Visakhapatnam: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia
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| settlement_type = [[Metropolis]]
| image_skyline = {{multiple image
| border = infobox
|perrow total_width = 1/3/2/1280
|total_width image_style = 290 =
| perrow = 1/2/2/1
|caption_align = center
| image1 = Vizag View from Kailasagiri.jpg {{!}} City scape
| image2 = Damaged lighthouse.jpg {{!}} Old Light house
|caption1 = Skyline of Visakhapatnam
| image3 = Beached ship 02.jpg {{!}} MV MAA at Tenneti park
|image2 = Lighthouse on Visakhapatnam beach road.jpg
|image6 image4 = Kambalakonda wildlife sanctuary Landscape.jpg {{!}} Kambalakonda▼
|caption2 = [[RK Beach|Old Lighthouse]]
| image5 = Shiva and Parvati statues in Kailsagiri park 02.jpg {{!}} Kailasagiri statues
|image3 = Simhachalam temple view from the rear side hillock.jpg
|image7 image6 = Cargo Ship and breakwaters.jpg {{!}} Vizag port}}▼
|caption3 = [[Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Simhachalam|Simhachalam Temple]]
| image_alt = <!-- There are individual alt texts for each image in the collage in the infobox -->
|image4 = King george hospital.jpg
| image_caption = '''Clockwise from top''': Skyline of Visakhapatnam, Beach ship at [[Tenneti Park]], Lord Shiva & Parvathi statues on [[Kailasagiri]], [[Visakhapatnam Port]], [[Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary]] and Old Vizag Lighthouse on [[RK Beach]]
|caption4 = [[King George Hospital, Visakhapatnam|King George Hospital]]
|image5 = RK Beach at Sunset time 02.JPG
|caption5 = [[Dolphin's Nose]]
▲|image6 = Kambalakonda wildlife sanctuary Landscape.jpg
|caption6 = [[Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary]]
▲|image7 = Cargo Ship and breakwaters.jpg
|caption7 = View of [[Visakhapatnam Port]]
}}
| image_alt =
| image_caption = '''From top, left to right:''' <br/> Visakhapatnam aerial view, Vizag seaport, [[Simhachalam Temple]], Aerial view of [[Rushikonda Beach]], Beach road, [[Novotel|Novotel Visakhapatnam]], [[INS Kursura (S20)|INS Kursura]] submarine museum, Vizag skyline, Kambalakonda wildlife sanctuary
| etymology = <!-- There is a dispute over the name of Visakhapatnam (Visakha/Ishaq) -->
| nickname = The City of Destiny<br />The Jewel of the East Coast<!-- Financial Capital cannot be regarded as a nickname -->
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| population_footnotes = <ref name=ua2011>{{cite web|title=INDIA STATS : Million plus cities in India as per Census 2011|url=http://pibmumbai.gov.in/scripts/detail.asp?releaseId=E2011IS3|work=Press Information Bureau, Mumbai|publisher=[[National Informatics Centre]] (NIC)|access-date=7 February 2012}}</ref>
| population_total = 2091811
| pop_est_as_of = 20242021
| pop_est_footnotes = <ref name=ua2021>{{cite news|title=INDIA STATS : Vizag's population to cross 30 lakh mark by 2035|website=[[The Times of India]] |date=111 July 20242021 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/vizags-population-to-cross-30l-mark-by-35/articleshow/84302422.cms}}</ref>
| population_est = 28584122358412
| population_rank = [[List of most populous cities in India|17th]]
| population_density_km2 = auto
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| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 530 0XX, 531 1XX <ref>{{Cite web|title=Pin Codes of Visakhapatanam, Andhra-pradesh, India, Visakhapatanam Pincode Search|url=https://indiapincodes.net/Andhra-pradesh/Visakhapatanam/|access-date=25 February 2022|website=indiapincodes.net}}</ref>
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code = +91-891
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| map_caption = Interactive map
}}
'''Visakhapatnam''' ({{IPAc-en|v|ɪ|ˌ|s|ɑː|k|ə|ˈ|p|ʌ|t|n|ə|m}},; [[List of renamed places in India|formerly known]] as '''Vizagapatam''',<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 April 2023 |title=The untold story of Vizagapatam's 1780 mutiny |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/the-untold-story-of-vizagapatams-1780-mutiny/article66788952.ece |access-date=16 June 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>), also known as '''Vizag''', '''Viśākha''' or '''Waltair''',)<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yovizag.com/shor-in-the-city-vizag/|title=Behind The Name - Vizag|website=Vizag -|access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=From Allahabad to Prayagraj: 20 cities that changed their names |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/gurgaon-new-name-gurugram-indian-cities-renamed/ |access-date=16 October 2018 |website=The New Indian Express| date=16 October 2018 }}</ref> is the largest and most populous metropolitan city in the [[States and union territories of India|Indian state]] of [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Vandana |date=2024-05-01 |title=Why Vizag, financial capital powering Andhra Pradesh's economy, hasn't realised its potential |url=https://theprint.in/elections/why-vizag-financial-capital-powering-andhra-pradeshs-economy-hasnt-realised-its-potential/2063733/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> It is between the [[Eastern Ghats]] and the coast of the [[Bay of Bengal]].<ref name="location">{{cite news|date=21 October 2014|title=In pics: Hudhud takes the green sheen off Vizag|work=Hindustan Times|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/in-pics-hudhud-takes-the-green-sheen-off-vizag/story-EVRN3Ti9RvewyzJl1P6jjI.html|url-status=live|access-date=11 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817080057/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/in-pics-hudhud-takes-the-green-sheen-off-vizag/story-EVRN3Ti9RvewyzJl1P6jjI.html|archive-date=17 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://visakhapatnam.ap.gov.in/about-district/|title=About District {{!}} Visakhapatnam District, Government of Andhra Pradesh {{!}} India|access-date=16 April 2020}}</ref> It is the second largest city on the [[Coastal India|east coast]] of India after [[Chennai]], and the fourth largest in [[South India]]. It is one of the four [[Smart city|smart cities]] of Andhra Pradesh selected under the [[Smart Cities Mission]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/ap-smart-cities-to-be-ready-by-2021/articleshow/62286611.cms|title=AP: Andhra Pradesh smart cities to be ready by 2021 |department=Vijayawada News |website=The Times of India|date=29 December 2017 |access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref> and is the headquarters of [[Visakhapatnam district]].<ref name="city of destiny">{{cite book|last1=Academy|first1=Students'|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WfQGAgAAQBAJ&q=vizag+bay+of+bengal+visakhapatnam+district+headquarters&pg=PA4|title=Visakhapatnam-The City of Destiny-India|publisher=Lulu.com|isbn=978-1-257-06510-3|page=4|language=en|access-date=16 May 2017}}{{self-published source|date=February 2020}}</ref> With an estimated output of $43.5 billion, it is the ninth largest contributor to India's [[gross domestic product]] as of 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title= Visakhapatnam district development plan |url= https://www.eaindustry.nic.in/ddp/Visakhapatnam_DDP_Report_Final.pdf }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Vizag 9th richest city in country|date= 23 November 2017|url= https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2017-11-23/Vizag-9th-richest-city-in-country/341023}}</ref>
Visakhapatnam's history dates back to the 6th century BCE.<ref>{{Cite Itnews |last=Jesudasan |first=Dennis S. |date=2019-09-19 |title=Keezhadi excavations: Sangam era older than previously thought, finds study |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/keeladi-findings-traceable-to-6th-century-bce-report/article29461583.ece |access-date=2024-09-05 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The city was ruled by the [[Satavahana dynasty|Andhra Satavahanas]], [[Vengi]], the [[Pallava dynasty|Pallava]] and [[Eastern Ganga dynasty|Eastern Ganga]] dynasties.<ref name="history3">{{cite web|title=Visakhapatnam District|url=http://visakhapatnam.nic.in/|publisher=Visakhapatnam District|access-date=9 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150507060423/http://visakhapatnam.nic.in/|archive-date=7 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=16 June 2016 |title=Satavahana History |work=VMRDA |location=Visakhapatnam |url=http://vmrda.gov.in/thotlakonda.aspx |access-date=14 June 2016}}</ref> Visakhapatnam was an ancient Portport city which had trade relations with the Middle East and [[Roman Empire|Rome]]. <ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-01-31 |title=City of destiny Visakhapatnam, a new address of Andhra Pradesh Capital? |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/city-of-destiny-visakhapatnam-a-new-address-of-andhra-pradesh-capital-1186449.html |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> Ships in Visakhapatnam were anchored at open roads and were loaded with cargo transported from Visakhapatnamthe shoreshoreside using small [[Masula boat|masula boats]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our History |url=https://vizagport.com/Template/navigateTemplate/gnt/T3VyIEhpc3Rvcnk= |access-date=6 September 2024 |website=Visakhapatnam Port Authority}}</ref> A reference to a Vizagapatnam merchant is available in the inscriptions of [[Kumararama|Bheemeswara temple]] (1068 CE) ofin the [[East Godavari district|East Godavari District]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Onka |first=Sumit Kumar |date=2016-05-25 |title=Visakhapatnam was a land of traders, artists: Researcher Edward Paul |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/250516/visakhapatnam-was-a-land-of-traders-artists-researcher-edward-paul.html |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en}}</ref> During the 12th century CE, Vizagapatnam was a fortified merchandisemercantile town managed by a guild.<ref>{{cite web|title=Visakhapatnam Port Trust|url=https://vizagport.com/Template/navigateTemplate/gnt/T3VyIEhpc3Rvcnk=|publisher=Visakhapatnam Port Trust|access-date=2 March 2022}}</ref> European powers eventually established trade operations in the city, and by the end of the 18th century it had come under [[French India|French colonial rule]].<ref name="history1">{{cite web |title=Maps of India – Visakhapatnam History |url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/visakhapatnam/history.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100226134337/http://www.mapsofindia.com/visakhapatnam/history.html |archive-date=26 February 2010 |access-date=9 May 2015 |publisher=Maps of India}}</ref><ref name="history2">{{cite web |title=History of Visakhapatnam |url=http://www.iloveindia.com/travel/visakhapatnam/history-of-visakhapatnam.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518071957/http://www.iloveindia.com/travel/visakhapatnam/history-of-visakhapatnam.html |archive-date=18 May 2015 |access-date=9 May 2015 |publisher=I Love India}}</ref> Control of the city passed to the [[East India Company]] in 1804 and it remained under [[British Raj|British colonial rule]] until [[Indian independence movement|Indian independence in 1947]].<ref name="history2" />
