Visakhapatnam and Grant Bowler: Difference between pages

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Difference between pages)
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
 
McWomble (talk | contribs)
2,574 edits
No edit summary
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Infobox Settlement
{{Infobox actor
|image = Replace this image female.svg <!-- only free-content images are allowed for depicting living people. Non-free and "fair use" images, e.g. promo photos, CD/DVD covers, posters, screen captures, etc., will be deleted - see [[WP:NONFREE]] --> |
|official_name = విశాఖపట్టణం Visakhapatnam
|imagesize = 150px |
|other_name = (Vizag)
| bgcolour =
|AKA = The City of Destiny
| name = Grant Bowler
|website = http://www.visakhapatnammunicipalcorporation.org
| birthname =
|image_skyline = Vizag-arealview.jpg.JPG
| birthdate = {{birth date and age|1968|07|18}}
|image_map =Vizag in Visakhapatnam.jpg
| birthplace = [[Auckland]], [[New Zealand]]
|map_caption = Location within Visakhapatnam district in the state of Andhra Pradesh
| deathdate =
|subdivision_type = State
| deathplace =
|subdivision_type1 = District
| deathcause =
|subdivision_name = Andhra Pradesh
| occupation = [[Actor]], [[TV Presenter]]
|subdivision_name1 = Visakhapatnam
| yearsactive =
|government_type = [[Municipal Corporation|Municipal corporation]]
| spouse = [[Roxane Wilson]] (2001 - present)
|leader_title = Governing body
| website =
|leader_name = Greater Municipal corporation of Visakhapatnam
|leader_title1 = Executive Wing
|leader_name1 = Mukesh Kumar Meena
|leader_title2 = Delibrative Wing
|leader_name2 = P Janardhan
|area_magnitude = 1 E8
|unit_pref = Imperial
|area_land_km2 = 540
|population_as_of = 2006
|population_city = 2,845,938
|population_metro=3,164,003
|population_blank1 = Vizagite
|population_density_km2 = 2658
|population_footnotes
|timezone = [[India Standard Time|IST]]
|utc_offset = +5:30
|latd = 17
|latm = 42
|lats =
|latNS = N
|longd = 83
|longm = 15
|longs =
|longEW = E
|elevation_m = 5
|established_title = Settled
|established_date = 273-232 BCE
|area_telephone = 0891
|postal_code = 530 0xx
|vehicle_code_range = AP31, AP32 & AP33
|image_seal = GVMC-logo.jpg
|footnotes =
}}
}}


'''Grant Bowler''' is an actor best known for his many [[television]] roles in [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]]. He first moved to [[Sydney]], then to [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]] and eventually settled in [[Brisbane]] at the age of five. He graduated from the [[National Institute of Dramatic Art]] in 1991.
'''Visakhapatnam''' {{audio|Visakhapatnam.ogg|pronunciation}} ([[Telugu]]: విశాఖపట్టణం) (also '''Visakhapattanamu''', shortened and anglicized: Visakha/Vizag or Vizagapatnam) is a coastal, port city in the [[India]]n state of [[Andhra Pradesh]], located on the eastern shore of India, nestled among the hills of the [[Eastern Ghats]] and facing the [[Bay of Bengal]] to the east. It is the administrative headquarters of [[Visakhapatnam District]] and is also home of the Eastern Naval Command of the [[Indian Navy]].
[[Image:vb239.jpg|500px|thumbnail|left|Aerial view of Vizag port]]
== Overview ==
[[Image:vb200.jpg|300px|thumbnail|left|The city of destiny]]


His first role was as [[Constable]] [[Wayne Patterson]] on ''[[Blue Heelers]]'', from 1994 to 1996. After leaving that show, he spent time on ''[[Pacific Drive]]'' in 1996 and ''[[Medivac (TV series)|Medivac]]'' from 1996 to 1998. He had recurring roles on ''[[Always Greener]]'' and ''[[Stingers]]'', starred in the television adaptation of ''[[On the Beach (2000 film)|On the Beach]]'', spent a year on the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] series ''[[Something in the Air]]'' and starred in the 2004 miniseries ''Through My Eyes'' about the [[Azaria Chamberlain disappearance|disappearance of Azaria Chamberlain]]. Bowler had a recurring role on ''[[All Saints (TV series)|All Saints]]'' from 2004 to 2005.
Alternatively, it sometimes goes by its now mostly defunct colonial British name, Waltair. During the colonial era, the city had at its hub the Waltair railway station, and that part of the city still goes by the name of Waltair. It is sometimes also referred to as the "City of Destiny".


Bowler is also well known for hosting the Australian version of ''[[The Mole]]'', hosting the show from 2000 to 2003. He was replaced as host on the 2005 series of ''The Mole'' by [[Tom Williams (television)|Tom Williams]] because of family commitments. In a July 2006 [[TV Week]] article, Bowler revealed he loved hosting ''The Mole'' and would consider returning as host if asked.{{Fact|date=July 2007}}
The city is home to several [[public ownership|state owned]] heavy industries, one of the most advanced steel plants and has one of the country's largest ports and its oldest [[shipyard]]. It has the only natural harbour on the eastern coast of India.


Currently, Bowler serves as the narrator of the reality show ''[[Border Security: Australia's Front Line]]'', a duty which he began as host in 2004, though he stopped appearing on camera after the first season. Bowler also currently stars in the [[New Zealand]] series ''[[Outrageous Fortune (TV series)|Outrageous Fortune]]''. Bowler's acting career has developed since he first began playing Wolf, but although the character is not in every episode, he has turned down other roles to continue in ''Outrageous Fortune''.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.odt.co.nz/entertainment/film/9773/wolf-door|title=Wolf at the door|publisher=[[Otago Daily Times]]|date=17 Jun 2008|accessdate=2008-10-01}}</ref>
[[Andhra University]], a prominent seat of education in Andhra Pradesh is located here.


Starting with the season 4 episode "[[Ji Yeon]]", Bowler plays the guest role of Captain Gault, the captain of a freighter on the popular American television series ''[[Lost (TV series)|Lost]]''. He will also appears in the drama series ''[[Canal Road (TV series)|Canal Road]]''.
Visakhapatnam, which is the second largest city of AndhraPradesh with area of 550 sq kms is primarily an industrial city, apart from being a [[tourist]] destination. Tourists are attracted by its unspoilt beaches, nearby scenic [[Araku Valley]] and [[Borra caves]], the 11th-century [[Simhachalam]] temple and ancient [[Buddhist]] sites like Totlakonda & Bavikonda spread across the area.


In 2008 he will become a recurring regular on ''[[Ugly Betty]]'', in which he will play the CFO of Meade Publications who romances the series' main villain [[Wilhelmina Slater]], even though he also has another woman on the side, along with his own sinister plans. According to Bowler about his character on the show: "He’s got a lot of evil secrets."<ref>[http://tvwatch.people.com/2008/09/16/spoiler-alert-the-ugly-betty-cast%20-dishes-on-season-3/ SPOILER ALERT: The Ugly Betty Cast Dishes on Season 3 From People.com (September 16, 2008)]</ref>
The city hoasts a submarine museum, the first of its kind in South Asia, at Rama Krishna Beach.


==Filmography==
==Name and history ==


===Television===
[[Image:vizaghistory.jpg|thumbnail|right|3rd Century BC buddhist ruins of Thotlakonda]]
* '''[[Blue Heelers]]''' .... [[Wayne Patterson|Constable Wayne Patterson]] (1994-1996)
* '''[[Pacific Drive]]''' .... [[Pacific Drive/Garth Stephens|Garth Stephens]] (1996)
* '''[[Medivac]]''' .... [[Medivac/Arch Craven|Dr. Arch Craven]] (1996-1998)
* '''[[Wildside (TV series)|Wildside]]''' .... ''Peter Simms (S1E27, 1 July 1998)''
* '''[[Farscape]]''' .... ''Shaman Liko (S1E08, 11 June 1999)''
* '''[[Stingers]]''' .... [[Stingers/Sean Peck|Sean Peck]] (1999-2001)
* '''[[All Saints (TV series)|All Saints]]''' .... Darren Rigg (1999)
* '''[[Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World|The Lost World]]''' .... ''Montague Fitzsimmonds (S2E07 - London Calling, 18 November 2000)''
* '''[[The Mole (TV series)|The Mole]]''' .... Host (2000-2003)
* '''[[Something in the Air]]''' .... [[Something in the Air/Mark Waters|Mark Waters]] (2001-2002)
* '''[[White Collar Blue]]''' .... Steve Petrovic (2002)
* '''[[Always Greener]]''' .... [[Always Greener/Greg Steele|Greg Steele]] (2002)
* '''[[McLeod's Daughters]]''' .... ''Jarred Wuchowski (S4E11 - Fool for Love, 28 April 2004)''
* '''[[All Saints (TV series)|All Saints]]''' .... [[All Saints (TV series)/Nigel MacPherson|Nigel "Mac" MacPherson]] (2004-2005)
* '''[[Outrageous Fortune (TV series)|Outrageous Fortune]]''' .... [[Wolfgang West|Wolfgang West]] (2005-present)
* '''[[Border Security: Australia's Front Line]]''' .... Host (2006-2008)
* '''[[Lost (TV series)|Lost]]''' .... [[Lost/Captain Gault|Captain Gault]] (2008)
* '''[[Canal Road (TV series)|Canal Road]]''' .... [[Canal Road/Ray Driscoll|Detective Ray Driscoll]] (2008)
* '''[[Ugly Betty]]''' .... Role TBA (2008)


