A name inspired by a god

The locals believe that there was a king in the 4th century, who on his pilgrimage halted at Lawson's Bay and built a temple dedicated to Lord Vishakha. The Hindu God of Courage “Visakha“ inspired the name Visakhapatnam. It is said that destiny favours the brave, probably, that is why it’s called ‘City of Destiny’.

Visakhapatnam has a rich history that spans centuries, marked by the rise and fall of various dynasties, colonial rule, and modern development. Visakhapatnam and its surrounding regions have been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Stone Age.

Visakhapatnam is surrounded by ancient Buddhist sites, many of which have been recently excavated, showcasing the legacy of Buddhism in the area. The region was once under the rule of the Kalinga Empire, an ancient Indian kingdom that thrived along the eastern coast. Kalinga lost its territory to King Ashoka in one of the bloodiest battles of its era. This pivotal event changed his life and led King Ashoka on path of peace and he became a follower of Gautam Buddha and embraced Buddhism.

The city's strategic location along the Bay of Bengal made it an important trading centre and was an important port under foreign influence of Portuguese, Dutch and thereafter the British empire. After India gained independence in 1947, Visakhapatnam continued to grow and develop as a leading industrial and commercial hub.

Culture, traditions and crafts

Visakhapatnam is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its vibrant culture and rich traditions. The main festival here is the Telugu New Year known as Ugadi. It marks the beginning of a new lunar calendar year and is observed with traditional rituals, feasting and cultural performances. Another popular festival is Dasara, also known as Vijayadashami. It is a major Hindu festival celebrated with grandeur in Visakhapatnam. The city comes alive with colourful processions, temple festivities and cultural events, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Another festival in the list is Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga.

The classical dance form, Kuchipudi originated from the nearby town of Kuchipudi, is characterised by graceful movements, intricate footwork and expressive storytelling.

Additionally, Visakhapatnam is also home to vibrant folk dance forms like Dhimsa and Kolattam. Dhimsa is a tribal dance performed by the indigenous people of the region, while Kolattam is a rhythmic dance performed with sticks by women during festive occasions.

Visakhapatnam is also famous for its Kalamkari art, a traditional hand-painted or block-printed textile art form. Artisans in the city create intricate designs depicting mythological themes, floral motifs, and geometric patterns on fabric using natural dyes.

Lip-smacking cuisines to discover

Visakhapatnam boasts a rich culinary heritage with a variety of delicious dishes to try. Seafood is a highlight, given its coastal location. You can savour mouth-watering preparations of prawns, fish and crab in local restaurants. Additionally, traditional Andhra dishes like Pesarattu (green gram dosa), Gongura Pachadi (sorrel leaves chutney), and Chapala Pulusu (fish curry) are must-tries for a taste of authentic local cuisine. Pootharekulu, a popular sweet delicacy from Visakhapatnam, is made from thin layers of rice starch and jaggery, rolled into cylindrical shapes. It's a must-try dessert for visitors exploring the city's culinary delights.

Monuments of great beauty

Visakhapatnam, a city rich in history and culture, is home to several architectural marvels that reflect its diverse heritage and influences. One of the most notable architectural monuments in Visakhapatnam is the Submarine Museum (INS Kursura). The INS Kursura, a decommissioned submarine of the Indian Navy, has been transformed into a museum showcasing the maritime history and technological advancements of India. Located on the Ramakrishna Beach, this unique museum offers visitors a glimpse into the life of submariners and the underwater world. Visakha Museum is another attraction housed in a Dutch bungalow dating back to the colonial era. This museum is a treasure trove of artefacts, manuscripts, and exhibits highlighting the cultural heritage and history of Visakhapatnam and the surrounding regions. The museum's architecture itself is a testament to the city's colonial past. People also throng to the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple also known as the Simhachalam Temple. Perched atop Simhachalam Hill, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Varaha Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple's architecture features a blend of Dravidian and Kalinga styles, with intricate carvings, sculptures, and a towering gopuram that captivate visitors. Some other major monuments include the Dutch Cemetery, VUDA Park Entrance Arch, Tenneti Park Entrance Arch and King George Hospital. These architectural monuments stand as testaments to Visakhapatnam's rich history, cultural heritage, and architectural legacy, attracting visitors from near and far to explore the city's bountiful treasures.

A site for Buddhist heritage

During the fifth century, the Visakhapatnam region was part of Kalinga, which extended to the Godavari River, as mentioned in Hindu texts. There are relics found in the area which prove the existence of a Buddhist empire in the region. Visakhapatnam is surrounded by ancient Buddhist sites, many of which have been excavated recently, showcasing the legacy of Buddhism in the region.

One of the important Buddhist heritage sites in the region is Bavikonda Stupa, located on a hill about 15 km (9.3 mi) northeast of Visakhapatnam city. Bavikonda consists of the remains of an entire Buddhist complex which includes 26 structures from three phases. An urn recovered here is believed to contain a piece of bone belonging to the mortal remains of the Buddha. The word "Bavikonda" in Telugu means "a hill of wells", which aptly describes the place as a hill with wells.

Miles and miles of golden sands

Visakhapatnam's coastline stretches for miles, adorned with golden sands and azure waters, making it a haven for beach lovers. From the bustling fishing harbour to the serene beaches, there's a lot to see. You can visit places like Dolphin's Nose for a panoramic view and Bheemili Beach for its historical significance and tranquillity. One of its most famous beaches is the Ramakrishna Beach, known for its scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along the promenade, enjoy panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal, and indulge in a variety of water sports and recreational activities. Other popular beaches include Rushikonda Beach and Yarada Beach. Each offers its own unique charm. Plus, don't miss the chance to taste some fresh seafood along the coast - it's a treat!

Don't miss the city's wild wonders

Beyond its beaches Visakhapatnam is blessed with an abundance of natural wonders waiting to be explored. The Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is a verdant oasis teeming with diverse flora and fauna, offering nature lovers the opportunity to embark on safari adventures and trekking expeditions amidst lush greenery. You can explore the scenic Araku Valley with its waterfalls and coffee plantations, hike up to Kailasagiri Hill for panoramic views of the city and coastline. The Eastern Ghats surrounding the city also offer stunning vistas and opportunities for trekking and wildlife spotting.

Reaching there

Visakhapatnam airport is located very close to the city centre and is well connected to most of the major cities of the country. Cabs are available at airport to take you to the city. By railways too Visakhapatnam is well connected to major rail routes of the country. Public buses run by state transport corporation (APSRTC) nicely connect Visakhapatnam most of the important places in the state.