The city of Visakhapatnam, also known as the ‘Jewel of the East Coast’, is the largest city in terms of area and population in the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh. Primarily industrial, the city is home to the Eastern Naval Command.
The history of this port city dates back to 6th century BC wherein it was considered to be the part of Kalinga region, under the rule of Ashoka and later by the Andhra Kings of Vengi.
A 2000 year old Buddhist site discovered in 1907 by Alexander Rea, a British archaeologist. Locally known as Bojjannakonda, significant for flourishing the three major school of Buddhism (Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana), the site is located 40 km south of Visakhapatnam.
Oldest Buddhist sites in Asia, located about 15km northeast from the city. A hill with wells for the collection of rain water, it has remains of an entire Buddhist complex, comprising of 26 structures belonging to three phases. Artefacts’ recovered from the site includes Roman and Satavahana coins, pottery and a piece of bone (with a large quantity of ash) in an urn, which is believed to be the remains of the Buddha.
Situated on a hilltop about 16km from Visakhapatnam and locally known as Totlakonda, this Buddhist site is famous for the remains and artefacts’ discovered during excavations and includes the stupa, chaityagrihas, pillared congregation halls, bhandagaras, refectory (bhojanasala), drainage and stone pathways, a kitchen complex with three halls and a refectory (dining hall). Apart from structures, the treasures excavated includes 9 satvahana and 5 roman silver coins, terracotta tiles, medieval pottery, and 8 ashtamangala symbols.
The city is also famous for its massive ports, serene beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, caves, religious sites and other tourist’s attraction, such as – Visakhapatnam Port, Gangavaram Port (serving as a gateway for the development of petroleum, steel and fertilizer industries), besides there is a famous Dolphin’s Nose (rocky headland resembling dolphin’s nose), VUDA Park, Visakha Museum, Matsyadarsini (an aquarium), INS Submarine Museum (the one of its kind in India), Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakha-Bhimili beach road, the Yarada Beach, Bheemili Beach, Gangavaram beaches are few of the prominent tourist attritions including the famous ISKCON temple.
