TOURISM

Ramathirtham is famous for the 1000 years old sri rama temple situated on the bavikonda hill. The beautiful koneru lake is in it's vicinity. constructed by the pusapati kings during 1650-1696 A.D.,the unique feature of the temple is that it is built entirely upon a huge rock. Nearby on a hill, known as Gurubukhatakonda are the remains of enoromous buddhist mahasthupa, which is 19 feet high and 65 feet in diameter,a monestery,chaitya, monastic cells, two votive sthupas, a solid stone stupa,an enclosed courtyard and a pillered hall. In the vicinity are the ruins of a brick shrine with images of Jain Thirtankaras. Furhter up on the hill under a massive hanging rock one can see several jain sculptures. 

Accommodation is available at R & B Guest House, Vizianagaram

The Bobbili fort is situated in this ancient town. It is associated with the historic battle between the Raja of Bobbili and Zamindar of Vizianagaram, who is aided by the French. The fierce war established this as a land of heroism, bravery and courage. The impressive Bobbili fort stands as a silent testimony to this hard fought battle, who saw the Raja of bobbili lay his life fighting rather than surrendering. The Venugopala Swamy temple here is quite famous as also the oldest in the district. 

Located at 60 Kms away from Vizianagaram

Legend has it that the Pandavas hid their weapons on a "Jami Tree" before embarking on the final year of their exile (Agnathavasam). During their stay, King Dharmaraj and Kunthi installed the idols of Sri Thirupuranatha Swamy and Sri Janardhan Swamy, at this place. 500 years ago villagers found an idol of Sri Madhava Swamy and established it between the earlier two temples and named it Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple The jami tree at the Tripurtantaka Swamy temple is considered to be holy for its miraculous properties. The temple is said to be thousands of years old. Falklore says that the local inhabitants tried to shift  the temple but they could not uproot the sivalinga. Modern day gelogists estimate that the Shivalinga extends more than 179 feet deep in to the earth.  

Located in Jammi on the banks of the river Gowthami, 10 Kms from Vizianagaram

One of the oldest Shiva temples is situated here.The sanctum has an underground water source which ensures that the Shivalinga is perpetually bathed with water.In the nearby Trimurthi cave,three lingas are installed over which water constantly drops.Considered to be a very holy spot, a large numbers of devotees flock here during the Mahasivaratri festival.Legend has it that one bathes in the waterfall nearby and then has Darshan of Lord Shiva,he attains Moksha. 

Located at 4 Kms from Srungavarapukota and 25 Kms from Vizianagaram

This small village is famous on account of a huge complex of temples built by local devotees over a period of 10 years. The temples are unique with extremely attractive sculptures, paintings on the walls and idols. The temples within the complex are of Ganapathi, Shiva, Kalika Devi, Navagrahalu, Satyanarayana Swamy, Subramanyeswaraswamy, Seetharamaswamy, Anjaneya Swamy and Venu Gopalaswamy. Incidentally, The village was the former seat of the erstwhile Vizianagaram Kingdom and ruins of a mud fort still exist.

Located at 20 Kms from Vizianagaram

Govindapuram is situated in Pusapatirega Mandal at distance of 30 K.Ms from Vizianagaram Town. The magnificent temple here is renowned for its sculptural beauty and is based on the essence of Bhagawat Gita. Gyana Ratham with Lord Krishnaon the chariot is an impressive image which enthralls the visitors. 

Located at 20 Kms from Vizianagaram

The imposing fort formed the nucleus around which grew the town of Vizianagaram. Depicting the past glory of the rulers, the quadrangular stone fort is evident of the knowledge and skillfullness of the builders and architects of those days.An ancient temple of Pydithalli Ammavaru is situated in this town. Legend has it that one of the daughters of the Pasupati royal family was the reincarnation of the pressing deity, Pydithallamma. The local believe that with the blessings of the Goddess one can lead a happy & prosperous life. The idol of the Goddess was discovered on Vijayadasimi day way back in the year 1752. To mark the occasion, an annual jatra is held on21st and 22nd October which attracts large crowds.

The Moddukovillu temple is unique in that the Shivalinga in the temple has two different colours, symbolizing the male and female aspects of the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple was built by an old woman who dreamt about it on her way to the holy city of Kashi ( Banares). 

Located 60 Kms from Visakhapatnam