Borra Caves - It Is Naturally Formed Cave And Believed To Be 150 Million Years Old

BORRA CAVES 

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VISHAKAPATNAM

Borra caves are located 1,400 metres above sea level.The caves are famous for their beautiful stalagmite and stalactite formations. Borra Caves have both religious and historical significance. The locals flock to the caves to worship a Shivalinga and an idol of Kamadenu, the divine bovine goddess of Hindu mythology. 

This idol is located deep inside caves. The rock formations inside the caves look like udders of a cow and hence, these caves also are called Gosthani William King George belonging to the Geological Survey of India was instrumental in discovering Paleolithic implements in 1807. It is believed that these implements were about 1 million years old.

Borra Caves are located about 90 kms. north of Vishakapatnam in the Ananthgiri Hill Ranges of Eastern Ghats of India. It falls in the State of Andhra Pradesh. William King, the British geologist discovered the cave in 1807. It is a naturally formed cave believed to be 150 million years old. The Humic acid in the water reacts with the Calcium Carbonate in the limestone and dissolves the minerals breaking the rock gradually. 

Breathtaking hilly terrain, beautiful landscape, semi-evergreen moist deciduous forests, and wild fauna of the area are a visual feast. This cave is the biggest in India considering the area it has spread geographically. Breathtaking hilly terrain, beautiful landscape, semi-evergreen moist deciduous forests, and wild fauna of the area are a visual feast. This cave is the biggest in India considering the area it has spread geographically. 

The humic acid in the water reacts with calcium carbonate in the limestone and dissolves the minerals breaking the rock gradually. The perennial water flow over a period of time results in the formation of caves. Stalagmites are formed due water percolating from the roof containing calcium bicarbonate and other minerals from mounds. Same way stalactites are also formed and because of their different shapes tourist and locals have given different names to them. One can see different formations of the stalactites and stalagmites as Shiv-Parvati, Mother-Child, Rishi's Beard, Human Brain, Crocodile, Tiger and Cows udder. 

Borra Caves - Entry Fee, Timing, Address, Official Website
Address	Anantagiri Hills, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Entry Fee :	Entry Fee for Per Person : 25 Rs.
Timings :	Visiting Hours - 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Official Website	www.aptdc.gov.in
Photography allowed or not	Allowed
Nearest Airport	Visakhapatnam Airport

Ramakrishna Beach – It Has Footpath To Take A Long Walk With Clean Atmoshphere

RAMAKRISHNA BEACH

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VISHKAPATINAM

Ramakrishna Beach is one of the popular beaches located in Vishkapatinam District of Andhra Pradesh State of India. Situated at the coast of Bay of Bengal, the beach constitutes a large part of the seafront. Often referred to as twin beaches, the Ramakrishna Beach and the Lawson's Bay Beach offer beautiful views of sunset, sunrise and the natural surroundings.

A smooth road skirted the entire length of the beach and beyond. A footpath along the entire widen between the beach and the road provided the right opportunity to take a long walk, savouring the pristine view of the sea and the waves and feel the wind thrashing our bodies.

The beach offers exciting opportunities to surf and when visitors have had their fill of sun, sand and sea, they can explore the poignant Dutch cemeteries located along the beach.

The coconut trees bordering the beach just add to the appeal and beauty of the place. The cool ocean breeze, the blue skies, the golden sands and the inviting waves of the sea make a heady mix that is worth experiencing.

Ramakrishna Beach offers soothing scenery to the visitors. Ramakrishna Beach has gained tremendous popularity in the past few years and is a famous visiting spot for the visitors. The scenic beauty of the Ramakrishna Beach is beyond compare.

The Ramakrishna Beach occupies large part of the sea front and is one of the exclusive regions that is often the visitor's choice. Ramakrishna Beach is located in Vishakhapatnam. The same is it is a harbor that is located in the Northeast corner.

Laying alongside the Bay of Bengal this beach is a continuation of the Coromandal Coast. People irrespective of their caste and creed visit this gorgeous landscape only to enjoy the extravagant beauty of this place. This place is favorable for sunbathing and surfing.

Submarine Museum, the Kali Temple, VUDA Park, Matsyadarshini and War Memorial are all lined up near the beach. Offering various kinds of water activities to the travellers, the beach is popular for sunbathing and wind as well as water surfing. Deep sea angling is another prominent activity, which is carried on traditional fishing boats

The Ramakrishna Beach is also exclusive for the The fishermen choose this spot since it is best suited for their business and activities. The private companies are coming up with ideas in order to establish sporting complexes at the Ramakrishna Beach.

