Visakhapatnam, also fondly known as Vizag, is Andhra Pradesh’s largest city and an important industrial hub, yet it retains the leisurely atmosphere of a coastal town. With golden beaches stretching for miles, hills embracing the city from three sides, and a thriving modern urban landscape, Vizag effortlessly blends nature’s charm with the pulse of city life. Vizag offers something memorable for every traveler. Families, solo explorers, history buffs, food lovers, and cultural enthusiasts will find this city brimming with experiences.
Best Tourist Places in Visakhapatnam
Heritage & Historical Sites
Borra Caves
Located about 90 km from the city center in the Ananthagiri Hills, the Borra Caves are a fascinating network of limestone formations believed to be millions of years old. Discovered by British geologist William King in 1807, the caves stretch nearly 80 meters deep and feature stalactites and stalagmites shaped like Shivlingams and deities.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Approx. ₹60 for adults
- Best Time: Morning for cooler temperatures
- Insider Tip: Carry a flashlight for better exploration, though lighting is available.
Bheemili (Bheemunipatnam)
Just 25 km northeast of Vizag, Bheemili is a historic town once ruled by Dutch and British traders. The remnants of 17th-century Dutch cemeteries, old churches, and colonial buildings whisper tales of its maritime past.
- Photography Tip: Capture sunset along Bheemili Beach with colonial ruins in the backdrop.
- Recommended Time: Half-day visit.
Dolphin’s Nose
A massive rocky headland rising 358 meters above sea level, Dolphin’s Nose resembles the snout of a dolphin and offers panoramic views of the harbor and city. Historically, it guided sailors with its lighthouse.
- Timings: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (lighthouse hours)
- Entry Fee: Around ₹20
- Best Time: Evening for clear harbor views.
Religious Places
Simhachalam Temple
One of Andhra’s most revered temples, Simhachalam is dedicated to Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, a form of Lord Vishnu. Located 16 km from the city, the temple combines Kalinga and Dravidian architecture, with intricate stone carvings and massive courtyards. The deity is kept covered in sandalwood paste throughout the year, revealed only once during Chandanotsavam festival.
- Timings: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Best Time: Early morning to avoid crowds
- Family Friendly: Yes, with spacious temple courtyards
Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Temple
Situated in the heart of Vizag, this temple is devoted to the city’s presiding goddess, Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Ammavaru. Tuesdays draw massive crowds as devotees believe it to be the most auspicious day.
- Tip: Dress conservatively and be prepared for queues on Tuesdays.
ISKCON Temple
Overlooking the scenic hills, Vizag’s ISKCON temple is a peaceful spiritual center with daily bhajans and Gita discourses.
- Best Time: Evening aarti for devotional ambiance.
Museums & Cultural Centers
INS Kurusura Submarine Museum
Perhaps the most iconic Vizag tourism spot is the INS Kurusura Submarine Museum. It is a real submarine turned into a museum, anchored on RK Beach. Once serving the Indian Navy, INS Kurusura allows visitors to step inside and experience life beneath the sea.
- Timings: 2:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Approx. ₹40 adults
- Family Friendly: Kids love exploring the narrow cabins.
TU-142 Aircraft Museum
Right opposite the submarine museum, this decommissioned Russian Tupolev bomber aircraft is another naval museum. It showcases aviation history, defense weaponry, and India’s maritime strength.
Visakha Museum
Housed in a Dutch bungalow on RK Beach, this museum displays Vizag’s history through artifacts, portraits, maps, weaponry, and old household items.
- Timings: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Insider Tip: Spend 1-2 hours for a leisurely walkthrough.
Natural Attractions & Parks
RK Beach (Rama Krishna Beach)
The heart of Vizag’s tourism, RK Beach is where locals and visitors flock for sunrise walks, evening strolls, and street snacks. Though not ideal for swimming due to strong currents, the atmosphere is lively.
- Best Time: Sunrise or after 5:00 PM
- Highlight: Street food stalls selling punugulu, mirchi bajji, and seafood fritters.
Yarada Beach
Tucked away behind hills, Yarada Beach is known for its clean sands and fewer crowds. The drive through lush hills is as enjoyable as the beach itself.
