Vishakhapatnam, more popularly known as Vizag, has emerged by its own right from an oft-overlooked destination to a tourist hotspot. Today, it is unanimously voted as a jewel in the crown of Andhra Pradesh and one of the most visited beaches in the entire country. The virgin beaches of Vizag enthrall tourists from all over the country and the world with their pristine beauty and serene ambience.  Vizag is immensely rich in tourist attractions. The focal points of attraction of Vizag are, however, its two beaches: Rushikonda Beach and Ramakrishna Beach. Rushikonda Beach was our first stop. From the resort nestled in the hill, where we had put up, the panorama of images beneath was breathtakingly beautiful. Rushikonda Beach is a beach lover’s paradise, offering a crystal blue sparkling ocean dotted with endearing fishermen’s boats, a gleaming stretch of gold-brown sand and towering mountains in the horizon. Sunrise and sunset pose a breathtaking picture with the sky and the ocean mingling in a riot of colors. We felt we could sit at the beach for hours at an end. While Rushikonda Beach is a tranquil spot, Ramakrishna Beach, lying in the east coast, is where the action is. It is teemed with merry tourists, enthusiastic swimmers and bathers.  When you visit the Dolphin’s nose, you wouldn’t need to ask why it is named so. It has an uncanny resemblance with a dolphin’s nose! This majestic hillock proudly stands as the sentry of the Vishakhapatnam Harbor.  If you want to take in the captivating panorama of the city of Vizag all at once, the best bet would be to visit the Kailasgiri. The picturesque park perched on this high viewpoint boasts of huge stunning statues of Shiva and Parvati and offer ropeway and toy-train rides around the picture-perfect locale. We couldn’t take our eyes off the lush green scenery all around.  If you are traveling with children, don’t miss the Vuda Park. In fact, even adults would be won over by the pretty musical fountains, as we were. You can also indulge in a leisurely boat ride here or get adventurous and ride a horse or camel. Children and adults alike would be enthralled by the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, whihch is home to over 700 amazing species of wild animals.   Since it is most likely that you haven’t seen the inside of a submarine, here is your chance. The decommissioned submarine I.N.S. Kurusura has been turned into a museum which offers more than a sneak peak into the complex mechanisms of a submarine; it was one of the most fascinating things I saw on my visit to Vizag. I particularly enjoyed loking at the amazingly life like replicas of the submarine crew.  When I stepped into the The Borra Caves, a little further away from Vizag, I felt my Geography text books from school have come alive. It is a naturally formed cave by limestone uplands being eroded away by the River Gostani, with a jaw-dropping display of stalactites and stalagmites.  Overall, your trip to Vizag is going to be memorable. I would most definitely wish to go back there again and again.  Author: Anwesha Bhattacharya (Kolkata)   … [Read more...]