Vishakhapatnam, also known as Vizag, is the smallest district in Andhra Pradesh, known for its rich history, culture, and economic prosperity.
Source: Siasat.com
Smallest District in Andhra Pradesh: Vishakhapatnam, affectionately known as Vizag, is the smallest district in this vibrant Indian state and entices travelers with its history, culture, and economic prosperity.
In South India, Andhra Pradesh is a vibrant state that boasts a rich history, culture, and economic heritage. Vishakhapatnam, one of the smallest districts of the state, is situated between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal. Although Vishakhapatnam is relatively small, it thrives as a bustling hub of economic activity, adorned with picturesque landscapes, architectural wonders, and a vibrant cultural heritage that captivates tourists from all over the world. We will explore the history, geography, climate, and economy of Andhra Pradesh’s smallest district in this article.
In the heart of Andhra Pradesh, Vishakhapatnam emerges as a captivating oasis surrounded by the greenery of the Eastern Ghats and the azure waters of the Bay of Bengal. Vishakhapatnam, affectionately known as Vizag, is the smallest district in this vibrant Indian state. It beckons travelers with its historical, cultural, and economic allure.
The city of Visakhapatnam, which dates back to the 6th century BCE, has a rich history. Originally a part of Kalinga, it experienced dynasties such as Vengi, Pallava, and Eastern Ganga rule before flourishing under Chola kings and later coming under Vijayanagara rule. European powers, including the French and British, established trading interests here, and the area boasts ancient sites such as Pavurallakonda, Sankaram, Bavikonda, and Thotlakonda, all of which are notable for their Buddhist influence. As an important district in Andhra Pradesh following independence, Visakhapatnam was the site of the tragic 2020 styrene gas leak.
Located between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal, Visakhapatnam occupies 682 square kilometers with an average altitude of 45 meters. The Simhachalam Hill Range, Yarada Hills, and Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary flank it in Coastal Andhra Region. With over 621.52 square kilometers, these hills contribute significantly to the city’s ecological landscape, including landmarks such as Dolphin’s Nose and Kailasagiri Hills.
In India, Visakhapatnam is a strategically located city on the eastern coast of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Located between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal, it is part of the Coastal Andhra Region, with coordinates from 17.7041° N latitude to 83.2977° E longitude. Hills like the Simhachalam Hill Range and Yarada Hills surround Visakhapatnam, which has a diverse and picturesque geographical setting.
There is a tropical wet and dry climate in Visakhapatnam (Köppen Aw). The average annual temperature ranges from 24.7 to 31 °C (76–87 °F), peaking in May and reaching its lowest in January. Minimum temperatures range between 17 and 27 °C. There was a record high of 42.0°C in 1978 and a record low of 10.5°C in 1962. As a result of the southwest and northeast monsoon, Visakhapatnam receives an average annual rainfall of 1,118.8 millimeters (44.05 in) annually. Cyclone Hudhud hit near Visakhapatnam in October 2014.
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According to the 2011 census, Telugu is the official and primary language of Visakhapatnam, with two dialects: the common form and the Uttarandhra variant. Telugu speakers constitute 92.13% of the population. Other languages spoken in the city include Urdu (2.77%), Hindi (2.19%), and Odia (0.92%). Additionally, the city has a diverse population, including Tamils, Malayalis, Sindhis, Kannadigas, Odias, Bengalis, Biharis, and anglo-Indian population.
As one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, Visakhapatnam boasts impressive economic growth despite being the smallest district in Andhra Pradesh. The city is India’s 9th richest city with a GDP of $43.5 billion. Renowned for its seafood exports, its harbor handles 115,000 tonnes annually, ranking first in value during fiscal year 2015. In particular, Visakhapatnam Port and Gangavaram Port play a pivotal role in its economic development, with the former handling 60,000,000 tonnes of cargo during FY 2016-17. In addition to constructing and repairing naval fleets, Hindustan Shipyard makes a significant contribution.
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