Places to Visit in Visakhapatnam

Popularly known as Vizag, it is one of the oldest and the largest port cities in the country. Situated in the heart of Andhra Pradesh it is the epicenter of commercial and tourist activity. It is a perfect holiday destination offering endless options to break away from the monotony and rejuvenate. With its pristine beaches, lush green hills dotted with waterfalls, clear waters of Bay of Bengal, archeological sites, it is a one-stop destination to satiate the wanderlust of a traveler. Famed for its savory seafood, and traditional Andhra South Indian cuisine it has a lot to pamper the taste buds of the visitors. The visit to the place remains incomplete without the purchase of Kalamkari paintings, Ikat sarees and wooden toys.

Yarada Beach, Visakhapatnam

Situated at a distance of 15 km from Visakhapatnam the beach remains flanked by hills on three sides and the Bay of Bengal on the fourth. Lined by a vast expanse of coconut and banana plantations it offers picturesque views of golden sands, hazy skies, and clear sea. It is a peaceful spot and witnesses lesser activity, making it an ideal destination for those willing to spend quality time with family and friends. It allows one the liberty to soak one's spirits in the ethereal beauty away from the chaos of the city. The tourists can be spotted taking a dip in the sea, making sandcastles,riding bikes, and relishing local delicacies. It is a must-visit for those who need to experience tranquility.

Dolphin Hill or Nose, Visakhapatnam

Nestled on the east coast of India Dolphin’s Nose Hill is an ideal getaway for experiencing the unparalleled beauty of Nature. The place gets its name because of its natural form resembling that of a dolphin. It is also called Black Mores Hill. The destination has a lighthouse that commands a breathtaking view of the Bay of Bengal, ports, beaches, and Vizag city. A beautiful well-maintained park set with colorful flower beds and ornamental trees augments its beauty. It is a prime spot of tourist activity and it would be sinful to miss a chance to visit here. It offers tranquility and an opportunity to get closer to nature.

Rushikonda Beach, Visakhapatnam

Nicely placed at a distance of 8 kilometers from Vishakhapatnam stretches the stunning shore along the coast of the Bay of Bengal.With its pristine unparalleled beauty it has been rightly named as the "Jewel of the East Coast" and is the most sought after peaceful weekend getaway. The charm of its golden sands, frothy blue, and emerald greenery captivates the heart of one and all. It is a favorite destination for those who want to experience the thrill by engaging in activities like windsurfing, swimming and water skiing. It remains well equipped with amenities like restaurants, cottages for the visitors, and has been developed into an attractive tourist spot by the authorities.

Ramakrishna Beach, Visakhapatnam

Popularly called the RK beach it is one of the most famous beaches of Vizag. Widely acclaimed for its picturesque setting with tall coconut timber, scintillating sand, and emerald green waters it welcomes tourists and locals with open arms. It hosts a hoard of engaging activities and adventure sports. Visitors can be spotted surfing, swimming, playing volleyball, and relaxing in the sun. Perfect place to experience cool breeze, while enjoying solitary walks during sunrise and sunset. It remains lined with several eateries that serve palatable seafood. Other attractions in the vicinity include INS Kurusura Submarine Museum, Visakha Museum, an aquarium, Vuda park, and the Kali temple.

INS Kursura Submarine Museum, Visakhapatnam

The only submarine museum in Asia INS Kurusura Submarine Museum was established at the beach of Rama Krishna. INS Kurusura was India's 5th submarine and was constructed by Russians. It became a part of the Indian Navy in 1970 and played a significant role in many wars including the Indo-Pak war of 1971. The submarine served the Indian Navy for 31 years post which it was decommissioned and transformed into a museum. So the museum is a real-life submarine that houses a repository of pictures, articles, artifacts depicting the tales of sacrifice, strength, and patriotism of Indian warriors. Its picture-perfect location, close acquaintance with reality make is a visitor's favorite.

Kailasagiri, Visakhapatnam

Kailasagiri is a city park situated a top a hill in the city of Vishakhapatnam. The houses gigantic statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati which impart religious overtones to it. It is a complete tourist destination offering a quotient of religion, adventure, and enjoyment to its visitors. One of the exciting features of the park is its accessibility by cable car. It is a hub of tourist activity because of its calm, serene ambiance and enthralling scenic beauty. It offers a splendid view of dense forest cover, lush green stretches, the Bay of Bengal, and the city. It hosts several engaging leisure activities like a ride on the toy train and, adventurous games paragliding, being one of them.

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam

Nestled in the lap of the Kambalakonda Forest Reserve, flanked by the Eastern Ghats on three Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is an abode to several species of flora and fauna. It is one of the largest zoological parks in Andhra Pradesh and attracts several visitors throughout the year. It houses as many as 80 species of animals that are displayed in specific sections. The premises have dedicated sections for carnivores, mammals, primates, birds, ungulates, and other animals. The most outstanding feature of the park is its separate section for butterflies and moths which is one of its kinds in the country. A toy train offering a ride inside the park is favorite with the kids.

Simhachalam Temple, Visakhapatnam

Originally known as the Varaha Lakshmi Narshima Temple it is the second largest temple in Andhra Pradesh and an important seat of Hindu faith. Located on the hilltop the shrine remains dedicated to Lord Narasimha (lion's head and human torso)an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The idol of the presiding deity remains covered with the sandalwood paste throughout the year and it is only during Akshaya Tritiya that it appears in its true form. The splendid edifice reflects a combination of Kalinga, Chalukyas, and Chola styles of architecture. The conspicuous structure is adorned with ornate stone carvings and intricate design. It attracts several visitors and devotees as it is believed that the deity is capable of fulfilling their wishes.

Borra Caves, Visakhapatnam

At an altitude of 1400 m above sea level, located in the Ananthagiri hills of the Araku Valley Borra Caves is one of the largest in the country. A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is present on account of several prevalent folklores. The caves are a result of the activity of Gosthani River on limestone area which results in the conversion of calcium carbonate into calcium bicarbonate and leads to the formation of splendid speleothems. The beautiful shadow and light effect that can be witnessed through the entire depth of the cave makes it enigmatic. Colonies of bats, the golden gecko can be spotted here. It is a must-visit for all those who want to appreciate the creativity of nature and have a mouthful of adventure.

Katiki Falls, Visakhapatnam

At about 90 kilometers from Visakhapatnam originates a 50 feet high waterfall from River Gosthani. The cascade in its full glory is a breathtaking sight from a distance. It is an ideal place to unwind, experience adventure and feel oneness with nature. It is a traveler's haven with hills covered with dense forest, well-set trail to reach the waterfall while spotting animals, birds all along. The destination allows one to live one's dream of camping in the woods enjoying a bonfire under the starlit sky. It remains dotted with many food kiosks that serve the famous Bamboo chicken and fresh Coconut Water. A perfect place for living a surreal experience.

Araku Valley, Visakhapatnam

Nestled in the Eastern Ghats at a distance of about 120 km from Vizag is the famous Araku Valley. Colloquially called the Ooty of Andhra, it is a quaint hill station, which is a hotspot of tourist activity. The valley offers a panoramic view of the lush green forests, gurgling waterfalls, aromatic coffee plantations, and enchanting weather. It is an abode of rich biodiversity inhabiting several exotic species of flora and fauna. Owing to the presence of good reserves of bauxite it also has commercial significance. It is a favorite getaway for adventure enthusiasts willing to explore hiking, trekking, and nature lovers who would spend hours gazing at the wildlife.