Visakhapatnam, often referred to as Vizag, is a coastal city in Andhra Pradesh known for its stunning beaches, scenic hills, and vibrant culture. It offers a mix of natural beauty and historical landmarks, making it a popular destination for tourists. Here are some of the best places to visit in Visakhapatnam.
Top Places to Visit in Visakhapatnam
1. RK Beach (Ramakrishna Beach)
RK Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Visakhapatnam. It is known for its golden sands, clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere.
- Visiting Time: Open all day.
- Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, beach sports, and enjoying local snacks from the beachside stalls.
- Location: Situated in the heart of Visakhapatnam city.
2. Kailasagiri
Kailasagiri is a scenic hilltop park that offers panoramic views of the city and the coastline. The park is home to large statues of Shiva and Parvati and several recreational facilities.
- Visiting Time: Open from 6 AM to 9 PM.
- Activities: Cable car rides, toy train rides, viewing the statues, and enjoying the viewpoints.
- Location: About 6 km from the city center.
3. Submarine Museum (INS Kurusura)
The Submarine Museum, housed in the decommissioned submarine INS Kurusura, is a unique attraction that provides insight into the life of naval personnel and the workings of a submarine.
- Visiting Time: Open from 2 PM to 8:30 PM on weekdays and 10 AM to 12:30 PM & 2 PM to 8:30 PM on weekends.
- Activities: Exploring the interior of the submarine and learning about its history and operations.
- Location: Located on RK Beach Road.
4. Araku Valley
Araku Valley is a picturesque hill station near Visakhapatnam, known for its lush coffee plantations, waterfalls, and tribal culture.
- Visiting Time: Open all day.
- Activities: Coffee plantation tours, visiting the Borra Caves, enjoying the waterfalls, and experiencing the tribal culture.
- Location: About 114 km from Visakhapatnam.
5. Borra Caves
Borra Caves are one of the largest caves in India, known for their stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The caves are illuminated to highlight the natural formations.
- Visiting Time: Open from 10 AM to 5 PM.
- Activities: Exploring the cave formations and photography.
- Location: Located in the Ananthagiri Hills, near Araku Valley, about 90 km from Visakhapatnam.
6. Simhachalam Temple
Simhachalam Temple is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Varaha Narasimha, an incarnation of Vishnu. The temple’s architecture and spiritual significance make it a must-visit.
- Visiting Time: Open from 7 AM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 9 PM.
- Activities: Offering prayers, exploring the temple architecture, and participating in the temple rituals.
- Location: About 20 km from Visakhapatnam city center.
7. Rushikonda Beach
Rushikonda Beach is a beautiful and serene beach known for its clear waters and golden sands. It is a popular spot for water sports and relaxation.
- Visiting Time: Open all day.
- Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, jet skiing, and other water sports.
- Location: About 8 km from Visakhapatnam city.
8. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is one of the largest zoos in Andhra Pradesh, housing a variety of animals, birds, and reptiles in a natural setting.
- Visiting Time: Open from 9 AM to 5 PM, closed on Mondays.
- Activities: Exploring the animal exhibits, picnicking, and enjoying the natural surroundings.
- Location: Located in Kambalakonda Reserve Forest, about 4 km from the city center.
9. Yarada Beach
Yarada Beach is a pristine and less-crowded beach surrounded by hills. It is ideal for those looking for a peaceful and scenic spot.
- Visiting Time: Open all day.
- Activities: Swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty.
- Location: About 15 km from Visakhapatnam city.
10. Visakha Museum
The Visakha Museum, also known as the Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation Museum, showcases the history and cultural heritage of Visakhapatnam.
- Visiting Time: Open from 11 AM to 7 PM.
- Activities: Exploring historical artifacts, maritime exhibits, and cultural displays.
- Location: Located on RK Beach Road.
Summary Table
| Place | Description | Key Attraction | Distance from City Center |
|---|---|---|---|
| RK Beach | Popular beach with vibrant atmosphere | Swimming and beach sports | In the city |
| Kailasagiri | Scenic hilltop park | Cable car and panoramic views | 6 km |
| Submarine Museum | Museum inside decommissioned submarine | Exploring the submarine | In the city (RK Beach) |
| Araku Valley | Picturesque hill station | Coffee plantations and waterfalls | 114 km |
| Borra Caves | Large caves with stunning formations | Cave exploration | 90 km |
| Simhachalam Temple | Renowned Hindu temple | Temple rituals and architecture | 20 km |
| Rushikonda Beach | Beautiful beach known for water sports | Swimming and jet skiing | 8 km |
| Indira Gandhi Zoological Park | Large zoo with diverse wildlife | Animal exhibits and picnicking | 4 km |
| Yarada Beach | Pristine and less-crowded beach | Natural beauty and picnicking | 15 km |
| Visakha Museum | Museum showcasing local history and culture | Historical artifacts and maritime exhibits | In the city (RK Beach) |
How to Reach Visakhapatnam
By Flight
Visakhapatnam has its own airport, Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ), which is well-connected to major cities in India. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach your destination within the city.
By Train
Visakhapatnam has a major railway station, Visakhapatnam Junction (VSKP), which is well-connected to cities across India. Regular trains are available to and from major cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata.
By Road
Visakhapatnam is well-connected by road. You can reach Visakhapatnam by bus or car from nearby cities. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) runs regular bus services to Visakhapatnam from major cities in the state.
Best Time to Visit Visakhapatnam
The best time to visit Visakhapatnam is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The monsoon season (June to September) brings moderate to heavy rainfall, enhancing the natural beauty of the region. However, the summer months (April to June) can be quite hot, so it’s advisable to avoid visiting during this period if you are not comfortable with high temperatures.
