Vibrant Vizag - Places to visit in Vizag

 My memorable holiday vacation, during my college days is a unique one. It is a journey from the coastal-city Vizag (Vishakapatnam) to the splendid hill station of Gangtok. The course travels through 4 states and distinctly diverse cultures and languages. 

Vizag, a port city, is the only natural harbour on the East coast with the oldest shipyard. Its history dates back to the 6th century BCE Kalinga empire. 

MUSEUMS IN VIZAG

The INS Kursura Submarine in the RK beach of Vizag is one of the iconic places in the city. The city has a rich history of naval activities. Vizag is also the headquarters for the Indian Navy's Eastern Naval Command. 

TU 142 Aircraft Museum is just on the opposite side of the Submarine Museum. It is an aircraft that specializes in anti-submarine warfare.

PLACES INSIDE VIZAG

Other tourists attractions in the city include Simachalam- a temple dedicated to Narashima, Kilashgiri - a hilltop park with a statue of Shiva and Parvathi accessible by cable car, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is a vast forest reserve and Dolphin Nose Lighthouse. Kilashgiri has a spectacular view of Vizag,  one must not miss. 

BUDDHIST SITES AROUND VIZAG

There is a group of Buddhist monastery ruins found near Vizag. Thotlakonda, Bavikonda, Bojjannakonda (or Sankaram, a 2000-year-old Buddhist Heritage site), and Pavuralakonda are the antique Buddhist sites within reach of 20kms from the city. The origin of Buddhism may be in India, but one should take pains to identify its roots.

The most colourful cinema industry in India, Tollywood has many studios where filmmakers come far and wide. The RamaNaidu Studio is on the hilltop near Vizag is a fascinating find and has a small museum. 

ARAKU VALLY

The most enchanting place 120 km from Vizag is Araku Vally. It has alluring streams, lush green forests, beautiful waterfalls, sprawling coffee plantations, a rich landscape and excellent weather. Vistadome train leaves Vishakhapatnam at 6.50 AM, making way through 58 tunnels and passing over 84 bridges through the breathtaking landscape to reach Araku in approximately 5 hours.

The places to cover are Borra caves - supposedly the deepest caves in the country and are made of karstic limestone, Galikondalu viewpoint - scenic overlook atop a 4300-ft peak offering sweeping vistas of the verdant Araku Valley and tribal museums. 

These parts of land areas, referred to as the Eastern Coastal Plains of India, are the fertile regions of India. The lush landscapes and other tourists places make Vizag an inevitable city to visit on the East coast.