The city is home to some reputed Central and State educational institutions of the state, including [[Andhra University]] (AU), [[Andhra Medical College]] (AMC), [[Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam|Indian Institute of Management]] (IIM), [[Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy]] (IIPE), [[Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University]] (DSNLU), [[Indian Maritime University#Visakhapatnam Campus|Indian Maritime University]] (IMU), and the [[National Institute of Oceanography, India|National Institute of Oceanography]] among others. Visakhapatnam serves as the headquarters for the [[Indian Navy|Indian Navy's]] [[Eastern Naval Command]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.joinindiannavy.gov.in/en/about-us/basic-organization.html|title=Basic Organization|website=Join Indian Navy|access-date= 28 May 2020}}</ref> The city also serves as the [[Zones and divisions of Indian Railways|zonal headquarters]] of [[South Coast Railway zone|South Coast Railway Zone]] (SCoR). The city is also home to the oldest [[shipyard]] and the only [[Harbor|natural harbour]] on the east coast of India.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gopalakrishnan|first1=Hema|title=A career in Vizag|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-opportunities/a-career-in-vizag/article4072707.ece|access-date=18 May 2015|work=The Hindu|date=7 November 2012}}</ref> [[Visakhapatnam Port]] is the [[List of ports in India|fifth-busiest cargo port]] in India. The city is a major tourist destination and is known for its beaches, ancient [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] sites, and the natural environment of the surrounding [[Eastern Ghats]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Ghosh|first1=G. K.|title=Bamboo: The Wonderful Grass|date=2008|publisher=APH Publishing|isbn=9788131303696|page=300|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FH4Bb7dD4qYC&q=Visakhapatnam+is+a+major+tourist+destination,+and+is+particularly+known+for+its+beaches.&pg=PA300|access-date=21 July 2017|language=en}}</ref> It is nicknamed as the "City of Destiny" and the "Jewel of the East Coast".<ref name="city of destiny" /> According to the [[Swachh Survekshan]] rankings of 2020, it is the ninth cleanest city in India among cities with a population of more than [[1 million]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Swachh Survekshan 2020|url=http://www.swachhsurvekshan2020.org/ImpDocs/SS2020fullreport.pdf|publisher=Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926015657/http://www.swachhsurvekshan2020.org/ImpDocs/SS2020fullreport.pdf|archive-date=26 September 2021}}</ref> In 2020, it was a finalist in the Living and Inclusion category of the World Smart City Awards.<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 November 2020|title=Vizag stands third at World Smart City Awards 2020|url=https://www.yovizag.com/vizag-stands-third-at-world-smart-city-awards-2020/|access-date=1 June 2021|website=Vizag|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-politics/visakhapatnam-aps-capital-what-happens-to-amaravati-and-the-3-capitals-plan-8415874/ | title=Visakhapatnam will be Andhra's capital, says Jagan. What happens to Amaravati and the 3-capitals plan? | date=31 January 2023 }}</ref>
== Etymology ==
The local belief behind the name of the city- states, there was a king ofin the 4th century, who on his pilgrimage halted at Lawson's Bay and built a temple dedicated to [[Vishakha|Vaisakha]], which was submerged under the sea, but the name of the temple wasbecame gotattached to the settlement.<ref name="etymology" /> Other suchhistorical names are, ''Kulotungapatnam'', named by the Chola King [[Kulottunga I]]; ''Ishakapatnam'', based on a Muslim Saint, Syed Ali Madani (Ishak Madani).<ref name="etymology">{{cite news|last1=Hatangadi|first1=Hatangadi|title=Vizag's hidden history|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/Vizags-hidden-history/articleshow/51075554.cms|access-date=16 May 2017|work=The Times of India|date=21 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812220832/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/Vizags-hidden-history/articleshow/51075554.cms|archive-date=12 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="etymology2">{{cite book|last1=Raju|first1=Rapaka Satya|title=Urban Unorganised Sector in India|publisher=Mittal Publications|page=69|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K7fDs9fV3TsC&q=visakhapatnam+shortened+vizag&pg=PA69|access-date=16 May 2017|language=en|year=1989}}</ref> During the [[Company rule in India|East India Company rule in India]], the city was known with the name, ''Vizagapatnam''.<ref name="sepoymutiny">{{cite news|title=First Sepoy Mutiny took place in Vizag|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/%E2%80%98First-Sepoy-Mutiny-took-place-in-Vizag%E2%80%99/article15425171.ece|access-date=16 May 2017|work=The Hindu|date=4 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220143449/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/%E2%80%98First-Sepoy-Mutiny-took-place-in-Vizag%E2%80%99/article15425171.ece|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The suburb ''Waltair'' is another such name which was derived from the name the British colonial government used.<ref name="city of destiny" /> "Vizagapatnam" could also be spelled ''Visakhapatnam'' in the West European alphabet. The name was popularly shortened to ''Vizag'' and this form was in use right from the earliest days of British colonial rule in the district in the late eighteenth century.<ref name="Fathima">{{cite book|last1=Kapil|first1=Fathima Kutty|title=District Administration and Social Change in India: A Study of Vizagapatnam District, 1794-1898|date=2 October 1989|publisher=Stosius Inc - Advent Books Division|isbn=978-8170271444|edition=2nd}}</ref> It is still referred to as Vizag by locals too, however since [[Indian independence movement|independence]], people have reverted to calling it by its Indian name of Visakhapatnam.<ref name="etymology" />
== History ==
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=== Buddhist influence ===
Hindu texts state that during the fifth century BCE, the Visakhapatnam region was part of [[Kalinga (historical region)|Kalinga]] territory, which extended to the [[Godavari River|Godavari river]]. Relics found in the area also prove the existence of a [[Buddhist]] empire in the region. Kalinga later lost the territory to [[Ashoka|King Ashoka]] in the bloodiest battle of its time, which prompted Ashoka to embrace [[Buddhism]]. VisakhapatnamAncient isBuddhist surroundedsites, byrecently ancientexcavated, Buddhistare sitesscattered across Visakhapatnam, mostreflecting ofthe whichregion's haveBuddhist beenlegacy.<ref>{{Cite excavatedweb recently|date=2023-02-01 and|title=Visakhapatnam illustratedeclared theas legacynew capital of BuddhismAndhra inPradesh the region|url=https://thearabianpost.{{Citationcom/visakhapatnam-declared-as-new-capital-of-andhra-pradesh/ needed|access-date=2024-09-06 |website=Arabian JanuaryPost 2016|language=en-US}}</ref>
==== Pavurallakonda ====
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==== Sankaram ====
[[File:Rock-cut Lord --Buddha-- Statue at Bojjanakonda near Anakapalle of Visakhapatnam dist in AP.jpg|thumb|left|Stone seated [[Buddharupa|Buddha]] at [[Bojjannakonda]] near [[Anakapalle]]]]
In 1907 British archaeologist Alexander Rea unearthed Sankaram, a 2,000-year-old Buddhist site. The name "Śankaram" derives from the [[Sangharama]] (temple or monastery). Located {{convert|40|km|abbr=on}} south of Visakhapatnam, it is known locally as [[Bojjannakonda]] and is a significant Buddhist site in Andhra Pradesh. The three major schools of Buddhism (Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana) flourished here. The complex is known for its monolithic [[stupa]]s, rock-cut caves and brick structures. The primary stupa was initially carved out of rock and covered with bricks. Excavations yielded historic pottery and Satavahana coins from the first century CE. At Lingalakonda, there are also rock-cut monolithic stupas in rows spread over the hill.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Gopal |first=B. Madhu |date=2023-09-30 |title=Andhra Pradesh’s Bojjannakonda gets major facelift to draw more tourists |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/andhra-pradesh-bojjannakonda-gets-major-facelift-to-draw-more-tourists/article67360608.ece |access-date=2024-09-06 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The vihara, a monastery, was active for about 1,000 years.{{Citation needed|date<ref name=":2" January 2016}}/>
Nearby is another Buddhist site, Bojjannakonda, with several images of the Buddha carved on the rock face of the caves. At Ligalametta there are hundreds of rock-cut monolithic stupas in rows, spread across the hill. Among other Buddhist attractions are a relic casket, three [[chaitya]] halls, votive platforms, stupas and [[Vajrayana]] sculptures.<ref>{{CitationCite news |last=Patnaik |first=Santosh needed|date=2020-01-12 |title=INTACH Januaryefforts 2016to protect Buddhist site bear fruit |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/intach-efforts-to-protect-buddhist-site-bear-fruit/article30552294.ece |access-date=2024-09-06 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
==== Bavikonda ====
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Bavikonda is an important Buddhist heritage site located on a hill about {{Convert|15|km|abbr=on}}, northeast of Visakhapatnam city. Here the Buddhist habitation is noticed on a 16 ha flat terraced area. The Hinayana school of Buddhism was practised at the monastery between the 3rd century B.C. and the 3rd century A.D. Bavikonda has remains of an entire Buddhist complex, comprising 26 structures belonging to three phases. A piece of bone stored in an urn recovered here is believed to belong to the mortal remains of the [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]]. The word ''Bavikonda'' in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] means "a hill of wells". Fitting its name, Bavikonda is a hill with wells for the collection of rainwater. It is located {{convert|15|km|abbr=on}} from Visakhapatnam and is a significant Buddhist site.
