Tourist Places: Visakhapatnam District | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

Tourist Places

Simhachalam Temple

• Simhachalam's Position and Description: Simhachalam, located in Visakhapatnam mandal, is a renowned pilgrimage site nestled amidst the Simhachalam hills, approximately 16 km from Visakhapatnam. Accessible by both rail and road, this temple is dedicated to Varaha Lakshminarasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, depicted as a man-lion.
• Architectural Marvels: The temple, perched at an elevation of 244 meters above sea level, stands out for its architectural grandeur. It features a square shrine topped by a towering structure, a front portico with a small tower, a sixteen-pillared mandapam facing the portico, and an enclosed verandah, all crafted from dark granite. The intricate carvings on these structures depict tales from Vaishnavite puranas.
• Unique Features and Festivals: The temple boasts distinctive elements such as the revered Kappa stambam pillar believed to possess healing powers. The deity's image, typically veiled with sandal paste, is unveiled ceremonially during the Chandanayatra festival in May, drawing crowds from far and wide. Additionally, the temple hosts significant celebrations like the Kalyanam of Varaha Lakshminarasimha, Chandana Yatra, and Visakha Poornima, attracting a large influx of devotees.
• Historical Significance: With inscriptions dating back to ancient times, including mentions of Chola and Ganga rulers, the temple holds historical importance. Notable contributions from rulers like King Kulottunga-1 and Queen Gonka III underline the temple's rich past and cultural heritage.
• Scenic Beauty and Cultural Importance: Beyond its religious eminence, Simhachalam captivates visitors with its enchanting natural vistas. The temple's surroundings, adorned with pineapple and fruit orchards, add to its allure, making it a site of both spiritual reverence and natural beauty.

Visakhapatnam

• Visakhapatnam is the administrative hub of the district, located on the Madras-Howrah broad gauge line. The name comes from 'VAISAKHA' or 'KARTIKEYA', the god of Valour.
• The city sits by the Bay of Bengal, bordered by the distinctive 'Dolphin's Nose' headland, also known as Black Mores hill.
• It is a vibrant industrial and commercial center, surrounded by hills, scenic beaches, and lush greenery.
• The city's landscape features three significant hills: Ross Hill with a Roman Catholic Church, Dargakonda with a mosque and saint's tomb, and Sri Venkateswara Konda with a temple established in 1886.
• Visakhapatnam is home to Andhra University, adding to its educational significance.
• Key attractions in the city include the Dolphin's Nose, a powerful Light House, industrial sites like BHPV and Hindustan Shipyard, educational institutions, and scenic locations.

Kailasagiri

• Kailasagiri, a scenic hill overlooking the sea, spans 350 acres and has been transformed into a lush green park.
• The hill offers a breathtaking sea view, serene ambiance, and features like water sprinklers, gardens, and a flower clock.
• A giant statue of Sivaparvatulu and religious installations add to the spiritual aura of the place.
• Recent developments include a road from Simhachalam and a ropeway for pilgrims, enhancing accessibility and visitor experience.

Vuda Park

• VUDA Park is a spacious area with lush greenery and a breathtaking view of the sea.
• It features a mesmerizing musical fountain that dances to the beat of colorful lights and music.
• Visitors can enjoy activities such as boating, skating, and even rides on horses and camels.
• The park also houses a well-equipped gymnasium.

Lumbini Park

• Lumbini Park, situated along the beautiful beach road, showcases a prominent Buddha Statue at its center.
• Surrounded by serene hills and the vast sea, it is a popular destination for tourists.

Ramakrishna Mission

• The Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, established in 1938, offers a scenic view of the sunrise over the sea.
• It provides spiritual retreats and various services in education, culture, healthcare, and support for the underprivileged.

Mudasarlova

• Mudasarlova, located 10 km from Visakhapatnam, is a valley surrounded by natural hills.
• The area features a lake that serves as a water source for the city.
• Developed by the Municipal Corporation, the park boasts a variety of greenery and orchards, making it a popular picnic spot.

Dolphin's Nose

• Dolphin's Nose is a prominent landmark in Visakhapatnam, characterized by a rocky headland resembling a dolphin.
• Rising 174 meters above sea level, it houses a lighthouse that guides ships from a distance of 65 km.

