tourism spots

Name and history

3rd century BC Buddhist ruins of Thotlakonda

Visakhapatnam was ruled by King Visakha Varma during BC's, according to Hindu Puranams. It was a part of the Kalinga Kingdom, under Ashoka's rule in 260 B.C. It passed on later to the Andhra Kings of Vengi and later to Pallavas. Another story of this place is it was named after Subrahmanyeswara, the deity of valour, the second son of Lord Shiva. The beauty of the place was often compared to the beauty of Sakhi Visakha. The legend is that Radha and Visakha were born on the same day and were equally beautiful. Locals believe that an Andhra king, impressed by the beauty, built a temple to pay obeisance to his family deity, Visakha.

[edit] The epic city

The city has been mentioned in the Indian epics Rāmāyana and Mahābhārata, as well as the forests of the Eastern Ghats where the two brothers Rama and Lakshmana wandered in search of Sita, wife of Lord Rama. According to the epics, Rama formed his army of monkey men in the region with the help of Hanuman and Jambavant. The monkey army of Rama later defeated the King Ravan to claim back his wife Sita. An episode of Mahābhārata when Bheema killed the demon Bakasura, was believed to have happened in the village Karmanvati, just 40 km from the city.

Statue of lord buddha Thotlakonda

[edit] 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 the Godavari River. 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.

Sankaram

One of the most significant Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh, Sankaram is located some 41 km away from Visakhapatnam. The name Sankaram derives from the term Sangharama. Sankaram is famous for the whole lot of votive stupas, rock-cut caves, brick-built structural edifices, early historic pottery and Satavahana coins that date back to the 1st century AD. The main stupa here was initially carved out of rock and then covered with bricks. In close proximity lies yet another significant Buddhist sites, Bojjannakonda, where you can see a number of 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 all over the hill. Among other Buddhist attractions here are relic casket, three chiatya halls, votive platforms, stupas and Vajrayana sculptures. The Vihara was functional for around a millennium and saw the development of the not only Theravada form of Buddhism but also Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism.

Rock-cut Lord --Buddha-- Statue at Bojjanakonda near Anakapalle of Visakhapatnam dist in AP

Bavikonda

The term Bavikonda in Telugu language means a hill of wells. As per its name, Bavikonda is a hill which has wells for the collection of rainwater. Bavikonda is located 15 km from the town of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, India and is an immensely significant Buddhist site. Excavation carried out in 1982-87 revealed an entire Buddhist establishment comprising a Mahachaitya, embedded with relic caskets, large vihara complex, numerous votive stupas, a stone pillared congregation hall, rectangular halls, a refectory etc. Artefacts discovered from the site include Roman and Satavahana coins and pottery dating back to the 3rd century BC to the 2nd century AD. A significant finding here is a piece of bone stored in an urn. This bone is widely supposed to be the mortal remains of the Buddha. In the urn, there is also a large quantity of ash. The Bavikonda site, today, is counted amongst one of the oldest and immensely sacred Buddhist sites in the Asia. The ruins of the site stand reminder to the great Buddhist civilisation that once existed in the southern part of India. The site, in fact, also reminds a number of visitors of the Borobudur in Indonesia.

Thotlakonda

Around 16 km from Visakhapatnam is the Thotlakonda, a Buddhist complex situated on the top of a hill. The site spreads over an area of 120 acres (0.49 km²) and has been declared a protected monument by the government of Andhra Pradesh. Excavations carried out here have brought to surface three kinds of structural remains – religious, secular and civil. To be more precise the structures include 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, a kitchen complex with three halls and a refectory (dining hall). Apart from the structures, the Buddhist treasures excavated from here include 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.