===Films, Specials, Documentaries and Made-for-TV Movies===
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:vb300.jpg|300px|thumbnail|left|Simhachalam Temple built in 11th Century AD]] -->
* '''[[Halifax f.p: Someone You Know]]''' (1997) .... Bob Palance
The city is said to have derived its name Visakhapatnam from the deity 'Visakha' (the God of Valour).<ref name="Name of Vizag">
* '''[[Change of Heart (Australian TV series)|Change of Heart]]''' (1999) .... Jason
{{cite web
* '''[[Close Contact]]''' (1999) .... Mike Heyns
|publisher=Corporation of Visakhapatnam
* '''[[On the Beach (2000 film)|On the Beach]]''' (2000) .... Lt. Peter Holmes
|work=Official website of Visakhapatnam District
* '''[[Finding Hope]]''' (2001) .... Jack
|url=http://www.visakhapatnammunicipalcorporation.org/
* '''[[Ned (film)|Ned]]''' (2003) .... Town Priest
|title = History of Visakhapatnam
* '''[[Calling Gerry Molloy]]''' (2003) .... Ron
|accessdate=2006-05-05
* '''[[One of the Oldest Con Games]]''' (2004) .... Sam
}} </ref>
* '''[[Through My Eyes: The Lindy Chamberlain Story]]''' (2004) .... Black Rat
* '''[[The Fall of Night (film)|The Fall of Night]]''' (2007) .... Harry


==References==
Visakhapatnam or the place of Visakha, is named after the deity of valor, the second son of Lord Shiva. The other story is the beauty of the place was compared to the beauty of Sakhi Visakha. The legend is that Radha and Visakha were born on the same day and equally beautiful. The city people believe that an Andhra King impressed by the beauty built a temple to pay obeisance to his family deity, Visakha. The stories be numerous but the fact remains; the unparalleled natural splendor of Visakhapatnam.
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
'''The Epic City''' The city has been mentioned in the Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The forests of the Eastern Ghats; where the two brothers Rama and Laxman wandered in search of Sita, wife of Lord Rama. Rama formed his army of monkey men in the region with the help of Hanuman and Jambavan. The monkey army of Rama later defeated the demon King Ravana to claim back his wife Sita. An episode of Mahabharata when Bheema killed the demon Bakasura, was believed to have happened in the village Uppalam, just 25 miles from the city.
* {{imdb name|id=0101198|name=Grant Bowler}}
* [http://www.outrageousfortune.co.nz Outrageous Fortune Official site]


{{Unreferenced|date=July 2007}}
'''Buddhist Influence.''' The religious Hindu texts mention that the region of Visakhapatnam in the 5th century BC was part of the vast Kalinga territory which extended up to River Godavari. The relics found in the area also prove the existence of a Buddhist empire in the region. Kalinga later lost the territory to King Ashoka in the bloodiest battle of the time which prompted him to embrace Buddhism.


{{DEFAULTSORT:Bowler, Grant}}
The territory of Viskahapatnam then came under the Andhra Rulers of Vengi. Then Chalukyas, Pallavas, the Reddy Kings ruled over the placid land. The Chola Kings built the temples in the city in 11-12 century AD as established by Archeological findings. The Mughals ruled this area under the Hyderabad Nizam in the late 15th and early 16th century. The merchants from Europe, the French, the Dutch and the East India Company used this natural port to export tobacco, ivory, muslin and other textile products.
[[Category:1968 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Australians of New Zealand descent]]
[[Category:Australian television actors]]
[[Category:Australian television presenters]]


{{Australia-tv-actor-stub}}
[[Image:vizagbeach.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Scenic beauty of Vizag beach]]

Local legend states that an [[Coastal Andhra|Andhra]] king (9-11th century) while on his way to [[Varanasi|Benares]], rested there and was so enchanted with the sheer beauty of the place, that he ordered a temple to be built in honor of his family deity, Visakha. Archaeological sources however reveal that the temple was possibly built between the 11th and 12th centuries by the Cholas. A shipping merchant, Sankarayya Chetty, built one of the mandapams (pillared halls) of the temple. Although it no longer exists (it may have been washed away about a hundred years ago by a cyclonic storm), elderly residents of Vizag talk of visits to the ancient shrine by their grandparents. Noted author Ganapatiraju Atchuta Rama Raju contradicted this [http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2002/07/15/stories/2002071501150200.htm].

In the 18th century, Visakhapatnam was part of the [[Northern Circars]], a region comprising [[Coastal Andhra]] and southern costal Orissa that was initially under [[France|French]] control and later the [[United Kingdom|British]]. Visakhapatnam became a district in the [[Madras Presidency]] of [[British India]]. After India's independence it was the biggest district in the country and was subsequently divided into the three districts of [[Srikakulam]], [[Vijayanagaram]] and Visakhapatnam.

==The City==

[[Image:vizagcity.jpg|thumbnail|left|The City overlooking the Beach Road]]

From being a small fishing village in the twentieth century, Vizag has grown into an industrial hub. Its saga began with the quest of British to find a suitable port that could serve the hinterland possessing rich mineral wealth. Unlike the western coast of India, the east coast has few undulations to form a natural harbor. Britishers quest for finding out a harbor ended with Vizag. Vizag is the most protected natural harbour in Asia. They started building the [[harbor]] in 1927 and in 1933 it was opened to traffic. One more important milestone is setting up of Scindia Steam Navigation Co., later known as Hindustan Shipyard Ltd in 1940. With the construction of the K.K. line connecting the iron ore mines of Bailadila in M.P. (Present day [[Chattisgarh]]), its importance grew. In 1950s and 1960s Government and private sector setting up some largescale Basic industries like Bharat Heavy plates and vessels (B.H.P.V.), Hindustan Zinc Ltd., Caltex oil refinery (Later acquired by government as H.P.C.L.), Coramandel fertilizers, Andhra Polymers (Now L.G. Polymers), etc. 1980s saw a major development with the development of [http://www.vizagsteel.com Vizag Steel] and other major industries. Economic liberalization in the 1990s brought a modest growth to the city but not as much as it did to Hyderabad. However, some industries sprang up like Rain calclining Ltd., expansion of H.P.C.L., setting up of Vizag Export Processing zone, Simhadri Thermal Power plant of N.T.P.C., etc. Vizag is now declared as one of ten fastest growing cities of the world a recent study conducted by the [[United Nations]].

<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:vizag from yarada.jpg|thumbnail|right|Vizag from yarada hills]] -->

Due to the presence of the Eastern Naval Command, Steel Plant, H.P.C.L., the city has been the home to people from different parts of the country and due to this the city has a cosmopolitan texture to it.
[[Image:vb237.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Hotel Taj Residency]]
The city's main commercial and shopping centres are located in the Dwaraka Nagar-R.T.C. complex area and Jagadamda Junction area. Since 2000, the Dwaraka Nagar-R.T.C. complex area has transformed into a commercial hub with new shopping malls and complexes spring up within a radius of 2-3 kilometers. The city is home to many five star hotels such as Taj group, I.T.C. Welcome Group & Park Hotels.
[[Image:vb337.jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|Ramakrishna Matt Near RK Beach]]

There has been a rise in the real estate prices attributed to the [[Telangana]] movement for a separate Telangana state, fueling speculation on Vizag becoming the next capital. Recently various large and small [[software]] and [[BPO]] companies have announced plans for starting development and outsourcing centers in Vizag, which has also contributed to the rise in real estate prices. Inflows from N.R.I.'s (Non Resident Indians) from Vizag has further added to this rise.

[[Indira Gandhi Zoological Park]] was setup in 1972 in the city outskirts. The Zoo Park features some of the rarest species in India.