Excavation carried out from 1982 to 1987 revealed a Buddhist establishment including a mahachaitya, also referred to as a grand stupa, embedded with relic caskets,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-24 |title=Top 20 Buddhist Stupas in India – Earth is Mysterious |url=https://www.earthismysterious.com/top-buddhist-stupas-in-india/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |language=en-US}}</ref>{{Clarify|date=May 2012}} a large viharaVihara (monastery) complex, numerous votive stupas, a stone-pillared congregation and rectangular halls and a refectory. Artifacts recovered from the site include Roman and [[Satavahana dynasty|Satavahana]] coins and pottery dating from the third century BCE to the second century CE. A significant finding was a piece of bone (with a large quantity of ash) in an urn, which is believed to be the remains of the [[Buddha]]. The Bavikonda site is considered one of the oldest Buddhist sites in Asia. It is a reminder of the Buddhist civilisation which once existed in southern India, and also reminiscent of [[Borobudur]] in Indonesia.<ref>{{cite web|title=bavikonda|url=http://www.buddhist-tourism.com/countries/india/buddhist-sites/bavikonda-andhra-pradesh.html/|publisher=buddhist-tourism.com|access-date=7 September 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222172341/http://www.buddhist-tourism.com/countries/india/buddhist-sites/bavikonda-andhra-pradesh.html|archive-date=22 December 2015}}</ref>
==== Thotlakonda ====
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=== Later history ===
[[File:Mor Sjanua Regimental Cemetery near Jagadamba junction, Vizag.jpg|thumb|Mor Sjanua Regimental Cemetery near Jagadamba junction]]
The territory of Visakhapatnam then came under the Andhra rulers of [[Vengi]], and [[Chalukya dynasty|Chalukyas]] and [[Pallava dynasty|Pallavas]] ruled the land. The region was ruled by the [[Eastern Ganga dynasty|Eastern Ganga king]] and the [[Gajapati Empire|Gajapati kings]] from the 10th century to the 16th century CE. Based on archaeological evidence, the [[Prabhakar]] and the Eastern Ganga Kings built temples in the city in the 11th and 12th centuries. In the late 16th century, it came under the direct rule of the [[Suryavanshi clan|Suryavanshi]] king, [[Vishwanath Dev Gajapati|Maharaja Vishwanath Dev Gajapati]] of [[Jeypore]]. However, from 1571 to 1674 it fell under the control and administration of the [[Qutb Shahi dynasty|Qutb Shahi]] kings of [[Golconda Fort|Golconda]] who appointed a governor or [[Faujdar]] to collect taxes in the region. This Faujdar governed the area from [[Srikakulam]] or Chicacole as it was then known. In 1674, the Maharaja of Jeypore, Vishwambhar Dev defeated the Foujdar and claimed sovereignty from the deteriorating Qutb Shahis.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last1=Senapati|first1=Neelmani|last2=Sahu|first2=Nabin Kumar|date=1966|title=Orissa District Gazetteers: Karaput|url=http://indianculture.gov.in/gazettes/orissa-district-gazetteers-karaput|access-date=25 April 2021|website=INDIAN CULTURE|publisher=Government of Odisha|page=73|language=en}}</ref> Vishwambhar is also said to have defeated the Dutch East India Company who allegedly abducted locals, mostly fishermen living by the sea-shore. Later his descendant, Maharaja Raghunath Krishna Dev defeated the Seer Lascer appointed by the Mughals and maintained his rule over the region. Therefore, Visakhapatnam remained a part of the [[Kingdom of Jeypore]] until the death of Maharaja Ram Chandra Dev I in 1711 after which it was taken over by the [[Nizam of Hyderabad]] who could only govern it for a few decades before transferring it to the British.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Singh Deo|first=Kumar Bidyadhar|title=Nandapur: A Forsaken Kingdom|publisher=Utkal Sahitya Press|year=1971|location=Cuttack|pages=69}}</ref> Even in the colonial era, the kings of Jeypore were referred to as the Maharaja or Raja of Vizagapatnam.<ref>{{Cite web|title=South Indian; India - Sword and scabbard (talwar)|url=https://www.rct.uk/collection/38131/sword-and-scabbard-talwar|access-date=25 April 2021|website=www.rct.uk|language=en}}</ref> European merchants from France, Holland and the [[East India Company]] used the natural port to export tobacco, [[Paddy (unmilled rice)|paddy]], coal, iron ore, ivory, [[muslin]] and other textile products. The British developed Visakhapatnam as a prominent harbour on the east coast. The old port in [[Jalari Peta]] was built and used by the Maharaja of Jeypore who also owned several ships. During the [[World War I|First World War]], [[Vikram Dev III|Maharaja Vikram Dev III]] sent his fleet of ships to aid the British and later donated the port to the British government of Madras.<ref name=":1" /> It is now a fish market.
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Part of the city is known by its colonial British name, Waltair; during the colonial era, the city's hub was the Waltair railway station and a part of the city is still called Waltair.
[[File:Passage Exercise (PASSEX) during International Fleet Review 2016 (01).JPG|thumb|International Fleet Review 2016]]
On 7 May 2020, the city suffered an industrial accident when a polymer plant leaked toxic [[styrene]] gas, as it restarted operations after the [[COVID-19 lockdown in India|Coronavirus lockdown]]. This [[Visakhapatnam gas leak|gas leak]] killed at least eleven people, and drew comparisons to the [[Bhopal disaster]].<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Gettleman|first1=Jeffrey|last2=Raj|first2=Suhasini|last3=Schultz|first3=Kai|last4=Yasir|first4=Sameer|date=7 May 2020|title=Gas Leak in India at LG Factory Kills 11 and Sickens Hundreds|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/07/world/asia/india-lg-gas.html|access-date=7 May 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
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|year humidity = 76
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref name=IMDnormals/><ref name=IMDextremes/>
}}Vishakhapatnam has been ranked 22nd best “National Clean Air City” (under Category 1 >10L Population cities) in India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 September 2024 |title=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024 |url=https://prana.cpcb.gov.in/ncapServices/robust/fetchFilesFromDrive/Swachh_Vayu_Survekshan_2024_Result.pdf |website=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024}}</ref>
}}
== Demographics ==
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{{As of|2011}} [[census of India]], Visakhapatnam had a population of 1,728,128, of which males were 873,599 and females were 854,529 – a [[Human sex ratio|sex ratio]] of 978 females per 1000 males. The population density was {{convert|18480|/sqkm|/sqmi|abbr=on}}. There were 164,129 children in the age group of 0–6 years, with 84,298 boys and 79,831 girls – a sex ratio was 947 girls per 1000 boys. The average [[Literacy in India|literacy rate]] stood at 81.79% with a total of 1,279,137 literates, of which 688,678 were males and 590,459 were females.<ref name=census>{{cite web|title=District Census Handbook – Visakhapatnam|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/2813_PART_B_DCHB_VISAKHAPATNAM.pdf|website=Census of India|access-date=21 December 2015|pages=26–27, 52|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119150115/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/2813_PART_B_DCHB_VISAKHAPATNAM.pdf|archive-date=19 November 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=population>{{cite news|last1=G|first1=Siva|title=Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation polls unlikely this year|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/Greater-Visakhapatnam-Municipal-Corporation-polls-unlikely-this-year/articleshow/40865385.cms|access-date=26 August 2015|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=25 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140902175736/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/Greater-Visakhapatnam-Municipal-Corporation-polls-unlikely-this-year/articleshow/40865385.cms|archive-date=2 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> It is ranked 122 in the list of fastest-growing cities in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.citymayors.com/statistics/urban_growth1.html |title=World's fastest growing urban areas (1) |publisher=City Mayors |access-date=6 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125090345/http://citymayors.com/statistics/urban_growth1.html |archive-date=25 November 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> The total slum population covers 44.61% of the total population which implies 770,971 people reside in slums.<ref name="census-2011">{{cite news|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/402-visakhapatnam.html|title=Visakhapatnam City Census 2011 data|access-date=18 March 2017|publisher=Census 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625193141/http://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/402-visakhapatnam.html|archive-date=25 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
The recent estimates of city's population are 2,858358,412 in 20242022.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Recent estimates of visakhapatnam |url=https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/21436/visakhapatnam/population}}</ref>
=== Language and religion ===
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}}
[[Telugu people|Telugu]] is the official and the most predominantly spoken language by native speakers.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Correspondent|first1=Special|title=Need to protect Telugu language stressed|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/need-to-protect-telugu-language-stressed/article17345514.ece|access-date=18 May 2017|work=The Hindu}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Correspondent|first1=Special|title=Telugu Tirunallu draws to a close|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/Telugu-Tirunallu-draws-to-a-close/article16914887.ece|access-date=18 May 2017|work=The Hindu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221133830/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/Telugu-Tirunallu-draws-to-a-close/article16914887.ece|archive-date=21 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Two dialects of [[Telugu language|Telugu]] are spoken by the people, the common dialect and the [[Uttarandhra]] (North Eastern Andhra) dialect. The latter is mainly spoken by the people who originally belong to the districts of [[Vizianagaram]] and [[Srikakulam]].