- Best Time: Evening for golden-hour photography.
Kailasagiri Hill Park
Perched on a hilltop, Kailasagiri offers panoramic views of the city and coastline. The park features giant statues of Lord Shiva and Parvati, landscaped gardens, and a ropeway ride.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: ₹30 approx.
- Photography Tip: Sunset views of Vizag Bay are spectacular.
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
Spread over 625 acres amidst the Eastern Ghats, this zoo houses tigers, elephants, exotic birds, and a butterfly park. Perfect for family outings.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
- Insider Tip: Rent battery-operated vehicles inside for easier navigation.
Markets & Shopping Areas
Jagadamba Junction
The city’s most happening shopping and entertainment hub, Jagadamba is lined with theaters, malls, street shops, and eateries. It’s the best place to experience local buzz.
Poorna Market
For an authentic bazaar experience, Poorna Market sells spices, seafood, fresh produce, and traditional items.
- Tip: Visit in the morning for the freshest catch and colorful atmosphere.
Modern Attractions
City Central Park (VUDA Central Park)
A landscaped urban park with a musical fountain show in the evenings, jogging tracks, and children’s play areas.
VUDA Tenneti Park
Located along RK Beach Road, this park offers sea-facing benches, walking paths, and is perfect for casual evening relaxation.
Things to Do in Visakhapatnam
Stroll Along RK Beach Road in the Evening
No visit to Vizag feels complete without spending time at the famous RK Beach. The wide promenade that runs along the shoreline is perfect for an evening walk, where the sound of crashing waves blends with the aroma of street food. Families gather here for picnics, children enjoy camel rides, and vendors sell local snacks like mirchi bajji and roasted peanuts. As the sun sets over the Bay of Bengal, the golden reflections on the water make this spot one of the most enchanting places in the city.
Visit the Submarine Museum (INS Kursura)
An unusual attraction along RK Beach is the INS Kursura, a decommissioned submarine turned museum. Stepping inside gives you a rare chance to explore the inner workings of a real submarine and understand how naval officers lived and worked in such compact conditions. The guided tours explain its role in India’s naval history and highlight the courage of those who served aboard. It’s both educational and fascinating, especially for history buffs and families with children.
Take the Ropeway Ride to Kailasagiri Hilltop
Kailasagiri is one of Vizag’s most iconic landmarks, offering panoramic views of the coastline and city. The ropeway ride up the hill is an attraction in itself, giving travelers a bird’s-eye view of the sea and lush greenery. At the top, beautifully maintained gardens, sculptures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and viewpoints make it a favorite picnic spot. For photographers, the sweeping vistas of Vizag from Kailasagiri are nothing short of spectacular.
Explore the Borra Caves and Katiki Waterfalls
Although located a little outside Vizag, the Borra Caves and nearby Katiki Waterfalls are popular day-trip destinations. The limestone caves, with their dramatic stalactite formations, are millions of years old and steeped in local legends. From there, many travelers continue to Katiki Waterfalls, where a short trek through coffee plantations and forest trails leads to a refreshing natural cascade. Together, they make for a perfect mix of adventure and natural beauty.
Experience Local Food and Street Snacks
Vizag is a haven for food lovers, and trying the local delicacies is a must-do activity. Breakfast often starts with pesarattu dosa paired with spicy ginger chutney, while evenings are best enjoyed along RK Beach with piping hot mirchi bajji and punugulu. Seafood restaurants near the fishing harbor serve delicious prawn, crab, and fish curries made in traditional Andhra style. Don’t miss visiting Sweet India at Jagadamba Junction to taste authentic Andhra sweets like pootharekulu and milk-based desserts.
Discover Vizag’s Buddhist Heritage at Thotlakonda
Located on a hilltop overlooking the sea, Thotlakonda is an ancient Buddhist site that once served as a monastery between the 2nd century BCE and 2nd century CE. The ruins of stupas, prayer halls, and monastic dwellings provide a glimpse into the Buddhist legacy of this region. The serene atmosphere, combined with stunning ocean views, makes it a peaceful place to explore while connecting with Vizag’s deep historical roots.
