Visiting Places In VIZAG

Visakhapatnam, or Vizag as it was often called, is the true spot where one can find the beauty of Andhra. Lapped by the Bay of Bengal,
on the eastern part of Andhra Pradesh lies the beach city, Vishakapatnam. It is the best tourism destination in Andhra Pradesh. Visakhapatnam has beautiful hill ranges caves,valleys,temples and also from lakes to cool beaches and many more.
The district has many tourism spots that will definitely be exciting, enriching and refreshing experience.It is one of the fastest growing cities in Asia. Visakhapatnam is a city of cultural & religious diversity.It has many tourism spots that represent the Culture and Heritage of the true India.No one should miss to see the Cultural constructions built during the age of kings who ruled this region.

Kailasagiri is the number one picnic spot in Vizag. Lot entertainment and well maintained places available at this hill top. Cable car and Toy train facility available for kids. The vast view of Bay of Bengal from viewers' gallery is a pleasing experience. In one of the parks sculptures are carved and installed for additional attraction.
Visit our Kailasagiri photo gallery



Rama Krishna Beach:

The Rama Krishna Beach, or RK Beach as it is commonly called, is one of the best tourist spot in Vizag. The beaches of Vizag enthrall the tourists and the clean beaches attract tourists in great numbers. Swimming, sun bathing, playing the beach volleyball or simply sitting under the cool shade of a tree and reading a book are the favorite pastime of many. R.K.Beach is a great picnic spot to spend time with your loved ones. Rama Krishna beach is a favorite beach resort for tourists visiting Vishakhapatnam. Both the Ramakrishna beach presents a picturesque and beautiful scenic beauty. It is Vizag's favorite evening sojourn. An aquarium, the Kali temple, Visakha Museum, Roadside restaurants offering seafood is the other attractions at this beautiful beach.
Visit the RK Beach photo gallery as viewed from Kailasagiri hill top

Rishikonda
Around Vizag
Annavaram Temple 100 KM
Araku Valley 120 KM
Borra Caves 92 KM
Kailas Giri Park 5 KM
Simhachalam Temple 10 KM
Thotlakonda 16 KM
Kambalakonda Eco Tourism Park

8 km from Vizag - is ideal for swimmers, water skiers, and wind surfers. It is a golden, un spoilt beach, washed by the sun-warmed sea .Tourists can enjoy a holiday in picturesque settings. There is a PUNAMI Resort and restaurant of APTDC- Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation at the top of a hill near this beach. Booking can be done from the office of APTDC. On the way to Rishikonda one can see many resorts and hotels by the side of the sea.

Simhachalam Temple
Simhachalam temple is located within the city limit but at a corner of Visakhapatnam. It is one hour drive from city centers of Vizag. Temple is located at the top of a hill and wide road is there for driving up to the temple. Bus service is available from foot of the hill to the temple premises. There is a separate route for Trekking to Simhachalam temple from Madhava Dhara side. More Details on Simhachalam temple.
Visit photo gallery of Simhachalam temple

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park: The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is located in Vishakhapatnam amidst the scenic eastern ghats of India.It is situated in the scenic eastern ghats with its natural settings. The zoo is flanked by hills on either side and attracts many visitors from all over the country and is the premier visiting spot for Visakha citizens. The zoological park can be compared with some of the best zoos in the world, though it is still in the process of development. It has different sections for primates, carnivores, lesser carnivores, small mammals, reptiles, ungulates and birds.

Bheemunipatnam:







About 25-km from Vishakhapatnam is beautiful beach of Bheemunipatnam popular as 'Bheemli' .This beach is located at the mouth of the river Gosthani.The beach is very safe for swimmers. It is also the site of the ruins of the east coast's oldest Dutch settlement (17th century). The drive from Visakhapatnam to Bheemli is exhilarating. The cemetery situated in the west of the town speaks of the Dutch who gave their lives here. The unique feature of the cemetery is the depiction of the cause of the death on the grave enlivens the past.
Visit the picture gallery of Bheemunipatnam

VUDA Park
VUDA Park, also called Taraka Rama Park was named after former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Sri N T Rama Rao. The Park is developed by Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) near the Rama Krishna Beach in Visakhapatnam. VUDA Park is one of the most attractive spots in Visakhapatnam. Musical Fountain, Boating, Skating Ring, Horse and Camel Riding. This park is a heavy crowd puller and has a dancing musical fountain. It is the ideal place for all to spend evenings and leisure times on seashore with eye catching and eco-rich surroundings. With a green playfield, artificial caves, beautiful long lawns, flower gardens, and a children's park, boating and swimming facilities makes this park a good place to spend time.The Entrance Plaza extends makes the visitors to have memorable moments of joy. Every day thousands of people visit the VUDA Park. It is another landmark in the tourism chapters of Visakhapatnam. The first of its kind in the whole south Asia.

