Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam is an Indian port city situated on the Bay of Bengal, towered by the Eastern Ghats. It is known for its heavy industries such as the steel plant and petroleum refinery, for being home to the Eastern Naval Command and for its busy port and dry docks. Visit it for its scenic beauty and golden beaches.
How to Reach Visakhapatnam
Air: There are regular flights from Hyderabad Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.
Rail: Visakhapatnam is controlled by the East Coast Railway of Indian Railway. It is a major station so all trains are required to stop here. It is linked by rail to Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata.
Road: The city stands on National Highway (NH5). The Andhra Pradesh State Road Travel Corporation (APSRTC) as well private operators run regular coaches to Visakhapatnam from Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore and Kolkata.
When to Visit Visakhapatnam
The city has tropical climate with high humidity and little variation in temperature. May is the hottest month and October the wettest. It is best to visit between November and since the weather is cool and pleasant, just right for a dip in the ocean.
Where to Stay in Visakhapatnam
The city has a variety of accommodations for visitors including the 5-star Taj Residency and the Park Hotel, numerous smaller hotels and Paying Guest Accomodations.
When dining out order the superb sea-food specialties and breakfast on crisp dosas or soft idlis.
What to Do in Visakhapatnam
Hit the Beach
The city is known for its numerous beaches. Some of the best are:
1.R.K.Beach: Within the heart of the city,it is very popular among the locals, many of whom spend their evening sitting on the sand.
2.Rishikonda: It is one of the safest beaches in Visakhapatnam.
3.Yarada: A well kept secret, it is a spectacular beach but almost an hour drive from the city.
Most of the beaches are unsafe so it is advisable to sun bathe or just play around in shallow waters.
Children Love the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
Locates on the outskirts of the city, the zoo has a variety of birds and animals including a white tiger, leopard, hippopotamus, eagles and others, all kept in open enclosures. The Zoo Park is worth a visit.
An Evening on Kailashgiri
The hill is home to two huge statues of Gods Shiva and Parvathi. It has been developed into a park with swings and slides for children, restaurants and gardens. It looks down onto the city and beaches. It is connected to the ground by a rope-way.
A Picnic to ArakuValley
This picturesque valley is connected to the main city by rail. The train leaves early in the morning and weaves through the many tunnels cut into the mountains. An idyllic spot with breath-taking scenery it is a favorite weekend get-away.
Travel Inside the Borra Caves
These sub-terrain caverns have recently been lighted and modernized for tourists.
Light House on Dolphin-Nose Hill
The Light House was built more than a hundred years ago. It is the view from the top that is worth seeing.
There is much more to visit and see in Visakhapatnam. There is the Submarine Museum, Simachalan Temple, Buddhist excavations, the list goes on. For more information visit the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Site.