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ONE thinks of sun, sea and sand and the image flashed in mind is that of Goa and the words ringing in the ears are `Go Goa’. Well, we are not talking about Goa but of Visakhapatnam, popularly known as Vizag. Apart from the location difference, one can be sure that it won’t be buzzing with people all the year round. An amalgam of the old and the new, Vizag boasts of ancient temples along with pristine white beaches, old submarines converted into museum. This blend of old and new is a reflection of the city’s history. Vizag began as a small fishing village of just a few hundred people and has developed into a progressive, cosmopolitan port city and bustling industrial and commercial center with over one million people. Vizag earlier was home to two separate towns: Waltair and Vishakapatnam. Even now it is sometimes referred to as Waltair. The city is said to have derived its name from the deity `Visaka’ (the God of Valour). Visakhapatnam has witnessed the reign of Asoka and also Pallava, Chola and Ganga kings. Today, it has the country’s top-ranking major port with a natural harbour, the largest shipbuilding yard and a giant steel plant in a busy industrial belt. It is the biggest city in the state of Andhra Pradesh, after Hyderabad. Perhaps the most well-known landmark of Vizag is Rishikonda beach, the most seductive of Vizag’s many pristine golden beaches. Located about 13 kms from the city, Rishikonda is an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts. It is being developed as a model beach. The place is ideal for yachting and water sports. Rishikonda is the only area on the east coast where the Eastern Ghats meet the sea. The entire stretch is being developed as an eco-friendly zone. One can spend hours water skiing and wind surfing. Sri Sapta Rudreshwara Temple of 14th century is also located here. It is surrounded by seven hills and an interesting aspect is that even though the wells are near the sea they do not contain saline water. The most conspicuous landmark of the city is Dolphin’s nose, which is a single massive 358-meter rock jutting into the sea near the beach area. It derives its name on account of its shape, which resembles the nose of a dolphin. It also has a lighthouse capable of signalling nearly 70 km out to the sea. Vizag is also famous for the INS Kurusura Submarine museum. Asia’s first Submarine museum, INS Kurusura Submarine museum, is basically an old submarine, which has been converted into a naval museum. One can also visit Borra Caves and Araku Valley. Borra Caves are on the way to Araku Valley, about 90 km from Vizag, These caves are about a million years old and have magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations. The journey to Araku Valley is itself pleasant with around 46 tunnels and bridges on the way. One can travel by train of have a wonderful trekking trip. The Ananthagiri hills on the way to Araku Valley are known for coffee plantations. One can also shop for Etikoppaka wooden toys. The toys are made with locally available light ankudu wood. Another unique feature of these toys is that they are without colours. Another definite buy is Pochmapalli sarees, famous in Andhra. It is advised to carry your swimming gear along on your trip to Vizag. While one can travel all the year round to Vizag, the best time to visit is in December to March.
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