INS Kurusura Submarine.
The Submarine Museum - Kurusura being set up at the Rama Krishna Beach in Visakhapatnam has a specialty which is the first one of its kind in this subcontinent. INS Kusura is a Russian built submarine. It was built on Dec 18th 1969 and began its journey on Feb 20, 1970 via the Baltic Sea and reached Visakhapatnam on the 11th of May, 1970. Since then INS Kusura was being used by the Indian Defence. The Navy developed it as a War-Memorial with a project cost of Rs.5.5 Crores. The length of Submarine is 91.3 Mtrs. while the breadth is 8.00 mtrs. This is the first of its kind in Asia and second in the world. The Museum opens for public from 9 am to 9 pm. Chief Minister Sri N Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the Museum

Dolphin's Nose:
A strange but popular tourist attraction, Dolphin's Nose is a huge rocky headland 174 meters high and 358 meters above the sea level, jutting out into the sea, resembling the shape of dolphin. The rock juts out into the sea, forming a headland on which is the lighthouse. The nation's powerful beam of the lighthouse directs ships 65 KMs away.
Yarada Beach:
One of the finest and safest beach available in India. This is nearer to the Dolphin nose. Sunrise view in this beach is un forgettable. APTDC resorts are also available (confirm before booking) but people hardly stay there. A must see place for all travellers in Vizag. Phone number of Yarada Resort 0891- 3205124
Visit our Yarada beach photo gallery

Buddhist Heritage places in and around Vizag
There are several Buddhist complexes in around Vizag. The well known are, Bojjana Konda, situated nearer to Anakapalle nearly 45 Kms from Vizag. Thotla Konda and Bhavi Konda are nearer to Rishikonda beach of Visakhapatnam. These places have the ruins of the then used items by Buddhists.

Erra matti Dibbalu (Red sand Hills)
This place is famous because of the importance it has got as a shooting place for movie makers. The hills are with red soils and nearer to the Bay of Bengal. A further journey from Rishikonda beach towards Bheemunipatnam takes you to this scenic place. It has got thick forest inside but take care of yourself as nobody dares to enter inside this place.

Visakhapatnam is well connected with major Indian cities and state capital Hyderbad by Air, Railway and road. Indian Airlines operates daily flights to Vizag from Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai.

One of the oldest Andhra University is located at Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam Steel Plant is the India's first shore based integrated steel plant located towards south of the city. This steel plant is at present expanding from 3 MT capacity to 6 MT.
Other industries of Vizag includes HPCL (Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited) refinery, Bharat Heavy Plate & vessels Ltd.(www.bhpvl.com) , NTPC and some other public and private industries.

e_Darshan and accommodation booking for Tirupati from Visakhapatnam

Important Places of tourist interest

Temple of Gnana Sarswathi

Last weekend, I took my son and nephewto the temple town of Basara,abode of Gnana Saraswati. The place is around 220KMs north of Hyderabad, 40 KMs from Nizamabad and 95 Kms from Nandeed in Maharastra.I traveled by road on NH7 and took a diversion just after crossing Sarangapur from Nizamabad side. One can also reach through railways,the nearest railway station being Mudkhed JN on the Secundrabad- Nandeed route.




As per the legends,the Basara Gnana Saraswati temple is one of the two oldest and famous temples dedicated to Goddess Saraswati in India. The other one is located in Kashmir. Veda Vyas on completion of Mahabharata War came down to Dandakarana and settled on the serene banks of Godavari river, he would carry every day a fistful of sand, post ritual bath in the river. He made the idols of goddesses Saraswati, Lakshmi and Kali by moulding the sand.The place has been a pilgrimage centre at least since 6th century AD, the current structure was supposed to have been constructed by Chalukya kings. The idols have been replaced in 17th century by a chieftain of Nandagiri or present day Nandeed after they were destroyed by the Muslim invaders earlier.


The temple is a simple structure, nothing brilliant architecturally, however, the place attracts many pilgrims from all over AP and adjourning Maharastra and Karnataka.


Kids are initiated into Akshara Gnana in the temple premises, A small bite of turmeric paste is given to the kids to taste as it is supposed toclear vocal chordsfor better learning. The goddess makes one forget everything in her presence one comes out of the temple with immense devotion.


Basanth Panchami & Navaratri(during Dussera) bring about festivities as thousands of pilgrims come over during these period.





On the way from Nizamabad, we came across an old Hanuman temple on a small hillock, the temple was constructed by Swami Samarth Ramdas,Spritual Guru ofChatrapathi Shivaji. The place is known as Sarangapur Hanuman.




Basara has TTD run 100 rooms accommodation, the charges are Rs100 and 200 respectively for different types of accommodation.The state run Tourism department accommodation called Punnami is the best, the tariffis Non Ac Rs 800/- per double bed room, Ac Rs 1260/- the charges are same all over the state, wherever Punammi is located. The private hotels charges vary with the season.


