Andhra Pradesh - Tour Attraction

Visakhapatnam 

VisakhapatnamVisakahapatnam , the port city is the jewel on the east coast of India. The City is a harmonious blend of the magical past and the bustling present with a breath taking panorama of golden beaches, lush green fields, verdant valleys and splendid monuments from a rich historical and religious heritage.

Matchless in beauty and landscape, Visakahapatnam is said to have derived its name from the deity 'Visaka' ( the God of Valour). The history of the town can be traced back to Ashoka the Great(272-232 B.C) when this was a small fishing village of the Kalinga Empire. Later on this port town successively passed from the Andhra Kings of Vengi to the Pallavas, Cholas and the Gangas and then later in the 15th century Visakhapatnam became a part of the Vijaya Nagar Empire. The British took charge of this beautiful land and transformed this town into a busy and flourishing port town

Tourist Spots
Araku Valley
The Araku valley, located on the Anatagiri hills at a height of 1,161 mts from Sea Level is the place with the best natural scenery and greenery can be found. The Valley is located 112-Km from Visakhapatnam and has Waterfalls and streams which give a pleasant feeling to the mind.

Simhachalam Temple
The Historic Temple at the Simhachalam, built in the 11th Century, where the Lord Varaha Narasimha Swami's temple is located, resembles the rich cultural heritage Visakhapatnam holds. Located on the Hill top, at a height of 244 mts, popularly called the Hill of the Lion Lord, is the temple of Lord Vishnu in the avatara of Sri Narasimha Swami varu. This great temple built in the 11th century by the King Sri Krishna Deva rayam, is one of its kind in the country. Millions of devotees from round the world visit this temple every year especially during the Chandanotsavam Festival Season.
 

Kailasa Giri Resort
Kailasa Giri Resort Center is surrounded by greenery and and bounded by beautiful hills.

There are famous idols of Shiva and Parvati. Other attractions include Butterfly Park, Revolving Restaurant, Rope Way. The Toy Train runs for a distance of 2.5 Kilometers on the Kailasagiri Hill range and gives a chance to the visitors to see the entire Visakhapatnam from the top.

VisakhapatnamBorra Caves
Situated at around 90 Kms from the City by road, Borra caves at the Anantagiri Mandal are one of the best places to visit in Vizag. Borra Caves can also be reached from Araku Valley. Its a 29 Km journey on road from Araku Valley.

Rock at Borra Caves date back to a million years. The Scenic splendor is all visible right from your train journey. Situated at 1400 mts above sea level, Borra Caves were discovered by William King George of the Geological Survey of India in the year 1807.

Deep in the caves, a Shivalingam and an idol of a Com(Kamadhenu) can be found

Buddhist Sites
The state of Andhra Pradesh has many beautiful Buddhist sites. The sculptures and other items of great heritage value dates back to 2nd Centrury BC to 7th Century AD.

Thotlakonda
The Thotlakonda Complex has a number of Stupas, Chaityas, Viharas, a congregation hall and a refectrory belonging to the Himalayanas School.

Bavinokonda
The Shankaram near Anakapalli has an array of Buddhist constructions made of stone. These constructions are believed to be made during Mahayana period. It is believed that the viharas found at this site were for about 1000 years spanning the Theracada, Mahayana and Vajrayana phases of Buddhism. Other places in Visakhapatnam which marks Buddhist shrines were Pavuralakonda near Bheemunipatnam, Gopalapatnam and Lingarajupalem.