Places of Interest - NCC Andhra Pradesh

Visakhapatnam is a Tourist Haven! There are number of places of tourist interest in
Visakhapatnam right from temples and Buddhist sites to nature spots and beaches.
Rushikonda:
Just 8Kms from Vizag, Rushikonda beach is a picture perfect setting with golden
sands, surf, sea and hill cottages overlooking the grand vista. For lovers of swimming
and water sports like skiing and wind surfing, Rushikonda is an ideal destination. At
the end of a grueling session, one can always chillout at the bar cum restaurant
attached to the cottage.
Bhemunipatnam:
The 25 Kms stretch of road literally hugging the coastline from Visakhapatnam is
simply breathtaking. On the way one can venture into "Erramattidibbalu", beautiful
formation of red sand, or the shallow waters of the unending beach. Bheemili a
sleepy little town, is the second oldest municipality in the country. The colonial past
of the town is evident in the remains of a once thriving Dutch Settlement. River
Gosthani at the mouth of which Bheemili lies forms an alluring recess to the town.
The important landmarks of Bheemili includes, pilgrimage centers, temples,
oldchurches, clock tower, light house, port and more.
Dolphin’s Nose:
It is the most prominent and unforgettable landmark in Visakhapatnam. It is a single
and massive hillock of more than 350mts height, resembles the Dolphin’s nose hence
the name. It protects the Visakhapatnam Harbour as well as the Head Quarters of
Eastern Naval Command. Visakhapatnam Port Trust’s, Light House is situated on top
of the hill and guides the approaching ships to Visakhapatnam. The port channel cuts
in between three hills which emphasis the lovely topography of Visakhapatnam. Ross
Hill, the highest mount named after Mr. Ross, local authority, who built a house on it
in 1864, Darga konda, has a mosque and a shrine of a Muslim sage Ishaque Madina,
who was revered for his prophecies. Sri Venkateswarakonda has a temple, which was
built by Capt. Blackmoor in 1886.
Ramakrishna Beach:
It is one of the most prominent beaches on the East Cost. It is the most happening
place in Visakhapatnam one of the crowed pullers in the city. It is commonly called
as R K Beach, which derives its name from the Lord Ramakrishna Mission. The
important landmarks in the city viz. Submarine Museum, Visakha Museum,
Aquarium, number of road side parks with children play equipments & lawns, War
Memorial, statues of eminent personalities and many more are situated in this beach
only.
Kailasagiri:
Kailasagiri Park located on a picturesque hill is truly an outstanding tourist spot in
Visakhapatnam city. Located at an altitude of 130mtrs.this hill park faces the Bay of
Bengal. The ranges are appropriately named Kailasagiri owing to the presence of the
statue of the celestial couple (Siva-Parvathi statue). The high point also gives a
panoramic view of the city, its beaches. There is a well-laid road for motorists and
steps for pedestrians. The entire area is illuminated and presents a fantastic sight

when viewed in the night from any part of the city.
While all this makes the ambience suitable for tourism, the presence of huge idol
makes the place worth seeing for the devotes. The Titanic view point, manicured
lawns and flower beds, food court, a jungle trail, souvenir shop, telescopic viewpoint
and many more. The other major attractions are the introduction of Ropeway to the
hill, art gallery, and air conditioned Conference Hall & Capsule Lift to the highest
view point.
Simhachalam:
One of the most exquisitely sculpted shrines of Andhra Pradesh, Simhachalam
temple is situated 16 km from Vizag among thickly wooded hills. The beautifullycarved
16-pillared Natya mantapa and the 96-pillared Kalyana mantapa bear
testimony to the architectural brilliance of the temple. The image of the presiding
deity, Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy, is covered by a thick layer of sandalwood
paste.
The Vuda Park:
The park named after Mr. N.T. Rama Rao, former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh,
popularly known as Vuda Park is a heavy crowd puller and has dancing musical
fountains, boating facility, skating ring, a well-equipped gymnasium and a stable
offering pleasure rides on camels and horses.
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park:
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, situated in between the National Highway -5 & Beach
road, spreading over an area of 625 acres, exhibits about 700 animals belonging to
about 89 species. The important attractions of the Zoo are Deer Safari, Nocturnal
animals, Toy train, Shanty Sarovar view, Zoo van drive and Bay of Bengal view
points.
Araku Valley:
Araku is one of the most important tourist destination in Andhra Pradesh. A pleasant
hill station famous for its scenic gardens with lush green nature, valleys, waterfalls
and streams. It is situated at a distance of 112 km from Visakhapatnam, The journey
to Araku valley on the Eastern Ghats with thick forest on either sides is itself highly
interesting and pleasant. The place is over 3200ft. high with a bracing climate. The
Botanical Garden at Padmapuram, Government Silk Farm with Mulberry gardens is
the live examples to know the socio-economic conditions of the area.
Tribal Museum is a biggest attraction of the Araku. Chaaparai, a picturesque place
about 15 km from Araku is another picnic spot in this region. One must experience
the climatic conditions and the natural beauty of this Valley. The natural beauty of
this valley comes alive with the aboriginal tribes who dwell here and who have to this
day kept their tradition and culture alive. About 19 tribes inhabit this area. The
Dhimsa dance, an age-old folk dance normally performed during ‘Itikala Pongal’ is
now offered in tourist’s packages everyday.