<ref name="Visakhapatnam language">{{cite web|title=Visakhapatnam language|url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/visakhapatnam/language.html|website=Maps of India|access-date=28 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722002022/http://www.mapsofindia.com/visakhapatnam/language.html|archive-date=22 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> A cosmopolitan population of Visakhapatnam comprises Tamils,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/celebration-time-for-tamilians/article5908409.ece/articleshow/19300060.cms |title=Celebration time for Tamilians|work=The Hindu|date=13 April 2014 |access-date=13 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author= Rani Devalla|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/blend-of-tradition-and-creativity/article7787126.ece |title=Blend of tradition and creativity|work=The Hindu|date=21 October 2015 |access-date=21 October 2015}}</ref> Malayalis,<ref>{{cite news|author=Rani Devalla|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/malayalis-feel-at-home-in-vizag/article5140356.ece|title=Malayalis feel at home in Vizag|work=The Hindu|date=18 September 2013|access-date=18 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927110858/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/malayalis-feel-at-home-in-vizag/article5140356.ece|archive-date=27 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author= B.Madhugopal|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/malayalees-seek-direct-daily-train-to-mangalore/article7960594.ece |title=Malayalees seek direct daily train to Mangalore|work=The Hindu|date=8 December 2015 |access-date=8 December 2015}}</ref> Sindhis,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rani Devalla|title=Sindhis make merry|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/sindhis-make-merry/article6580788.ece|access-date=7 May 2016|agency=[[The Hindu]]|date=10 November 2014}}</ref> Kannadigas,<ref>{{cite news|author=Sulogna Mehta|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/Kannadigas-make-a-mark-by-displaying-their-rich-tradition/articleshow/19300060.cms|title=Kannadigas make a mark by displaying their rich tradition|work=The Times of India|date=31 March 2013 |access-date=31 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529062453/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/Kannadigas-make-a-mark-by-displaying-their-rich-tradition/articleshow/19300060.cms|archive-date=29 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Rani Devalla|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/kannadigas-in-celebration-mode/article6605466.ece|title=Kannadigas in celebration mode|work=The Times of India|date=17 November 2014|access-date=17 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141127165331/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/kannadigas-in-celebration-mode/article6605466.ece|archive-date=27 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Odias]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/get-set-to-savour-odia-delicacies/article7051860.ece |title=Get set to savour Odia delicacies |work=The Hindu|date=31 March 2015 |access-date=12 March 2017}}</ref> Bengalis and Bihari migrants from other regions of India.<ref>{{cite news|author=Sulogna Mehta|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/Cosmo-Vizag-celebrates-Shivaratri/articleshow/31123165.cms|title=Cosmo Vizag celebrates Shivaratri|work=The Times of India|date=28 February 2014 |access-date=28 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117134416/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/Cosmo-Vizag-celebrates-Shivaratri/articleshow/31123165.cms|archive-date=17 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=1500 cultural associations of Vizag|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/a-cultural-hub/article3664083.ece/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506190654/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/a-cultural-hub/article3664083.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 May 2020|work=The Hindu|access-date=21 July 2012}}</ref> There is also an Anglo-Indian community, regarded as the first cosmopolitans of the city.<ref name="angloindian">{{cite news|title=Anglo Indians: Vizag's first cosmopolitans - Times of India|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/Anglo-Indians-Vizags-first-cosmopolitans/articleshow/47808442.cms|access-date=18 May 2017|work=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529075539/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/Anglo-Indians-Vizags-first-cosmopolitans/articleshow/47808442.cms|archive-date=29 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
According to the 2011 census, Telugu is the most spoken language in the city, with 92.13% speakers, followed by [[Urdu]] (2.77%), [[Hindi]] (2.19%), [[Odia language|Odia]] (0.92%).<ref name="language">{{cite web |title=Table C-16 Population By Mother Tongue (Town level): Andhra Pradesh |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10254/download/13366/DDW-C16-TOWN-STMT-MDDS-2800.XLSX |website=[[Census of India]] |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>
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=== Masterplan ===
[[File:Beach road night view.jpg|thumb|Beach road along the Kailasagiri hill illuminated with Automobile trails at night]]
In 2019, the Planning wing of the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) started preparing a 'perspective plan 2051' which is a 30-year strategic plan, apart from another 'master plan 2041'. The 'perspective plan' is expected to include provisions for resource conservation, regional growth, economic growth and transportation strategies, coastal zone regulations, disaster management strategies, population forecast and distribution, a broad structure plan, and an implementation plan.<ref name=":0" />
The 'master plan' proposes a growth strategy with transit-oriented development strategies, expansion of satellite towns such as Vizianagaram, Anakapalli, Bheemili, etc., theme-based economic nodes along the proposed metro-rail corridor, bus-based public transport, tourism destination development, a comprehensive rural agenda and resilient city planning.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|date=27 November 2019|title=Masterplan-2051: Urban body starts work on 30-yr road map|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/masterplan-2051-urban-body-starts-work-on-30-yr-road-map/articleshow/72248206.cms|url-status=live|access-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108003322/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/masterplan-2051-urban-body-starts-work-on-30-yr-road-map/articleshow/72248206.cms|archive-date=8 November 2020}}</ref>
Yet another proposal includes a transit corridor connecting Bhogapuram Airport with the existing business centres of the city and the industrial clusters in Atchutapuram under the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC).<ref name=":0" />
=== District Administration ===
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The District & Sessions Court is located in Vishakapatnam City and it also includes family courts.
=== Legislative Assembly and Parliament ===
The city has eight [[Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly|legislative assembly]] constituencies within its limits. In the legislative elections [[Ganta Srinivasa Rao]] was elected to the assembly from [[Bheemili Assembly constituency]]. [[Vamsi Krishna Srinivas]] was elected from [[Visakhapatnam South Assembly constituency|Visakhapatnam South]]. For [[Visakhapatnam East Assembly constituency|Visakhapatnam East]], Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu was elected. For [[Visakhapatnam North Assembly constituency|Visakhapatnam North]] [[Penmetsa Vishnu Kumar Raju]] and for [[Visakhapatnam West Assembly constituency|Visakhapatnam West]] [[P. G. V. R. Naidu]] were elected. For the [[Gajuwaka Assembly constituency|Gajuwaka Assembly]], [[Palla Srinivasa Rao]] and for the [[Pendurthi Assembly constituency|Pendurthi Assembly]] [[Panchakarla Ramesh Babu]] were elected. For the [[Anakapalle Assembly constituency|Anakapalle constituency]] [[Konathala Ramakrishna]] was elected.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Members Information |url=https://www.aplegislature.org/web/legislative-assembly/legislative-assembly/member-s-information |access-date=6 September 2024 |website=Andhra Pradesh State Legislature}}</ref> Out of the eight constituencies Anakapalli and Pendurthi fall under the [[Anakapalle Lok Sabha constituency|Anakapalli Lok Sabha Constituency]], who's [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha|Member of Parliament]] is [[C. M. Ramesh]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=MPs |url=https://anakapalli.ap.gov.in/mps/ |access-date=6 September 2024 |website=Anakapalli District}}</ref> The current [[Lok Sabha]] Member of Parliament [[Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha constituency|Vishakhapatnam]] is [[Mathukumilli Bharat]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Public Representative |url=https://visakhapatnam.ap.gov.in/elections-2/ |access-date=6 September 2024 |website=Visakhapatnam District}}</ref>
{{Cleanup section|reason=the information provided seems outdated and unorganised|date=March 2021}}
The city has eight assembly constituencies within its limits. In the legislative elections Mr. M Srinivasa Rao of YSRCP was elected to the assembly from Bhimli constituency<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aplegislature.org/web/legislative-assembly/member-s-information?p_p_id=AssemblyMemberInformation_APPortlet_INSTANCE_K9JpxGLMtsWV&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&_AssemblyMemberInformation_APPortlet_INSTANCE_K9JpxGLMtsWV_javax.portlet.action=getMemberDetails&_AssemblyMemberInformation_APPortlet_INSTANCE_K9JpxGLMtsWV_const_id=20&_AssemblyMemberInformation_APPortlet_INSTANCE_K9JpxGLMtsWV_mem_id=1913&_AssemblyMemberInformation_APPortlet_INSTANCE_K9JpxGLMtsWV_term_id=15&p_auth=Xel3BrzE|title=Member's Information - Legislative Assembly - Liferay DXP|website=www.aplegislature.org}}</ref> Mr. Ganesh Kumar of TDP was elected to the Assembly from Visakhapatnam South<ref>{{Cite web|title=Member's Information|url=http://aplegislature.org/web/legislative-assembly/member-s-information?p_auth=tdMelna9&p_p_id=AssemblyMemberInformation_WAR_APMainPortletportlet&p_p_lifecycle=1&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-1&p_p_col_count=1&_AssemblyMemberInformation_WAR_APMainPortletportlet_const_id=22&_AssemblyMemberInformation_WAR_APMainPortletportlet_javax.portlet.action=getMemberDetails&_AssemblyMemberInformation_WAR_APMainPortletportlet_mem_id=3109&_AssemblyMemberInformation_WAR_APMainPortletportlet_term_id=15|access-date=22 October 2020|website=aplegislature.org}}</ref> segment in 2014 and 2019 polls.<ref>{{Cite web|title=TDP MLA backs Jagan, sons join YSRC|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2020/sep/20/tdp-mla-backs-jagan-sons-join-ysrc-2199409.html|access-date=22 October 2020|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> For Vizag East Mr. Ramakrishna Babu Velgapudi was elected.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Member's Information|url=http://aplegislature.org/web/legislative-assembly/member-s-information?p_auth=tdMelna9&p_p_id=AssemblyMemberInformation_WAR_APMainPortletportlet&p_p_lifecycle=1&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-1&p_p_col_count=1&_AssemblyMemberInformation_WAR_APMainPortletportlet_const_id=21&_AssemblyMemberInformation_WAR_APMainPortletportlet_javax.portlet.action=getMemberDetails&_AssemblyMemberInformation_WAR_APMainPortletportlet_mem_id=1543&_AssemblyMemberInformation_WAR_APMainPortletportlet_term_id=15|access-date=22 October 2020|website=aplegislature.org}}</ref> For Vizag; Vizag North Ganta Srinivasa Rao and for Vizag west P.G.V.R Naidu was elected.