Trifter

Visakhapatnam, popularly known as Vizag, is situated in northeast part of Andhra Pradesh state in India. It is the second only to Hyderabad, the capital city, in non-agriculture based business. The potential for tourism abounds, but since the government is still in deep slumber, visitors to this city are still in luck. They can enjoy the beauty of the city and it’s surroundings without jostling for space with thousands of tourists. The city is rapidly changing from a green place into a concrete jungle but thankfully there still exist some exquisite natural surroundings within 10-30 minutes drive from the center of the city.

Kambalakonda

Located within 15 minute drive from the center of the city, this over 7000 acre nature park is nothing but sheer greenery. If not for the highway that separates the park from a zoo (the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park), it would be very easy for this nature park’s visitors to forget that they are so close to a bustling city. The hills within the park as well as a small water body are a welcome sight for eyes yearning for some greenery. The tranquility of this park is only broken by the distant horns from vehicles driving on the highway in some places closer to the entrance. Kambalakonda is throughout the year from 9 AM to 5 PM. A few pre-pitched rental tents exist for those wishing to camp overnight. For an early morning hike one can talk to the forest officers in charge of the park who will provide two guides from the tribal population residing somewhere hidden among the hills within this park.

Thotlakonda

This amazing hill top site contains ancient Buddhist relics that have been found thanks to the Indian Navy. Noticing these relics during one of their aerial surveys of the surroundings they informed the government.

The government was, with much difficulty, persuaded by INTACH to preserve the hill with it’s relics which date back to 3rd century BC. Remnants of ‘stupas’, the kitchen building and the water holes atop the hill overlooking the sea will amaze history buffs. Imagine the lives of Buddhist monks who must have lived there over 2200 years ago. The view of the Bay of Bengal will easily convince anyone as to why the monks could have chosen this place.

Kailasagiri

This hill park has become a most popular tourist spot and even residents throng to it for a relaxing evening atop the hill. One can use the ‘ropeway’, similar to a ski lift, to go up 2/3rds of the hill or just drive up there. Once atop the hill, there is a children’s play area, a circular train that takes visitors on a short trip around the hill, a trekking trail, eateries, etc. This is where a Telugu museum and a doll museum are being built. While this park is full of tourists almost all through the day and until closing time, it is still worth a visit because of the bird’s eye view that one gets of the city and also the Bay of Bengal including Lawson’s Bay.

Yarada Beach

A verdant beach that has been unspoiled by any ‘development’, this is the place that is farthest from the city.

Once again, tranquility is the key word. Since many of the residents prefer visiting the Ramakrishna Beach and the surroundings, Yarada beach is quiet allowing one to relax along the seashore.

Dolphins Nose

This hill gets it’s name from it’s resemblance to a dolphin’s nose. It hosts a lighthouse and people could go up to the top of the lighthouse and experience the heavy winds that almost swept you off your feet. Nowadays one needs to take special permission from the navy to go up to the lighthouse. The hill also has a temple for a goddess, which can be accessed from a medium sized boat that goes between the neck of the port and hill. Opposite this hill and very close to the neck of the port are a couple of hillocks. Earlier, these hillocks were all part of one hill that boasted of a temple, mosque and church on it.

Sivaji Park

This park has an amazing set of flowering and non-flowering plants and trees. Walkers and yoga practitioners visit this park early in the morning to take in the fresh air, the lush greenery and the chirps of birds. Fluttering butterflies of various vibrant colours sometimes welcome some lucky visitors. There is a roller skating rink next to a children’s play area and this is the most popular part of the park for children.

There you have it. Seven of the best places that you can go to within Vizag city limits if you are a nature lover. Of course, if you really want to get away from it all and while away your time in the lap of nature’s greenery, Araku and the surrounding areas are the places to be. More on that in a future article.