Vizianagaram district was formed on 1st June 1979, with headquarters at Vizianagaram as per G.O. Ms. No 700/revenue (U) Department dated 15th May 1979 with portions carved from Srikakulam and Visakahapatnam Districts. Vizianagaram District is situated with in the geographical co-ordinates of 17- 15’ and 19 – 15’ of the northern latitude and 83 –00’ and 83-45’’ of the eastern longitude. The district is bounded on the east by Srikakulam District on the west and south by Visakhapatnam district, on the south – east by the Bay of Bengal and North West by Orissa State.
Vizianagaram district extends over an area of 6,539 Sq.Kms with a density of 343 per Sq. KM covering 1,551 villages, out of which 66 are uninhabited. The total population of the district is 22,45, 103 as per 2001 census consisting of 11,20,124 Males and 11,24,979 females. According to 2001 census rural population of the district is 18.33 Lakhs which comes to 82% of the total population and the urban population is 4.12 Lakhs which comes to 18% of the total population.
The history of the rebellions against the alien rule goes back to 1830s when the people of the district particularly the tribals, unable to beat the oppression, rose in frequent rebellions(fituris) leading to the establishment of separate administrative system known as "Agency Administration" under the India Act XXIV of 1839. The rebellion of Korra Malliah, a tribal chief of the Salur area against the British rule in 1900 is another important event in the struggle against the alien rule. The District Magistrate dispatched Reserve Police to suppress the revolt which was seriously resisted by the people. In the skirmish that followed many were killed. Korra Malliah along with son was arrested and kept in Jail where he died subsequently. In the freedom struggle the people hailing from the area enthusiastically took part in various phases of the movement like a non-cooperation movement, civil disobedience movement, Quit India Movement etc.
Bobbili: The founder of House of Bobbili, Pedda Rayudu was the 15th descendant of the Rajas of Venkatagiri. He came to the area as part of the contingent Golconda Fauzdar Sher (Tiger) Mohammad Khan. He founded the town, built a fort and named it Pedda Puli ( Great Tiger) after the name of his patron. With the passage of time, the name was corrupted to pebbuli, Bebbuli and finally Bobbili.
Ramatheertam: 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 Located at 13 Kms from Vizianagaram.
Jami Vruksham: 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
Punyagiri: 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
Kumili: 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: 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
Vizianagaram: The imposing fort foxrmed 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
Gosthani Sarovar Vihar: Gosthani Sarovar Vihar is situated at Thatipudi reservoir at a distance of 20 KMs from Vizianagaram town. It is a picnic spot.
Saripalli : Saripalli is famous for “Dibbi Lingeswara Swami” temple. The Chanukyas constructed this temple. This is 1000 years old. The sculpture carved on the temple is beautiful.