The 25 krn. stretch of road literally hugging the coastline from Visakhapatnam to Bheemunipatnam is simply breathtaking. Go back to the 17th century. Discover the remains of a Dutch settlement, ruined fort, armoury and the oldest Dutch cemetery.
Bheemunipatnam is a place seeped in mythological lore. It got its name after the legendary figure Bhima (second among the 5 Pandavas). According to a legend, during the Aranyavasa period, Bhima killed Bakasura and installed Sri Lakshmi Narasimha idol atop the hill.
Bheemunipatnam has many olds and firsts to its credit like the:
Oldest surviving Christian grave of an Indian, Frederick Kesslleros dating back to 1661 AD
The oldest lighthouse
It is the second oldest municipality in India and the first in the state of Andhra Pradesh established in 1861 AD
Bheemunipatnam popularly known as Bheemli is situated at the confluence of river Gosthani and Bay of Bengal.Here one can find a big laterite topped hill with temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha.

Anantagiri is a breathtakingly beautiful resort sheltered in the lush undulating ranges of the Eastern Ghats. It is considered to be a perfect head off to get away from the blistering summer months. Ananthagiri is perched at an altitude where the panoramic vista unfolds stunning viewpoints.
Driving through picturesque coffee plantations the road to Anantagiri with its ups and downs on the Ghat route is literally enveloped with mango groves, waterfalls that gush and flow into the ravines. The Eastern Ghats rail route on this stretch is one of the highest broad gauge tracks in the world.
Train travel is an exhilarating experience as lush landscapes of forest and coffee plantations afford a memorable spectacle. The swift flowing streams are another sight to behold.
Nearby Attractions: Borra Caves, Araku Valley
Landscape: Coffee Plantations And Lush-Green Slopes.

The picturesque Araku Valley popularly called as Andhra Ooty is situated at an altitude of 3,100 feet on the Eastern Ghats at a distance of 112 km. from Visakhapatnam. A visitor to the valley will be greeted by smooth flowing silvery streams and 46 tunnels & bridges by a train journey. The famous attraction of Araku valley is the 1 million year old Borra Caves.
What's more, traditional folk dances like the Dhimsa and Mayuri are still performed here by the native Adivasis..
Bus service is available to visit the valley from Visakhapatnam. A.P. Tourism conducts an excursion trip everyday from Visakhapatnam.

Borra Caves are located at distance of 90 km from Visakhapatnam. They are spread over the Eastern Ghats and occupy an area of 2 square kilometers. The one-million-year-old Borra Caves are situated at a height 1400 feet above the sea level.
These limestone caves were formed as a result of the action of Gosthani River. The river, which now flows through these caves, was once upon a time flowing over the limestone area. Due to the pressure exerted by the river water on the mineral deposits, the limestone dissolved and gradually the caves were formed. In the process, giving rise to several interesting structures like - a mushroom, a temple, a mosque, a church and many more.

The captivating symbol of Visakhapatnam that charms the young and old alike is the headland Dolphin's Nose. At 358 metres above sea level, with a lighthouse atop the hill, Dolphin's Nose is aptly named.
In the southern part of Visakhapatnam, facing the cool, blue ocean, is a rocky promontory , You will be surprised to see the rock looks like a dolphin. The powerful beacon of the lighthouse set on a rock at sea directs ship 65 km away.

The park covers an area of 625 acres. It is presently one of the largest zoo located in the natural settings of a reserve forest about 4 km. from the Visakhapatnam railway station on the National Highway at Mathurawada.
Nearly eighty species of animals numbering to about eight hundred are present in the zoo.
The Zoo Park has different sections for primates, carnivores, lesser carnivores, small mammals, reptiles, ungulates, and birds
Timings:
Timings 9.00a.m.to5.00p.m.
The Zoo is open round the year on all weekdays except Monday.

Attractions: Siva Parvati Statues and The Scenic View of the Sea
A charming hill on the northern side of the city, Kailasagiri offers a spectacular view of the long shoreline and the cityscape of Vi zag.
Kailasa Giri is located on a hilltop and is a must to visiting place for all people visiting Vishakhapatnam. The charming hill on the seafront, affords a breath taking scenic view, especially towards Bheemunipatnam.
Viewpoints with roof and cement seats are located at different places on the hill to enjoy the serene atmosphere and scenic beauty. It has been developed as an attractive picnic spot. The magnificent Shiva Parvati statues with lighted mountains in front are worth seeing. 'Sankaram', 'Chakram' and 'Namam' fully lighted in the night are visible from almost all parts of the city.

A beautiful beach that falls on the way to Kailasagiri Hill, Lawson's Bay is an ideal spot for sea bathing and surfing.
Lawson's bay present a picturesque and beautiful scenic beauty. The vast stretch of water and the accompanying calm is in sharp contrast to the scurrying activity on the road and the apartments on the other side. On the shores, it is a virtual fair with a colorful crowd of tiny tots, young and old having a fun filled time on the sand bed.