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Member's Information|url=http://aplegislature.org/web/legislative-assembly/member-s-information?p_auth=tdMelna9&p_p_id=AssemblyMemberInformation_WAR_APMainPortletportlet&p_p_lifecycle=1&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-1&p_p_col_count=1&_AssemblyMemberInformation_WAR_APMainPortletportlet_const_id=23&_AssemblyMemberInformation_WAR_APMainPortletportlet_javax.portlet.action=getMemberDetails&_AssemblyMemberInformation_WAR_APMainPortletportlet_mem_id=1909&_AssemblyMemberInformation_WAR_APMainPortletportlet_term_id=15|access-date=22 October 2020|website=aplegislature.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Member's Information|url=http://aplegislature.org/web/legislative-assembly/member-s-information?p_auth=tdMelna9&p_p_id=AssemblyMemberInformation_WAR_APMainPortletportlet&p_p_lifecycle=1&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-1&p_p_col_count=1&_AssemblyMemberInformation_WAR_APMainPortletportlet_const_id=24&_AssemblyMemberInformation_WAR_APMainPortletportlet_javax.portlet.action=getMemberDetails&_AssemblyMemberInformation_WAR_APMainPortletportlet_mem_id=601&_AssemblyMemberInformation_WAR_APMainPortletportlet_term_id=15|access-date=22 October 2020|website=aplegislature.org}}</ref> For Gajuwaka Mr. T Nagireddy was elected;<ref>{{Cite web|title=Member's Information|url=https://www.aplegislature.org/web/legislative-assembly/member-s-information?p_p_id=AssemblyMemberInformation_APPortlet_INSTANCE_K9JpxGLMtsWV&p_p_lifecycle=1&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&_AssemblyMemberInformation_APPortlet_INSTANCE_K9JpxGLMtsWV_javax.portlet.action=getMemberDetails&_AssemblyMemberInformation_APPortlet_INSTANCE_K9JpxGLMtsWV_const_id=25&_AssemblyMemberInformation_APPortlet_INSTANCE_K9JpxGLMtsWV_mem_id=3420&_AssemblyMemberInformation_APPortlet_INSTANCE_K9JpxGLMtsWV_term_id=15&p_auth=evKt05HF|website=aplegislature.org}}</ref> for Pendurthi Mr. A Adeep Raj was elected<ref>{{Cite web|title=Member's Information|url=https://www.aplegislature.org/web/legislative-assembly/member-s-information?p_p_id=AssemblyMemberInformation_APPortlet_INSTANCE_K9JpxGLMtsWV&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&_AssemblyMemberInformation_APPortlet_INSTANCE_K9JpxGLMtsWV_javax.portlet.action=getMemberDetails&_AssemblyMemberInformation_APPortlet_INSTANCE_K9JpxGLMtsWV_const_id=31&_AssemblyMemberInformation_APPortlet_INSTANCE_K9JpxGLMtsWV_mem_id=3424&_AssemblyMemberInformation_APPortlet_INSTANCE_K9JpxGLMtsWV_term_id=15&p_auth=evKt05HF|website=aplegislature.org}}</ref> and for Anakapalle constituency Mr. G Amarnath was elected.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Member's Information|url=https://www.aplegislature.org/web/legislative-assembly/member-s-information?p_p_id=AssemblyMemberInformation_APPortlet_INSTANCE_K9JpxGLMtsWV&p_p_lifecycle=1&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&_AssemblyMemberInformation_APPortlet_INSTANCE_K9JpxGLMtsWV_javax.portlet.action=getMemberDetails&_AssemblyMemberInformation_APPortlet_INSTANCE_K9JpxGLMtsWV_const_id=30&_AssemblyMemberInformation_APPortlet_INSTANCE_K9JpxGLMtsWV_mem_id=3423&_AssemblyMemberInformation_APPortlet_INSTANCE_K9JpxGLMtsWV_term_id=15&p_auth=evKt05HF|website=aplegislature.org}}</ref> Out of these eight constituencies Anakapalli and Pendurthi fall under Anakapalli Lok Sabha Constituency. The current Lok Sabha Elective Vishakhapatnam is Mr. M. V. V. Satyanarayana.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff Reporter|date=10 October 2020|title=Botcha inspects sewage treatment plant works|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/botcha-inspects-sewage-treatment-plant-works/article32817130.ece|access-date=22 October 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Members : Lok Sabha|url=http://loksabhaph.nic.in/Members/StateDetail.aspx?state_code=Andhra+Pradesh|access-date=22 October 2020|website=loksabhaph.nic.in}}</ref> While four MLAs are from the TDP party, the remaining four are from the YSRCP. The incumbent MP is from YSRCP.
== Civic utilities ==
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Visakhapatnam is one of the 100 fastest growing cities in the world,<ref>{{cite news|title=11 Indian cities among world's fastest growing - Times of India|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/11-Indian-cities-among-worlds-fastest-growing/articleshow/2481744.cms?referral=PM|access-date=19 May 2017|work=The Times of India|date=23 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012102035/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/11-Indian-cities-among-worlds-fastest-growing/articleshow/2481744.cms?referral=PM|archive-date=12 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> which has a [[GDP]] of $43.5 billion. It is the 9th richest city in India. The usual [[seafood]] exporting capacity of the harbour is {{convert|115000|tonne|ST|lk=in}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour to get modern market amenities|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2016/sep/05/visakhapatnam-fishing-harbour-to-get-modern-market-amenities-1516278.html|access-date=19 May 2017|work=The New Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515164309/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2016/sep/05/Visakhapatnam-Fishing-Harbour-to-get-modern-market-amenities-1516278.html|archive-date=15 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> and during the [[Financial Year|FY]] 2015, it topped seafood exports in terms of value among other ports.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kumar|first1=V Sajeev|title=Vizag port tops in seafood exports in terms of value|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/vizag-port-tops-in-seafood-exports-in-terms-of-value/article7383050.ece|access-date=19 May 2017|work=Business Line|date=3 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122051729/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/vizag-port-tops-in-seafood-exports-in-terms-of-value/article7383050.ece|archive-date=22 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Visakhapatnam Port]] and [[Gangavaram Port]] are the two ports of the city and the former one topped charts which handled {{convert|60000000|tonne|ST}} of cargo during the financial year 2016–17.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sarma|first1=Ch. R. S|title=Vizag port cargo handling crosses 60-million tonne mark again|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/vizag-port-cargo-handling-crosses-60million-tonne-mark-again/article9610192.ece|access-date=19 May 2017|work=Business Line|date=31 March 2017}}</ref> The [[Hindustan Shipyard]] undertakes building and repairing of [[Naval fleet]].<ref>{{cite news|title=On national security interests, Govt moves Hindustan Shipyard to Defence ministry - Times of India|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/On-national-security-interests-Govt-moves-Hindustan-Shipyard-to-Defence-ministry/articleshow/5373703.cms?referral=PM|access-date=19 May 2017|work=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408151348/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/On-national-security-interests-Govt-moves-Hindustan-Shipyard-to-Defence-ministry/articleshow/5373703.cms?referral=PM|archive-date=8 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Information technology ===
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There are many national and multi–national IT/ITes and fintech firms such as [[IBM]], [[Wipro]], [[Tech Mahindra]], [[Kenexa]], Infotech, [[Miracle Software Systems]], [[Conduent]], [[Cyient]], [[Paytm]], [[Concentrix]], [[Sutherland]], [[HSBC]], etc. Some more investments are in line, like [[Google X]], Lalith Ahuja's [[ANSR Consulting]], [[Franklin Templeton Investments|Franklin Templeton]], Innova Solutions, etc. at [[Fintech Valley Vizag|Fintech Valley]] in the city.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/franklin-templeton-innova-solutions-to-open-campus-in-city/article22354833.ece|title=Franklin Templeton, Innova Solutions to open campus in city|last=Patnaik|first=Santosh|date=3 January 2018|work=The Hindu|access-date=11 September 2018|issn=0971-751X|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118062920/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/franklin-templeton-innova-solutions-to-open-campus-in-city/article22354833.ece|archive-date=18 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/construction/lalith-ahujas-ansr-to-set-up-rs-1000-crore-fintech-facility-at-vizag/articleshow/61026348.cms|title=Lalith Ahuja's ANSR to set up Rs 1,000 crore fintech facility at Vizag|date=10 October 2017|work=The Economic Times|access-date=11 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011130527/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/construction/lalith-ahujas-ansr-to-set-up-rs-1000-crore-fintech-facility-at-vizag/articleshow/61026348.cms|archive-date=11 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The ''Brandix India Apparel City'' is the largest textile park in the country and holds the record for employing more than 15,000 women employees at a single location.<ref>{{cite news|title=Textile Commissioner all praise for Brandix Park|url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2016-12-30/Textile-Commissioner-all--praise-for-Brandix-Park/271126|access-date=19 May 2017|work=The Hans India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530094118/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2016-12-30/Textile-Commissioner-all--praise-for-Brandix-Park/271126|archive-date=30 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== PharmaOther Industries ===
The Jawaharlal Nehru Pharma City (JNPC) developed at Parawada near Visakhapatnam in {{Convert|2400|acre|km2|abbr=on}} has major [[Pharmaceutical industry|pharma]] companies like, [[Hospira]], [[Mylan]], [[Eisai (company)|Eisai]], [[Dr. Reddy's Laboratories|Reddy's Lab]], [[Aurobindo Pharma]], [[Torrent Pharmaceuticals|Torrent pharma]], Divis Lab, etc.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=87846&sid=1|title=USIBC to invest $5 billion in AP's pharma & healthcare sector|website=pharmabiz.com|access-date=23 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223135837/http://www.pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=87846&sid=1|archive-date=23 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ramky.com/jnpc/|title=Jawaharlal Nehru Pharmacity|website=ramky.com|access-date=23 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230105852/http://ramky.com/jnpc/|archive-date=30 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tutorialwatch.in/top-pharmaceutical-companies-vizag/|title=Top 20 Pharmaceutical Companies in Vizag – Best Pharma Companies|newspaper=TutorialWatch|access-date=23 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223201114/http://www.tutorialwatch.in/top-pharmaceutical-companies-vizag/|archive-date=23 December 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone Limited]], is the India's first Ultra Modern Medical Equipment Manufacturing & Testing Facility, open to Manufacturers & Innovators.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amtz.in/index.html|title=AMTZ.IN|website=amtz.in|access-date=23 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223132808/http://www.amtz.in/index.html|archive-date=23 December 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The prevalence of [[ferroalloy]] plants is due to the availability of manganese ore near Visakhapatnam. Aluminium refineries such as AnRak Aluminium and Jindal Aluminium are developing because of the bauxite reserves around the city.