Get Set Go Travels Hotel Akshaya Building, Opp: DRM Office, Waltair Station Approach Road, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530016. Phone: +91 92468 14399, +91 90004 18895 Mail: [email protected] Web: www.getsetgotravels.in Visakhapatnam City Visakhapatnam is a beautiful city on the east coast of Indian sub continent also known as the “jewel of the east coast” in Andhra Pradesh. Once part of colonial British Empire then named as Waltair; during the colonial era, the city’s hub was the Waltair railway station and the surrounding part still popular as Waltair. Now known as Visakhapatnam each day sunrays first reach the surrounding beaches and kisses to craft it a perfect holiday destination for nature & beach lovers. The Bay of Bengal Ocean on the east and rest three sides covered with beautiful hilly terrain covered with greenery. This started its journey from a small fishing colony to a modern smart city. Visakhapatnam is the district headquarters for eastern naval command which is one of the major role players in its journey with a lot of industries turned it to an “Industrial Hub” i.e. RNIL steel plant, NTPC, and SEZ’s for Pharma Hub and heavy engineering, with a world class Seaport and a ship building unit turns it a investor friendly city. It’s well connected by Rail, road, air and water to the rest of the world. As texts reveal this land was once part of Kalinga Territory which was later concurred by king Asoka in the bloodiest battle of all time made King Asoka a follower of Buddhism which he later promoted to far off lands, most of which have been excavated recently and illustrate the legacy of Buddhism in the region. The Sun, Sand and Sea, Spread over its 1000 km coastline and 8 districts Andhra Pradesh has some of the Attractive beaches in India. Sans the noise and crowd most of the beaches here are quite, calm and peaceful. Visakhapatnam “city of destiny” is a great tourism spot for tourists to enjoy, be it relaxation or a weekend outing. Rushikonda Beach Believed it or not one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Visakhapatnam is Rishikonda Beach. This is on the way to - Bheemunipatnam beach road. Rushikonda is a hillock fully covered with green and thickly plants and trees. A beach close to this hill is known as Rushikonda beach is a beautiful one. The attractive feature of this beach is its clean golden sand. This is a best spot for the nature true lovers. The water is pure and crystal clear. Rushikonda beach is a wonderful place for swimming, diving, water skiing, and wind surfing and water sports. Bheemunipatnam Bheemli is located on the mouth if River Gosthani - North east of Vishakhapatnam city. It’s beautiful beach and invigorating climate coupled with the pleasantness provided by the lush green palm groves adds to its immense attraction .It was the first municipality in Indian mainland, established on 9th February 1861.. It is also the site of the ruins of the east coast’s oldest Dutch settlement (17th century). The drive from Visakhapatnam to Bheemli is exhilarating. The cemetery situated in the west of the town speaks of the Dutch who gave their lives here. The unique feature of the cemetery is the depiction of the cause of the death on the grave enlivens the past. The beach road from Vizag to Bhimili is one of the longest and beautiful beach roads in India. The sun-kissed beaches enroute make the car drive enjoyable. You can enjoy the panoramic view of the Ghats on one side and the sea on the other. You may stop at different vantage points reroute to Bhimili as each and every spot is worth viewing. Lighthouse at Bheemili This famous lighthouse at the 17 century Dutch township of Bheemunipatnam near beach, built in 1868, the lighthouse, at present, is under the control of the Department of Ports, Government of Andhra Pradesh. Bheemunipatnam, the second municipality formed on February 9, 1861, celebrated its 150 year in 2011. The Ministry of Shipping, Transport, and Highways is to construct a new lighthouse, according to a government order on the same spot. Red sand hills How the “Erra matti dibbalu” formed and what gave the sand its unique red color? These questions have challenged geologists since more than a century. Scientists are of the opinion that the initial chapter of this epic story started as far back as 1.8 million years ago and stretched across the broad canvas of geological time to around 10,000 years ago. During that time the sea level rose to as much as 150 feet and fell away a number of times to the current level. Between these oscillating sea levels the coast was submerged and exposed over and