Later history

The territory of Visakhapatnam then came under the Andhra rulers of Vengi. Then Chalukyas, Pallavas ruled over the placid land. This region was under Eastern Ganga Kings, Surya Vamsi Gajapati kings of Orissa from 10th century to 16th century AD. This region came under Hyderabad rulers in 16th century. The Chola kings and Eastern Ganga Kings of Orissa 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. European merchants from France, Holland and the East India Company used the natural port to export tobacco, paddy,coal,iron ore,ivory, muslin and other textile products.
Local legend states that an Andhra king, while on his way to Benares, rested there and was so enchanted with the sheer beauty of the place. 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 Visakhapatnam talk of visits to the ancient shrine by their grandparents. Noted author Ganapatiraju Atchuta Rama Raju contradicted this.^[2]
In the 18th century, Visakhapatnam was part of the Northern Circars, a region comprising Coastal Andhra and southern coastal Orissa that was initially under French control and later the British. Visakhapatnam became a district in the Madras Presidency of British India. In September 1804, British and French squadrons fought the naval Battle of Vizagapatam off the harbour. After India's independence it was the biggest district in the country and was subsequently divided into the three districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam.
The city has the tomb of the Muslim saint Syed Ali Ishak Madina, located atop the dargah-hill near the harbour in old city, which is dated to 18th century, where Hindus make vows at it as often as Muslims. The saint is considered to be all potent over the elements in the Bay of Bengal. Many old residents say that every vessel passing the harbour inwards or outwards used to salute the saint by hoisting and lowering its flag three times, and that many ship-owners offer chadar at the shrine after a successful voyage. It's been said that the name Visakhapatnam is named after him i.e. Syed Ali Ishak Madina, the saint. Initially it was Ishaqapatnam which has been modified into present Visakhapatnam may be because of mispronunciation of an Arabic world by the local people.

vizagatoz links

1. ^ http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/01/14/stories/2006011401170100.htm 
2. ^ "Visakha traces its name to Buddhist princess".
3. ^ ^{a b} Census March 1, 2009 (via archive.org)
4. ^  "Eleven Indian cities among 100 fastest growing cities in the world".
5. ^ "Visakhapatnam". India Meteorological Department.
6. ^  "Press Information Bureau:Ministry of Urban Development urges Public to prefer Public Transport To Private".
7. ^ Hindu.com
8. ^ "Coal India strikes port deal".
9. ^ "Home Page of Mrs. A.V.N.College".
10. ^ http://pubs.iied.org/pdfs/10550IIED.pdf
11. ^ http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-10-23/india/27980533_1_cities-list-urban-centres-urban-areas
12. ^ http://www.visakha.in/about-vizag.asp
13. ^ VSEZ.gov.in
14. ^ Brandixapparelcity.com
15. ^ Ramky.com
16. ^ [1]^{[dead link]}
17. ^ Appcpir.com
18. ^ Appcpir.com
19. ^ http://aptdc.in/vizag/accommodation.php
20. ^ ^{a b} http://aptdc.in/vizag/sight_see.php
21. ^ http://www.indiaskating.com/
22. ^ http://www.filmapia.com/published/places/gangavaram-beach
23. ^ http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/72328.html
24. ^ http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-kannada-news/20111014.htm
25. ^ Ragalahari.com
26. ^ http://www.go2india.in/ap/araku-valley.php
27. ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Araku_Valley
28. ^ http://visakhapatnamtourism.blogspot.com/2009/07/chaaparai-waterfalls-near-araku-valley.html
29. ^ http://www.arakuvalley.info/attractions/katiki-waterfalls/
30. ^ Go2india.in
31. ^ http://www.hachette.co.uk/news/pressreleases/-The-Marriage-Bureau-for-Rich-People--by-Farahad-Z
32. ^ http://www.literateur.com/the-marriage-bureau-farahad-zama/
33. ^ 35 Movie Theaters

BORRA CAVES

The Borra Caves, also called Borra Guhalu in Telugu language (‘Borra’ means something that has bored into the ground and ‘guhalu’ means caves), are located on the East Coast of India, in the Ananthagiri hills of the Araku valley (with hill ranges elevation varying from 800 m (2,624.7 ft) to 1,300 m (4,265.1 ft)) of the Visakhapatnam district in Andhra Pradesh. The Caves, one of the largest in the country, at an elevation of about 705 m (2,313.0 ft), distinctly exhibit a variety of impressive speleothems(pictured) ranging from very small to big and irregularly shaped stalactites and stalagmites.^[1][2] The Caves are basically Karstic limestone structures extending to a depth of 80 m (262.5 ft) (considered the deepest cave in India)