Pavuralakonda or Pavurallabodu is the local name of a hill, where a Buddist site identified.
During the course of exploration, nearly 14-16 rock-cut troughs or cisterns were found hewn into the bed rock used for collecting rainwater. Near the entrance of the tank were found Brahmini label inscriptions. Trial excavations in the habitation revealed foundations of viharas, with cells and common verandah, circular chaityagruhas, votive stupas, halls etc. associated with the structures were found Satavahana coins, a Roman coin, inscribed pot shreds, besides black and red ware, black polished ware, beads etc.
Based on the above cultural material and epigraphical source, the site can be dated between 3rd c. B.C. and 2nd c. A.D. A dislodged small empty copper casket, in two parts, i.e. the upper lid and the lower container, was recovered while exposing the votive stupa No. 1 situated near the tank. The river Gosthani which flows nearby Pavuralakonda served as navigation canal for inland trade in the early centuries of the Christian era.

One of the loveliest beaches on the East Coast, the Ramakrishna beach is a favourite beach resort for tourists visiting Vishakhapatnam. Both the Ramakrishna beach present a picturesque and beautiful scenic beauty. The vast stretch of water and the accompanying calm is in sharp contrast to the scurrying activity on the road and the apartments on the other side. On the shores, it is a virtual fair with a colorful crowd of tiny tots, young and old having a fun filled time on the sand bed.
It is Vizag's favourite evening sojourn. An acquarium, the Kali temple, Visakha Museum, Roadside restaurants offering seafood are the other attractions.

Located at a distance of 8 km. from Visakhapatnam this beach is ideal for those seeking fun, away from the city crowd in a cool atmosphere at a reasonable price.
This beach has golden sands, surf, sea and hill cottages overlooking the grand vista.

The Buddhist ruins are located on the contiguous hills locally known as Bojjanakonda and Lingalametta consist of numerous monolithic stupas, caves and structural buildings.
Monuments & Antiquities
During excavation several antiquities like the seals, inscribed tablets, pots, copper coins mostly of seventh century AD were found. A gold coin of Samudragupta of the 4th century AD is a significant find. A seated image of Buddha termed as Buddhanna or Bojjana is found in one of the caves on the hill.
Sankaram has numerous monolithic votive stupas, rock-cut caves buildings and images of Buddha and non-tantric form of Hariti.
There are a few plain and small caves on the same hillock, which formed the Viharas for the monks and students. On facade of the cave is a life size statue of Buddha in meditation.

One of the most exquisitely sculpted shrines of Andhra Pradesh, Simhachalam temple is situated 16 km from Vizag among thickly wooded hills. This temple was built by the Eastern Gangas in 13th Century A.D. The beautifully-carved l6-pillared Natya mantapa and the 96-pillared Kalyana mantapa bear testimony to the architectural brilliance of the temple. The image of the presiding deity, Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy, is covered in a thick layer of sandalwood paste.
The real shape of the deity can be viewed only during Chandanayatra Festival (March - April).

This Buddhist settlement is located on the hill-top of Mangamaripeta village, 16 km. away from Visakhapatnam town along Vizag-Bheemli beach road.
In Telugu thotti means 'cistern' & konda means 'hill' and Thotlakonda means hill of cisterns.
The excavations here have unearthed an extensive monastic complex, comprising a mahastupa, apsidal and circular chaityagrihas, votive stupas, rock cut cisterns, a congregation hall, a refractory, pathways along with Roman and Satavahana coins and stucco prices datable from 3rd BC to 3rd AD. Altogether 12 brahmni label inscriptions engraved on chattra pieces, stone troughs, stone steps etc., have been reported.
Important cultural materials encountered in the excavations at Thotlakonda comprise pottery, beads, bangle pieces, tiles, stuccos, iron objects, sculptures, moulded bricks, inscriptions, coins, etc..

Tyda is being developed with camping facilities at jungle bells to provide an enchanting experience in the wilderness to the tourists. A home for a variety of wild mammals and avifauna, Tyda is ideal for viewing wild life and bird watching.
The main attractions include rock climbing, trekking and target shooting with bow & arrows. They can also learn the language of the jungle viz., identification of calls, marks etc. and understanding interesting features of various flora and fauna of eastern ghats with the help of naturalists/guides. Tourists can enjoy their stay in log huts and tents set in tribal environs.

Attractions: Musical Fountain, Boating, Skating Ring, Horse And Camel Riding
This park is a heavy crowd puller and has a dancing musical fountain. The fountain dances to the tunes of popular Hindi and Telugu film songs. Boating facility is available over here.
There is also a skating ring, where one can enjoy skating. Coaching is given too for those interested in skating. Also take pleasure in riding on camel and horsebacks. This is the best place for kids in Vishakhapatnam.
Timings: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Road

Visakhapatnam is 650 km from Hyderabad and 350 km from Vijayawada. Regular bus services are available to Hyderabad, \Tijayawada, Bhubaneswar, Chennai and Tirupati.  

Connected with Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, New Delhi and Bhubaneshwar. Indian Airlines flies daily to Hyderabad and five times a week to Chennai, New. Delhi and Kolkata.