Borra Caves:
On the way to Araku Valley, 90 km from Vizag, Borra Caves house spectacular,
million-year-old stalactite and stalagmite formations, standing as a testimonial to its
pristine glory and age woven into intricate design through the centuries. While the
formations resembling mythological characters are an added attraction, illumination
of the caves by AP Tourism turns the naturally sculpted glory into a grand visual
feast. The nature made Borra Caves are a million and odd years old and said to be
discovered by William King in 1807. The river Gostani, beautiful hills and valleys
surround these caves. The local tale says, the tribals discovered the caves, when a
cow fell into the caves through the hole of the cave.
These caves are said have their origin from the river Gosthani. It was said, due to
the flow of the river Gosthani through the layers of lime earth, the caves were
formed, over the course of millions of years, The 300 ft. thick roofed Borra caves
spread over one square km., presenting a mind-boggling and breath-taking display
of naturally sculpted splendor. This is truly a worth seeing.
Tyda:
Tyda is a small village nestling in the wooded hills of the Eastern Ghats, on the way
to Araku from Vizag. Tyda is located 75 kms from Vizag. This place is a natural
bounty of flora and fauna, It is now home to an enchanting date with untouched
nature. AP Tourism department in association with the Department of Forests ha
established the Jungle Bells Nature Camp, an Eco-Tourism Resort. The camp
provides great view of Eastern Ghats, facilities for trekking, hiking and bird watching
in addition to accommodation in log huts amidst serene surroundings. A must see
place for nature lovers.
Anantagiri:
This place is located at the highest altitude place in Andhra Pradesh. Located on the
way to Araku Valley, the entire village is surrounded by coffee plantations, giving
you a pleasant feel of nature’s beauty. Several waterfalls, adorn the hillocks around
the Village. A. P. Tourism has developed a beautiful wayside restaurant to cater the
needs of the tourist passing through Anantagiri towards Araku.
Appikonda:
This is a small village situated on the coast of the Bay of Bengal at a distance of 30
kms from Vizag. It assumed religious importance owing to the existence of a Shiva
temple containing a life size Nandi carved out of black stone. There are also other
small temples around the temple but are mostly covered with sand dunes. The
temple contains inscriptions of 12th century A.D. The Shivaratri celebrated here is
attended by a large number of devotees.
Etikoppaka:
Over an hour's drive from Vizag, Etikoppaka is a delightful little village on the banks
of river Varaha. The craftment of the village have won fame on a national scale with
toys made of soft wood called "Ankudu" and coated with lac. These toys are colourful
and depict the rural life in an endearingly simple manner.