==Strategic Importance==
[[Image:vizagstrategic.jpg|thumbnail|left|The carrier [[INS Viraat]] during the President's Fleet Review held in 2006. It was the first time a fleet review was held outside Mumbai.]]

Ever since the battle of Kalinga during emperor Ashoka's reign, the city found itself as a hotbed of military activity in almost every battle witnessed in the country. Right from the battle of Kalinga, [[World War II]], India-[[Pakistan]] war of 1971 and [[Bangladesh]] Liberation War. It was only the second region in south Asia to be attacked by [[Empire of Japan|Japanese]] fighter planes during world war II. Recognising the strategic importance of the city and the role it played during the [[Bangladesh Liberation War]], Pakistan sent its submarine, [[PNS Ghazi]] to destroy India's only aircraft carrier. The submarine sank off the coast (Pakistan claims, accidentally hitting one of the mines it laid; India claims, from depth-charge dropped by destroyer INS ''Rajput''). The remnants of the submarine are on display on the beach road.

[[Image:Vizag at 21hrs.jpg|thumbnail|right|Visakhapatnam is naturally locked with sea and mountains;]]
[[Image:vb166.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Victory at Sea 1971 commemorating victory over Pakistan]]

The city was so important during times of war that the [[Indian government]] decided to set up the Eastern Naval Command, overlooking the more populous [[Madras]] and [[Calcutta]] and developed Vizag during that period. The establishment of the E.N.C. soon after the construction of the ship building yard firmly secured Vizag's place in the annals of the Indian Navy. More defence related establishments would later come up including the N.S.T.L. (Naval Science and Technology Laboratories), which is responsible for the development and testing of warship technology, equipment and weapons. The Navy is also constructing a second base as the current base is overpopulated and not sufficient to meet the needs of the E.N.C. Despite its importance, the Naval establishment has become a hindrance for the development of Vizag. The most beautiful harbour is not made open for the general public citing the reasons of security, while in Bombay and Cochin, entire port along with Naval docks are opened for boating and of course the tourism in those locations are linked to it. The same is true when they are blocking the Road on Dolphin's nose mountain to Scindia.
[[Image:Vizag submarine museum.jpg|thumbnail|left|The famous submarine museum near "Victory At Sea", Vizag]]
Visakhapatnam is surrounded on three sides by the overlapping mountain ranges, and the south eastern city is safeguarded by the [[Bay of Bengal]]. Vizag is far away from any international border, both land and sea, making it the choice for strategic placement of the headquarters of the eastern naval command.

==Demographics==

[[Image:buddha at thotlakonda.jpg|thumb|right|The buddha statue in Thotlakonda, Visakhapatnam.]]
Vizag is a cosmopolitan mix of people from various parts of the country. From a population of a few thousand locals during the 18th century and early 19th century the population grew steadily every decade. The city doubled its population from 1990–2000 owing to a large migrant population from surrounding areas and other parts of the country coming to the city to work in its heavy industries.

[[As of 2001]] India [[census]],<ref>{{GR|India}}</ref> Visakhapatnam had a population of 2,845,938. After the state government approved the formation of Greater Visakhapatnam with the merger of Gajuwaka municipality and 32 villages in the vicinity in the Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, the population of the city and the metro area swelled to 3.1 Million. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Average literacy rate of 69%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. Male literacy is 74% and female literacy is 63%. 10% of the population is younger than six. Visakhapatnam is listed as one of the Ten Fastest Growing Cities of the World.<ref>[http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=127198 Eleven Indian cities among 100 fastest growing cities in the world<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

[[Hinduism]] is practised by the majority of vizagites followed by [[Islam]] and [[Christianity]]. The city patronised [[Buddhism]] for 2 millennia as evident from the presence of many Buddhist sangharamas in the outskirts. The Buddhist population has however waned since. All the religions co-exist peacefully, Vizag never witnessed communal riots during its entire history.

==Language==
Visakhapatnam is predominantly a [[Telugu]] speaking city. The Telugu spoken by the middle classes is a standard dialect, while a significant population who have settled down in the city from adjoining villages and neighbouring districts of [[East Godavari]], [[Vizianagaram]] and [[Srikakulam]] speak [[Uttarandhra]] (North Coastal) Mandalikam dialects.
Historians believe that centuries ago, when [[Uttarandhra]] was part of the [[Kalinga (India)]] Empire, Buddhist missionaries and merchants might have taken Telugu (Derived from Brahmi script) script to [[Southeast Asia]] from the shores of [[Uttarandhra]] where it parented into the scripts of [[Mon]], [[Burmese]], [[Thai]], [[Khmer]], [[Siam]], [[Japanese language|Japanese]] and [[Balinese]] languages and even [[Sinhala language|Sinhala]] of [[Sri Lanka]]. Their similarities to Telugu script can be discerned even today.

Visakhapatnam is home to a small proportion of [[Oriya]], [[Bengali]] and [[Malayalee]] community, their migration is of recent origin. Visakhapatnam due to the Naval presence and high concentration of public sector industries has a significant [[Hindi]] speaking population. It is also home to a large section of [[Muslims]]; most of them date back many generations which makes [[Hindi]] the second most spoken language.

Visakhapatnam also has a sizeable [[Tamil language|Tamil]] speaking population. <ref>http://www.science-express.com/?p=490" </ref>

== Climate ==
The climate of Visakhapatnam has no appreciable seasonal changes. Being close to the sea, the level of humidity is high. The fluctuations in temperature are fairly uniform in character, except during the dry months when the rise in temperature is higher than it is during the [[monsoon]] period. From February onwards, the temperature rises progressively till May, which is the hottest month. From 1931-60 the maximum average (Mean) temperature was 34 °C. This has been showing an upward trend with the minimum and maximum for the period of 1975-81 being reported as 38 °C and 29 °C, respectively. In recent years, it has not been uncommon for the daytime temperature to exceed 43 °C during May. December, January are the coldest period of the year.

<center>
<!--Infobox begins-->{{Infobox Weather
|metric_first= Yes
|location = Visakhapatnam, AP
|Jan_Hi_°C = 25|Feb_Hi_°C = 31
|Mar_Hi_°C = 34
|Apr_Hi_°C = 35
|May_Hi_°C = 36
|Jun_Hi_°C = 35
|Jul_Hi_°C = 33
|Aug_Hi_°C = 33
|Sep_Hi_°C = 33
|Oct_Hi_°C = 33
|Nov_Hi_°C = 32
|Dec_Hi_°C = 29
|Jan_Hi_°F = 84
|Feb_Hi_°F = 88
|Mar_Hi_°F = 93
|Apr_Hi_°F = 95
|May_Hi_°F = 98
|Jun_Hi_°F = 96
|Jul_Hi_°F = 92
|Aug_Hi_°F = 91
|Sep_Hi_°F = 91
|Oct_Hi_°F = 90
|Nov_Hi_°F = 87
|Dec_Hi_°F = 85
|Jan_Lo_°C = 18
|Feb_Lo_°C = 21
|Mar_Lo_°C = 23
|Apr_Lo_°C = 26
|May_Lo_°C = 28
|Jun_Lo_°C = 28
|Jul_Lo_°C = 26
|Aug_Lo_°C = 26
|Sep_Lo_°C = 26
|Oct_Lo_°C = 24
|Nov_Lo_°C = 22
|Dec_Lo_°C = 19
|Jan_Lo_°F = 65
|Feb_Lo_°F = 69
|Mar_Lo_°F = 74
|Apr_Lo_°F = 79
|May_Lo_°F = 82
|Jun_Lo_°F = 82
|Jul_Lo_°F = 80
|Aug_Lo_°F = 79
|Sep_Lo_°F = 79
|Oct_Lo_°F = 76
|Nov_Lo_°F = 72
|Dec_Lo_°F = 67
|Jan_Precip_cm = |Jan_Precip_mm = 12.0
|Feb_Precip_cm = |Feb_Precip_mm = 12.0
|Mar_Precip_cm = |Mar_Precip_mm = 17.0
|Apr_Precip_cm = |Apr_Precip_mm = 39.0
|May_Precip_cm = |May_Precip_mm = 48.0
|Jun_Precip_cm = |Jun_Precip_mm = 103.0
|Jul_Precip_cm = |Jul_Precip_mm = 133.0
|Aug_Precip_cm = |Aug_Precip_mm = 169.0
|Sep_Precip_cm = |Sep_Precip_mm = 160.0
|Oct_Precip_cm = |Oct_Precip_mm = 179.0
|Nov_Precip_cm = |Nov_Precip_mm = 79.0
|Dec_Precip_cm = |Dec_Precip_mm = 4.0
|Jan_Precip_inch = 0.47
|Feb_Precip_inch = 0.47
|Mar_Precip_inch = 0.67
|Apr_Precip_inch = 1.54
|May_Precip_inch = 1.89
|Jun_Precip_inch = 4.06
|Jul_Precip_inch = 5.24
|Aug_Precip_inch = 6.65
|Sep_Precip_inch = 6.30
|Oct_Precip_inch = 7.06
|Nov_Precip_inch = 3.11
|Dec_Precip_inch = 0.16
|source = www.wunderground.com<ref name="climate">{{cite web
|url = http://www.wunderground.com/NORMS/DisplayIntlNORMS.asp?CityCode=43149&Units=both
|title = Visakhapatnam weather
|accessdate=2008-05-11
|publisher = | language = English}}</ref>|accessdate =2008-03-24 }}<!--Infobox ends-->
</center>

