The local language is Telugu. There is considerable concentration of Marwaris, Oriya, Bengalis, Punjabis, Maharashtrians, Tamil and Malayalees. In addition, there is a large population of migrant workers from other parts of India who have been drawn to the area mainly by the the abundance of work opportunities available at local-based companies, such as the Vizag Steel Plant, Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Shipyard, Indian Navy, Dockyard, NTPC-Simhadri Thermal power Plant and many other small & medium scale industries. Visakhapatnam also consists of one of India's largest naval base called INS Kalinga, which is about 25 kms. away from the city center.
Vizag is well-connected by air to Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Tirupati, Pune, Bhubaneshwar, Indore and Vijayawada. Currently there are international flights to Colombo, Dubai, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.
Visakhapatnam is on the [wiki=44bef2ee415c62f0ce01fbe6c5566250]Kolkata[/wiki]-[wiki=361961d900d8171b305cb8f79b1aabc2]Chennai[/wiki] main line and is connected to both the cities by train. This being a major station, all trains including the super fast expresses have a stop at the station. Visakhapatnam station is in the East Coast Railways and has 8 platforms; the first in East Coast Railways to have these many platforms.
All platforms can accommodate trains with 28 coaches.
Please verify the timings with [wiki=f2d2b27a9705db817f0012bd1ab25242]url=http://www.indianrail.gov.in[/wiki]Indian Railways[/url], since they change from time to time.
From [wiki=02a342794409deaf5f29216201d9da30]Hyderabad[/wiki]
* Godavari Express - departs daily from Hyderabad Deccan Station at 5:15 PM and from Secunderabad at 5:45 PM, arrives the following morning in Visakhapatnam at 5:45 AM.
* Visakha Express (On route to Bhubhaneswar) - departs daily from Secunderabad Station at 5 PM, arrives the following morning in Visakhapatnam at 7:15 AM. This train runs via Nadikude, Guntur, Vijayawada and Bhimavaram Town.
* Falaknuma express(On route to Howrah) - departs daily from Secunderabad Station at 4 PM, arrives the following morning in Visakhapatnam at 3:30 AM. Faster than the Godavari Express and more convenient.
* East Coast Express (Hyderabad Deccan-Howrah)
* Janmabhoomi Exp. (Secundrabad-Visakhapatnam) - Day Journey Only
* Garib Rath (Secundrabad-Visakhapatnam) Night Journey. Very convenient and faster than any other train on this route. All coaches are Three-tier AC, but are priced less than any other train - India's only GARIB RATH train running daily.
* Duronto Express - Non-stop train (Technical halt at BZA) departs on Mon, Wed & Sat from Secunderabad at 8:30 PM and arrives in Vizag at 6:05 AM. The train has 1st AC, 2nd AC & 3rd AC Coaches. Advised to pack some food and board the train as pantry car is not available on this train.
* Hyderabad-Santragachi Exp. - Presently on limited run. Departs from Hyderabad on Mon at 10:15 PM and arrives in Vizag at 10:25 AM.
From [wiki=44d20cf7ad66cac40bd6fc87d4eab2e2]New Delhi[/wiki]
* Link Express (via Vijyawada). Upto Kazipet its called Dakshin Exp. where few slip coaches come to Vizag and the rest go to Hyderabad.
* Samatha Express (via Raipur)
* Swarna Jayanthi Express (via Vijayawada)
* Hirakud Express (via Bhubaneshwar)
From [wiki=fe708cd1b984461c324699796b657b9c]Guwahati[/wiki]
* 15902 Dibrugarh Bangalore Express (via Howrah)
* 12510 Guwahati Bangalore Express (via Howrah)
* 12514 Guwahati Secunderabad Jn Express (via Howrah)
* 12516 Guwahati Trivandrum Central Express (via Howrah)
* 12508 Guwahati Ernakulam Express (via Howrah)
* 15906 Dibrugarh Kanniyakumari Vivek Express (via Bhubaneswar)This is India's longest (world's 7th longest)train covering a distance of 4273 KMs in total
* 15630 Guwahati Chennai Egmore Express (via Tata Nagar)
* 15930 Dibrugarh Chennai Egmore Express (via Tata Nagar)
From [wiki=1cff6116621134f78dbe46cccb237b40]Mumbai / Pune[/wiki]
* Konark Express
* Lokmanya Tilak - Visakhapatnam Exp.
* Pune - Bhubaneswar Exp.
