Visakhapatnam: city of (Visakha)

Once upon a time, there was a fisherman’s village named Vizagapatnam on the east coast of India abutting the Bay of Bengal. Today, it’s geographical location has made it a busy port city and the headquarters of the Eastern command of the Indian Navy. Vishakapatnam is also a major industrial hub on the Indian coast . Lying between the Eastern ghats and the Bay of Bengal, it is home to some beautiful beaches, and hills.

How did it get it’s name?

You must have noticed the word Visakha within brackets in the title. That is because there are various explanations.

A temple dedicated to Visakeshwara, the Hindu God of valour built by the Chola Kings is belived to be submerged just off the coast of the city giving it it’s name.

Some attribute Visakha to be a Buddhist princess and others to a Buddhist monk named Vaisakhi .

Yet another explanation is that the word “isakha” in Telugu (local language) means sand and the vast sand expanses along it’s beaches contributed to the name.

A brief history

It was part of the Kalinga empire and conquered by Emperor Ashoka. During this period, Buddhism flourished here with construction of significant monuments which can be seen even today.

It has also seen the reigns of the Pallavas, Cholas and Gangas over time. European colonisation started in 1630 with the Dutch, French and British all taking control at various points in time. They have all left their marks on this city.

After Indian Independence, it was under the Madras presidency and finally became a part of the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Our Trip

Landing in Vizag was a beautiful sight though it was a little hazy. The port and Dolphin’s nose were visible from the aircraft inspite of the haziness.

Landing at Vizag..the port and Dolphin’s nose are clearly seen.

We were put up at Hotel Novotel which overlooks Varun Beach, one of the famous beaches at Vizag . Great views of the ocean were the highlight besides an infinity pool which visually merged with the sea. The port being close by, lot of shipping activity was also visible.

Varun Beach view from hotel

The infinity pool visually merges with the ocean

Ships await berthing at the port.

A ship being guided by tug boats into the harbour

The beach road becomes a pedestrians only road till 7 am in the mornings and the locals use the road for walking and such other activities.

Beach road in the morning

And at night…..

Beaches of Vizag

The Ramakrishna beach, Varun beach, Rushikonda beach , Bheemili beach and the Dolphin’s nose are the popular beaches in Vizag.

Ramakrishna beach is so called due to the Ramakrishna Ashram close by. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Enjoying a dip at R K Beach

Opposite the beach are several monuments and museums.

The aircraft museum and memorial opposite RK beach

Submarine Museum

INS Kursura, a submarine of the Indian Navy is preserved here and converted into a museum. More on this in another episode.

The submarine museum

Rushikonda Beach

This beach is around 8 km from Vizag but has an interesting name meaning Hill of the sages. Seven learned sages are believed to have meditated on the adjoining hill. Water sports are an added attraction here.

Rushikonda Beach

Bheemili beach

Located around 24 kms from Vizag, this beach lies near the Gosthani river and has British and dutch settlements nearby. It is more of a rocky beach.

The rocky Bheemili beach

Dolphin’s Nose

A rocky head shaped like a dolphin’s nose is a conspicuous landmark in Vizag and can be seen even from the flight and has a light house.

Dolphin’s Nose

Kailasagiri

Another interesting location is Kailasagiri, a hill from where you get great views of the city and the ocean. A 40 ft tall statue of Shiva and Parvati in a garden adorn the hilltop and gives it it’s name. A toy train ride on the top takes one around giving 360 degree views. A ropeway service is available here. One can also drive up to the hilltop.

Some pictures

View of Vizag and beaches from Kailasagiri

The ropeway to the top and the toytrain on top

The park and the weather dome

The Shiva Parvati statue

Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex

Situated 15 kms from Visakhapatnam on a hill overlooking the sea is this Buddhist complex. A stupa and various other monuments stand as a reminder of the Buddhist influences in the history of Visakhapatnam. Archaeological excavations at the site have only reinforced it.

Some pictures…

Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex

That sums up the interesting locations in Visakhapatnam. Araku Valley and Borra caves are interesting destinations near Vizag that will covered later.

Next week we visit INS Kursura, the submarine which is now a museum.

Till then, do give your comments and feedback…