Ross Hill

• The renowned Ross Hill, located by the seashore, is a site significant to three religions.
• Dargakonda hosts a mosque and the shrine of a Muslim sage named Lashaque Madina.
• Sri Venkateswara Konda features a temple constructed by Capt. Black moor in 1886.
• The third shrine on the hill is a sacred place for Christians, where Lord Velanganimata is revered.

Victory at Sea

• In 1996, the Eastern Naval Command erected the Victory at Sea War Memorial to honor the Indian Navy's triumph in 1971.
• The memorial is adorned by a beautiful landscape and a colorful fountain, enhanced by the presence of the elegant war tanker Ajanta and War Flight.

Kali Temple

• The Kali Temple, established in 1984 on Beach Road by Bhavatarani Charitable Trust, boasts a unique architectural design.
• The Siva Temple within features a Linga made of a single 10 kg stone known as Rasalinga.

Kurapam Tomb

• A century-old tomb near the beach commemorates Rani of Kurapam.
• The tomb's architectural style is striking, blending elements like skiers and a dome, with carvings of Acanthus leaf, deities, and floral motifs.

Submarine Museum

• The Kurusura, a decommissioned submarine, now serves as a museum situated on the sands of R.K.Beach.
• A collaborative effort between NSDRC and Eastern Naval Command, this pioneering project cost around 2.55 crores.
• It stands as Asia's first of its kind and the world's second submarine museum, welcoming visitors from the public.

• Visakha Museum: The Visakha Museum, established in 1991, aims to safeguard the cultural and social heritage of Visakhapatnam by preserving various collections housed within it.

• Yarada Beach: Yarada Beach is nestled within the scenic Yarada Valley, surrounded by hills. The beach features enchanting seashores adorned with lovely rocks and soft pebbles, creating a picturesque landscape that attracts tourists. Its golden sands and lush green hills offer a striking contrast, making it a favorite spot for visitors.

• Gangavaram Beach: Gangavaram Beach, located in close proximity to the Steel Plant, is a popular destination known for its stunning beauty. The beautiful location draws numerous tourists and filmmakers, showcasing the natural allure of the area.

• Rushikonda Beach: Rushikonda, situated 8 km away from Visakhapatnam, boasts clean golden beaches ideal for activities like swimming and windsurfing. The area offers a picturesque setting, with A.P. Tourism providing 12 comfortable cottages overlooking the beach for tourists' accommodation. Plans are underway to construct a swimming pool and introduce water sports, enhancing the recreational opportunities for visitors.

Question for Tourist Places: Visakhapatnam District

Try yourself:

What is the significance of Simhachalam Temple?

• A.

  It is a popular tourist destination in Visakhapatnam.
• B.

  It is dedicated to Varaha Lakshminarasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
• C.

  It is located on the Madras-Howrah broad gauge line.
• D.

  It features a giant statue of Sivaparvatulu.

Explanation

- The Simhachalam Temple is significant because it is dedicated to Varaha Lakshminarasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
- The temple is renowned for its architectural grandeur and intricate carvings, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
- It holds historical importance with inscriptions dating back to ancient times, mentioning rulers like Chola and Ganga.
- The temple hosts various festivals and celebrations, attracting a large influx of devotees.
- Apart from its religious eminence, Simhachalam captivates visitors with its enchanting natural vistas, making it a site of both spiritual reverence and natural beauty.

Report a problem

Cancel Report

View Solution

Totlakonda

• The name Totlakonda originates from rock-cut throughs found in the hillock, featuring steps used for drawing drinking water. Located approximately 15 km from Visakhapatnam along the beach road, Totlakonda stands 128 meters above sea level. 
• Archaeological excavations have unveiled significant antiquities such as Maha stupas, Viharas, Votive stupas, Chaitya Gruhas, pillared halls, congregation halls, tiles, finials, Buddhapadas, Eppatra pieces, and Brahmi-script engravings. 
• These discoveries reflect the influence of the Kalinga and Andhaka schools of Buddhism, providing valuable insights into the region's historical and cultural heritage.

