Visakhapatnam, named after the God of valour, Visakha, is home to the country's largest shipbuilding yard, Hindustan Shipyard, as well as the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. The city, once a small fishing village, gained cultural and political importance thanks to different dynasties ranging from Kalinga Empire, (260 B.C), the Andhra kings, Vengi, the Pallavas, Cholas, Gangas and to the Vijayanagar Empire in the 15th century. The British regime transformed the city into a port town, which is now bustling with industrial and commercial activity.
Hindustan Shipyard
The nation's biggest shipbuilding yard is located at Gandhigram 6.4 km from Visakhapatnam. A visit to the shipyard, which has four berths, each 167.6 metres long, is both educative and entertaining. Visitors are allowed only between 1600 hours and 1800 hours on weekdays.
Dolphin's Nose
Dolphin's nose is a 174-metre high bold headland, 358 metres above the sea level. The outcrop resembling a dolphin breaks the coastline in the southern part of Visakhapatnam.
Andhra University
Located 4 km from Visakhapatnam, the massive stone buildings of the Andhra University on the uplands of Visakhapatnam were opened in 1926.
The Ross Hill
The highest mount in the area is, named after Mr Ross, a local authority, who built a house on it in 1864. This was later converted into a Roman Catholic Chapel and named "Our Lady of the Sacred Heart".
Darga Konda
There is a mosque and a shrine of a Muslim sage Iashaque Madina, who was revered for his prophecies.
Sri Venkateswara Konda
The temple was built by Captain Blackmoor in 1886, according to the Telugu inscriptions.
Buddhist Sites
Bavi Konda
Located 20 Km to the North East of Visakhapatnam, the Buddhist settlement at Ravi Kond consists of religious and secular constructions. The religious monuments include Stupas, Chaityagrihas, a congregation hall and platforms. The secular constructions include Viharas (accommodation) and kitchen-cum-stores complexes.
Thotlakonda
Situated 16 Km from Vizag, along the Vizag- Bhimli beach road, this Buddhist settlement has a number of Stupas, Chaityas, Viharas, congregation halls, and a refractory of the Hinayana school of Buddhism.
Sankaram
This is a small village about 3 Km from the banks of the River Sharada. The name Sankaram appears to have been derived from the term 'Sangrama', which means a monastery. At Bojjannakonda, numerous images of Buddha can be seen carved in caves in the hill. Similarly at Lingaalametta, innumerable rows of rock and monolithic Stupas are spread all over the hill.
Araku Valley
This beautiful valley is located around 120 km from Visakhampatnam, amid the Eastern Ghats. The hill tribes in this region are best know for a unique dance-form called the Dimsa dance. The road to Araku Valley passes through with thick forests, making it a truly enchanting drive.
Bora Caves
Located around 100 Km from Vizag, these caves at Anantagiri mandal, in the Eastern Ghats have geological and historical significance. Water drips onto a Shiv Lingam deep in the caves, and this drip is said to be the origin of the river Gosthani. The river that emanates from these caves, adds to the tranquillity of the spot.
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