Legend

On the discovery of the caves, there are several legends, which the tribals (Jatapu, Porja, Kondadora, Nookadora, valmiki etc.^[4]) who inhabit the villages around the caves narrate. The popular legend is that a cow, grazing on the top of the caves, dropped 60 m (196.9 ft), through a hole in the roof. The cowherd while searching for the cow came across the caves. He found a stone inside the cave that resembled a Lingam, which he interpreted as the Lord Shiva who protected the cow. The village folk who heard the story believed it and since then they have built a small temple for Lord Shiva outside the cave. People flock to the temple for worship and the cave to get a glimpse of the Lingam.^[5]

Worship of Stalagmite Lingam inside the Borra Caves

Another lyrical legend is that the Shiva Lingam representing the Hindu God Lord Shiva, is found deep in the caves and above which is a stone formation of a cow (Sanskrit: Kamadhenu). It is surmised that the udder of this cow is the source of the Gosthani (Sanskrit: Cow’s udder) River which originates from here, flows through Vizianagram and Visakhapatnam districts before debouching into the Bay of Bengal near Bheemunipatnam.^[5]

A view of Araku Valley about 29 km (18.0 mi) from the caves

Geography and climate

The caves are located in the Araku Valley of the Ananthagiri hill range and is drained by the Gosthani River. At the entry, the cave measures up to 100 m (328.1 ft) horizontally and 75 m (246.1 ft) vertically. Stalagmite and Stalactite formations are found in the caves.^[6] The average annual temperature of Araku hills, where the caves are situated, is about 25 °C (77.0 °F). The average annual rainfall reported is 950 mm (3.1 ft) (mostly occurring during the northeast monsoon).^[7] The Gosthani river provides water supply to the Visakhapatnam city.^[4]

Geology

A view of the six most common speleothems with labels. (Enlarge to view labels

Line art representation of w:Stalactites

The Regional Geology in the Eastern Ghats mobile belt, where the caves are located, is represented by the Khondalite suite of rocks (garnetiferrous sillimanite gneisses, quartzo-feldsphatic garnet gneisses) of Archaen age. Quaternary deposits consist of red bed sediments, laterites, pediment fans, colluvium, alluvium and coastal sands. Particularly, the Borra caves are stated to be one of the largest caves in the Indian subcontinent.^[1] The caves, in the reserved forest area consisting of 14 villages inhabited by tribals, basically host a variety of speleothems ranging from very small to big and irregularly shaped stalactites and stalagmites. The carbonate rocks are pure white, and coarsely crystalline and the deformed and banded marbles cover a triangular area of 2 km² (0.8 sq mi); surrounded by Diopside–scapolite–feldspar calc-granulites. The pyroxenite outcrops are dark and massive and include discontinuous calc-silicate bands, some of brown mica and others with calcite.^[7] The Gosthani River, which originates from these caves and flows between the solidified stalactites and stalagmites in the Karstic lime stones formation, is the cause for the development of the odd shapes of structures. Water percolating from the roof of the caves dissolve limestone and trickle drop by drop to form stalactite at the roof of the cave and then dripping down to the ground form stalagmite. (see picture). Stalactites are calcium carbonate deposits that hang from the top of the cave. Stalagmites are deposits that form at the bottom of the cave and grow upward. These deposits have developed into interesting forms and structures inside the caves such as Shiva –Parvati, Mother–Child, Rishi’s beard, Human brain, mushrooms, crocodile, temple, church, etc. These shapes have captured the imagination of tourists, while some have been given religious interpretations.^[7][8] The Caves are deep and totally aphotic. There is a twilight zone in the caves with limited light penetration. The Stalactites seen in the caves are about 0.1 m (0.3 ft) to 3.5 m (11.5 ft) in length while the Stalagmites are 1.2 m (3.9 ft) long and columns are 6 m (19.7 ft) in height and 0.75 m (2.5 ft) in width. The height of the cave is 12 m (39.4 ft) and the length is about 200 m (656.2 ft). The average temperature of the inner cave wall is reported to be about 16 °C (60.8 °F). Sulphur springs discharge into the cave passages causing corrosion of limestone. The spring waters display floating Mucus-like biofilms. These are thick orange microbial mats (2.5 cm (1.0 in)–3 cm (1.2 in) thick) with patches of yellow biofilms extending 3 m (9.8 ft) from the aphotic deep cave orifice.^[7] While the caves are basically limestone formations, the area surrounding these are of mica formations which are prospected for precious stones like rubies.^[6] The geological features of these caves are stated to be found only in Borra in India. Archeological artifacts (Paleolithic implements) have been found in the caves.^[9] The excavations carried out in the caves by the Archeologists of the Andhra University, have unearthed stone tools of middle Paleolithic culture dating back to 30,000 to 50,000 years, which confirm human habitation.^[4]

