Settled about 40 km from Vishakapatnam, Vizianagaram is a city headquarter of Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh. It has derived it’s name from mighty dynasty vijayanagara which rules southern part for centuries. The city, was founded in 1712 as headquarters of the region. Rajas of Vizianagaram were considered to be patrons of education and fine arts in southern parts. Ipso facto is a diamond which is extremely rare. Vizianagaram is...
Settled about 40 km from Vishakapatnam, Vizianagaram is a city headquarter of Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh. It has derived it’s name from mighty dynasty vijayanagara which rules southern part for centuries. The city, was founded in 1712 as headquarters of the region. Rajas of Vizianagaram were considered to be patrons of education and fine arts in southern parts. Ipso facto is a diamond which is extremely rare. Vizianagaram is a gem stone of India. It can be divided into two parts natural physical divisions i.e., plain and hilly regions. The highest peak is the Shankaram in Srugavarapukota mandal which is about 1615 meters. Nagavali, Gosthani, Suvarnamukhi, Champavathi, Vegavathi and Gomukhi are rivers which gushes across Vizianagaram district. It’s is a city with plethora of flora and fauna and has been bestowed with natural inheritance. It is peaceful and sublime to explore.
HISTORY
Vizianagaram has many imprints on Indian history. It played crucial rule in Kalinga war and Bobbili Yuddham. It was ruled by several kingdoms and kings. Rulers of this princely state belong to the Pushpati family. When Britishers invaded India Vizianagaram was one among who retaliated. There are several important events in the struggle against alien rule. Vizianagaram was formed as a district on 1 June, 1979 with some parts included from Srikakulam and Vishakapatnam.
SRIMANU FOLK FESTIVAL
Srimanotasava is a grandeur festival of Vizianagaram. Celebrated on first Tuesday after Dasara every year. Around 3 to 4 lakhs people participate in this annual fest from Andhra Pradesh, Odisa and Chattisgarh. Sirimanu is a big tree which can be located anywhere and cut with owners permission. It is celebrated with a fair which visit temples round the city.
PLACES TO VISIT
1. VIZIANAGARAM FORT: Vizianagaram meaning “city of victory” and named after Vijayanagara Empire. It has fort which was fortified by Rajas of Vizianagaram. It is a architectural enrichment from history. It is an unforgettable experience with mesmerizing landscape and breathtaking surroundings. It is a must visit listed places.
2. RAMANARAYANA TEMPLE: Ramanarayana temple is designed in a way of bow of arrow, it is magnum opus depicting God Ram tale. It has huge crowd gatherings almost every day. On first floor ramayan is told in English and Telugu which is impressive and informative.
3. SARIPALLI: A quaint and small town located near Vizianagaram on the banks of Champavathi River and lies in the Nellimarla mandal of District Vizianagaram. It is famous among localities for Dibbi Lingeswara Swami which is said to be built under rule of Chalukyas.
4. KUMILI: Kumili is a small village located about 20 km from city center of Vizianagaram. It is famous for containing several temples in a cluster. The architecture of these temples are exquisite and delightful. Temples have carved walls, miniature and sculptures. These temples belong to Kalika Devi, Satyanarayana Swamy, Navagrahalu and Lord Ganapathi.
5. GOSTHANI SAROVAR VIHAR: Settled near Gosthani river, this reservoir was built in 1968. It is a perfect spot for a tranquil gateway. Families and friends visit this lush greenery as a picnic spot. It nestles at the Thatipudi reservoir project near Thatipudi village.
6. RAMATEERTHAM: Perched on Bavikonda hills this place is located 13 km from Vizianagaram. It is a renowned site for a 1000 year old Ramantenole in its vicinity, established during reign of Pashupati kings. A perfect destination for mesmerizing view it has a temple, a small lake named Koneru and a boulder at the edge of the hills.
7. BOBBILI: Bobbili is a town located in Vizianagaram district. Famous Bobbili war is know for it’s valor and bravery even today. This town has a For of Bobbili and Swami Venugopala temple.
8. PUNYAGIRI: Punyagiri is a place located at proximity of about 25 km from Vizianagaram. It is a revered hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’ is considered to be one of the oldest idol nearby. It has a small waterfall in which people take bath before visiting three lings. During shivratri people flock all across state and a small fair is also organised.
9. VENKATESHWAR ALAYAM GOVINDAPURAM: It is a small and quaint village located about 20 km from Vizianagaram city. It is famous for Lord kirshna temple where he is shown as a Parthasarthi. Four giant horses and a seated Krishna on a chariot makes it a sight to bow. Thought the most striking feature is the Gita mandir where entire Gita is recited.
10. CLOCK TOWER: Clock tower located in between Vizianagaram city is a tourist place for it’s different architecture. Bell chimes at every hour and it is considered to be the heart of city.
HOW TO REACH
• AIRPORT: Vishakapatnam is the nearest airport about 40 km from the city. It has air traffic and several domestic flights operating on daily basis. You can hire a cab from outside.
• RAILWAY: Vizianagaram is the district headquarters and have a own railway junction. It has connectivity to almost every bay of Bengal near by city and state.
• ROAD: It has well maintained and connected roads. You can easily travel with your own vehicle or hire a cab from nearby areas.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
October to March is the best time to visit Vizianagaram.
• SUMMER: Temperature hovers from 32°c minimum to 42°c maximum. (Extremely hot and Humid)
• RAIN: Temperature hovers from 23°c minimum to 30°c maximum.( Heavy showers)
• WINTERS: Temperature hovers from 20°c minimum to 28°c maximum. (Pleasant weather)