Moreover reminiscence of the Dutch settlements comes alive with the numerous cemeteries and ports that are located along the beach.The Dutch settlement is also evitable from the cave paintings that have been excavated from the region. These caves are famous for their natural stalagmite formation and the 11th century temple dedicated to Lord Narasimhan is also located.

During the festive occasion this temple is noticeable by the visitors. The significant festivals of the Ramakrishna Beach include the Vishakha Utsav, Rishikonda Beach Festival.

Simhachalam Temple - Lord Vishnu Position His Leg On The Earth To Save Prahlada Is Known As Simhachalam.

 SIMHACHALAM TEMPLE

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VISAKHAPATNAM

Simhachalam Temple, dedicated to the Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu is located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The ancient temple was built on top of the hill known as Simhachalam or Simhadri. This temple of Lord Vishnu is one of the eighteen “Narasimha Kshetra” in India.

The Main deity is Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. The Idol of Sri Narasimha Swamy is in the tribhangi posture, with hands and the head of a lion on a human torso. The Idol is usually covered with sandalwood paste for the whole year. During the annual ritual of “nijaroopa darshan”, the deity can be seen in his holy appearance in true form. This nijaroopa darshan seva lasts for 12 hours and the deity is covered again with sandalwood paste on the day of Akshaya Tritiya.

The Simhachalam temple is unique in that it faces west. According to religious beliefs an east-facing entrance of a temple brings prosperity, while a west-facing entrance brings victory.

The temple is situated among the hills in the midst of cashew trees, shrubs, and mango groves. Many pilgrims take up giri pradhikshana (circumambulation) of the hill during auspicious days. The temple’s location in pleasant surroundings is an additional attraction here. The deity here is popularly called as Simhadri Appanna.

According to a common belief this temple was built at the place where the Lord Vishnu appeared in his Narasimha avtar to save his devotee Prahlad. Narasimha avatara is a lion-man incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

As per the legend, Lord Vishnu’s two gatekeepers at Vaikuntha,“Jaya” and “Vijaya” were cursed by three devotees of Lord Vishnu as they were not allowed to take darshan. Hence, the two gatekeepers Jaya and Vijaya reincarnated three times as antagonists of Lord Vishnu as they were cursed by the devotees. In one of the three Incarnations, Jaya and Vijaya took birth as Hiranyaksha and Hiranya Kasyapa.

In this incarnation, Hiranya Kasyapa was Prahlad’s father. Hiranya Kasyapa used to punish Prahlad for worshipping Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu took the incarnation as Narasimha, a combination of man and lion and rescued Prahlad from Hiranya Kasyapa at this place. The place where the Lord Vishnu put his leg on the earth to save Prahlada is known as Simhachalam.

The most popular festivals celebrated are Nijaroopa Darshanam and Chandanotsavam. Chandana yatra’ or ‘Chandanotsavam’ is celebrated when the deity is covered again with sandalwood paste after nijaroopa darshan which is conducted during Akshay Tritya. Millions of devotees visit the temple during this festivals. Laadoos are distributed as prasadam to the devotees along with free food known as annadanam.

By Air

Vishakhapatnam airport is the nearest aiprort, which is situated at 10 km.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Visakhapatnam which is located at 7 km.

By Bus

Simhachalam is 20 km away from Visakhapattanam Town. The temple can be reached from Visakhapatnam by buses or taxis.

Araku valley - The Green Valley And River Combination Gives A Spectacular View From Uphill Journey

ARAKU HILL STATION

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VISAKHAPATNAM

Araku is a famous hill station of AP. It is located at a distance of 120 KM from Visakhapatnam ( Vizag ). It is famous for its scenic beauty. Located on the eastern ghats , it has valley, water falls and streams flowing by the side of the train track and roads.

 The journey to Araku Valley is the most enjoying as the rail passes through tunnels, hill sides and streams. . It is better to go to Araku by train and return by road.

Heard about hair pin bends on serpentine hill roads, villages and their simple residents, open fields with exquisitely verdant hint, water cascading from a high position? These are a sight to etch and an experience to engrave forever. Having Araku Valley tour is one way to do that. Have a look on what all waits there.

One of the most beautiful places in what is referred to as "Food Bowl of South India", Araku Valley is located some 120 Km from the coastal city of Vishakhapatnam which is also known as Vizag popularly. 

Locals from nearby cities like Vizag prefer the place for the convenience of reach as well as the non-commercialized appeal. The undefiled landscapes at around 3000 ft becalm the rushed senses with their elements of greenery, sounds, waterfalls, caves and the local people selling home-grown organic coffee.

Taking revenge on stress by the way of biking is common in these landscapes, when city youths choose to get their rugged bikes services for a trip to Araku Valley including Anantgiri Hills as well.