Submarine Museum:
The Indian Navy has installed a decommissioned Submarine I.N.S. Kurusura on the
sands of R K Beach, Visakhapatnam as a Museum for the display to the public and
tourists as well. This is the first of its kind in the Asia. The aim of setting up of this
museum is to create awareness among the public to know how the submarines work
during wartime and how the crew takes action etc.
Buddhists Sites
Visakhapatnam is surronded by ancient Buddist sites, most of which have been
excavated recently . The imprint of Buddhist legacy is so strong here that the
interest of archeologists in this area is growing by the day.
Thotlakonda:
The Buddhist Complex on the hill-top of Mangamaripeta, locally known as
Thotlakonda lies about 16Kms from Visakhapatnam on Vizag Bheemili beach road. It
is picturesquely located on the hilltop at about 128mts. high above the MSL. The
existence of Buddhist site at Thotlakonda came to light during an aerial survey
undertaken by the Indian Navy. After its discovery, the Government of A.P has
declared the site measuring an area of 120 acres on the summit as protected
monument during 1978.
The excavations that lasted from 1988 to 1992 have exposed structural remains.
These remains are classified as A) Religious, B) Secular and C) Civil. These
structures include the Stupa, Chaityagrihas, pillared congregation halls,
bhandagaras, refectory (bhojanasala), drainage and stone pathways etc. The
complex comprises of several structural components such as a Mahastupa, 16 votive
stupas, a stone pillared congregation hall, 11 rock-cut cisterns, well paved stone
path ways, an apsidal chaitya-griha, 3 circular chaitgya-grihas , two votive
platforms, 10 viharas consisted of 72 cells, a kitchen complex with three halls and a
refectory (dinning hall) etc. Associated with the above structures were unearthed
several inscribed chatra pieces with early Brahmi letters, nine Satavahana and five
roman silver coins, terracotta tiles, stucco decorative pieces, sculptured panels,
miniature stupa models in stone, Buddha padas depicted with asthamangal symbols,
early historic pottery etc.
Bavikonda:
Bavikonda, an important Buddhist heritage site located on a hill about 15kms.,
northeast from Visakhapatnam city. Here the Buddhist habitation is noticed on a 40
acres flat terraced area. Bavikonda in Telugu means a hill of wells. A Hinayana school
of Buddhism was practiced here. Bavikonda Monastery
flourished between 3rd Century B.C., and 3rd Century A.D., The discovery of relic
caskets in Mahachaitya is significant. Bavikonda has remains of an entire Buddhist
complex, comprising 26 structures belonging to three phases. A piece of bone stored
in an urn recovered here is believed to belong to the mortal remains of the Buddha.
It also contains large quantity of ash, charcoal, and earthenware. Three abandoned
water tanks were also have been found on this hillock.

Sankaram:
A Britisher Alexander Rea unearthed Sankaram, a 2000-year-old Buddhist Heritage
site in 1907. Located 40 km from South of Vizag, locally it is known as
Bojjannakonda. The three phases of Buddhism viz. Hinayana, Mahayana & Vajrayana
flourished here. This complex is famous for its numerous Monolithic Votive Stupas,
Rock cut caves, and brick build structural edifices. Excavations yielded several
historic potteries, Satavahana coins dating back to the 1st century A.D. several clay
tablets bearing figures of Buddha etc.
Bojjannakonda, the Eastern one bears richer architecture of the two hills. It presents
a picturesque appearance with its Main Stupa on the hilltop and dominating myriads
of stupas, mostly rock-cut and rarely brick-built, one above the other. Almost every
outcrop and protuberance has been converted boldly into a stupa. Similarly at
Lingalakonda, there are innumerable rock-cut monolithic stupas in rows spread all
over the hill. Other Attractions are a Maha stupa nearby which yielded a relic casket,
3 chaitya halls, votive platforms, stupas and vajrayana sculptures. A gold coin of
Samudragupta dating to 4th century AD was also found at this place. The Vihara was
active for about 1000 years, spanning the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana
phases of Buddhism. This place offers a glimpse into the rich Buddhist heritage and
culture is a must see for any tourist.
Pavuralakonda:
Pavuralakonda or 'the hill of the pigeons' is a hillock lying to the west of Bhimli, at
about 24 km from Vizag. The Buddhist setllement found here is estimated to have
witnessed human habitation between 1st century BC to 2nd century AD. Sixteen rock
cut cisterns for impounding rain water are found on the hillock, which offer a
panoramic view of the coastline.
Gopalapatnam:
Gopalapatnam, situated on the left bank of River Tandava, is a village surrounded by
brick built stupas, viharas and other Buddhist remains. Ancient pottery was also
excavated from these sites.