Vishakapatnam was named after the God of valour, Visakha. Once a small fishing village, it formed a part of the Kalinga empire, under Ashoka in 260 BC., passed on successively from the Andhra kings to Vengi to the Pallavas, Cholas and Gangas. In the 15th century, Visakhapatnam became a part of the Vijayanagar empire. 

It was transformed into a port town under the British. Now a bustling industrial and commercial city, it is the country's largest ship building yard. The most famous landmark at Visakhapatnam is the Dolphin's Nose, a rocky promontory in the port that is 358 mt. in height. The Ramakrishna Mission Beach, on the east cost and Rishikonda, known for their serenity, are popular with tourists.

Popularly known as Vizag,it began as a small fishing village of just a few hundred people, and has developed into a progressive, cosmopolitan port city, and bustling industrial and commercial center with over one and half million people. Vizag is the amalgamation of what were originally two separate towns -- Waltair and Vishakapatnam. 

Places To See

Dolphin's Nose 
A bold headland, 174 mt. in height and 358 mt. above sea level in the southern part of Visakhapatnam breaks the coastline and is so called because its shape resembles a dolphin.
Ramakrishna Beach And Lawson's Bay
Visakhapatnam and its environs present a soul stirring panorama of golden beaches. Lush green vegetation and splendid monuments form a rich heritage.

Rishikonda Beach
A golden, unspoiled beach, washed by the sun-warmed sea, Rishikonda is 8 km. away from Visakhapatnam.This spot is ideal for swimmers, water skiers, and wind surfers. Tourists can enjoy a holiday in picturesque settings.

Bheemunipatnam Beach
At a distance of 24 km. from Visakhapatnam, this beach is located at the mouth of the river Gosthani. Once a Dutch settlement, the ruins of a fort and cemetery are still intact. The beach is very safe for swimmers. The journey between Visakhapatnam and Bheemunipatnam is exhilarating.

Vuda Park 
Vuda Park, also known as Taraka Rama Park, is one of the prime attractions in Visakhapatnam. It is a beautiful park right on the Sun-n-Sea beach with boating and swimming facilities, roller skating rink, artificial caves, beautiful long lawns, flower gardens, and a children's park.

Religious Places
The undulating terrain of Vizag is punctuated by three hills which together constitute the landmark of the city's relegious harmony. The presence of three important shrines of Hindus, Muslims and Christians is yet another significant feature of the city (located in close proximity on the three hills in the Port area).

The first, Ross Hill, named after a certain Monsieur Ross who built a house on it in 1864, it has now been converted into a chapel Mother Mary's Church. The pathway to the shrine strewn with Catholic icons. From Ross Hill there were excellent views of the ship building yard 

The second, Darga Pahad,, has the tomb of the Muslim saint, Sayed Ali Medina alias Ishak Medina, visited by Hindu and Muslim devotees alike. Attached to this is a mosque. 

Sri Venkateswara Konda, the third hillock, has a temple dedicated to the Lord. It is believed to have been built by an Englishman, Captain Blackmoor, in the 19th century. From this hillock you can see the port channel, which was the entrance of the inner harbour for ships and liners. 

By Air: Indian Airlines flies to Vishakapatnam daily from Bombay, Calcutta, Hyderabad and Madras. 

By Railways:Visakhpatnam is the center point for the Trains which goes between Chennai & Howra and Howra & Secunderabad.

By Train:The APS RTC runs buses which connects major cities to Visakhaptnam and the cities in the nighbouring states Orissa and Madhya Pradesh.