The temple opens at 0400 AM, all those who want to conduct Archana and special poojas can enter the temple, the normal Darshan starts at 0730 Hrs and temple closes around 2130 Hrs.


Incidentally, an IIT was to come up in 11th plan and was under approval during NDA regime, the same has since been approved and being located near Hyderabad for logistic reasons. Instead a 21st century gurukulam has been sanctioned.




I have placed few photographs of the visit, that includes Saranagpur Hanuman temple,Saraswati temple and Ghats of River Godavari. The photos have been taken using Sony camcorder as our digital camera developed some technical hitch, therefore theyare just good enough.

Basara Saraswati Temple

Punnami Basara

River Godavari

Sarangapur Hanuman Temple :

Mahima of Vijayawada Kanaka Durga

The abode of Kanaka Durga, goddess of power, riches and benevolence, is the presiding deity of the city. The temple is set on the Indrakiladri hill. The deity in the Kanaka Durga temple is regarded as Swayambhu or self-manifested, hence is considered very powerful. It is said that Adi Sankara visited this temple and installed the Sri Chakra here.

The beauty of this temple is seen to be believed. The temple is situated on a hill on the banks of the Krishna river. The origin or installation of Kanaka - durga Devi at Vijayawada is unknown. She is said to be Swayambu or selfmanifest. She also takes the aspect of Chandi or destroyer of the demon Durgama who was causing havoc among the peace - loving inhabitants of Dakshinapatha.

Mother Kanakadurgeswari seated atop the Indrakilaparvatha at Vijayawada is the supreme Goddess of Andhra Pradesh, attracting lakhs of tourists since time immemorial. This temple occupies a covetable place in the scriptures; for several of the Sivalilas and Saktimahimas were enacted on and around it, making the region a place of unparalleled spiritual eminence of everlasting significance.
Durga Puja Photo Gallery

Different Forms of Durga


Nine different forms of Devi, worshiped over the nine days.
As the ten-armed Goddess, Goddess Durga presents a radiantly beautiful form that is bewitching to behold. That special form is somehow simultaneously wrathful and benign and transmits profound spiritual teachings in an exacting manner. The nine-day period from the new moon day to the ninth day of Ashvina is considered the most auspicious time of the Hindu Calendar and is hence the most celebrated time of the year as Durga Puja. The nine different forms of Devi are worshiped over the nine days. These are the most popular forms under which she is worshiped:

Durga Shailputri (Daughter of Mountain)
She is a daughter of Himalaya and first among nine Durgas. In previous birth she was the daughter of Daksha. Her name was Sati - Bhavani. i.e. the wife of Lord Shiva. Once Daksha had organized a big Yagna and did not invite Shiva. But Sati being obstinate, reached there. Thereupon Daksha insulted Shiva. Sati could not tolerate the insult of husband and burnt herself in the fire of Yagna. In other birth she became the daughter of Himalaya in the name of Parvati - Hemvati and got married with Shiva. As per Upnishad she had torn and the egotism of Indra, etc. Devtas. Being ashamed they bowed and prayed that, "In fact, thou are Shakti, we all - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiv are capable by getting Shakti from you."

Brahmacharini
The second Durga Shakti is Brahamcharini. Brahma that is who observes penance(tapa) and good conduct. Here "Brahma" means "Tapa". The idol of this Goddess is very gorgeous. There is rosary in her right hand and Kamandal in left hand. She is full with merriment. One story is famous about her. In previous birth she was Parvati Hemavati the daughter of Himvan. Once when she was busy in games with her friends. Naradaji came to her and predicted seeing her Palm-lines that, "You will get married with a naked-terrible 'Bhole baba' who was with you in the form of Sati, the daughter of Daksh in previous birth. But now you have to perform penance for him." There upon Parvati told her mother Menaka that she would marry none except Shambhu, otherwise she would remain unmarried. Saying this she went to observe penance. That is why her name is famous as tapacharini - Brahmacharini. From that time her name Uma became familiar.

Chandraghanta
The name of third Shakti is Chandraghanta. There is a half-circular moon in her forehead. She is charmful and bright. She is Golden color. She has three eyes and ten hands holding with ten types of swords - etc. weapons and arrows etc. She is seated on Lion and ready for going in war to fight. She is unprecedented image of bravery. The frightful sound of her bell terrifies all the villains, demons and danavas.

Kushmanda
Name of fourth Durga is Kushmanda. The Shakti creates egg, ie. Universe by mere laughing .She resides in solar systems. She shines brightly in all the ten directions like Sun. She has eight hands. Seven types of weapons are shining in her seven hands. Rosary is in her right hand. She seems brilliant riding on Lion. She likes the offerings of "Kumhde." Therefore her name "Kushmanda" has become famous.

