the night are visible from almost all parts of the city.
Beach
The marvelous beach occupies the largest part of the seafront and is the most popular site in the city. The beach is at its best at dawn and dusk. It has plenty of visitors looking for a nice outing on the sea front.
Rushikonda
The golden, unspoiled beach at Rushikonda washed by the sun-warmed sea, will keep you mesmerized.Green and picturesque, this beach strip falls besidethe road from Visakha to Bheemili. This spectacular beach is picturesque with massive sand dunes creating a spectacular geographical formation which supposedly remind one of the famous Kovalam Beach in Kerala. The A.P.Tourism Beach Resort "Punnami" offers a breathtaking view of the sea.
Dolphin's nose
An unforgettable landmark of Visakhapatnam, the Dolphin's Nose is a massive rock headland, 174 mts. in height and 358 mts. above sea level in the southern part of Visakhapatnam. It breaks the coastline and is so called because its shape resembles a dolphin. The dolphin shaped promontory juts out to the sea with a powerful light house. Very true to its name!
Araku valley
The adjacent figure is a view of the Gostani River from Borra Caves. After stopping by the Borra Caves move on to the sights and sounds of the lush green Araku Valley. from Visakhapatnam. Still untouched by modernity, traditional folk dances like Dhimsa and Mayuri are performed here. The valley, in its pleasant climate, with orchards and the Ananthagiri Hills, is a memorable experience. Araku offers the most awe-inspiring sights, if one takes a journey by train from Visakhapatnam.
Bheemunipatnam
The town is named after 'Bhim', one of the Pandava Brothers. It is 24 kms. from Visakhapatnam and is known for the 17th century ruins of a Dutch fort, a settlement and a cemetery which are still there to be seen. A cemetery at the mouth of the river Gosthani has some tombs embossed with the skull and cross bone motifs of sea pirates. The beach here is considered to be the safest and calmest for swimmers.
Simhachalam
Simhachalam or the 'Lion's Hill', 16 kms. from Visakhapatnam, located at an altitude of 800 feet on the Kailsa hills. It is known for the 11th century temple dedicated to Varah Narasimha - the lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The deity is always covered with sandalwood paste, giving it the appearance of a sandal wood Shiva Linga. During the Chandana Yatra Festival celebrated over here in March - April, the real shape of the deity can be seen. The shrine is a marvel of architecture, and has inscriptions (about 525 in all) dating back to 1098 A.D. on its walls and exquisite sculptures as well.
Buddhist Heritage Sites
Historically, the Buddhist sites date back to as early as the second century BC to the seventh century AD. Bavikonda situated about 20 kms. north east of Visakhapatnam, has stupas, chaityas and congregation halls. The Thotlakonda Budhist Complex (also known as "The Hill of Eagles"), on the Vizag-Bheemli beach, is the most famous. The complex, located at 16 kms. from Visakhapatnam, has a number of stupas, chaityas, viharas, a congregation hall and other enchanting constructions. Other areas of interest around the city include Pavurallakonda, Gopalapatnam and Lingarajupalem.