 Other activities could be tried in places like Tyde Park, are bird watching, animal-sightings, trekking, rock climbing, etc. Taking a joy ride in toy train is another option available to keep kids engaged and adults involved.

Summers are most visited season of the region when the range of temperature stays somewhere between 18° to 28° C, while winters see a dip to 5° C requiring a protective cover in case a visit is made during that time. 

Monsoons from June to October are quite heavy due to the Bay of Bengal, so much so that they can result in to landslides causing travel as well as normal routine inconvenience.

At a height, there is a different world around with every sip of Araku coffee, especially in a room furnished for comfort with an exquisite view out of window. This could be a reality in the Araku Valley hotels.

 Some of the options include names like Haritha Valley resort, Punnami Hill Resort, Jungle Bells in Tyda, ITDC tribal cottages, Mayuri Hill Resort, Ushodaya Resorts, Chandrika Guest House and Holiday Inn Vihar. Pre-booking is always suggested, especially during the peak seasons.

By Air 

 Nearest Airport is Vishakhapatnam from where curvy roads to Araku Valley can be relied on.

By Train 

 Araku Valley has two railway stations that are on Eastern coastal line. It is a great way to journey to the valley, as the views from rail are quite enchanting passing through bridges and tunnels.

By Bus

The route to Araku Valley is frequented by several APSRTC buses in a day. The trip is a treat for the senses and may compel many to travel on their own with the freedom of stopping over at breathtaking spots 

Enshrined Sculpture Of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati-Kailasa Giri Hill

HILL STATION 

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KAILASA GIRI 

Kailasa Giri hill is located in Visakhapatnam city in the state of Andhra Pradesh.The name of the hill is derived from the word Kailasa, which means abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Kailasa Giri is a beautiful hill station of the destination offering beautiful view of the sea. The place is surrounded by Rushikonda Beach and Ramakrishna Beach on its left and hillock on its right.

The main attraction of the place includes ropeway trolleys, enshrined sculpture of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Road Train for kids and a huge Floral Clock. Recently emerged as a popular picnic spot, the place has several view points offering beautiful view of hills and the sea.

Kailash Giri is a popular tourist destination and getaway. The surrounding hills are lush and green and offer a wonderful respite from the concrete jungle of Visakhapatnam.

One of the attractions of Kailash Giri is its huge park called the Floral Watch. This park is shared like a watch and covered with grass. However, the main attraction is undoubtedly the massive statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati made from white marble.

These statues are located on the hill, on a platform. As the base of Lord Shiva's statue, there is a stream that flows all the way to the foot of the hill. There is a ropeway service that allows visitors to access the hill and offers stunning view of the city and the Bay. There even is a scenic and panoramic road leading to the top of the hill.

Kailash Giri is one of the most popular spots for picnicking. Besides, a number of tourist locations are near the park. Some important attractions located at a vicinity to the Kailasagiri Hill Top Park at Vizag are Floral Clock, Jungle Trails, Shanti Ashram, Art Gallery, Children Play Park, Conference Hall, Shiva Parvathi Statue, 7 Wonders of Vizag, Titanic View Point, Gliding Base Point, Telescopic Point and Shanku Chakra Naama.

Another remarkable attraction of the Kailasagiri Park is the toy train which is in force at the top of the park. This train makes the ride enjoyable by taking a full circular tour of this park. One can also enjoy paragliding here. Kailasagiri Park is a glider’s ecstasy with excellent gliding facilities. 

Kailasagiri Park provides exotic views from many vantage points owing to the beautiful landscape and Eastern Ghats surrounding it. One can have an imposing view of the city lit up in the evening from this hilltop park.

By Air

The nearest airport to Kailasagiri Hills is vishakhapatnam airport , vishakhapatnam which is 14 km away from Kailasagiri Hills . Visakhapatnam has a major airport located 12 km from the city centre. It is well connected to most major cities of the country like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Patna, Bhubaneswar and Tirupati. Flights from Dubai also operate from Visakhapatnam.

By Train

The nearest railway station to kailasagiri hills is Visakhapatnam Train Station which is 6 km away from Kailasagiri Hills. Visakhapatnam is well connected to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Amritsar, Alappuzha, Bhubaneshwar, Ernakulum, Guwahati, Mysore, Okha, Patna, Puri, Tirupati, Thiruvananthapuram, etc. Taxis are easily available from the station to reach any part of the city.

By Road

Visakhapatnam is well connected by road. Public buses (APSRTC) connect Visakhapatnam to most neighbouring regions and important places in the state. Private buses from Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, etc. are connected to the city.