The average annual rainfall for the city and its surrounding area is of the order of 95 centimeters with the bulk of the rain coming from north-east monsoon. Between September and November, storms and depressions originating in the [[Bay of Bengal]] cross the east coast in the neighbourhood causing heavy rains and gales. As per [[C. W. Thornthwaite|Thornthwaite]]’s classification, Visakhapatnam and its environs come under the semi–arid (D) category. All the elements of climate viz. temperature, pressure, wind, rainfall, relative humidity and other weather phenomena hardly exist and exhibit a well marked variation while January is the coolest month of the year with average temperatures of 30 °C and 22.5 °C respectively.
The present airport is getting flooded frequently due to severe rains.This is due to the location of the airport. it was made for small operations, surrounded by marshy lands, the river flood water discharging into sea. The present government has taken steps to modernize the airport with night landing facilities. in this process, the area has been strengthened with flood relieving canal and raising the runway .

== Transportation ==

[[Image:Vizag railway station overview.jpg|thumb|Vishakapatnam Railway station]]

Visakhapatnam is well connected with daily flights from [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]], [[Madras]], [[Delhi]], [[Bombay]], [[Bangalore]], [[Tirumala - Tirupati|Tirupati]] and [[Calcutta]]. [[Visakhapatnam Airport]] has recently received permission to operate night flights. A new 10,000 feet long runway became operational to accommodate international flights and larger aircraft. The airport was one of the few chosen by the center for modernization including facilities like aerobridges and immigration booths.

Visakhapatnam International Airport is coming up at S.Rayavaram, 50 km from the city. This will serve as the gateway and hub for international flights connecting [[South East Asia]] to the Indian subcontinent.

[[Image:Vizag seaport.jpg|600px|thumb|left|Vizag seaport; harbor interchange fly-by road can be seen here]]

Visakhapatnam is one of the cities on the east coast of india connected by NH5, a major national highway and a part of the [[Golden Quadrilateral]] system of Indian highways connecting [[Madras]] and [[Calcutta]]. The highway is an important route for transportation of cargo and people from these cities to and from Vizag. Visakhapatnam has a good network of roads. There are frequent buses to [[Vizianagaram]], [[Srikakulam]], [[Araku]] and [[Rajahmundry]]. There are even bus services to [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]], [[Vijayawada]], [[Tirumala - Tirupati|Tirupati]], [[Bangalore]], [[Madras]], [[Calcutta]] and few other parts of [[Orissa]] and [[Karnataka]].

Vizagites make use of extensive public transportation provided by the [[APSRTC]], which runs metro buses across various routes across the city and its suburbs. The APSRTC complex at Asilametta is the hub and the origin point of most of these buses causing major traffic jams during rush hours on the heavily populated, congested Asilametta Junction. The city corporation is planning to dig subways, construct pedestrian overpasses and flyovers to address the traffic woes.

BRTS-Bus Rapid Transit System was approved for the city under the J.N.N.U.R.M. This will make use of dedicated lanes for buses allowing for an efficient, high speed mode of transportation for the public and significantly reduce traffic congestion, improving safety, this project is under implementation and will be completed by mid 2009. Once completed it will make Vizag the first city in the country to implement the B.R.T.S.

Being an important port along the east coast, passenger ships run between Visakhapatnam, Madras and the [[Andaman Islands]]. Although ships are not a main method of transportation, there is a potential for tourism development as holiday cruises are being planned along these routes by the tourism industry.

== Educational Facilities ==

[[Image:AU-COE.jpg|thumbnail|left|Andhra university, college of engineering.]]

Visakhapatnam is considered as a centre for education in the state of Andhra Pradesh. A.V.N. College is one of the oldest and premier educational institutions established in 1878.<ref>[http://www.avncollege.ac.in/index.htm Home Page of Mrs.A.V.N.College]</ref>
It is the home of the renowned Andhra University<ref>>[http://www.andhrauniversity.info/ Home Page of Andhra University]</ref> (Established in 1926). Prof S. Radha Krishnan, before he became the [[President of India]], worked as the [[Vice Chancellor]] of this University between 1931 to 1936. The University and its affiliated colleges provide high quality, affordable education to thousands of students from the entire state. Post Graduate and Graduate courses are offered in various branches like Arts, Commerce, Science & Technology, Engineering, IT, Business Management, Law and Pharmacy. AU college of Pharmacy is the second oldest pharmacology institute in India. Very soon the university will be getting [[IIEST]] status and there is also a proposal for setting up an IIM here at Visakhapatnam.

Another important landmark in the education map of Visakhapatnam is the [[Andhra Medical College]] (Established 1902). The college has ushered in an era of Medical Education in Visakhapatnam and continues to uphold the prestigious tradition of engendering the finest doctors from its aisles.

There are several good primary, High School and College level institutions. Apart from state run schools for the poor, there are many private institutions, missionary schools and colleges all of which provide quality education.

St.Aloysius Anglo Indian High School is the oldest school in the district and one of the oldest schools in the country. It was established in 1847. Since its inception it has been providing quality education for over 160 years. It is located in the old town region. [[Kendriya Vidyalaya]],S.F.S, Siva Sivani, Timpany and Visakha valley are other schools with good reputation. The city has around 10 Kendriya Vidyalaya's [[List of Kendriya Vidyalaya]] with total student strength of 18000.

[[Image:GITAMU-CL.jpg|thumbnail|right|[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GITAM GITAM university], Sir Sarvepalli Radhakrishna central library .]]
Gandhi Institite of Technology And Management ([[GITAM]]) recently attained the status of an autonomous university, is among the top educational `varsities in the state. GIFT administrated by GITAM is a premiere institute for foreign trade and also rated among the best in the country in its field.

Visakhapatnam has now become a preferred destination for students, after Hyderabad. I.S.C. (International Science Congress) was hosted in the Andhra University in 1976 and then in 2008. It is the biggest congregation of scientists of different disciplines in the world. Over 8000 people participated in the I.S.C. in 2008 which included prominent [[List of Nobel laureates|Nobel Prize winners]] across the globe.

== Economy ==
[[Image:vizagPort.jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|Visakhapatnam Port.]]
[[Image:vb500.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Vizag Outer Harbour]]

From being a tiny hamlet of local fishing communities during the early days of the [[Indian Independence Struggle]] and for a few decades later, the city exploded enonomically, in fact the rise has been so dramatic that the city was identified as one of the ten fastest growing cities in the world economically and demographically. Various factors contributed to the city's growth economically:
#The natural harbor
#Location between Chennai and Kolkata
#Access to the NH5(a major National Expressway)
#The developed nework of railways metamorphosed the village into a burgeoning industrial city.

[[Image:vizagindustries.jpg|200px|thumbnail|HPCL Petro-Chemical Complex]]
[[Image:vb400.jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|Naval warship]]

The city has developed into a hub for many heavy industries. The Vizag Port, largest in the country, was the ideal gateway contributing to the development of petroleum, steel and fertilizer industries. The [[Vizag Steel Plant]], The Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. were the two multi billion dollar investments which put Vizag in the country's industrial map. The city also has two N.T.P.C. power plants to satisfy the huge power needs of the industries.
[[Image:vb410.jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|Hindustan Shipyard Ltd Vizag]]
Other heavy industries include Hindustan Zinc Limited, Rain Calcines Limited, Coromandel Fertilizers, Hindustan Ship Yard and Bharat Heavy Plate and Vessels Limited (B.H.P.V.). These industries provide employment to hundreds of thousands of people and pump billions of dollars into the state's economy.

