Visakhapatnam, also known as Vizag, is where I was born and is very close to my heart, much more than just an industrial city. My home lies amidst the beautiful, serene hills of this beautiful city in northeastern Andhra Pradesh state, southern India. Vizag is one of the fastest developing cities globally and is soon to be made into one of India’s Smart Cities (The IT capital of Andhra Pradesh).

I have never experienced any discrimination concerning caste, culture, or religion. The majority of the population who reside here are the ones who have migrated from elsewhere in search of a job or for the sake of their livelihood. You will find many Punjabi, Bengali, and Oriya people residing here.

Vizag The City of Destiny

All glory to the Naval Base situated here as Vizag is one of the most important port cities on the east coast. The city embraces people of varied cultures and regions with open arms, natural splendor, and resources.

The Andhra Pradesh State Road Travel Corporation (APSRTC) operates buses from practically every city and town to Vizag, as do a few private operators from a few major cities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdFxfHmXGtk

1. Simhachalam

I would love to share with you the incidents and tales of my childhood, my upbringing, my experiences in life, and the influence of this city’s culture and uniqueness. My house lies near the majestic 11th-century built a shrine, praised for its excellent architecture called Simhachalam, known for Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy (always covered in sandalwood paste and replaced annually during the eve of chandanotsavam celebrations), situated on the mountains.

These mountains stand tall, depicting the traditional values and their eternity in this city. One might ponder the fact that mountains surround every nook and corner of the city.

I have grown up hearing about the pastimes of the various forms of Lord Vishnu and their significance in religion, which has further cemented my faith and a firm belief rather than just getting rubber-stamped into traditions and customs, as I believe in the saying which goes like “what matters is to look around with your own eyes and see where your heart takes you.”

2. Culture and Lifestyle

The culture and lifestyle of Vizag are imbibed in the words mentioned above. Interestingly, there lies a hill at the heart of the city, atop which one can find a church, a temple, and a mosque situated beside each other. Yet, there is utmost harmony, integrity, and peace in the city. I would proudly say that Vizag is the only city in India with no history of communal riots or caste clashes.

Telugu is the local language in Vizag, Andhra Pradesh. There is a substantial presence of Marwaris, Odis, Bengalis, Punjabis, Tamils, and Malayalees. There is also a huge community of migrant laborers from other areas of India who have been lured to the area by the quantity of work at locally based firms like Vizag Steel Plant and Hindustan Shipyard.

3. The Beautiful Sea

On the other side of the city lies the sea, which shows nature’s dynamic, calm, and adventurous virtues. Vizag is an excellent place for those who crave serenity, and the beaches’ scenic beauty is stretched long and vast like nowhere else.

The Beach Road (Ramakrishna beach, Rushikonda beach, Bheemili Beach, Yerada beach, and Sagar Nagar) is like a ‘Jewel in the Crown’ for the city those who love to get away on a long drive. Some added attractions on the sea stretch are the gorgeous Kailashgiri hill stations (a picnic spot/tourist attractions), Tenneti Park, Vuda Park, Dolphin Nose, etc.

Life has been great with every rejuvenating weekend spent at these beautiful places that define nature’s subtle magnificence, ease out the stress of life, and teach me to take it light and easy and embrace it the way it is. No one ever gets bored as the sea is calling you.

It is ancient and yet, as intriguing and blissful as love. A relaxed and breezy early morning spent at the seashore, watching the sunrise, capturing it into immortal frames (digital photography is one of my hobbies) is the secret of my creativity, rejuvenation and it has taught me to be comfortable in my own body, time and space in life.

Painting is another hobby of mine, and the culture of Vizag has vastly influenced this hobby. The lush green hills and the deep blue sea are incorporated with art, music, beautiful monuments, and age-old shrines, and the culture brings out the variety and diversity of this city.

4. Industrial Hub and The Megapolis

One of the recent developments in the city, other than the Industrial hub and the megapolis, is the IT (Information technology) hub situated on the beautiful hillocks of Rushikonda in between the fresh green flora and picturesque valleys.

It has always been a pleasure, be it the warmth of the people, the misty mornings of the winter, or the wet drizzles on the seashore on a rainy evening. Vizag has and always will be very dear to me.

5. Museums in Vizag

5.1. Bojjana Konda

It is located near Sankaram village in the Anakapalli hamlet, 40 kilometers from Visakhapatnam district, and has architectural vestiges of the Buddhist period, one of the first of its kind in South India. It is one of the most impressive collections of Buddhist structures discovered during excavations in 1906, dating from 200 BC to 700 AD.

A series of rock-cut caverns, multiple groups of monolithic dagobas standing on rock platforms in tiers above one other, and, to top it all off, a rock-cut stupa with considerable structural remnants can be seen on the eastern hill. A stairway, partly rock-cut and partially constructed, leads up to a massive double-story cave on the western slope of the eastern hill.

5.2. Buddhist Excavations

During the second century A.D., the villages of Bojana Konda, Thotla Konda, Bhavi Konda, and Salihundam in the vicinity of Visakhapatnam were Buddhist centers. At these locations, Buddhist structures like stupas and chaityas were constructed. Some of the Buddha’s bodily relics are claimed to have been preserved at these locations. As a result, all of these locations became hallowed.

5.3. The Naval Museum

This exhibit depicts India’s maritime history through images, models, and materials.

5.4. Naval Aircraft Museum

This is a one-of-a-kind attraction in India, located opposite the submarine museum. This museum displays a decommissioned Russian anti-submarine aircraft that has been rebuilt for public viewing. The inside of the airplane may be seen, and authentic engines are exhibited.

5.5. Submarine Museum

A museum housed in a decommissioned Indian Navy submarine. This is the first of its sort in Asia. This submarine was one of the first purchased from Russia. The submarine working experience is described. The museum is staffed by former sailors.

6. The Araku Valley

This picturesque valley is six hours away by rail or public bus. A leisurely passenger train departs the Vizag station at 6:50 a.m., and the train trip is pleasant. Arrive at least an hour before the departure time to ensure a seat.

The railroad traverses’ tiny mountains and tunnels. On the line, the “Shimiliguda” railway station is India’s highest broad-gauge railway station. Araku Valley is not a day excursion, however, the APTDC facilities can provide enough overnight. Book your APTDC rooms as soon as possible.

Padmavathi Botanical Gardens is a must-see. The ideal months to visit are November to February, and early reservations at the lodges are recommended because Araku Valley has few lodges and motels.

The limited public bus service in and around Araku Valley makes travel difficult. Cabs may be booked at the APTDC resort for a day excursion across the valley to the Bora caves; the ride is breathtaking.

7. FAQs

7.1. What Animals May Be Found in The Vizag Zoo?

Indira Gandhi National Park opened to the public on May 19, 1977. It has a total size of 625 acres (253 ha). It is located in Visakhapatnam, India, among the picturesque Eastern Ghats, the best place for nature lovers.

Animals in the zoo’s herbivore population include barking deer, wild boar, elephant, sambar deer, spotted deer, gaur buffalo, swamp deer, nilgai, Hippopotamus, Eld’s deer (thamin deer), and giraffe.

7.2. Which Areas in Visakhapatnam Offer the Greatest Spiritual and Religious Destinations for Children and Families?

7.3. What Distinguishes Vizag?

Vizag is one of the state’s oldest port cities. Vizag, also known as Vishakhapatnam, is well-known for its peaceful surroundings and beaches. If you are seeking locations to visit in Vizag, other than the beaches, these are some of the greatest spots to observe the city’s rich cultural legacy.

-Steffy Michael|12/6/22