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bayya|first=Venkatesh|date=18 January 2014|title=Here's the refinery, where's the bauxite?|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/Heres-the-refinery-wheres-the-bauxite/articleshow/28983130.cms|access-date=1 April 2021}}</ref> Visakhapatnam is a part of the ''Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR)'', proposed between Visakhapatnam and Kakinada. The PCPIR is expected to generate 1.2 million jobs and require a projected investment of {{INRConvert|400|b}}.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hpcl plans huge investment |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/hpcl-plans-huge-investment-in-ap/article6813514.ece| work= The Hindu|date=23 January 2015|access-date= 23 January 2015|last1=Patnaik|first1=Santosh}}</ref> [[NTPC Limited|NTPC]]'s 2,000MW [[Simhadri Super Thermal Power Station]] is undergoing an expansion with the construction of [[NTPCan Limited]]addition issupercritical expandingunit fromthat 1,000will togenerate 2between 660-1,000 MW.<ref>{{Cite atweb a|last=Service cost|first=Express ofNews {{INRConvert|50date=2015-03-24 |btitle=NTPC Plans Super Critical Unit |0|nolinkurl=yes}}https://www.{{Citationnewindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2015/Mar/24/ntpc-plans-super-critical-unit-732486.html needed|access-date=April2024-09-08 2021|website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Hindujas has begun construction of a 1,070 MW thermal power plant in Visakhapatnam district at a cost of {{INRConvert|70|b|0|nolink=yes}}US$1.25 billion.<ref>{{CitationCite web needed|date=April25 2021}}July NTPC2016 is|title=Hinduja establishingcommissions 4×11,000 MW imported coal040-basedmw thermal power plantproject in VisakhapatnamVizag district, which requires an investment of {{INRConvert|20000|c|year=2015}}.<ref>{{cite news |title=NTPC simhadri mulling expansion|url=httphttps://www.thehindubusiness-standard.com/newsarticle/citiescompanies/Visakhapatnam/ntpchinduja-simhadricommissions-mulling1-expansion/article7024215.ece| work=The Hindu|date=23 March 2015|access-date= 19 April 2015|last1=Patnaik|first1=Santosh}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=NTPC-invites-tenders-for-4000040-mw-power-plants-in-vizag|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report-ntpc-invites-tenders-for-4000-mwthermal-power-plantsproject-in-vizag-2071845|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web116072501164_1.archive.org/web/20150326235739/http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report-ntpc-invites-tenders-for-4000-mw-power-plants-in-vizag-2071845|archive-date=26html March 2015|access-date=258 MarchSeptember 2024 2015|workwebsite=Daily News andBusiness AnalysisStandard}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite news|title=hinduja plant-in-vizag|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/hinduja-likely-to-delay-vizag-power-plant-operations-114110301424_1.html|work=Business Standard|date=3 November 2014|access-date=3 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103222114/http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/hinduja-likely-to-delay-vizag-power-plant-operations-114110301424_1.html|archive-date=3 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Cityscape ==
[[File:INS Kursura (S20)at Night 01.jpg|thumbnail|[[INS Kursura]] (S20)]]▼
{{wide image|Vizag View from Kailasagiri.jpg|300px|Visakhapatanam city skyline as seen from [[Kailasagiri]]|alt=Visakhapatanam city skyline}}
▲[[File:INS Kursura (S20).jpg|thumbnail|[[INS Kursura]] (S20)]]
[[File:Beautiful view of Visakhapatnam and Bay of Bengal from Tenneti park 1.jpg|thumb|City scape from beach road near Tenneti park]]
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Visakhapatnam is one of the main tourism destinations in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The city is known for its beaches, caves and the Eastern Ghats as well as wildlife sanctuaries. About 30% of the city is covered with greenery.<ref>{{cite news|last=Nichenametla|first=Prasad|date=21 October 2014|title=In pics: Hudhud takes the green sheen off Vizag|work=Hindustan Times|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/in-pics-hudhud-takes-the-green-sheen-off-vizag/story-EVRN3Ti9RvewyzJl1P6jjI.html|url-status=live|access-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128030442/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/in-pics-hudhud-takes-the-green-sheen-off-vizag/story-EVRN3Ti9RvewyzJl1P6jjI.html|archive-date=28 January 2021}}</ref>
Major landmarks in the city include [[Dolphin's Nose]], [[lighthouse]], [[Kailasagiri]], [[Beach Road, Visakhapatnam|Beach Road]], [[NTR VMRDA Park|VMRDA Park]], [[Visakha Museum]] and Matsyadarsini (an aquarium). The [[INS Kursura (S20)|INS Kursura Submarine Museum]] and Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft [[TU 142 Aircraft Museum]] opposite to each other is the only one of its kind in the world,{{Failed verification|date=April 2021}} conceptualising the hunted and hunter of the wars.<ref>{{cite web|date=18 October 2017|title=Aircraft Museum To Be Major Tourist Attraction in Vizag: Government|url=https://businessworld.in/article/Aircraft-Museum-To-Be-Major-Tourist-Attraction-In-Vizag-Government/18-10-2017-128949/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019220946/http://businessworld.in/article/Aircraft-Museum-To-Be-Major-Tourist-Attraction-In-Vizag-Government/18-10-2017-128949/|archive-date=19 October 2017|access-date=1 April 2021|website=BW BusinessWorld}}</ref> [[Indira Gandhi Zoological Park]] in the city has variety of wildlife species. [[Erra Matti Dibbalu]] ([[Dune|Red sand dunes]]) are situated between Visakhapatnam and [[Bheemunipatnam]] are one of the [[Geoheritage|geo-heritage]] sites in the country. This tourist spot is now protected and preserved as a heritage site.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scenic Erra Matti Dibbalu Now Declared a Geo heritage Site |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/Vizag%E2%80%99s-Scenic-Erra-Matti-Dibbalu-Now-Declared-a-Geo-heritage-Site/2014/07/24/article2346408.ece/ |work=The New Indian Express|access-date=24 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141122090258/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/Vizag%E2%80%99s-Scenic-Erra-Matti-Dibbalu-Now-Declared-a-Geo-heritage-Site/2014/07/24/article2346408.ece |archive-date=22 November 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Dr.D Ramanaidu Film Studio inis 33one acresof spacethe offfilm shooting destinations in the Visakha-Bhimilicity.<ref>{{Cite beachnews road|date=2015-02-19 is|title=Obituary: oneD ofRamanaidu, the filmprolific shootingsfilmmaker destinationwith Midas touch |url=https://economictimes.{{Citationindiatimes.com/magazines/panache/obituary-d-ramanaidu-the-prolific-filmmaker-with-midas-touch/articleshow/46287781.cms?from=mdr needed|access-date=April2024-09-08 2021|work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> [[Telugu Samskruthika Niketanam]] on atop Kailasagiri was developed by World Telugu Federation and Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority,<ref>{{cite web|title=CM to open Telugu Heritage Museum|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/cm-to-open-telugu-heritage-museum/article7893807.ece/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310222923/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/cm-to-open-telugu-heritage-museum/article7893807.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 March 2020|work=The Hindu|access-date=19 November 2015}}</ref> Adding one more feather to its cap, Visakhapatnam is home to India's tallest musical fountain opened in the Vuda City Central Park. Oscillating vertically at 360 degrees, the fountain dances to the tune of digital music in different colours.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2016-08-25/Vizag-to-have-Indias-tallest-musical-fountain/250478 |title=Vizag to have India's tallest musical fountain |publisher=Thehansindia.com |date=25 August 2016 |access-date=12 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024023628/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2016-08-25/Vizag-to-have-Indias-tallest-musical-fountain/250478 |archive-date=24 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Central Park to have 'iconic' fountain|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/central-park-to-have-iconic-fountain/article8024566.ece/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506121418/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/central-park-to-have-iconic-fountain/article8024566.ece|archive-date=6 May 2020|access-date=24 December 2015|work=The Hindu}}</ref>
Beaches along the coastline of the Bay of Bengal include [[RK Beach]], [[Rushikonda Beach]] and [[Mangamaripeta]] Beach. Others are [[Yarada Beach|Yarada]], [[Bheemili Beach|Bheemili]], Lawson's Bay, Tenneti, [[Sagar Nagar]], Thotlakonda and Gangavaram beaches.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gilai|first1=Harish|title=Vizag Beaches Among Most Dangerous in World, Here's Why|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/Vizag-Beaches-Among-Most-Dangerous-in-World-Heres-Why/2015/07/27/article2942716.ece|access-date=15 February 2016|work=The New Indian Express|date=27 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160227115103/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/Vizag-Beaches-Among-Most-Dangerous-in-World-Heres-Why/2015/07/27/article2942716.ece|archive-date=27 February 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Borra Caves]] are caves discovered by British geologist [[William King (geologist)|William King]] in 1807.<ref name="city_of_destiny 2">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WfQGAgAAQBAJ&q=which+were+discovered+by+British+geologist+William+King+in+1807.&pg=PA57|title=Visakhapatnam-The City of Destiny-India|isbn=9781257065103|last1=Academy|first1=Students'|publisher=Lulu.com }}</ref> ''Tyda'' (an Eco-tourism project), [[Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary]] under [[Andhra Pradesh Forest Department]] are wildlife conservation sites near the city.<ref name="aptdc">{{cite web|title=Vizag city tourism|url=http://www.aptdc.gov.in/vizag.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630033556/http://www.aptdc.gov.in/vizag.html|archive-date=30 June 2014|access-date=28 May 2014|publisher=AP Tourism Department}}</ref>
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== Culture ==
{{Main|Culture of Visakhapatnam}}
[[File:BeachA roadday nightin viewthe life of a rural 03.jpg|thumb|BeachA roadvillager alongwith thea Kailasagiri hill illuminated withdecorated Automobilebull trailsduring atPongal nightfestival]]
[[File:Simhachalam-temple-2 big.jpg|thumbnail|right|Simhachalam Temple]]▼
The city embraces rich religious diversity, with Hinduism being the majority religion, alongside Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism. Telugu is the predominantly spoken language, reflecting the city's cosmopolitan culture with a significant presence of Odia, Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam speakers. Visakhapatnam offers a blend of South Indian and Western cuisines, with popular dishes like Moori Mixture and bamboo chicken of [[Araku Valley]]. The city celebrates various festivals including Makar Sankranti, Ugadi, Vinayaka Chavithi, Diwali, and Dasara. Cricket is the most favored sport, with facilities like the Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium. Additionally, the city is home to attractions like the Telugu Samskruthika Niketanam museum, Submarine museum, TUV and Harrier aircraft museums.
