First Municipality
Bhima, the second of Five Pandavas in the great epic and Fifth Veda – Mahabharat and after him town Bhimuni Patnam’s (Town belongs to Bhima) name was derived. Bheemunipatnam or Bhimili was the first municipal administration established by British Rule in India. Bheemunipatnam municipality, but merged into Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation in 2017. It is currently under the administration of Bheemuni Patnam revenue division and the headquarters is located at Bheemunipatnam. This is situated on the shore of Bay of Bengal and borders the city of destiny –Visakhapatnam and the other side joins Vizianagaram district. This beach is called Bhimili Beach by local people and Vizagites. River Gostani ends its streaming and merges the sea at Bhimili only. The Bheemili port used to operate passenger vessels to Madras and Calcutta during British rule.
Sports, Resorts
Bhimili Beach is famous for several water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming and water-skiing. Boating facility is also available here and is maintained by Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department. There are a number of accommodation options and one can find many budget hotels with modern amenities. Visitors can also stay at the Keertana Vanam Beach Resort run by the Visakhapatnam Metro Region Development Authority – VMRDA and there are several privately owned resorts also for tourists.
Tourist Attractions
Evidence of Buddhism dating back to the second century has been found on the Pavuralakonda hillock, which surrounds the beach. Several Buddhist remains have been found during excavation. On the top of a hill, there is a light-house and a small shrine dedicated to Lord Narasimha. St. Peter's Church, Maharaja's guest house, clock tower are the added attractions here. Red Sand Dunes locality is a shooting point for several Tollywood movies. Bhimili Beach can be reached after travelling 25 km from Visakhapatnam airport, 20 km from bus station complex (RTC Complex) and 22 km from train station.
Bheemili Beach is an ideal spot for swimming and water sports. The remains of Dutch settlement with a ruined Fort, armoury and Dutch cemetery dating back to the 17th Century preserved here.
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