over again, huge volumes of clay, silt and sand covered the coast from where the sea water had receded. Due to the extreme changes in climatic conditions the material under the sandy dunes “baked” in the sun like a brick gets baked in a kiln leading to the peculiar red sand dunes. Subsequently action of the wind and flowing water caused the deeply gullied characteristic landscape. Dutch Cemetery The cemetery situated in the west of Bheemili town at the sea beach speaks of the Dutch who gave their lives here. The unique feature of the cemetery is the depiction of the cause of the death on the grave enlivens the past, written in Portuguese. There are 52 tombs spread across two locations. Out of which 15 are stone capped and 5 of them have Dutch have inscriptions in Dutch language. These inscriptions are even visible today. One of pyramid shaped grave of Federick Kesslerus who died in Oct 8th 1661 is considered to be the earliest. This cemetery is divided in two parts, while entering to the right is for British people and rest of the area is for Dutch. Thotlakonda Thotalakonda a beautiful Buddhist Complex located on the beach road connecting Visakhapatnam and the historic town of Bheemli. Located at a height of 128 meters on a hill top this place was inside the Kalinga region which was instrumental in promoting Buddhism to Sri Lanka, Burma and many other places. Welcome gate by the side of the beach road with an entry fee and good tar road at the top of the hill is constructed by the local body. Thotlakonda Complex Meditation halls are designed to protect Monks from outside disturbances with stupas at the centre and guards at the entrance of the hall. The layout of Kitchen and resting place for Monks are still giving a glimpse of simple life led by them. The direction of Sun rise and sun set are marked in stones. Monks visiting this Buddhist school from far places like China, Burma and other countries came through the sea route and used to stay here for months and year before completing their study. The complex has number of Stupas, Chaityas and Viharas. There are many rocks cut trough available here. Out of the 12 tubs used for storing drinking water, four are available within the complex and others were little outside the area. One of the troughs at the top of the hill still holding water in the all the seasons and never went dry in past many years. Probably the Telugu name Thotlakonda is derived from the Thotti (tub) and Konda (hills). Dolphin Nose - Yaradda A spectacular beach view which even very few locals are aware of is called the “Yarada” beach. It’s a private beach with lot of greenery i.e. plantations this is nearer to the Dolphin nose. The view from Dolphin hill is spectacular. There is Ghat road leading one to the Dolphin hill and Yarada. Though a lovely beach it is not considered safe for swimming and playing. Hence do not jump inside the waters above the knee level as a best practice. Every year huge number of tourists throngs here to enjoy the beauty of nature with this untouched beach. Ramakrishna Beach Ramakrishna Beach is the most popular beach of Visakhapatnam. With its serene waters and tranquil atmosphere, which is accessible to all city dweller as well as tourists. As it’s situated on the coastline, the beach overlooks the Bay of Bengal, along with its natural splendor. Infact, the marvelous landscape is beyond comparison. The natural harbour of Vishakhapatnam is to be found on the north-east of Ramakrishna Beach. Actually, this picturesque beach is the extension of the Coromandal Coast of India. Ramakrishna Beach has also got the glare of publicity. The vast stretch of blue waters juxtaposes the sight of bustling activities of the city on the opposite side. In the evenings, the beach gets crowded with both young and old, having fun time on the sands. Though not much, there are enough water sports available at the shore. Since Ramakrishna Beach comprises a large part of the water’s edge, it has got a huge area where different activities can take place simultaneously. You can take the local cruise to enjoy the sunset and sunrise amidst the tranquil waters. Apart from all this, you can take a ride in the traditional fishing boat by asking the fisher folk to arrange it for you. And for sure, Ramakrishna Beach would become an inseparable part of your most cherished memories. Kailashgiri Kailasagiri is situated at an altitude of 360 ft. Is a charming hillock on the sea front bordering a small valley within the city? A ride on to this hill gives you a spectacular view of the sea, Bay of Bengal, R.K.Beach and Rushikonda Beach on right and left hand side.