| Facts and Figures | |
|---|---|
| Population | 1.15 million |
| Languages | Telugu, English |
| Best time to visit | Throughout the year |
| STD Code | 0891 |
LOCATION
Vishakapatnam, a south Indian harbor city is the commercial and industrial heart of Andra Pradesh’s isolated Northeast corner. Andra Pradesh is the Southeastern state of India.
CLIMATE
Geographically Vishakapatnam located in an auspicious zone hence a moderate climate is enjoyed by the city. Average Temperature is 30-35 degree Celsius.
THE PAST
The history of Vishakapatnam or Vizag tells about the transformation of a small fishing village into the major commercial harbour of India. Originally, Vishakhpatnam was two separate towns - the northern and more urbane Waltaire and the southern port town of Vishak patnam. Gradually both these towns merged together into one.
SITES TO VISIT
Dolphin’s Nose- This best-known site is a rocky promontory known as the Dolphin’s Nose. This site is jutting into the harbour. Long beaches affording views across the Bay of Bengal and the busy Calcutta-Chennai shipping lane edge Waltair, the hilly seaside area.
Vishnu Temple- The 11th Century Vishnu temple is in Orissian style, which situates at Simhachalam Hill, 16 Km north-east. This temple is open only for pujas, special offerings to god.
Rushiconda - It is one of the best beaches in South India, 10 Km of North East of Vishakapatnam.
Bheemunipatnam - One of the East-coast’s oldest Dutch settlement, Bheemunitatnam is about 25 km north east of Vizag ( Vishakhpatnam).
Hollanders Green - A little way inland from Bheemunipatnam is Hollanders Green, a Dutch Cemetery.
Borra Caves - The limestone caves Borra Caves is situates 90 Km north of Vishakapatnam which is a million year old. This particular caves are filled with stalagmite and stalactite formations.
Araku Valley - Home to a number of isolated tribal communities is a farther 30 Km north.
SHOPPING
Shopping is not at all a usually important activity when one is at Vishakha patnam. However, the shopping centre like Jagadamba Centre can be approached for a variety of objects. The Customs notified shops are also worth mentioning. The main Customs notified shops are Japan Gifts, Singapore plaza and Paris Corner.
WHERE TO STAY
In city center: Many mid-range hotels are available near Poorna market, near Dabagardens,etc.
In Beach area: At the end of the beach road and nearby to the beach many accommodation facilities are available.
Accommodation in Deluxe hotels: Fifteen kilometers from the airport, on the beach road good deluxe accommodation is available. Altogether there are 94 rooms available in a busy deluxe hotel. The major facilities available are 24 hours Business center, Coffee shop, Swimming pool, Barbershop, Travel Desk, Pastry Shop, Baby sitting, Tennis, Golf on Request, Conference facilities, are also available.
The tariff ranges from Rupees 1400 / US$ 35 for single to Rupees 3900/ US$ 90 for Deluxe Accommodation.
Yet another deluxe hotel situates 16 Km away from airport and 3 km from railway station. There are 61 rooms available here and the main facilities available are Swimming pool, 24-hours business Center, Currency Exchange, Car Hire, and room Service, Beauty Shop Health Club & fitness Center, Tennis, Volleyball, table tennis, badminton facilities etc. The highlight of this hotel is that it is the only hotel on the beach with a resort ambience.
The tariff ranges from Rupees 1800 for A/c Single to Rupees 4500 for Deluxe Suite.
The third popular deluxe hotel is also situates on the beach road. Having 104 rooms altogether this hotel facilitates Business center, 24 hours room service / money Changer Swimming pool, Jogging Track etc.
The tariff ranges from Rupees 1400 for deluxe rooms to Rupees 4200 for Deluxe Suite. The highlight of this particular hotel is that the Executive Club rooms are those with special amenities.
HOW TO REACH
By Air: The airport is 13 km west of town. In all the Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays Indian Airlines (Tele - 546 501) flies to Calcutta. On Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday the same airlines flies to Chennai (Madras). To Hyderabad everyday flights are available. The fare to Calcutta is US$ 130, to Chennai US$ 105 and to Hyderabad US$ 100.By Rail: Vishakapatnam Junction station is on the main Calcutta - Chennai line. . The overnight train named Coromandal Express is available to Calcutta. To cover the distance of 879km to Calcutta it takes 15 hours. And towards South it takes 5.30 hours to cover the distance of 352 Km to Vijayawada and 15 km to Chennai Central.
The fare is Rupees 213 and 758 for 2nd class and 1st class respectively from Vishakapatnam to Calcutta. Rupees 108 and 390 for 2nd and 1st class respectively for Vijayawada. The fare for Vishakapatnam - Chennai Sector is Rupees 198 and 772 respectively for 2nd and 1st class.
By Road: As the city has been well connected with good roads the APSRTC, the state owned buses are available to all the destinations within Andhra Pradesh as well as Puri in Orissa.
By Boat: To Port Blair, the capital isle of Andaman- Nicobar Islands a boat leaves once in every two months. It is a journey of 15 hour and it can be booked at the Shipping office, which is on AV Bhanoji Row( Tele- 565 597 ) within the port complex. An early booking is highly advisable.
INFORMATION
The train station and bus stand are about 1.5 km apart. Both are about 2km from the center of city. The Beach hotels are all in Waltair, the most pleasant place to stay.Andra Pradesh Tourism conducts Day tours. The duration of City tour is between 8.30 am to 06.00 p.m. The tariff per person is Rupees 65 for adults and Rupees 55 for children. The main places to be covered are Sinhachalam Temple, zoo park, Kailas giri, Andhra University, Fishing Harbour, Port, Vuda park & Ramakrishna beach.
A visit of Araku & Borra Caves by both Road & Rail is yet another attraction of the conducted tour of Andhra Pradesh Tourism. This tour is conducted on every Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. The tariff per person is Rupees 185 /- irrespective of adults and children. The main places to be covered are Padmapuram Gardens , Tribal Museum, Ananthagiri Cofee Plantation, Borra Caves etc. The tariff inclusive of breakfast, lunch tea and tribal dances.
On Saturdays and Sundays tours to Araku- Bora Caves are also conducted by Road. The duration is from 07.00a.m to 09 p.m. The tariff per head is Rupees 165 for adults and Rupees 125 for children. The major places to be covered by this trip are TYADA Railway tunnel, Damukku View Point, Borra Caves, Anathagiri Cofee Plantation, Padmapuram Gardens and Araku Valley. The tariff is also included the lunch.
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