I'm just back from a weekend jaunt to Visakhapatnam - Vizag as it's almost universally known - and I'm impressed. For those of you reading this post outside India, Vizag is probably the biggest Indian city you've never heard of. It has a population of well over 2 million - it's one of Asia's fastest growing urban centres - one of South Asia's main ports - one of India's most prosperous cities ... and among the cleanest. And it's got brilliant beaches. Visakhaptanam (it's said the Brits couldn't get their tongues around the full name, hence the simplification to Vizag) is equidistant between Chennai and Calcutta and by far the main coastal city along this long stretch of the Bay of Bengal. And now that Telugu-speaking Andhra Pradesh has been divided (not reflected in this map - sorry!) and Hyderbad is to become the state capital only of Telangana, Vizag will be Andhra's biggest city. An international airport is in prospect and India's leading nuclear research centre is relocating here. Vizag is not, however, going to be Andhra's state capital - that will be a newly built place, Amaravati, further south. (It's all about politics and money - details on request). Vizag has what's described as the best natural harbour on India's east coast. It's the HQ of the Indian navy's Eastern Command and has two busy ports - along with steel, pharmaceuticals, refineries and all that you expect of a rapidly growing port city. At the hotel I stayed at there were quite a lot of Russians among the guests - I am told technicians working on modernising the habour and naval facilities. And Vizag is also abundant proof that industrial cities don't have to be ugly. It's on the eastern Ghats, so quite hilly, which gives a certain majesty to the landscape. The sea is rocky in places with strong currents so it's not great for swimming and there's hardly any beach tourism. But locals and visitors alike enjoy strolling on the sand and getting their feet (and a little more) wet. It's a new city - and an old one too. To the north there are the ruins of two ancient Buddhist universities and religious centres dating back two millennia. Buddhist holy men congregated here before sailing from the harbour to take their message to other parts of south and south-east Asia. There's also an old Dutch trading centre a half-hour's drive north - though the cemetery is really all that remains. The Collector's office in Vizag - still the never centre of local government - remains in a remarkable British-built architectural mish-mash, with a tower, turrets and arrow-slit apertures. But a lot of the other colonial-era buildings, in the old town and by the port, are slowly crumbling away. And sadly there's only a handful of the old sea-facing bungalows still left - most have been replaced by multi-storey apartments and hotels. But if you get a chance to go to Vizag - do!
17 Comments
Dilip kumar Lahiri
7/3/2018 14:11:01
I had come to Vizag with a job at Port Trust in 1967, experiencing several years at sea as a Marine Engineer. I had experienced the total development of the city., addinng many things by Port Trust and wise decisions by G V. M C, which turned the tiny village cum town to a world famou Smart City.. HATS OFF to those wise people and the people heading the state Administration. He
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4/11/2019 05:06:33
Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift. Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I?d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I?ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.
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8/11/2023 04:38:36
Vizag sounds like a perfect destination for a short getaway! Did you find any unique souvenirs or local crafts to bring back?
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30/5/2024 10:55:21
A great article! Thank you so much for sharing this lovely post. It was very enjoyable to read and helped me learn more. Keep writing.
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30/5/2024 10:56:06
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30/5/2024 10:56:55
I like your post very much, keep posting good post everyday, thank you very much
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25/6/2024 08:49:11
India's golden triangle is tourist circuit which connects the national capital Delhi, Agra,and Jaipur. The Golden Triangle is so called because of the triangular pattern formed by the locations of New Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan on the Map.
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You're very welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the article and found it informative. Sharing travel experiences and insights is something I love to do, so I appreciate your encouraging words. If there's ever anything specific you'd like to read more about or any questions you have, feel free to reach out. Happy reading and exploring!
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12/12/2024 16:23:21
Thank you for Sharing good quality article. it’s more useful.
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13/1/2025 11:58:13
You're most welcome! I'm so glad you found the article useful. If you ever need more insights or have specific topics in mind, feel free to reach out. Happy learning! 😊
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19/1/2025 09:48:30
I'm grateful, I'm happy the post was enjoyable. Please share any comments or ideas you may have to make it better.
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Thank you so much for your heartfelt feedback! It truly warms my heart to hear that you found the article inspiring and valuable. Your kind words and encouragement mean the world to me! 🌟 I’m so grateful for your support and enthusiasm. If you have any suggestions or topics, you’d like me to cover next, feel free to let me know. 😊 Keep shining!
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22/1/2025 08:28:44
Such a wonderful read! It’s great to see a comparison between the bustling life of Chennai and the laid-back charm of Vizag. A weekend getaway to Vizag sounds like the perfect way to unwind and experience a different side of South India. The scenic beaches, delicious local cuisine, and relaxed atmosphere must have been refreshing after time in Chennai. I’d love to know more about the must-visit places in Vizag for someone planning a short trip there! Thanks for sharing your experience!
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