Genesis

Speleothem carbonates (considered as inorganic precipitates) found in the caves have been subject to scientific studies. In fluviatile, spring, cave and soil environments Microbial carbonates are important. In the biofilms and/or microbial mats, which are formed in the caves, the principal organisms associated are bacteria, particularly cyanobacteria, small algae and fungi. Petrographic analysis of a thin section has uncovered the presence of lithified structures and micrite, present as laminated to clotted with chocolate-brown blebs. These are identical to microbialites observed in modern and ancient stromatolitic carbonates. Laboratory observations with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) have also confirmed the presence of calcified bacteria, micro-rods, and needle calcite. Organic mats (yellow-orange in colour) comprise of mineralized filamentous bacteria, bacterial stalks, cells and sheaths. Thus, these studies have indicated that biological (microorganisms) have actively influenced in the genesis of speleothem carbonates of the Borra Caves.

Visitor information

Guided tours for a day trip to the Borra Caves cover interesting attractions like the Tyada Railway Tunnel, Damuku View Point, Ananthagiri Coffee Plantation, Padmapuram Gardens and the Araku Valley. For the benefit of the visitors, an information board at the entry point to the caves gives some details of the caves and its surroundings (pictured).^[4][8] An Arraku and Borra rail-cum-road package tour organized by the Andhra Pradesh State Tourism Department is available for visitors keen to see the Borra caves.^[12]

Beautifully lit Borra Caves

A walk around the caves provides an impressive view of the mountainous area which is rich in flora and fauna. The Andhra Pradesh State Tourism Department has installed 26 mercury, sodium vapor and halogen electric lamps, which provide beautiful views of the formations (pictured). Geologists and tourists visiting the caves are enchanted by the lighted caves. The Araku valley, a famous hill station, about 29 km (18.0 mi) from the Borra caves is also an interesting tourist attraction for people visiting the caves.^[6][8] November and December are ideal months to visit the caves. The caves are open to visitors from 10 am to 5:30 pm.^[

Araku

ARAKU VALLEY                               Araku Valley is a famous hill station located in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. It is located 115 km from the Vishakhapatnam district, close to the Orissa state border. This place lures people with pleasant weather, hills and valleys. The natural beauty of this valley comes alive with its rich landscape. The area of the valley is roughly 36 km and the altitude is between 600 and 900 m above the sea level. The journey to this place on the Ghat road with thick forests on either side is in itself interesting and pleasant. One can have a wonderful trekking trip. 46 tunnels and bridges will greet guest on the way. Rolling grass lands, lush orchards and pleasant climate make Araku Valley a delightful place. Tourism :- The Ananthagiri hills on  the way to Araku Valley are famous for coffee plantations. The Borra caves, located 29 km from Araku Valley, are a nearby tourist attraction. Location :- Araku Valley is located on the Eastern Ghats of India, the valley is inhabited by tribal people. One of the other attractions of this valley is a tribal museum. The valley is connected through both rail and road to the city of Vishakapatnam.