[[Image:vizagsatyam.jpg|thumbnail|Satyam Development Center]]
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:vb409.jpg|300px|thumbnail|left|HSBC BPO]] -->
The city also owes its economic growth to the availability of highly educated and skilled [[English language|English]]-speaking manpower. English is the first language of many places of higher education in the city. This availability of a highly educated workforce allowed the entry of many B.P.O. companies such as HSBC, of course HSBC has started its operations in India from vizag after seeing the location and potential in the city, thus providing the roots for the exploding I.T. industry in the city. The city registered over 100% growth in the I.T. sector over the last year contributing millions of dollars to the economy. Various national and international I.T. and banking giants have set up or will be setting up offices in the city. These include [[Satyam]], TCS, HSBC, Cognizant, Oracle Corporation, [[IBM]], [[ABN AMRO]], Patni, [[Verizon]], Hexaware Solutions, iSOFT, Accenture, Sankhya Technologies, Infosys, iFlex, HCL, [[EDS]], [[Kanbay]] etc. The proactive AP government provided infrastructure and land for these companies to set up their development centers in the city outskirts.
[[Image:vb505.jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|Inner Harbour]]

[[Image:vb508.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Megadri River Channel that connects Outer Harour of Vizag Port with Inner Harbour]]


The growing population, economy have resulted in the revamping of the real estate prices with prices at some prime locations in the city quadrupling over the past couple of years. Various real estate companies are setting up housing projects in the outskirts of the city which is being touted as the future I.T. destination of the country. Multiple S.E.Z.'s have been sanctioned for the city. Reliance and Brandix HPCL have purchased huge areas in the S.E.Z. for setting up their industries. Bhaba Atomic Research Center has proposed to set up their second research facility in the country after Trombay in this region. The city was one of the five in the country selected to hold strategic crude reserves for the nation in times of national emergency.

The fishing industry is also on the rise with the exports of tuna doubling over the past decade. Tuna is exported to the eastern countries and also sold for domestic consumption. A second port is being constructed at [[Gangavaram]] with an investment of 2 billion dollars which when completed will be the deepest port in the country with the ability to handle the largest international vessels.
[[Image:Fishermen.JPG|thumb|left|Fishermen in Visakhapatnam.]]

Its traditional importance in shipbuilding is confirmed by the fact that India's first ship, the "Jala Usha", was launched in Visakhapatnam.
Visakhapatnam is also one of India's main fishing ports, has a dedicated harbour for the fishing industry and handles a large percentage of India's seafood exports.

The [http://www.vizagcityonline.com/Vsez/index.html Vizag Special Economic Zone] plays a vital role in the industrial growth of the city. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre has also expressed interest in setting up a nuclear power plant here.

== Tourism==

[[Image:vb101.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Vizag beach Road]]
[[Image:vb111.jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|Leisure at Vizag Beach Road]]
[[Image:vb112.jpg|200px|thumbnail|a view of Beach Road from Kailashagiri]]
Visakhapatnam offers a plethora of tourist attractions that cannot be matched by any other city or place in India. Initially it did not attract much attention due to lack of proper marketing and government support. It offers wide range of choices for the nature lovers. In Vizag one can find golden beaches, cliffs, parks on the hill top facing the sea, beaches, long drives along the beautiful beach road, zoological park and wildlife sanctury, submarine museum, hill stations, limestone caves, coves, mountain ranges and colourful valleys, all within a distance of 100 km from the city. There are two 5-star hotels, The Taj and The Park. There are a few more star hotels like Green Park, Hotel Daspalla, Hotel Grand Bay, Hotel Dolphin,etc. There are several budget range hotels all within 10 km distance from Railway station. It is the place where Eastern Ghats merge into the sea.
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:vb221.jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|Shiva and Parvati Statue at Kailashgiri]] -->
''' Kailashagiri''', a park developed by VUDA on a hill top adjacent to the sea offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Bengal, Vizag city and the Eastern Ghats.The ranges are appropriately named Kailasagiri owing to the statue of the celestial couple (Siva-Parvathi statue). The high point also gives a panoramic view of the city and its beaches. There is a well-laid road for motorists and steps for pedestrians. The entire area is illuminated and can viewed in the night from any part of the city. In the same park there is a toy train to take you through the entire park. The park is developed by VUDA and has many attractions for the tourists. A rope way connects this park from the bottom of the hill. This is the only ropeway in India facing both the sea and city. The other major attractions are the introduction of Ropeway to the hill, art gallery, and air conditioned Conference Hall & Capsule Lift to the highest view point.
[[Image:vb194.jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|A park on RK beach]]
[[Image:vb223.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Ropeway at Kailashgiri]]
[[Image:vb217.jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|Toy train at Kailashgiri]]

'''The Beach road''' from East point colony to Coastal battery is studded with parks, statues, etc, is the darling of the vizagites, it is the favorite evening gathering point for youth, couples and old and young alike. The beach road is surrounded by many high rise and beautifully designed buildings. This black topped road can said to be the best Roads/beach Roads in India. There are granite platforms for people to sit and enjoy their gala time in the evening. In the same beach Road, India's only submarine museum INS Kursura is located. Visakha museum and Matsyadarsini ( India's second aquarium, the other is Taraporewala in Mumbai ) is situated. Navy also has made some contributions, Victory at sea, commemorating the 1971 war against Pakistan. The beach road is one of the neatest and cleanest in India by any standards. There are many theme statues studded beautifully in Green carpet grass and well made concrete patways. The best among the are the elephant,Dragon, warflight,battle tank and Matsyakanya. In one corner there are beautifully carved sculptures. Beach road is filled with lot of fast food vendors and food chains. There is a Durga temple opposite R.K.Beach carved like Kali temple of Dakshineshwar and the other temple like that of a pagoda. This is adjacent to Matsyadarsini. Every evening one will find a crowd nothing less than 10,000. Despite being crowded one will not find clumsiness one would witness in other locations in India. The pavements are about 20 feet wide on each side giving enough room for the pedestrians who come to enjoy their evenings. One will find the people to be very disciplined and well behaved. Visaka utsav is celebrated by VUDA and AP Tourism every year between Jan-Mar.

'''VUDA park''' which is at the beginning of the Beach Road is also one of the major attractions, it has musical fountain, mini disneyland and boating to entertain the kids. It has a roller skating ground, where skating is taught, it was also venue for several national and international skating competitions. This park is one of the largest parks developed by an Urban Development authority.
[[Image:vb130.jpg|200px|thumbnail|A view of APTDC Punnami Resorts Rushikonda]]

'''Rushikonda beach''', six km away from Vizag city, has become one of the favorite evening spots these days. AP Tourism has developed some cottages known as Punnami resorts for the tourists. It is one of the best resorts in India. It is a must for romantic couples, who would like to have a beautiful view of beach from elevation and also have some best sea breeze. There is one more resort nearby known as Saipriya resorts, the oldest of all and still the best. This resort has a very beautiful private beach and one can enjoy it. Many Telugu and Tamil movies are shot at this place.
[[Image:vb392.jpg|300px|thumbnail|left|Bhimili Beach]]
'''Bhimili-Vizag beach Road''', 30 km in length offers one of the best views of Sea, sand, Hills and greenery. Throughout the entire stretch one can see breathtaking view of sea. Sea is never more than 500 m away. One will find one of the most beautiful beaches one can imagine of in the entire trip of 30 km. In certain locations hills are cut across to lay the road. These locations give you one of the finest views of Sea, city and nature. Many parks are constructed adjacent to this road. VUDA park, Kailasagiri, Tennati park and Thatlakonda park.there are RED SAND HILLS popolarly called as yerra matti dibbalu which is unique place to visit.
[[Image:vb199.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Tenneti Beach Park]]
'''Tenneti park beach park''' is a park constructed on the cliff of Kailashagiri. Its picture perfect Scenic beauty along with luxuriant carpet grass intertwined with concrete pathways makes it the most revered place for Romantic couples. There are several points from which the beautiful rocky beach down beneath can be seen. There is a way to go to that location. That location is favorite for cinema shootings. Many Telugu, Tamil and Hindi movies are shooted. The climax scene of Hindi Movie " Ek Dhuje ke liye" , in which Rati Agnihotri after getting raped drowns into the sea. Actually most of the people may not be aware that the movie is Shooted in Vizag but not in Goa as they say in the movie. This movie was a remake of Telugu movie "Maro Charitra". One more view point is there in the park which is about 50 ft in elevation that shall give a beautiful view of the sea, Beach road and the beach park.