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===Religious sites===
▲[[File:Simhachalam-temple-2 big.jpg|thumbnail|right|Simhachalam Temple]]
Some of the religious sites are also of great importance like ''[[Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Simhachalam|Simhachalam]]'' temple of Lord [[Narasimha]] {{convert|16|km|abbr=on}} north of the city,<ref>{{cite web|title=History of temple|url=http://www.simhachalam.com/history/|publisher=simhachalam|access-date=28 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104224702/http://www.simhachalam.com/history/|archive-date=4 January 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=About Simhachalam temple|url=http://simhachalamdevasthanam.net/|publisher=simhachalam|access-date=28 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110423080923/http://simhachalamdevasthanam.net/|archive-date=23 April 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Kanaka Maha Lakshmi Temple|Sri Kanaka Maha Lakshmi Temple]]. Recent archaeologicalArchaeological excavations of Buddhist shrines and sites, including Thotlakonda, Bavikonda, Pavuralakonda and Panchadarla, revealed Buddhist dominance in this area.<ref>{{Cite andnews these|last=Bhattacharjee are|first=Sumit recognised|date=2022-11-26 as|title=Buddhist heritagetreasure sitestroves thatof includeVisakhapatnam Boudharamam,|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/buddhist-treasure-troves-of-visakhapatnam/article66175256.ece Saligudam,|access-date=2024-09-09 Sankaram|work=The andHindu Devipuram etc.{{Citation|language=en-IN needed|dateissn=April 20210971-751X}}</ref>
== Transport ==
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The city commuters prefer city buses and [[auto rickshaw]] as the primary mode of transport, followed by two-wheelers and cars.<ref name="transport">{{cite web|title=NMT city specific plan for Visakhapatnam|url=http://moud.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/NMTVisakhapatnamCSPFINAL.pdf|website=Vijayawada Municipal Corporation|access-date=18 April 2017|page=23}}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Road and rail are preferred for long-distance commuting and are supported by [[Dwaraka bus station]] and [[Visakhapatnam railway station]] respectively.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dasara rush starts at rail, bus stations - Times of India|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/Dasara-rush-starts-at-rail-bus-stations/articleshow/43576185.cms|access-date=20 May 2017|work=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228193001/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/Dasara-rush-starts-at-rail-bus-stations/articleshow/43576185.cms|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="indiatimes1">{{cite news|title=Visakhapatnam railway station witnesses 40,000 footfall before fest - Times of India|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/city-rly-station-witnesses-40000-footfall-before-fest/articleshow/56505803.cms|access-date=20 May 2017|work=The Times of India}}</ref> It also has sea and air travel infrastructure such as, [[Visakhapatnam Port]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Passenger ship sails to Andaman under clear sky|url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2016-05-22/Passenger-ship-sails-to-Andaman-under-clear-sky/229713|access-date=20 May 2017|work=The Hans India}}</ref> and [[Visakhapatnam Airport]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gopal|first1=B. Madhu|title=Flurry of special flights at city airport|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/Flurry-of-special-flights-at-city-airport/article17105742.ece|access-date=20 May 2017|work=The Hindu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127201024/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/Flurry-of-special-flights-at-city-airport/article17105742.ece|archive-date=27 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
The [[Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation|APSRTC]] operates city, district and inter-state bus services from Dwaraka bus station.<ref>{{cite news|date=20 October 2011|title=Buses towards Vizianagaram to leave from Dwaraka Bus Station|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/buses-towards-vizianagaram-to-leave-from-dwaraka-bus-station/article2555027.ece|url-status=live|access-date=20 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310222907/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/buses-towards-vizianagaram-to-leave-from-dwaraka-bus-station/article2555027.ece|archive-date=10 March 2020}}</ref> Over 600 city buses operate over 150 routes, in addition to [[Visakhapatnam Bus Rapid Transit System|Bus Rapid Transit System]] in two corridors of Pendurthi and Simhachalam.<ref name=transport />{{rp|21}} A planned ''Integrated Bus Terminal Complex'' would be built at Maddilapalem.<ref>{{Cite news|date=20 June 2016|title=Integrated bus terminal soon in city|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/Integrated-bus-terminal-soon-in-city/article14433769.ece|url-status=live|access-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310222843/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/Integrated-bus-terminal-soon-in-city/article14433769.ece|archive-date=10 March 2020}}</ref> Apart from buses, there are about 25,000 auto rickshaws plying on the city roads which provide [[intermediate public transport]].<ref name=transport />{{rp|22}}
Visakhapatnam is the headquarters of [[South Coast Railway zone]] of Indian railways. [[Visakhapatnam railway station]] is as an ''A1'' station<ref>{{cite web|title=Statement showing Category-wise No.of stations|url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/StationRedevelopment/AI&ACategoryStns.pdf|website=Indian Railways|access-date=12 May 2017|page=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128044328/http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/StationRedevelopment/AI%26ACategoryStns.pdf|archive-date=28 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> with the highest gross revenue in the [[Waltair railway division]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Correspondent|first1=Special|title=Waltair Division nets highest-ever earnings|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/Waltair-Division-nets-highest-ever-earnings/article14380107.ece|access-date=20 May 2017|work=The Hindu}}</ref> It serves an average of 20,000–25,000 passengers daily and may rise to 40,000 during festivals.<ref name="indiatimes1" /> It has the country's largest diesel locomotive shed with a capacity of 206.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/mec_engg/downloads/DLS/ECOR/Vishakhapatnam.pdf |title=Diesel Locomotive Shed, Visakhapatnam |publisher=Indian Railways |access-date=28 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034902/http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/mec_engg/downloads/DLS/ECOR/Vishakhapatnam.pdf |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Visakhapatnam Metro]] is a planned metro rail project.<ref name="indiatimes">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/First-phase-of-Vizag-metro-rail-to-be-ready-by-end-of-2018/articleshow/48834953.cms|title=First phase of Vizag metro rail to be ready by the end of 2018|work=The Times of India|date=5 September 2015 |access-date=23 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913124406/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/First-phase-of-Vizag-metro-rail-to-be-ready-by-end-of-2018/articleshow/48834953.cms|archive-date=13 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Vizag airport terminal full view.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Airport Terminal]]
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The [[Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management|GITAM University]] and the [[Gayatri Vidya Parishad College of Engineering]] are other technical education institutions in the city. Visakhapatnam is also home to [[Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University]] (DSNLU), which is the [[National Law Universities|National Law University]] for the state of Andhra Pradesh. DSNLU takes entrance through [[Common Law Admission Test]] and ranks 15th by order of establishment among the 17 National Law Universities. The city is due to get India's first packaging park<ref>{{Cite news|last=Patnaik|first=Santosh|date=7 January 2015|title=India's first packaging park likely to be set up in Vizag|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/indias-first-packaging-park-likely-to-be-set-up-in-vizag/article6761827.ece|access-date=2 April 2021}}</ref> with an Indian Institute of Packaging, IIP<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/IIP-studying-viability-of-extension-centre-in-Visakhapatnam/articleshow/42154059.cms|title=IIP studying viability of extension centre in Visakhapatnam|work=The Times of India|date=10 September 2014 |access-date=31 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223113654/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Visakhapatnam/IIP-studying-viability-of-extension-centre-in-Visakhapatnam/articleshow/42154059.cms|archive-date=23 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> and BITS Pilani & Birla International School under the aegis of Sarala Birla Academy.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/Four-sites-identified-for-BITS-Sarala-Birla-Academy-in-district/articleshow/45959419.cms|title=Four sites identified for BITS, Sarala Birla Academy in district|work=The Times of India|date=21 January 2015 |access-date=31 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150125132224/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/Four-sites-identified-for-BITS-Sarala-Birla-Academy-in-district/articleshow/45959419.cms|archive-date=25 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Skyline at Indian Institute of Management Vizag in evening.jpg|thumb|alt=Gambhiram Campus|Skyline at IIM Campus]]
The [[Indian Maritime University]] (IMU) was established as a central university by the government of India by an act of Parliament (the Indian Maritime University Act 2008). IMU is poised to play a role in the development of human resources for the maritime sector. The city also has the [[National Institute of Oceanography, India|National Institute of Oceanography]]. The [[Indian Institutes of Management|Indian Institute of Management]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/iimv-to-begin-with-flagship-programme-in-management/article6837692.ece|title=IIM-V to begin with flagship programme in management|author=Sumit Bhattacharjee|work=The Hindu|date=30 January 2015|access-date=1 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713203512/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/iimv-to-begin-with-flagship-programme-in-management/article6837692.ece|archive-date=13 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=145753|title=Petroleum Minister Launches Website of IIPE Visakhapatnam|access-date=29 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814030018/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=145753|archive-date=14 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> are the other institutions of national importance.