Shop for Handicrafts and Souvenirs
Shopping in Vizag is an experience in itself, with plenty of opportunities to pick up traditional crafts. Government-run stores like Lepakshi are great for buying authentic Etikoppaka wooden toys, Kondapalli figurines, and Andhra handloom saris. Jagadamba Junction is the city’s main shopping hub, bustling with modern stores and local vendors, while Poorna Market gives you a true bazaar experience with spices, handicrafts, and everyday essentials.
Enjoy Water Sports at Rushikonda Beach
Adventure seekers should head to Rushikonda Beach, where the golden sands meet rolling waves. It’s one of the few beaches in Andhra Pradesh that offers water sports like jet skiing, surfing, and parasailing. Even if you don’t indulge in adventure activities, the beach is a great place to relax under the sun, enjoy fresh seafood from beachside stalls, and soak in the vibrant energy of Vizag’s coastline.
Best Time to Visit Visakhapatnam
The best time is November to February for outdoor activities and festivals. Pack light cottons, sunscreen, and an umbrella.
- October to March: Peak tourist season with pleasant weather (18°C–28°C). Festivals like Visakha Utsav and Sankranti add cultural vibrancy. Higher hotel rates expected.
- April to June: Hot and humid (up to 40°C). Fewer crowds, discounted stays. Sightseeing best done early morning or late evening.
- July to September: Monsoons turn the city lush. Occasional heavy rains may disrupt outdoor plans, but indoor museums and hill drives are delightful.
- Festival Seasons: Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chandanotsavam draw large crowds—book in advance.
Places to Visit Near Visakhapatnam
- Araku Valley (115 km): A picturesque hill station with coffee plantations, tribal culture, and waterfalls. Perfect for an overnight stay.
- Lambasingi (100 km): Known as “Andhra’s Kashmir”, it experiences near-zero temperatures in winter. Best for a day trip.
- Kondakarla Ava (50 km): A freshwater lake and bird sanctuary, ideal for birdwatching. Half-day trip.
- Kothapalli Waterfalls (120 km): A scenic cascade surrounded by dense greenery. Day trip.
- Annavaram Temple (90 km): Famous for Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, a spiritual getaway.
- Srikakulam (120 km): Known for ancient temples like Srikurmam and Arasavalli Sun Temple.
Where is Visakhapatnam Located in India?
Visakhapatnam is situated on the eastern coast of Andhra Pradesh, along the Bay of Bengal, surrounded by the Eastern Ghats. It serves as the district headquarters and one of South India’s busiest ports.
Distances from Major Cities to Visakhapatnam:
- Hyderabad Vizag Distance: ~620 km
- Chennai Vizag Distance: ~800 km
- Bhubaneswar Vizag Distance: ~440 km
- Vijayawada Vizag Distance: ~350 km
- Bangalore Vizag Distance: ~1,050 km
The city stretches from Old Town near the fishing harbor to modern areas like MVP Colony and Siripuram. Tourist attractions concentrate along Beach Road. Vizag’s location makes it both a strategic naval base and a scenic tourist hub.
How to Reach Visakhapatnam?
By Air
- Visakhapatnam International Airport (VTZ), 12 km from the city center.
- Direct flights connect Vizag to Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Kochi, and Jaipur. Limited international flights to Dubai, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.
- Transport:
- Prepaid taxis: ₹350–500 to city
- Ola/Uber available
- Car rentals and shuttle buses operate from the terminal
- Prepaid taxis: ₹350–500 to city
By Train
- Visakhapatnam Junction (VSKP): Major A1-category station on the Howrah–Chennai line.
- Direct trains to Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Bhubaneswar.
- Auto-rickshaws and app cabs available outside.
By Road
- National Highways NH16 and NH516 pass through Vizag.
- APSRTC runs Volvo, super luxury, and express buses from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Chennai, Bangalore.
- Self-drive possible, though city traffic gets dense near Jagadamba Junction.
Getting Around the City
- Auto-rickshaws: Negotiable fares, usually ₹50–150.
- App-based cabs: Reliable in main areas.
- City buses: Cover all neighborhoods.
- Bike/Scooter rentals: ~₹400 per day, popular for beach drives.
- Walking: Beach Road and Old Town are best explored on foot.