[[Image:vb192.jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|Church on Ross Hill]]
[[Image:vb197.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Venkateshwara Temple]]
'''Ross Hill''', this is adjacent to the Inner Harbour. Ross Hill, the highest mount named after Mr. Ross, local authority, who built a house on it in 1864, Darga konda, has a mosque and a shrine of a Muslim sage Ishaque Madina, who was revered for his prophecies. Sri Venkateswarakonda has a temple, which was built by Capt. Blackmoor in 1886.This is actually a hill that was cut into three parts to lay Road and Rail to connect to Vizag inner Harbour with outer harbour. On top of the hill there is one a temple, a church and a mosque. This is a unique symbol of "Communal Harmony". This is probably the only place in India symbols of three different religions are located side by side with not even a single incidence of communal violence. The native Vizagites are one the most hospitable and tolerant people in India giving it a cosmopolitan outlook. From the church one can take a very excellent view of the outer harbour, inner harbour and the Dolphin's nose mountain. There is a Duffering signalling centre. Previously, people were made to enter, but of late this was closed to general public..
[[Image:vb140.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Yarada Agrigold Paradise Beach]]
[[Image:vb144.jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|Splashing of waves on a Rock at Yarada Beach]]

'''Yarada beach''', it is one of the most picturesque locations on the seaward side of the Dolphin nose mountain. This beach is a private beach of Agrigold. This reminds of a tropical paradise. Hill entering into the sea is the boundary of this beach on one side and the rest is a golden beach away from the crowd. One can find the serenity of the nature. Beautiful waves and its roar awakens you from getting lost in the beauty of the location. This stunningly beautiful beach has some resemblance to Kovalam beach of Kerala. The route to this beach from Dolphin's nose hill is one of the best view's one can ever think of from the hill one can see the Vizag city surrounded by hills, HPCL Refinery, Vizag port. There is lighthouse on the top of the Dolhin's nose Mountain ( The name derived from its shape, its shape resembles a dolphin's nose).This light house is the most powerful east of Suez.It is the most prominent and unforgettable landmark in Visakhapatnam. It is a single and massive hillock of more than 350mts height, resembles the Dolphin’s nose hence the name. It protects the Visakhapatnam Harbour as well as the Head Quarters of Eastern Naval Command. Visakhapatnam Port Trust’s, Light House is situated on top of the hill and guides the approaching ships to Visakhapatnam. The port channel cuts in between three hills which emphasis the lovely topography of Visakhapatnam. A beautiful road is laid by Indian Navy on the hill top connecting Scindia Junction. This road is not open general public. This road offers the fines view of the Vizag harbour. There are many quarters on the hill top that offers the best view and stunning Scenic beauty. Probably this is the best view Indian Navy has had in India.
[[Image:vb210.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Simhachalam Temple]]
[[Image:vb211.jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|Mandapam at Simhachalam Temple]]

'''Simhachalam''', it is a hill shrine in the city that is 16 km away from the City centre on the other side of the Hill on the north of the city.One of the most exquisitely sculpted shrines of Andhra Pradesh, Simhachalam temple is situated 16 km from Vizag among thickly wooded hills. The beautifully-carved 16-pillared Natya mantapa and the 96-pillared Kalyana mantapa bear testimony to the architectural brilliance of the temple. The image of the presiding deity, Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy, is covered by a thick layer of sandalwood paste. This is one of the oldest temple in India dedicated to Narasimha, one of the incarnations of Vishnu, built in 11th century by Kullotunga, an Eastern Chalukyan king. One Vijaya stamba is erected by Sri Krishna Deva Raya emerged victorious over the Gajapati kings of Orissa. One will find ancient telugu inscriptions in this temple. These inscriptions are probably one of the oldest telugu inscriptions. This temple is one of the most famous temples in India. Its architecture is Dravida (South Indian). There is a popular belief that this lord is protecting Vizag from natural disasters like Floods, cyclones, Earthquakes and Tsunamis. Till date there is not even a single death occurred due to natural calamities. Couples just before marriage go to this temple as a ritual. This temple is one of the most crowded temples of Andhra Pradesh.
[[Image:vb182.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Araku Valley]]
[[Image:vb214.jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|Beautiful Araku Valley]]
'''Araku Valley''' is one of the most important tourist destination in Andhra Pradesh. A pleasant hill station famous for its scenic gardens with lush green nature, valleys, waterfalls and streams. It is situated at a distance of 112 km from Visakhapatnam, The journey to Araku valley on the Eastern Ghats with thick forest on either sides is itself highly interesting and pleasant. The place is over 3200ft. high with a bracing climate. The Botanical Garden at Padmapuram, Government Silk Farm with Mulberry gardens is the live examples to know the socio-economic conditions of the area.
[[Image:vb186.jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|Tribal Museum Araku Valley]]
'''Tribal Museum''' is a biggest attraction of the Araku. Chaaparai, a picturesque place about 15 km from Araku is another picnic spot in this region. One must experience the climatic conditions and the natural beauty of this Valley. The natural beauty of this valley comes alive with the aboriginal tribes who dwell here and who have to this day kept their tradition and culture alive. About 19 tribes inhabit this area. The Dhimsa dance, an age-old folk dance normally performed during ‘Itikala Pongal’ is now offered in tourist’s packages everyday.

'''Indira Gandhi Zoological Park''': Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, situated in between the National Highway -5 & Beach road, spreading over an area of 625 acres, exhibits about 700 animals belonging to about 89 species. The important attractions of the Zoo are Deer Safari, Nocturnal animals, Toy train, Shanty Sarovar view, Zoo van drive and Bay of Bengal view points.
[[Image:vb125.jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|Borra caves Stalagmites and stalactites]]
[[Image:vb126.jpg|200px|thumbnail|illuminated limestone curtains in Borra caves]]
[[Image:vb127.jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|Cavern in Borra caves]]

[[Image:vb128.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Limestone roof in Borra caves]]

'''Borra Caves''': On the way to Araku Valley, 90 km from Vizag, Borra Caves house spectacular, million-year-old stalactite and stalagmite formations, standing as a testimonial to its pristine glory and age woven into intricate design through the centuries. While the formations resembling mythological characters are an added attraction, illumination of the caves by AP Tourism turns the naturally sculpted glory into a grand visual feast. The nature made Borra Caves are a million and odd years old and said to be discovered by William King in 1807. The river Gostani, beautiful hills and valleys surround these caves. The local tale says, the tribals discovered the caves, when a cow fell into the caves through the hole of the cave.

These caves are said have their origin from the river Gosthani. It was said, due to the flow of the river Gosthani through the layers of lime earth, the caves were formed, over the course of millions of years, The 300 ft. thick roofed Borra caves spread over one square km., presenting a mind-boggling and breath-taking display of naturally sculpted splendor. This is truly a worth seeing.

'''Tyda''': Tyda is a small village nestling in the wooded hills of the Eastern Ghats, on the way to Araku from Vizag. Tyda is located 75 km from Vizag. This place is a natural bounty of flora and fauna, It is now home to an enchanting date with untouched nature. AP Tourism department in association with the Department of Forests ha established the Jungle Bells Nature Camp, an Eco-Tourism Resort. The camp provides great view of Eastern Ghats, facilities for trekking, hiking and bird watching in addition to accommodation in log huts amidst serene surroundings. A must see place for nature lovers.

'''Anantagiri''': This place is located at the highest altitude place in Andhra Pradesh. Located on the way to Araku Valley, the entire village is surrounded by coffee plantations, giving you a pleasant feel of nature’s beauty. Several waterfalls, adorn the hillocks around the Village. A. P. Tourism has developed a beautiful wayside restaurant to cater the needs of the tourist passing through Anantagiri towards Araku.

'''Etikoppaka''': Over an hour's drive from Vizag, Etikoppaka is a delightful little village on the banks of river Varaha. The craftsmen of the village have won fame on a national scale with toys made of soft wood called "Ankudu" and coated with lac. These toys are colourful and depict the rural life in an endearingly simple manner.
[[Image:vb292.jpg|300px|thumbnail|left|A view from inside the submarine Museum]]
'''Submarine Museum''': The Indian Navy has installed a decommissioned submarine [[INS Kursura S20|INS ''Kurusura'']] on the sands of R K Beach, Visakhapatnam as a museum for the display to the public and tourists as well. This is the first of its kind in the Asia. The aim of setting up of this museum is to create awareness among the public to know how the submarines work during wartime and how the crew takes action etc.

===Buddhists sites===

Visakhapatnam is surrounded by ancient Buddhist sites, most of which have been excavated recently. The imprint of Buddhist legacy is so strong here that the interest of archeologists in this area is growing by the day.

'''Thotlakonda''': The Buddhist Complex on the hill-top of Mangamaripeta, locally known as Thotlakonda lies about 16 km from Visakhapatnam on Vizag Bheemili Beach Road. It is picturesquely located on the hilltop at about 128mts. high above the MSL. The existence of Buddhist site at Thotlakonda came to light during an aerial survey undertaken by the Indian Navy. After its discovery, the Government of A.P has declared the site measuring an area of 120 acres on the summit as protected monument during 1978.