From [wiki=ca740170e44d304efee1bfc8e975638b]Vijayawada[/wiki]
* Ratnachal Express
* Simhadri Express
* Vijaywada-Visakhapatnam Passenger
* Other weekly trains are also available. Check [wiki=38bd4dd99970ceb88a4aa88a23eb1eaa]url=http://www.indianrail.gov.in/[/wiki]the Indian Railways[/url] for details.
From [wiki=361961d900d8171b305cb8f79b1aabc2]Chennai[/wiki]
* Coromandal Express (Reserved tickets to Vijayawada and Rajahmumdry are not issued from Chennai.)
* Madras-Howrah Mail
* Other weekly trains are available on some days of the week. Check [wiki=38bd4dd99970ceb88a4aa88a23eb1eaa]url=http://www.indianrail.gov.in/[/wiki]the Indian Railways[/url] for details.
From [wiki=1bc99cb2f4153c2d0d8025ee5575b2a0]Bangalore[/wiki]
* Prasanthi express
* Yeshwantapur Howrah Express
* Other weekly trains are available on some days of the week. Check [wiki=38bd4dd99970ceb88a4aa88a23eb1eaa]url=http://www.indianrail.gov.in/[/wiki]the Indian Railways[/url] for details.
From [wiki=44bef2ee415c62f0ce01fbe6c5566250]Kolkata[/wiki]
* Coromandal Express (This train is the fastest train passing through Andhra Pradesh at 140 km/h)
* Howrah-Madras Mail
* Falaknuma Express
* East Coast Express
* Gurudev Express
* Thiruchurapalli Express
* Yeshwantpur Express
* Other weekly trains are available on some days of the week. Check [wiki=38bd4dd99970ceb88a4aa88a23eb1eaa]url=http://www.indianrail.gov.in/[/wiki]the Indian Railways[/url] for details.
Visakhapatnam is connected to [wiki=361961d900d8171b305cb8f79b1aabc2]Chennai[/wiki] and [wiki=3b84df2cb6339e5e6b02b82715d01817]Calcutta[/wiki] via [wiki=4b2aee97b83b39dd44d9be1041e06a83]Bhubaneswar[/wiki] and [wiki=ca740170e44d304efee1bfc8e975638b]Vijayawada[/wiki] by National Highway 5 (dual-carriageway, 120 km/h).
The Andhra Pradesh State Road Travel Corporation (APSRTC) runs buses from almost every city and town to Vizag, along with some private operators, who run buses from a few of the major cities. Please check with APSRTC for timings. There is also a new Garuda fleet of bus service (Volvo) to Vizag from Chennai, Bangalore, Vijayawada and Hyderabad which is very comfortable and happy going. This is the best way to do it if you want to travel by bus. APSRTC has several other bus services which have varied luxury levels and transit speeds. You might want to check the APSRTC at least 3 days in advance to be sure you have a reservation.
Several private cab services operate in the city and offer 1-3 days packages.
More than anything else, Vizag is known for its beaches. It boasts a number of beaches that are both scenic and uncrowded. A few virgin beaches span along the eastern side of the city and stretch for miles. Due to strong sea currents, it is very strongly advised not go swimming in those beaches. A spectacular beach only the locals are aware of is called the "Yarada" beach. Unfortunately, except for the occasional RTC bus, there is no public transport available. Still, the adventurous mind would find it rewarding if it can make an effort to get there. It's a private beach and therefore you need to pay a fee of Rs. 30/- to gain entry, but it's worth the effort.
* Ramakrishna Beach. Ramakrishna Beach or, as is more popularly known as, R.K. Beach is the most popular beach in the city in the sense that, you can find the locals hanging out during the hot summers, and relatively less hot winters. On weekends and holidays, one can experience the entire beach come alive, but not in the Western sense where people take a plunge in the water, or surf. You can see people dressed in their best clothes, just sitting on the benches, or strolling along.
CAUTION! A lot of people have lost their lives while swimming in this beach. So it is strongly advised to refrain from swimming in this beach.
* Rishikonda. 11 km away from the city, this has become a popular tourist spot that even the locals frequent. A lot safer to wade into than the R.K. Beach, cradled among hills, this used to be an excellent beach away from the madding crowds. AP Tourism Development Corporation is having its Beach Resort (Punnami) on the hillside overlooking the beach and water sports activities are also conducted here.
CAUTION! A lot of people have lost their lives while swimming in this beach. So it is strongly advised to refrain from swimming in this beach.
* Gangavaram. 10 to 12 km away from city, this is one of the most beautiful beaches here, the most interesting thing here is a rock-like structure that's like a small island which attracts a lot of people.
