Yo! Vizag answers the most Googled questions about Vizag

Sometimes even Google buffers a little longer, not because of the internet speed, but because it’s yet to finalise an answer. Vizag has been on the go-to list for every backpacker. Summer, winter, or the monsoons, Vizag has always been welcoming. With various names given, the name itself garners a lot of attention. It will take only a Google to answer every question, so here are the top 8 Googled questions about Vizag.

While a few questions get even the native Vizagite’s pondering, it’s time Yo! Vizag answers the most googled questions about Vizag.

#1. How many beaches are there in Vizag?

There are 10 beaches in Vizag.

Those beaches are: –
1. Rushikonda Beach
2. Yarada Beach
3. Rama Krishna Beach
4. Bheemili Beach
5. Gangavaram Beach
6. Lawson’s Bay Beach
7. Sagar Nagar Beach
8. NTPC Tantadi Beach
9. Mangamaripeta Beach
10. Divis Beach

#2. Does Vizag have a metro?
No, Vizag doesn’t have a metro. While it’s the most anticipated project in Vizag, this public transport is on the cards. The project is expected to develop soon with the regional office being developed at Visakhapatnam. The metro is said to be developed as Light Metro and Modern Tram. With the metro, the rail system is said to have 750 volts DC power supplied, and a dedicated Multi-level Car Parking (MLCP) facility is expected.

#3. How did Visakhapatnam get the name Vizag?
It’s very difficult to attribute one school of thought as to how Visakhapatnam got the name Vizag. Firstly, the spelling and the follow-up writing differed from one to another. While a few wrote ‘Vizagapatam’, the others stuck to ‘Visakhapatnam’. Shortening it for convenience, the first local boy from Visakhapatnam, when asked where he was from, said Vizag. There is also another serious school of thought that says that the name comes from the deity in Visakhapatnam, Lord Visakheswara (also known as Karthikeya, the second son of Lord Shiva). The worship of the Lord Visakheswara eventually ended up identifying the place with the name, and later cut short it to Vizag. It’s one of the most asked questions about Vizag on Google.

#4. What are the water adventure activities available in Vizag?
The water adventure activities in Vizag may not be at par with the water adventure around the world, but the city ensures an endearing splash with its humble offering. The Vizag city provides Snorkelling, Jet Skiing, and Kayaking. And also on the cards is Scuba Diving. While it is restricted to only cities like Goa, Pondicherry, and the Andaman Islands, the feasible connectivity and huge potential of Vizag has added it to the possible list.

#5. Who is Vizag’s Collector?
V Vinay Chand IAS is the Visakhapatnam District Collector. Mr. Chand replaced K Bhaskar on 4 June 2019. Since then, Mr. Chand has proved to be a bureaucrat of steel and has been through thick and thin times of the city.

#6. Are Vizag, Visakhapatnam, and Vijayawada the same?
This may not be a pertinent question among most Indians. But, if you ever encountered someone who is just making his way to the southern states, this question will be the first ice-breaking question. While Vizag and Visakhapatnam are two different names for the same place, Vijayawada is an 8 hours’ drive away. Both of them are in the divided part of Andhra Pradesh and contribute significantly in all areas of development.

#7. Is Visakhapatnam the capital of Andhra Pradesh?
Vizag is gearing up to be the executive capital of Andhra Pradesh. The new Andhra Pradesh Government had recently passed a bill, implementing a three capital framework for its administration. While Visakhapatnam will be the executive capital, Kurnool will be the judicial capital, and Amaravathi the legislative capital.

#8. What must you take home from your visit to Vizag?
Walking by the stalls filled with artifacts, made with beads, seashells, and cone shells, one can’t but resist carrying home mirrors, trinkets, earrings, and chandeliers. Wooden Etikoppaka handicraft toys will add to the decorative pieces at home. The miniature version of Bobbili Veena is also often carried as a memento and acts as a gift article. And above all, what every visitor to Vizag takes back is loads of memories.