Vishakhapatnam is built along the seashore of the Bay of Bengal, and is bounded and broken by the bold headland called the Dolphin`s Nose. The city boasts of a beautiful beach with a long beach road ending at nearly Bheemunipatnam on the northern end. The surrounding area is dominated on the west by the well-forested Eastern Ghats and numerous rivers, among them the Godavari and Indravati, drain farther east. The city is also known as "Vizag" and is surrounded by three hills, each of which has a shrine dedicated to a different religion - Venkateswara temple on Venkateswara Konda, Baba Ishaq Madina Dargah on Dargah Konda and Church of the Virgin Mary on Rose hill.

The city was named after the god of `Valor-Vishakha`. It was a part of the Kalinga Kingdom, under Ashoka`s rule in 260 B.C. It passed on later to the Andhra Kings of `Vengi`. After this Pallava, Chola and Ganga dynasties ruled the city. In the 15th century, Vishakhapatnam became a part of the Vijayanagar Empire. The Europeans, the Dutch, the French and the English established themselves from the 17th century onwards and used this as a major trading center to export textiles, ivory, tobacco, indigo etc. This port is well documented in the histories of these colonial powers as well as in Indian historical records. This coast played a major role during the reign of the Asaf Jahis and the Golcondas.

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park:
The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is located in Vishakhapatnam amidst the scenic eastern ghats of India, flanked by hills on either sides and Bay of Bengal on the east.

Ramakrishna Beach:
One of the loveliest beaches on the East Coast, the Ramakrishna beach is a favorite resort for tourists visiting Vishakhapatnam. One of the loveliest beaches on the East Coast, the Ramakrishna beach is a favourite beach resort for tourists visiting Vishakhapatnam. The Ramakrishna beach presents a picturesque and beautiful scenic beauty. The vast stretch of water and the accompanying calm is in sharp contrast to the scurrying activity on the road and the apartments on the other side. On the shores, it is a virtual fair with a colorful crowd of tiny tots, young and old having a fun filled time on the sand bed. It is Vizag`s favourite evening sojourn. An aquarium, the Kali temple, Visakha Museum, Roadside restaurants offering seafood is the other attractions.

Rishikonda Beach:
Located at a distance of 8 km. from Vishakhapatnam this beach is ideal for those seeking fun, away from the city crowd in a cool atmosphere at a reasonable price. This beach presents a picturesque and beautiful scenic beauty having golden sands, surf, sea and hill cottages overlooking the grand vista.

Kali Temple:
This is a small temple beautifully constructed situated near Rama Krishna Beach.

Vishakha Museum:
Situated on the shores of the Rishikonda beach, this museum gives historic insights of the past.

VUDA Park:
Located in Vishakhapatnam, VUDA Park is a heavy crowd puller and has a dancing musical fountain. This park is a heavy crowd puller and has a dancing musical fountain. The fountain dances to the tunes of popular Hindi and Telugu film songs. Boating facility is also available over here. There is also a skating ring, where one can enjoy skating. Coaching is given too for those interested in skating. Also take pleasure in riding on camel and horsebacks. This is the best place for kids in Vishakhapatnam. This park is a heavy crowd puller and has a dancing musical fountain. The fountain dances to the tunes of popular Hindi and Telugu film songs. Boating facility is available over here. There is also a skating ring, where one can enjoy skating. Coaching is given too for those interested in skating. Also take pleasure in riding on camel and horsebacks. This is the best place for kids in Vishakhapatnam.

The Harbour:
It is one of the natural harbours in the world. A temple, mosque and church are located on hills overlooking the harbour.

Dolphin`s Nose:
A huge rock, 357m high, is shaped like a Dolphin`s nose. The rock juts out into the sea, forming a headland on which is the lighthouse. The powerful beacon of the lighthouse set on a rock at sea has a beam that can be seen 65-km out at sea. The captivating symbol of Vishakhapatnam that charms the young and old alike is the headland Dolphin`s Nose. At 358 meters above sea level, with a lighthouse atop the hill, Dolphin`s Nose is aptly named.

Kailasagiri:
Kailasagiri is located on a hilltop and is a must to visiting place for all people visiting Vishakhapatnam. The charming hill on the seafront, affords a breath taking scenic view, especially towards Bheemunipatnam. A charming hill on the northern side of the city, Kailasagiri offers a spectacular view of the long shoreline and the cityscape of Vi zag. Viewpoints with roof and cement seats are located at different places on the hill to enjoy the serene atmosphere and scenic beauty. It has been developed as an attractive picnic spot. The magnificent Shiva Parvati 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.

Mudasarlova Water Works And Park:
Situated 10-km from the city, it is beautiful valley framed by hills with a lake that supplies water to the city. There is also a scenic 18-hole Golf course belonging to East Point Golf Club. Mudasarlova is a large water tank located at a distance 5 km from Visakhapatnam. The site consists of park (for picnics) fountains, birds and peacocks in cages, water tank and a beautiful garden.