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=== Naval base ===
[[File:INS KarmukVikrant P64arrives at VisakhapatnamVisakapatanam for Milan 2024.jpg|thumbnail|NavalINS Vikrant makes a grand debut at the scenic port of Visakhapatnam for MILAN warship2024|alt=NavyINS vesselVikrant sailingin throughVizag canalPort]]
Visakhapatnam is the headquarters of the [[Eastern Naval Command]], the [[Naval Science and Technological Laboratory]] (a [[Defence Research and Development Organisation|DRDO]] Lab), a Chief Quality Assurance Establishment (CQAE), an EFS office, a Naval Dockyard (established in 1949) and Naval Bases including [[INS Virbahu]], [[INS Karna]], [[INS Kalinga]], INS Samudrika, [[INS Satavahana]], and [[INS Dega]]. A new base at [[INS Varsha|INS Rambilli]] is being built on {{convert|5000|acre|km2}} with an investment of {{INRConvert|15|b|0|nolink=yes}}, as the first dedicated nuclear submarine base in India.<ref name=toi26m>{{cite news|title=India readies hi-tech naval base to keep eye on China|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-26/india/38039841_1_akula-ii-ins-chakra-underground-nuclear-submarine-base|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327133023/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-26/india/38039841_1_akula-ii-ins-chakra-underground-nuclear-submarine-base|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 March 2013|access-date=4 July 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=26 March 2013}}</ref><ref name=thu17s>{{cite news|title=Navy to have second base near Vizag|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/17/stories/2006091718250100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071204211016/http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/17/stories/2006091718250100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 December 2007|access-date=4 July 2013|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=17 September 2006}}</ref> India's first nuclear submarine [[INS Arihant]] was launched in the Naval Dockyard, and [[Bharat Dynamics Limited|Bharat Dynamics]] has begun manufacturing torpedoes.<ref>{{Cite news|date=27 November 2017|title=Bharat Dynamics opens unit at Visakhapatnam|work=The Hindu BusinessLine|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/Bharat-Dynamics-opens-unit-at-Visakhapatnam/article20683522.ece|url-status=live|access-date=2 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402102335/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/Bharat-Dynamics-opens-unit-at-Visakhapatnam/article20683522.ece|archive-date=2 April 2021}}</ref> The city also has presence of the [[Indian Coast Guard]] including ships and offices. Multiple naval training establishments, such as the Navy ShipWright School,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/training/navy-training/shipwright-school|title=ShipWright School : Training : Indian Navy|work=indiannavy.nic.in|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218105759/http://indiannavy.nic.in/training/navy-training/shipwright-school|archive-date=18 February 2015}}</ref> are also situated here.
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[[File:Vizagacavdca.jpg|thumb|right|Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy International Cricket Stadium at [[Pothinamallayya Palem|PM Palem]]|alt=major international stadium for cricket]]
[[File:ENC Cricket Team which won the VDCA Institutional League Cricket Championship 2015-16.jpg|thumb|ENC Cricket Team which won the VDCA Institutional League Cricket Championship 2015–16]]
[[Cricket]] is the most popular sport, followed by [[tennis]] and [[association football|football]]. Visakhapatnam is home to several local cricket teams participating in district and zonal matches. Gully cricket or [[backyard cricket]] (a form of cricket played in streets or parks) is a popular sport among local youth.{{Citation needed|date=April 2021}} Visakhapatnam co-hosted the 32nd [[National Games of India|National Games]] alongside [[Hyderabad]] in 2002. The city has seven cricket stadiums, which are used for [[Ranji Trophy]] matches; two of these stadiums have been used for [[One Day International|one day international]] (ODI) matches.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2017-02-17 |title=YSR stadium not in the list of IPL match venues |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/andhra-pradesh/2017/Feb/17/ysr-stadium-not-in-the-list-of-ipl-match-venues-1571555.html |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> [[Indira Priyadarshini Stadium]], also known as the Municipal Corporation Stadium, hosted the first ODI match on 9 December 1988 and the last ODI on 3 April 2001.{{Citation needed|date=April 2021}} The stadium was discontinued in favour of the new [[Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium|Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy International Cricket Stadium]], [[Pothinamallayya Palem|PM Palem]].<ref>{{CitationCite news needed|date=April2009-09-14 2021|title=Vizag stadium to be named after YSR |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/Vizag-stadium-to-be-named-after-YSR/article16881345.ece |access-date=2024-09-08 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
[[Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium|Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy International Cricket Stadium]] is the home of [[Andhra Cricket Association]]. It regularly hosts [[Ranji Trophy]], One Day Internationals and [[Test cricket|Test Internationals]]. The stadium is the home ground of [[Andhra cricket team]]. The stadium also hosted [[Indian Premier League|IPL]] matches as a neutral venue. It hosted its first test match against England beginning on 17 November 2016.<ref>{{CitationCite web needed|date=April2016-11-16 |title=Home strength set to be tested again |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-india-2016-17-1030195/india-vs-england-2nd-test-1034811/match-preview |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 February 2024 |title=Rohit Sharma's career-defining match and a trouncing of England: A look at India's Test record in Visakhapatnam |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/rohit-sharmas-career-defining-match-and-a-trouncing-of-england-looking-back-at-previous-tests-in-visakhapatnam-101706757873778.html |access-date=9 September 2024 |website=Hindustan 2021Times}}</ref>
Port Trust Golden Jubilee Stadium is the second largest stadium in Visakhapatnam, which has hosted Under-19 Youth Internationals. It also hosted the [[2014 Pro Kabaddi League season]] as the home ground for the [[Telugu Titans]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Pro Kabaddi League season |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/pro-kabaddi-league/Kabaddi-Leagues-Vizag-franchise-Telugu-Titans-launched/articleshow/38619888.cms |work=The Times of India|date=18 July 2014 |access-date=18 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731175431/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/pro-kabaddi-league/Kabaddi-Leagues-Vizag-franchise-Telugu-Titans-launched/articleshow/38619888.cms |archive-date=31 July 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>[[Swarna Bharathi Indoor Stadium]], built by the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, is used for various indoor sports,<ref>{{cite web|title=sports indore stadium|url=http://www.gvmc.gov.in/gvmc/index.php/menu-styles/education/sports/|publisher=GVMC sports|access-date=3 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150824191835/http://www.gvmc.gov.in/gvmc/index.php/menu-styles/education/sports|archive-date=24 August 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the GVMC Aqua Sports Complex, an aquatic centre for swimming and diving, is near the beach road.<ref>{{cite news |title=GVMC Aqua Sports Complex |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/cool-way-to-beat-the-heat/article3359670.ece |work=The Hindu|date=27 April 2012 |access-date=27 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319002623/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/cool-way-to-beat-the-heat/article3359670.ece |archive-date=19 March 2014 |url-status=live|last1=Gopal |first1=B. Madhu }}</ref>