* Yarada beach. It is wrongly thought to be a private beach. Tourists can visit the beach directly or through the Yarada village. Agrigold collects a fee of Rupees 30 to enter their property and access the shops and a restaurant there. If you bring your own food and refreshments then you can visit the beach without entering the Agrigold Property. Yarada is the village behind the Dolphin's Nose. To get to this beach, one could use the bus facility available or alternatively one could also hire a cab to get here. The view of the beach and Vizag city from the top of the Dolphin's Nose is memorable. Also, the Gangavaram beach is nearer from Yarada beach. The drive from Scindia to the top of Dolphin's Nose, Dolphin's Nose to Yarada and from there to Gangavaram is really enjoyable.
* Bhimili. About 25 kms. from the city, Bhimili used to be a small village which was also called Bheemunipatnam. Apart from the beach, the village has the remanants of a Portuguese church, Dutch and East India Company settlements and Buddhist sites.
The beaches are lovely, though you wouldn't find many beach cafes/restaurants/huts like the ones you have in Goa. Recently a water sports centre was started in Rishikonda. Vizag's beaches are idyllic and unspoilt without the frills and fancies of an international beach resort like Goa for instance. There has been some change in the recent times and will continue to be, with the influx of employees of HSBC, HPCL, etc., and Naval Officers, who frequently go out with their families to enjoy the golden sand and pollution-free waters of Vizag's beaches.
Kambalakonda.
A gorgeous nature preserve that many people in Vizag itself seem to be unaware of. The solitude and the peace that one can experience at Kambalakonda located within 20-25 minutes drive from the city center is priceless. A nominal entrance fee of 10 Rupees is charged per adult. The greenery, the hiking trail and the fantastic view of the ocean from the rather flimsy viewing tower give a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
* Kailasagiri
A local favourite, a short ride on to this hill gives you a spectacular view of the sea, RK.Beach and Rushikonda Beach on right and left hand side. There is a huge sculpture of Shiva and Parvathi. With a children's play area, a people-mover akin to a ski lift called a ropeway. Beautiful scenic view can be obtained from the ropeway, specially in the evening, when the city comes alive with all the lights. The up and down fare for the ropeway is Rs. 65. (As of Oct.2012). An under construction doll museum and a couple of eating areas, this hilltop gives a nice birds eye view of the city also. Has several "viewpoints" affording wonderful views of the city on one side and winding beaches adjoining green hills on the other side. Visitors often fall in love with the "beach" city especially after visiting Kailasagiri.
Based on this beautiful and rare combination of hill and beach.Tenneti park is a spectacular Eco marvel at the
foot of the Rope way.
* War Memorial
There is a war memorial in remembrance of the Victory at Sea on 1971 Indo Pak war. It is situated on the Beach Road, just opposite to the Submarine Museum. There is a fighter plane, a tank and few replicas of missiles kept as exhibits. There is no entry fee and can be viewed from the road.
* Matsyadarshini Aquarium
This aquarium is situated on the left side of Kali temple of R.K. Beach. It has a good collection of marine as well as freshwater fishes. Entry fee is Rs. 20 per person. (As of Dec. 2006). The exit gate of the aquarium resembles the open mouth of a huge white tipped shark. 'Kala Shrusti' a handicrafts sales shop is on the top of the aquarium.
* Araku Valley.
A little further away from the city (6 hrs by train/public bus), but worth visiting for the scenic valley. A slow, passenger train leaves the Vizag station early in the morning (at 6:50 AM), and the train ride is actually very enjoyable. Make sure to reach at least an hour before its departure to get a seat. The runs through lot of small mountains and tunnels. Araku valley is definitely not a day trip, but the recently constructed APTDC facilities can serve as a decent over night stay.Make sure to book your APTDC rooms early. Padmavathi botanical gardens is worth taking a look at. November to February are the best months to visit this place and making an early reservation in the lodges is advisable as Araku Valley has very limited number of lodges and hotels. Travel in and araku valley is limited by limited public bus service. At APTDC lodge, cabs can be hired for a day trip thru the valley to Bora caves and the ride is amazing.
* Borra Caves.
Reputedly fantastic caverns that had their native charm earlier, these caves have been modernized recently by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC). There is a entry fee of Rs. 30. Separate charges are there to enter with still or video camera. It is a must visit place for all tourists visiting Vizag. Don't forget a big bottle of drinking water.
* Simhachalam
A must see on a trip to Visakhapatnam, for its architectural splendour although some of the sculptures were defaced during the Islamic invasions. The temple inscriptions date the earliest donors to the 10-11th centuries. The exact date of construction is unknown. It is located 15 km from the city and is dedicated to the half man half lion avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple bears reference to the Chola and Chalukya styles of architecture. The environment in the temple is very different and very pleasant. It also has a local railway station.