Borra Caves:
At a distance of about 90-95-km from Vishakhapatnam are the Borra Caves, which attained historical and religious importance. Borra Caves are located at distance of 90 km from Vishakhapatnam. They are spread over the Eastern Ghats and occupy an area of 2 square kilometers. The one-million-year-old Borra Caves are situated at a height 1400 feet above the sea level. These limestone caves were formed as a result of the action of Gosthani River. The river, which now flows through these caves, was once upon a time flowing over the limestone area. Due to the pressure exerted by the river water on the mineral deposits, the limestone dissolved and gradually the caves were formed. In the process, giving rise to several interesting structures like - a mushroom, a temple, a mosque, a church and many more.

Submarine Museum:
Another Attraction to Vizag is the recently setup submarine museum, one of its kind in the country and the first Museum in Asia to be build off a Submarine.

Bheemunipatnam:
About 25-km from Vishakhapatnam is Bheemunipatnam. Bheemunipatnam is a place seeped in mythological lore. It has got its name after the legendary figure Bhima (second among the 5 Pandavas). According to a legend, during the Aranyavasa period, Bhima killed Bakasura and installed Sri Lakshmi Narasimha idol atop the hill. The most important aspect of interest at the place is the beach, which is perhaps matchless for its beauty all along the east coast. The 25 km stretch of road literally hugging the coastline from Visakhapatnam to Bheemunipatnam is simply breathtaking. Go back to the 17th century. Discover the remains of a Dutch settlement, ruined fort, armory and the oldest Dutch cemetery.

It is the second oldest municipality in India and the first in the state of Andhra Pradesh established in 1861 AD. Bheemunipatnam popularly known as Bheemli is situated at the confluence of river Gosthani and Bay of Bengal. Here one can find a big laterite topped hill with temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha.

Simhachalam:
About 16-km from Vishakhapatnam is Simhachalam, famous for the temple of Sri Varaha Lakshminarasimha. Architecturally this ancient temple deserves high praise. One of the most exquisitely sculpted shrines of Andhra Pradesh, Simhachalam temple is situated 16 km from Vizag among thickly wooded hills. The Eastern Gangas built this temple in 13th Century A.D. The beautifully carved 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 in a thick layer of sandalwood paste. And the real shape of the deity can be viewed only during Chandanayatra Festival (March - April).

Araku Valley:
About 115-km from Vishakhapatnam is the beautiful Araku Valley, with its bracing climate, orchards, and the Ananthagiri Ghats, which present an enchanting view to the visitors, is attracting tourists not only in India but from abroad too. The picturesque Araku Valley popularly called as Andhra Ooty is situated at an altitude of 3,100 feet on the Eastern Ghats at a distance of 112 km. from Visakhapatnam. A visitor to the valley will be greeted by smooth flowing silvery streams and 46 tunnels & bridges by a train journey. The famous attraction of Araku valley is the 1 million year old Borra Caves. Even the traditional folk dances like the Dhimsa and Mayuri are still performed here by the native Adivasis. Bus service is available to visit the valley from Vishakhapatnam. A.P. Tourism conducts an excursion trip everyday from Vishakhapatnam. Trekking facility is available from Borra Caves to Araku Valley.

Ananthagiri Hills:
Ananthagiri is a breathtakingly beautiful resort sheltered in the lush undulating ranges of the Eastern Ghats. It is considered to be a perfect head off to get away from the blistering summer months. The Ananthagiri hills are on the way to Araku Valley and are famous for coffee plantations. Ananthagiri is a breathtakingly beautiful resort sheltered in the lush undulating ranges of the Eastern Ghats. It is considered to be a perfect head off to get away from the blistering summer months. Ananthagiri is perched at an altitude where the panoramic vista unfolds stunning viewpoints.

Driving through picturesque coffee plantations the road to Anantagiri with its ups and downs on the Ghat route is literally enveloped with mango groves, waterfalls that gush and flow into the ravines. The Eastern Ghats rail route on this stretch is one of the highest broad gauge tracks in the world. Train travel is an exhilarating experience as lush landscapes of forest and coffee plantations afford a memorable spectacle. The swift flowing streams are another sight to behold.

Lawsons Bay:
A beautiful beach that falls on the way to Kailasagiri Hill, Lawson`s Bay is an ideal spot for sea bathing and surfing. Lawson`s bay presents a picturesque and beautiful scenic beauty. The vast stretch of water and the accompanying calm is in sharp contrast to the scurrying activity on the road and the apartments on the other side. On the shores, it is a virtual fair with a colorful crowd of tiny tots, young and old having a fun filled time on the sand bed.

Tourist Offices
Tourist Information officer
Regional Tourist Information Bureau, Vudda Building, Siripuram, Visakhapatnam - 530 003 Phone: 91-0891-2754716.

Andhra Pradesh Tourist Information Counter
Visakhapatnam Railway Station.

How to reach Vishakhapatnam
Air: Indian Airlines flies daily to Hyderabad and five times a week to Chennai, New Delhi and Kolkata.

Rail: Visakhapatnam is a major junction on the commercially important Chennai Kolkata rail line. As such the city is well connected by rail with New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. Daily express trains are available to all these four major cities connected with Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, New Delhi and Bhubaneswar.

Road:Vishakhapatnam is 650 km from Hyderabad and 350 km from Vijayawada. Regular bus services are available to Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Bhubaneswar, Chennai and Tirupati.