Bavikonda

• Bavikonda is a hill located between Visakhapatnam and Bheemunipatnam Beach road, approximately 2 km inland from the beach road.
• On the hill, there is a Buddhist site with various ancient structures like stupas, Chaitya gruhas, congregation hall, platforms, viharas, stucco figures, and coins.
• The site consists of 26 structures from three different phases, showcasing a rich historical heritage.
• Artifacts found here include Roman coins, Satavahana coins, and pottery dating back to the 3rd century BC and 2nd Century A.D.
• The discovery of relic caskets in the Maha Chaitya holds significant archaeological importance.

Bheemunipatnam

• Bheemunipatnam, the Mandal Headquarters, is located 34 km away from Visakhapatnam and is one of the oldest municipalities in India, established in 1861 AD.
• Initially settled by the Dutch in the 17th century AD, who constructed a fort and a factory in the area.
• The beach at Bheemunipatnam is renowned for its beauty and is a popular destination for sea bathers due to its safe waters.
• There is a well-equipped round bungalow near the sea, believed to be the Vizianagaram Raja's retreat, offering a captivating view of the seascape.
• Bheemunipatnam, once an important port, currently serves as a minor port with a lighthouse, although it is rarely used today.
• It is a favored holiday resort owing to its scenic beauty and historical significance.

Pavurala Konda

• Pavurala Konda, locally known as the hillock to the west of Bheemunipatnam, sits approximately 24 kilometers from Visakhapatnam, standing at an elevation of 168 meters above sea level.
• Spanning across 10 to 12 acres, this location offers a commanding view of the curving coastline, accompanied by a crescent-shaped valley and hills to the south-west and northwest.
• There are about 16 reservoirs for collecting rainwater on the hillock, with artifacts like pottery and Brahmilable inscriptions dating back to the 1st century BC to the 2nd century AD.

Geo Park (Erramatti Dibbalu)

• The red sand dunes en route to Bheemunipatnam present an excellent opportunity to establish a Geo Park, also serving as an attractive location for film shooting.

Bheemili Beach

• Bheemunipatnam Beach is perfect for swimming and various water sports activities.
• Remnants of a Dutch settlement, including a ruined fort, armory, and Dutch cemetery dating back to the 17th century, are preserved at this site.

Appikonda

• Located 18 kilometers from Visakhapatnam on the Bay of Bengal coast, Appikonda was originally called Kapilakonda, as Kapilamahamuni supposedly installed the image of Somalingeswara Swamy here.
• Initially inhabited by fishermen, the name evolved from Apilakonda to Appikonda, gaining religious significance due to the presence of a Siva temple housing a life-sized bull sculpted from black stone.
• Various small temples surround the main Siva temple, although they are partially buried under sand dunes, with only their gopurams visible. Inscriptions from the 12th century AD reveal that a Choda commander granted this village for temple maintenance.
• The Sivaratri festival celebrated at Appikonda attracts a large number of devotees annually.

Padmanabham

• Location: Padmanabham is situated 16 kilometers northwest of Bheemunipatnam, on the left bank of the Gosthani river.
• Historical Significance: Known for the event in AD 1794 where the Raja of Vizianagaram was defeated by the East India Company's troops, marked by a memorial.
• Temple: The Padmanabheswara Swamy temple is a significant religious site, with the presiding deity Padmanabha Swamy believed to fulfill the wishes of devotees.
• Hill Shrine: Atop a nearby hill lies the shrine of Padmanabha, with the annual Kalyanostavam festival in March-April attracting a large number of devotees.

Tenneti Park

• Location: Tenneti Park, also known as Vuda Tenneti Park, is an urban park in Visakhapatnam, India, situated along Beach Road in Jodugullapalem.
• Historical Significance: It is the city's oldest park and the first children's park, offering a serene view of the Bay of Bengal.
• Features: GVMC has installed LED screens in the park to promote tourism and enhance visitor experiences.

Central Park

• Location: City Central Park, or VMRDA City Central Park, is an urban park located at the heart of Visakhapatnam, covering 22 acres.
• Attractions: The park houses the third largest musical fountain in India, drawing visitors and becoming a major tourist hotspot in the city.
• Unique Feature: It boasts Andhra Pradesh's first musical fountain, adding to its charm and appeal.

Tu 142 War Aircraft

• The TU142 War Aircraft museum is a unique museum in India where an authentic naval aircraft has been transformed into a museum. 
• It is situated on the RK Beach Road and serves as a popular tourist attraction in Vizag.