HOW TO REACH By Air :- The nearest airport is Vishakhapatnam at a distance of 112-km. By Train :-  Araku Station (136 km from Viskhapatnam). By Road :- One can drive up from Viskhapatnam or take any of the buses plying here. (117 km from Viskhapatnam). WHEN TO GO Best time to travel Araku Valley is October To February. WHAT TO SEE Araku Tribal Museum :- The Tribal Museum in Araku Valley explores the tribal culture of Eastern Ghats. The Tribal Museum exhibits rich tribal tradition and several artifacts. One can see the tools used by the tribes and avail information about the social and cultural aspects of the tribal people. There is a stall in the museum where handicrafts items of the tribes are sold. Anantagiri Hills :- Anantagiri is a breathtakingly beautiful resort sheltered in the lush undulating ranges of the Eastern Ghats. It is considered to be a perfect head off to get away from the blistering summer months. Ananthagiri is perched at an altitude where the panoramic vista unfolds stunning viewpoints. Driving through picturesque coffee plantations the road to Anantagiri with its ups and downs on the Ghat route is literally enveloped with mango groves, waterfalls that gush and flow into the ravines. The Eastern Ghats rail route on this stretch is one of the highest broad gauge tracks in the world. Bheemunipatnam Beach :- Bheemunipatnam Beach is about 25-km from Vishakhapatnam and prime attraction of Araku Valley. The most important aspect of interest at the place is the beach, which is perhaps matchless for its beauty all along the east coast. Borra caves :- Borra caves is located at a distance of above 90-95 km from Vishakhapatnam and prime attraction of Araku Valley and Situated at 1400 metres above sea-level, they spread over the Eastern Ghats and occupy an area of 2 sq km. William King George of the Geological Survey of India discovered these caves in the year 1807. Deep in the caves there is a “Shivalingam” over which there is an idol of a cow “Kamdhenu” and the river Gosthani takes its origin from the udder of this cow. The mercury and halogen lamps lit inside make the interior of the caves colourful and spectacular. Tyda Park :- It is located 75 kms. from Visakhapatnam on the Araku road, Tyda is being developed with camping facilities at Jungle Bells to provide an enchanting experience in the wilderness to tourists. A home for a variety of wild mammals and avitauna, Tyda is ideal for viewing wild life and bird watching. Other attractions are rock climbing, trekking and targetting with bow and arrows. Dhimsa Dance :- The natural beauty of this valley comes alive with its rich landscape. The Dhimsa dance an age-old folk dance of the aborigines is still performed here in Araku Valley during 'Itika Pongal' - the famous hunting festival in April.

vizag steel plant

Vizag Steel                       

విశాఖ ఉక్కు కర్మాగారం

Type	Public Sector Enterprise
Industry	Steel
Founded	1971
Headquarters	Visakhapatnam, India
Key people	A P Choudary, Chairman cum Managing DIrector
Products	Plain Rounds, Re-bars, Squares, Flats, Billets, Pig Iron, Plain Wire Rods In Coils I, Plain Wire Rods In Coils II
Revenue	USD 2.59 billion
Website	http://www.vizagsteel.com/

Visakhapatnam Steel Plant,opened by popularly known as Vizag Steel (Telugu: విశాఖ ఉక్కు కర్మాగారం), is one of the major steel producers in India. Vizag Steel Plant has been conferred Navratna status on 17 November 2010. Founded in 1971, the company focuses on producing value-added steel, with 214,000 tonnes produced in August 2010, out of 252,000 tonnes total of salable steel produced.^[1] It is the only integrated steel plant in the country to be certified for ISO 9001:2000, ISO 14001:2004 and OSHAS 18001:1999

Contents                                            [hide]  1 History 2 Infrastructure 3 Awards and accolades 4 References 5 External links

[edit] History

On 17 April 1970, the then prime minister of India, Late Mrs. Indira Gandhi announced the government's decision in the Parliament to establish a steel plant at Visakhapatnam. The activities kicked off by appointing site selection committee in June 1970 and subsequently the committee‘s report was approved for site. On 20 January 1971 she laid the foundation stone. Consultants were appointed in February 1971, and feasibility reports were submitted in 1972. The first block of land was taken over on 7 April 1974. M/s M.N. Dastur & Co was appointed as the consultant for preparing the detailed Project report in April 1975 and in October 1977 they have submitted the report for 3.4 mtpa of liquid steel. With the offer for assistance from government of erstwhile USSR, a revised project concept was evolved. Detailed Project Report for a plant capacity of 3.4 Mtpa was prepared by M/s M.N. Dastur & Co in November 1980. In February 1981 the contract was signed with USSR for preparation of working drawings for coke ovens, Blast Furnace and sinter plant. The blast furnace foundation was laid with first mass concreting in the project in January 1982. The construction of township also started.
A new company Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) was formed on 18 February 1982. Visakhapatnam Steel Plant was separated from SAIL and RINL was made the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in April 1982.
Vizag Steel Plant is the only Indian shore-based steel plant, and it has massive land, up to 19,000 acres (7,700 ha), and is poised to become up to 20 MT in a single campus and turnover in 2010-2011 was 11,500 Crores. On 20th May, 2009 Honorable Prime Minister Manmohan Singh launched the expansion project of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant from a capacity of 3.6MT to 6.3MT at a cost of Rs. 8,692 Crores. But the investment was revised to 14,489 crores with following classification:

• Expenditure for the financial year 2009-10 Rs 1840 Crore
• Rs 5883 Crores since inception of the Project
• Total Commitment, including enabling works, steel procurement, Consultancy, Spares, etc is Rs 11591 Crores as on 25.03.10.

The expansion project is expected to become functional by 2012.

[edit] Infrastructure                           

• Coke Ovens and Coal Chemical Plant
• Sinter Plant
• Blast Furnace
• Steel Melt Shop and Continuous Casting
• Light and Medium Merchant Mill
• Medium Merchant and Structural Mill
• Wire Rod Mill

Steel Melt Shop Steel is made in steel melting shop in the refractory lined vessels called LD Converters by blowing oxygen through the hot metal bath. While iron making is a reduction process, steel making is an oxidation process. The oxygen reacts with the carbon in the hot metal and this reaction releases large quantities of gas rich in carbon monoxide along with huge amount of dust. The gases released from the converter are collected, cooled, cleaned and recovered for use as fuel in the steel plant. The entire molten steel at VSP is continuously cast at the radial type continuous casting machines resulting in significant energy conservation and better quality steel. 100% Continuous casting on such a large scale has been conceived for the first time in India.

[edit] Awards and accolades

1. Gold Award for Outstanding Achievement in Training Excellence by Greentech Foundation, New Delhi in 2010
2. Strategic Leadership Award For CMD of RINL by Asia Pacific Human Resource Management congress , New Delhi in 2010
3. Global Human Resource Development Award of International Federation of Training and Development Organization, London in 2010
4. Great Places to Work Award By Great Places to work Institute and Economic Times, Mumbai in 2010
5. Bagged the First Steel Minister’s Trophy for the year 2006-07
6. Vishwakarma Rashtriya Puraskar Awards for the performance year 2007 fifth time in a row in 2009 for the best suggestions 
   

   Steel Plant Township

   Main article: Ukkunagaram
   

   

   Jagannath temple in 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 bungalow.
   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 Township is located in forest belt starting at the Valleys of Araku through Elamanchili 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.
   Big Kanithi Balancing reservoir provides water 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 major 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 Elamanchili and Tuni, cutting almost 30 km on the road route from Visakhapatnam to Vijayawada.

Simhachalam temple

Simhadri or Simhachalam temple is a Hindu temple located near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, South India. It is dedicated to the incarnation (Avatar) of Vishnu known as Narasimha (the man-lion). The temple is a mix of Orissan (main/central shrine) and Dravidian (entrance) styles of architecture.

Entrance Tower(GOPURAM) to Simhachalam Temple

Origin of the name

Atop the hill is a famous temple said to be the abode of Varaha Narasimha Swami, and hence the hill itself is called (nara) simhachalam. The temple is situated in the city of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

Lord narasimha rock statue backyard simhachalam temple

Significance

It is one of the eighteen "Naarasimha Kshetras" i.e. shrines of Lord Narasimha in India. Simhachalam temple is known as the second richest temple in India (after Tirupati) earning a revenue of Rs. 520 million. The main deity inside the temple sanctorum gives "nijaroopa darshan" (holy appearance in true form) for only 12 hours in a year i.e. on Akshaya Tritiya day, the rest of the time the deity is covered with Sandalwood paste. The darshan described as 'Chandana yatra' or 'Chandanotsavam' falls every year in Vaisakha masa (May).

Legend

Hiranyakasipu was a Rakshasa king. He was in fact one of Vishnu's Dwarapalakas or gate keepers in Vaikuntha, Jaya and Vijaya. They had to take birth in the mortal world thrice because of a curse given by Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanathana and Sanathkumara, who were not allowed to take darshan of Mahavishnu by them. The other palaka was born as his brother Hiranyaaksha.