The excavations that lasted from 1988 to 1992 have exposed structural remains. These remains are classified as A) Religious, B) Secular and C) Civil. These structures include the Stupa, Chaityagrihas, pillared congregation halls, bhandagaras, refectory (bhojanasala), drainage and stone pathways etc. The complex comprises several structural components such as a Mahastupa, 16 votive stupas, a stone pillared congregation hall, 11 rock-cut cisterns, well paved stone path ways, an apsidal chaitya-griha, 3 circular chaitgya-grihas , two votive platforms, 10 viharas consisted of 72 cells, a kitchen complex with three halls and a refectory (dinning hall) etc. Associated with the above structures were unearthed several inscribed chatra pieces with early Brahmi letters, nine Satavahana and five roman silver coins, terracotta tiles, stucco decorative pieces, sculptured panels, miniature stupa models in stone, Buddha padas depicted with asthamangal symbols, early historic pottery etc.

'''Bavikonda''': Bavikonda, an important Buddhist heritage site located on a hill about 15km, northeast from Visakhapatnam city. Here the Buddhist habitation is noticed on a 40 acres flat terraced area. Bavikonda in Telugu means a hill of wells. A Hinayana school of Buddhism was practiced here. Bavikonda Monastery flourished between 3rd Century B.C., and 3rd Century A.D., The discovery of relic caskets in Mahachaitya is significant. 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 Buddha. It also contains large quantity of ash, charcoal, and earthenware. Three abandoned water tanks were also have been found on this hillock.

'''Sankaram''': A Britisher Alexander Rea unearthed Sankaram, a 2000-year-old Buddhist Heritage site in 1907. Located 40 km from South of Vizag, locally it is known as Bojjannakonda. The three phases of Buddhism viz. Hinayana, Mahayana & Vajrayana flourished here. This complex is famous for its numerous Monolithic Votive Stupas, Rock cut caves, and brick build structural edifices. Excavations yielded several historic potteries, Satavahana coins dating back to the 1st century A.D. several clay tablets bearing figures of Buddha etc.

[[Image:vb215.jpg|200px|thumbnail|Buddhist stupa at BojjannaKonda]]
[[Image:vb290.jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|Thotlakonda]]

'''Bojjannakonda''', the Eastern one bears richer architecture of the two hills. It presents a picturesque appearance with its Main Stupa on the hilltop and dominating myriads of stupas, mostly rock-cut and rarely brick-built, one above the other. Almost every outcrop and protuberance has been converted boldly into a stupa. Similarly at Lingalakonda, there are innumerable rock-cut monolithic stupas in rows spread all over the hill. Other Attractions are a Maha stupa nearby which yielded a relic casket, 3 chaitya halls, votive platforms, stupas and vajrayana sculptures. A gold coin of Samudragupta dating to 4th century AD was also found at this place. The Vihara was active for about 1000 years, spanning the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana phases of Buddhism. This place offers a glimpse into the rich Buddhist heritage and culture is a must see for any tourist.

'''Pavuralakonda''': Pavuralakonda or 'the hill of the pigeons' is a hillock lying to the west of Bhimli, at about 24 km from Vizag. The Buddhist setllement found here is estimated to have witnessed human habitation between 1st century BC to 2nd century AD. Sixteen rock cut cisterns for impounding rain water are found on the hillock, which offer a panoramic view of the coastline.

'''Gopalapatnam''': Gopalapatnam, situated on the left bank of River Tandava, is a village surrounded by brick built stupas, viharas and other Buddhist remains. Ancient pottery was also excavated from these sites.

==IT/ITES Industry==
[[Image:vizaghsbc.jpg|thumbnail|HSBC BPO located at Siripuram]]
Vizag city has about 50 small and medium software and call centre units, of which about 10 units started their operations during the year 2005-07. Software exports from the Visakhapatnam in 2007 were worth Rs 245 Crores - an increase of over 100% over the previous year.

==Sports==
[[Image:vizagacavdca.jpg|thumb|The ACA-VDCA stadium hosting the India-Sri Lanka ODI. The stadium has a capacity of 35,000 and was recently granted test status]]

[[Cricket]] is the most popular game followed by [[tennis]] and [[football (soccer)|football]]. The city is home to a number of local cricket teams participating in various district and zonal events. Gully cricket - a form of cricket played in empty streets or maidans is a popular pastime for local school/college going kids in the evenings. Vizag also co-hosted the 32nd National Games along with the state capital.
Vishakapatnam has 7 cricket stadiums which are used for Ranji Trophy matches. However only 2 of these stadiums have been used for [[One Day International|One Day International ("ODI")]] matches.
* [[Indira Priyadarshini Stadium]] (5 ODI Matches): Also known as the Municipal Corporation Stadium, it hosted the first ODI match on [[9 December]] [[1988]] and the last of the 5 on [[3 April]][[2001]]. The stadium has discontinued hosting ODI matches in favor of the newer ACA-VDCA Stadium, which is situated in the satellite township of Madhurawada. The stadium is set amidst the hills and offers a scenic view.
* [[ACA-VDCA Stadium]] (2 ODI Matches): The ACA-VDCA Stadium has hosted 2 ODIs with India winning against [[Pakistani cricket team|Pakistan]] in the first and against [[Sri Lankan cricket team|Sri Lanka]] in the second. Now this stadium is upgraded to host day/night matches.

The city of Vizag has never hosted a [[Test cricket|Test Match]]. The [[ACA-VDCA Stadium]] was recently awarded Test status. This makes the ACA stadium the ninth stadium to have a Test status in the country and the second in Andhra Pradesh.

==Steel Plant Township==
{{main|Ukkunagaram}}
The beautiful and well planned township for the employees of the visakhapatnam steel plant is called [[Ukkunagaram]] (''ukku'' in Telugu for steel, ''nagaram'' in Telugu for town).

The design of the Township itself is state-of-the-art. The designers followed the Roman Circular design for the layout of homes and roads to keep the distances equal between any two points within the township.

There are 11 sectors in the Township, oldest of them being sectors 1, 2 and 3, and Sector 7 which is the exclusive domain of the directors and the chairman's homes. Other sectors came into being as the plant's staffing matured. On the average, each sectore consists of about 300 housing units, which vary from multi-storied quarters (3 floors) to single family homes. There are also bungalows exclusively for the directors of the plant.There are 5 types of housing units viz.
A Type,B,C,D & director's bangalow

Sector 1 used to house the Russians who came to erect and commission the first blast furnace "Godavari", The RMHP, Sinter, and Coke Oven Batteries I & II.

The beauty of the Township is that it sits in the cradle of the unspoilt forest belt starting at the Valleys of Aracu through Yelamanchili to Narsipatnam. The township comes under the mandate of the Town Administration. The continued afforestation efforts of the management has ensured a green and pollution-free environment and thereby creating a unique ecosystem in itself. The township has well kept roads, regulated traffic. The township also has all market places, parks, clubs, sports facilities exclusively for the employees and their dependents.

Last but not the least is the vistas that the Big Kanithi Balancing reservoir offers. This large mass of water reservoir is for the captive consumption of the plant and the township alike and sits between the Township and the NH5. It draws its water from a special canal built exclusively for it from the River Yeleru, a tributary of the great river [[Godavari River|Godavari]].

The road that leads from the plant plaza main gate into the township actually travels ahead as a bypass to the busy NH5 and skips Anakapalli directly to Yelamanchili and Tuni, cutting almost 20 miles (30 km) on the road route from Visakhapatnam to Vijayawada.

==Radio stations==
The city has a good variety of AM and FM radio channels.vishaka FM(93.5 S FM) was the first private FM channel in AP.The FM Radio channels broadcasted in the city are:

* AIR Rainbow FM 102 MHz [Available only from 05.00hrs to 23.00hrs]
* Radio Mirchi FM 98.3 MHz
* Radio City FM 91.1 MHz
* Big FM 92.7 MHz
* S FM 93.5 MHz
* AIR Gyan Vani FM 106.4 MHz-educative channel[Available only from 18.00hrs to 22.00hrs]

===Knowledge City===
The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) has awarded the bid to construct a Knowledge City to Unitech Limited in an area of 1750 acres.
With An Investment Of RS 35 Thousand Crores.