Skanda Mata
Fifth name of Durga is "Skanda Mata". The daughter of Himalaya, after observing penance got married with Shiva. She had a son named "Skanda." Skanda is a leader of the army of Gods. Skanda Mata is a deity of fire. Skanda is seated in her lap. She has three eyes and four hands. She is white and seated on a lotus.

Katyayani
Sixth Durga is Katyayani. The son of "Kat" as "Katya". Rishi Katyayan born in this "Katya" lineage. Katyayan had observed penance with a desire to get paramba as his daughter. As a result she took birth as a daughter of Katyayan. Therefore her name is "Katyayani" . She has three eyes and eight hands. These are eight types of weapons missiles in her seven hands. Her vehicle is Lion.

Kalratri
Seventh Durga is Kalratri. She is black like night. Durga hairs are unlocked. She has put on necklaces shining like lightening. She has three eyes which are round like universe. Her eyes are bright. Thousands of flames of fire come out while respiring from nose. She rides on Shava (dead body). There is sharp sword in her right hand. Her lower hand is in blessing mood. The burning torch (mashal) is in her left hand and her lower left hand is in fearless style, by which she makes her devotees fearless. Being auspicious she is called "Shubhamkari."

Maha Gauri
The Eighth Durga is "Maha Gauri." She is as white as a conch, moon and Jasmine. She is of eight years old. Her clothes and ornaments are white and clean. She has three eyes. She rides on bull She has four hands. The above left hand is in "Fearless - Mudra" and lower left hand holds "Trishul." The above right hand has tambourine and lower right hand is in blessing style. She is calm and peaceful and exists in peaceful style. It is said that when the body of Gauri became dirty due to dust and earth while observing penance, Shiva makes it clean with the waters of Gangas. Then her body became bright like lightening. There fore, she is known as "Maha Gauri" .

Siddhidatri
Ninth Durga us Siddhidatri. There are eight Siddhis , they are- Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Iishitva & Vashitva. Maha Shakti gives all these Siddhies. It is said in "Devipuran" that the Supreme God Shiv got all these Siddhies by worshipping Maha Shakti. With her gratitude the half body of Shiv has became of Goddess and there fore his name "Ardhanarishvar" has became famous. The Goddess drives on Lion. She has four hands and looks pleased. This form of Durga is worshiped by all Gods, Rishis-Munis, Siddhas, Yogis, Sadhakas and devotees for attaining the best religious asset.

Photo gallary

HOW TO REACH
By Air - The nearest airport is the domestic airport located at Gannavaram, about 20-km, from the city. It connects Vijayawada to Hyderabad and Vishakhapatnam. It is just a 30-minute flight away from Hyderabad.

By Train - Vijayawada is the largest railway junction of the South Central Railway. It is Situated along the Chennai- Howrah and Chennai-Delhi rail route. There are a number of express and super fast trains, connecting Vijayawada with almost all the important places of the country.

By Road - The city has a good network of roads that connects Vijayawada with all the places within the state and also with the major cities in India. One can also go to interesting Buddhist places by the buses of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation.

WHEN TO GO
Best time to travel Vijayawada is September to February.

WHAT TO SEE

Prakasam Barrage :- The Prakasam Barrage is an impressive 1223.5m long, modern regulator and road bridge that stretches across the river Krishna. Its panoramic lake and the three canals that run through the city give Vijayawada a Venetian appearance.

Kanaka Durga Temple :- Kanaka Durga, goddess of power, riches and benevolence is considered the presiding deity of Vijayawada. The temple is set on the Indrakiladri hill. The deity in the Kanaka Durga temple is regarded as Swayambhu or self-manifested, hence is considered very powerful. It is said that Adi Sankara visited this temple and installed the Sri Chakra here.

Undavalli Caves :- The Undavalli caves in the village of Undavalli are at a distance of 8-km from Vijayawada and nearly 280-km from Hyderabad. The high hill overlooking the Krishna river hosts fine specimens of cut-in architectural and sculptural models.

Victoria Jubilee Regional Museum :- The Victoria Jubilee Regional Museum was situated by Archaeological Department on Bandar Road of the city. The museum exhibits graceful sculptures and attractive paintings. But the highlight of the museum are the 'Buddha' Alluru inscriptions of first and second centuries and the idol of Mahishasura Mardhani.

WHERE TO EAT
You can try the special restaurant at the luxury hotels

Kanaka Durga Temple at Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh

Kanaka Durga Temple at Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh is one of the popular Durga shrines in South India. During the 10-days of Navratri and Dasara festival, 10 different types of Alankarams will be performed to Sri Ammavaru. Mother Goddess will appear in ten different forms during the ten days of the festival.

You can now view the 10-different forms of Mother Goddess here at the official Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Temple.

The website also contains the detailed information on the 10-days of Navratri and Dasara festival.