Hiranyakasipu wanted to become immortal and hence performed austerities (tapasya) to propitiate Lord Brahma. However, Lord Brahma said that was not possible so Hiranyakasipu asked Lord Brahma to grant him a boon so that he could not be killed by any animal or a man neither in the morning nor in the night, by any weapons, neither in sky nor on the earth.

Hiranyakasipu wanted the entire world to worship him. But, Prahalada, his son, was a devotee of Lord Narayana and always expressed his bhakti towards Him. In spite of warning him several times, Hiranyakasipu could not alter Prahlada's devotion.

This made Hiranyakasipu angry and he made numerous attempts to get Prahlada killed. One of them was to throw him off the top of a mountain. However, Vishnu rescued him by moving the mountain and made a small path for Prahaladha. It is said that in the place where the Lord stood to protect Prahaladha is the place where the temple is built.

The most important thing about this temple is that here we can't see the God's feet. It is said that the feet is buried inside the earth. Lord Narayana came to rescue Parahalada on Garuda and when they threw Parahalada Lord Narayana jumped from Garuda to save him and in this process his feet went deep into the earth.

History                                                                                                               

Simhachalam Temple

It has Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy as the presiding deity. The deity at Simhachalam, the lion-man incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu is usually covered with sandalwood paste. The original shape of the deity in the tribhanga posture has two hands with the head of a lion on a human torso. An inscription dated as far back as 1098 AD of the Chola King Kuloththunga provides some clue as to its antiquity. Another inscription shows a Queen of the Eastern Ganga of Kalinga (ancient Orissa) (1137-56 AD) covering the image with gold while a third inscription says the eastern Ganga King of Orissa, Narasimha Deva, built the main/central shrine in 1267 A.D. With more than 252 inscriptions in Oriya and Telugu describing the antecedents of the temple, it is a historically important monument.

Newly constructed roads and inquiry counter at the entrance

Sri Krishna Deva Raya after defeating the Gajapati ruler of Orissa Gajapati Prataparudra Dev visited the shrine twice in 1516 AD and 1519 AD and offered numerous villages for maintenance of bhogam (worship) along with valuable jewellery of which an emerald necklace is still in the temple. For the last three centuries the royal family of Vizianagaram, "The Pusapati Gajapathi's" have been the temple's trustees. Giripradhikshana (circumambulation) around the hill range (~40 km) from Hanumantha vaka/MVP colony to Simhachalam is done by piligrims during the auspicious days. Crowds of elderly people/youth/children are observed walking the 40 km stretch over night. They visit the temple after the long journey and give their offerings to the deity.

Timings for darshan:The following are the timings  of the the daily rituals: Suprabhata Seva – 4 am, Suprabhata Darshanam – 4.30 am to 5 am (Cost of the ticket  is Rs 30 per head),  Aradhanam – 5 am to 6.30 am, Sarva Darsanam – 6.30 am to 11.30 am, Nitya Kalyanam – 9.30 am onwards (Ticket Rs 1000), Rajabhogam – 11.30 am to 12.30 pm

Darshanam – 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm,  afternoon break – 2.30 pm to 3 pm, evening darshanam – 3 pm  to 7 pm, Night Aradhana – 7 pm  to 8.30 pm, Aradhana Seva (Dhoop Seva) – 7 pm to 8.30 pm (ticket Rs 100), Darshanam – 8.30 pm to 9 pm, Pavalimpu Seva (Ekanta Seva) – 9 pm.

Special Poojas: Every Thursdays Swarnapusharchana – 7 am onwards (Ticket Rs 1116), Ashtora Satnaamachrana – ticket Rs 100, Sahasranaamarchana – ticket Rs 200, 

Transportation facilties:Bus facilities from complex 15km

Bus numbers from complex to direct hill top of simhachalam

 6A/H , 28 H, 28 Z/H

From vizag railway station 14 km

buses 6A/H

From simhachalam railway station 7 km

 buses 6A/H , 28 H, 28 Z/H, 6 H, 55 H