==Famous Personalities==
* [[Srirangam Srinivasa Rao]] (Sri Sri) - MahaKavi-Born on January 2nd, 1910 in Visakhapatnam.
* [[Alluri Sitaramaraju|Alluri Sita Rama Raju]] - Freedom Fighter And graduated high school from A.V.N. High School
* [[Tenneti Viswanadham]] - Freedom Fighter And graduated high school from A.V.N. High School
* Dr. [[C.V. Raman]] graduated high school from A.V.N. High School.
* Dr. [[Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan|Sarvepalli Radha Krishnan]] - Served as Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University (1931–1936).
* Y. Venu Gopala Rao - Cricketer: He made his One Day International debut against Sri Lanka on July 30, 2005.
* Gollapudi Maruthi Rao - Famous Film actor, writer and AIR host.
* Subhaleka Sudhakar - Film Actor.
* Sobha Naidu - Padma Shri winner, classical dancer.
* Gouthu Lacchanna - Freedom Fighter.

== Timeline of Visakhapatnam's history ==
* 260 BCE: [[Ashoka]] conquered the [[Kalinga (India)|Kalinga]] empire (of which Visakhapatnam was a part).
* 208: Chandra Sri Satakarni was king of this region.
* 11th century: [[Simhachalam|Simhachalam Temple]] built by Kulottunga I.
* 13th century: [[Simhachalam|Simhachalam Temple]] renovated and made southern imperial centre by the Ganga king Narasimha I of Orissa.
* 1515: [[Krishna Deva Raya]] was ruler of the area comprising Visakhapatnam.
* Mid-17th century: A factory was founded in "Vizagapatam" by the [[British East India Company]].
* 1689: The British factory was occupied by the forces of [[Aurangzeb]].
* 1735: [[The Netherlands|Dutch]] Colony was established.
* 1765: The territory of the [[Northern Circars]], of which Visakhapatnam was a part, ceded to the British East India Company by the [[Nizam]] of [[Hyderabad State|Hyderabad]]. Following this, a British colony was established.

* 1847:St. Aloysius High School was established.It is one of the oldest schools in India.

*1881: The title of Raja was conferred upon Sri Goday Narayana Gajapathi Rao, Zamindar of Anakapalle and other estates
* 1904: Railway from [[Madras]] to [[Calcutta]], passing through Vizagapatam, was opened.
* 1902 :[[Andhra Medical College]] was founded by Maharaja Goday Narayana Gajapati Rao and Maharani Lady Goday Chittijanakiammah.
* 1921 - [[1921]]-[[09-14]] - Arrest of the freedom-fighter [[Maulana Mohammad Ali]] at the [[Waltair]] (now [[Visakhapatnam]]) railway station.He was proceeding to Madras, along with [[Mahatma Gandhi]], travelling by the Howrah-Madras Mail. Both the leaders alighted at the station, packed with a lot of people and also policemen. As soon as Mohammed Ali got down from the train, a shivering Superintendent of Police served the arrest warrant on Ali and whisked him away to the Central Jail. [[Gandhiji]] addressed the gathering and continued his journey to Madras.He was kept in central prison. On the morning of [[1921]]-[[09-17]], Ali was taken to the Waltair station from the jail with police escort for being sent to Karachi. People in large numbers cheered [[Maulana Mohammad Ali|Ali]] all along the route from the jail to the station.<ref>The Hindu Dated 2000-10-14 [http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2002/10/14/stories/2002101401180300.htm Available Online]</ref>
* 1921 - [[1921]]-[[09-14]]- In the evening that day a public meeting was held on the beach where loads of foreign clothes were burnt. [[Umar Alisha I|Umar Alisha]], a Telugu poet, made a fiery speech against the arrest of the [[Khilafat movement]] leader([[Maulana Mohammad Ali]]) at [[Visakhapatnam]].<ref>The Hindu Dated 2000-10-14 [http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2002/10/14/stories/2002101401180300.htm Available Online]</ref>
* 1926: [[Andhra University]] established.
* 1931: [[Timpany School]] established.
* 1933: [http://www.vizagport.com Visakhapatnam Port] established.
* 1942: Japanese war planes attack Visakhapatnam.
* 1947: Eastern Naval Command established its base here. Before 1947 the Royal Navy had a base in HMIS Sircars.
* 1949: Scindia Shipyard started. Later nationalised and called [http://hsl.nic.in Hindustan Shipyard].
* 1953: The Boat Repair Shop expanded into a Base Repair Organisation (BRO) and shifted to the location at the mouth of the northwest channel.
* 1957: A petroleum refinery by Caltex, currently owned by HPCL.
* 1965: Two survey ships, "Jumna" and "Investigator", were permanently rebased at Visakhapatnam.
* 1968: [[Visakha Valley School]] established.
* 1971: INS Rajput of the Indian Navy destroys the Pakistani submarine Ghazi in the Indo-Pak War off the coast of Visakhapatnam.
* 1977: [[Indira Gandhi Zoological Park]] established near Madhurawada.
* 1981: [http://www.vizagsteel.com Visakhapatnam Steel Plant] construction started.
* 1990: Visakhapatnam Steel Plant started its operations.
* 1997: September 14 - A blast in HPCL with an official death toll of 33.

== See also ==
* [[Ports in India]]
* [[Andhra Pradesh]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{IndicTextCentre}}
<!--start of Navigation boxes--><br clear=all>
{{Major Cities of Andhra Pradesh}}
{{Million-plus cities in India}}
<!--end of Navigation boxes-->

[[Category:Visakhapatnam]]
[[Category:Coastal settlements]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Port settlements in India]]
[[Category:Railway stations in Visakhapatnam district]]
[[Category:Mandals in Visakhapatnam district]]
[[Category:Visakhapatnam railway division]]
[[Category:Divisions of Indian Railways]]
[[Category:East Coast Railway Zone]]

[[de:Visakhapatnam]]
[[es:Visakhapatnam]]
[[bpy:বিশাখাপত্তম]]
[[it:Visakhapatnam]]
[[lt:Visakhapatnamas]]
[[ml:വിശാഖപട്ടണം]]
[[new:विशाखपट्नम्]]
[[ja:ヴィシャーカパトナム]]
[[pt:Vishakhapatnam]]
[[ro:Vishakhapatnam]]
[[fi:Visakhapatnam]]
[[sv:Visakhapatnam]]
[[ta:விசாகப்பட்டிணம்]]
[[te:విశాఖపట్నం]]
[[vi:Visakhapatnam]]
[[zh:维沙卡帕特南]]

== External Links ===
*[http://vizagwaves.com Visakhapatnam Pictures Gallery]
*[http://www.webindia123.com/city/andhra/visakhapatnam/gallery.htm?cat=Picture+Gallery Vizag picture gallery from webindia123.com]

Revision as of 13:36, 10 October 2008

Grant Bowler
Occupation(s)Actor, TV Presenter
SpouseRoxane Wilson (2001 - present)

Grant Bowler is an actor best known for his many television roles in Australia and New Zealand. He first moved to Sydney, then to Perth and eventually settled in Brisbane at the age of five. He graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in 1991.

His first role was as Constable Wayne Patterson on Blue Heelers, from 1994 to 1996. After leaving that show, he spent time on Pacific Drive in 1996 and Medivac from 1996 to 1998. He had recurring roles on Always Greener and Stingers, starred in the television adaptation of On the Beach, spent a year on the ABC series Something in the Air and starred in the 2004 miniseries Through My Eyes about the disappearance of Azaria Chamberlain. Bowler had a recurring role on All Saints from 2004 to 2005.

Bowler is also well known for hosting the Australian version of The Mole, hosting the show from 2000 to 2003. He was replaced as host on the 2005 series of The Mole by Tom Williams because of family commitments. In a July 2006 TV Week article, Bowler revealed he loved hosting The Mole and would consider returning as host if asked.[citation needed]

Currently, Bowler serves as the narrator of the reality show Border Security: Australia's Front Line, a duty which he began as host in 2004, though he stopped appearing on camera after the first season. Bowler also currently stars in the New Zealand series Outrageous Fortune. Bowler's acting career has developed since he first began playing Wolf, but although the character is not in every episode, he has turned down other roles to continue in Outrageous Fortune.[1]

Starting with the season 4 episode "Ji Yeon", Bowler plays the guest role of Captain Gault, the captain of a freighter on the popular American television series Lost. He will also appears in the drama series Canal Road.

In 2008 he will become a recurring regular on Ugly Betty, in which he will play the CFO of Meade Publications who romances the series' main villain Wilhelmina Slater, even though he also has another woman on the side, along with his own sinister plans. According to Bowler about his character on the show: "He’s got a lot of evil secrets."[2]

Filmography

Television

Films, Specials, Documentaries and Made-for-TV Movies

References

  1. ^ "Wolf at the door". Otago Daily Times. 17 Jun 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-01.
  2. ^ SPOILER ALERT: The Ugly Betty Cast Dishes on Season 3 From People.com (September 16, 2008)

External links

Stub icon

This article about an Australian television actor is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Visakhapatnam&oldid=244367899"