* Ross Hill
A unique site to see is the area around Ross hill which has three hills dedicated to three different faiths in proximity to the port. Ross Hill, named after a certain Monsieur Ross who built a house on it in 1864, it has now been converted into a chapel Mother Mary's Church. The pathway to the shrine strewn with Catholic icon. Darga Pahad has the tomb of the Muslim saint, Sayed Ali Medina alias Ishak Medina, visited by Hindu and Muslim devotees alike. Attached to this is a mosque. Sri Venkateswara Konda, the third hillock, has a temple dedicated to the Lord. It is believed to have been built by an Englishman, Captain Blackmoor, in the 19th century. From this hillock you can see the port channel, which was the entrance of the inner harbor for ships and liners.
Submarine Museum is a one of its kind museum created in a real (now de-commisioned) submarine of Indian Navy.This is the first of its kind in eastern asia. This submarine is one of the earliest submarine procured from Russia. One gets to interesting facts of working in the submarine. The museum is manned by retired naval people. Entry fee for the museum is Rs.25 for the adults and there is a fee to take any camera or video camera inside.
* Naval Museum is one more museum about maritime history of India. Again its a lovely museum displaying pictures, models and content of Indian maritime history.
* Buddhist excavations Bojjana Konda, Thotla Konda, Bhavi Konda and Salihundam around Visakhapatnam were centres of Buddhism during the second century A.D. Several Buddhist monuments such as stupas and chaityas were erected at these places. It is said that some of the corporal relics of the Buddha were preserved at these places. Hence all these places became sacred places.
* Bojjana Konda It is near Sankaram village in the hamlet of Anakapalli, 40 km from Visakhapatnam, is one such place, where one can find architectural remnants of the Buddhist period, one of the earliest of its class in South India. It constitutes one of the most remarkable groups of Buddhist monuments dated from 200 BC to 700 AD, found during excavations in 1906. On the eastern hill, there are a series of rock-cut caves, numerous groups of monolithic dagobas, standing on rock platform in tiers above each others and, crowning all, a rock-cut stupa with extensive structural remains. On the western side of the eastern hill is a stairway, partly rock-cut and partly structural, which leads up to a large double-storied cave. The cave is entered by a doorway and is flanked on each side by huge dwarapalas. The cave chamber is rectangular in shape and is divided into 20 compartments by four cross rocks of 16 massive pillars. In the centre is the rock-cut stupa standing on a square platform.
1. Hotel Ramachandra:- Mob.- 08916668610, 08916668611. near Vishakhapatnam Rail Station, Chavalamadam Junction. Bengalis can have Bengali food at Nimantran hotel.
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* Hotel Akshaya [http://www.hotelakshaya.in], tel. +91 2598111 / 2598144 (Cell +91 9177892359) Station Rd, Opp to D.R.M.Office.
* Dolphin, Tel. +91 891 2567000 (fax +91 891 2567555)
* Green Park, +91 891 2564444 (fax +91 891 2563763)
* Hotel Talasila Continental (Tel. +91-891-2598598) Station Road, Dondaparthi
* Meghalaya, +91 891 2755141 (fax +91 891 2755824)
* Athidhi The Guest House, 9000415656, 9949662424
* Royal Fort
* The Grand Central Hotel (at Jagadamba Junction)
* Hotel Supreme (At R.K.Beach)
* Dwaraka Inn (At Dwaraka Nagar)
Gateway Hotel, Beach Road, +91 891 2567756 (fax: +91 891 2564370) [mailto:gateway.visakhapatnam@tajhotels.com], [http://www.tajhotels.com/Business/Taj%20Residency,VISAKHAPATNAM/default.htm].
* The Park, Beach Road, +91 891 2754488 (fax: +91 891 2754181) [mailto:resv.viz@theparkhotels.com resv.viz@theparkhotels.com], [http://www.theparkhotels.com/park/contactus.html].
* Grand Bay, Beach Road, Telephone +91 891 2560101 (fax +91 891 2550691).
* Haritha Beach Resort & Saipriya Beach resort all rooms are sea facing, Rs 1,600-3,000. For Booking you may goto APTDC counter at Vizag Railway Station, there is a provision of online booking for APTDC rushikonda Beach resorts through the APTDC website's online booking section.
* Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, Beach Road, Telephone +91 891 2822222 (fax +91 891 2822244).
* Four Points by Sheraton Visakhapatnam, Waltair Uplands Road, Telephone +91 891 3051111 (fax +91 891 3051000).