After spending almost two years in Visakhapatnam (also known as Vizag) I feel free enough to say that it is a beautiful coastal city that is yet to be fully explored.
Thriving in education and tourism, the city has its own hidden gems and attractions that tourists are unaware of.
Whether you are a travel photographer, looking for your next destination to click stunning pictures, or just a fan of beaches and sunsets, Visakhapatnam should be at the top of your list if you haven’t been there already.
Trust me on this one because I’ve had a school picnic in most of the places listed in the article. They are worth everyone’s time and attention.
Moreover, all the beauty and tranquility tourist spots in Visakhapatnam are complemented by less tourist hassle and crowds, so it’s a win-win, right?
Ready to know about the best places to visit in Visakhapatnam? Let’s begin!
1. Yarada Beach
A quiet and peaceful beach
A coastal city without a beach is almost like breathing without air, it’s impossible. Yarada Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches in Visakhapatnam.
Surrounded by hills on three sides, it is bordered on the fourth by the Bay of Bengal, which completes the picturesque scene you see here. Unlike other beaches in Vizag, this one is comparatively calm and peaceful.
If you can visit the beach at sunset and sunrise, you may be lucky to find it without people.
Now that will give you the perfect frame, setting and view for those Instagram-worthy clicks, won’t it? With its golden sand and crystal-clear water, this beach is sure to have a memorable time.
Photographer or not, you can always visit the beach with friends and family. We recommend you to go to the beach as it is another experience in itself.
2. Dolphin Hill or Nose
Located just 4.5 km from Yarada Beach, Dolphin Hill deserves a special mention because of its viewpoint. Along the trails leading to the top of the hill, you must walk to various views and click some photos.
The tiredness you may feel after a long walk on steep roads will be worth it.
However, the only catch to visiting Dolphin Hill is that it is inside the Indian Navy compound and is heavily barricaded. But, due to its popularity among tourists, the Navy allows citizens to access this scenic spot.
So, if you can plan a trip, this tourist place in Visakhapatnam is worth a visit.
3. Rushikonda Beach
For those long evening walks
Rushikonda Beach is one of the most picturesque and popular beaches in Visakhapatnam, contributing to the city’s nickname, the ‘Jewel of the East Coast’. When it comes to sightseeing in Vizag, you cannot skip this place.
When you set out to explore this coast, you will be mesmerized by its emerald green waters and clear sandy shores. Ideal for a long stroll in the evening, it’s a great place to just sit and tickle your feet.
If strolling along the beach isn’t your idea, there are various adventure activities like swimming, jet skiing and surfing that you can try.
4. Rama Krishna Mission Beach
Longest seafront in Vizag
Located just 4 km from Visakhapatnam Railway Station, Rama Krishna Mission Beach or RK Beach is famous as the longest beach in Visakhapatnam. This beach should be in your top 5 list of places to visit in Visakhapatnam.
While the beach isn’t great for swimming, you can always spend some free time sunbathing, playing volleyball with friends, or water surfing.
The latter is advised to be done under the strict supervision of the authorities. The beach is also the venue for Visakha Utsav, an annual festival organized by the state’s cultural department.
Moreover, Andhra University is regularly conducting research to save sea turtles during their breeding season which you can also see.
Apart from the beach, you can visit various museums, temples, aquariums and of course the Sri Ramakrishna Mission Ashram located opposite. So, on your next visit to RK Beach, don’t forget to explore it in better light and soak up the spectacular sunset in the evening.
5. INS Kursura Submarine Museum
For the sailor in you
One of the best places to visit in Visakhapatnam, the Submarine Museum is located at Ramakrishna Beach. A must-visit attraction if you are keen to know more about the Indian Navy, the museum is worth a visit.
INS Kursura was a Russian-built submarine, decommissioned in 2001 and converted into a museum in 2002. It takes you on a journey of how submarines work and what happens during wartime, with a special emphasis on the lives of submariners.
Hard work to stay inside during the war. With the help of photographs, artifacts and written scripts, you can easily gain insight into the inner workings of a submarine.
- Time:
- 2:00 PM to 8:30 PM (Tuesday to Saturday)
- 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Sunday)
- Entry Fee: ₹ 20 (Children); ₹ 40 (Adult); ₹ 200 (Camera)
6. Kailasgiri
For breath-taking views of mountains and beaches
Located at a distance of about 19 km from the main city, Kailasgiri is a famous hill station in Visakhapatnam district. Complete with small hills and beaches, the hill park is at an altitude of about 173 meters above sea level, so you can gaze at the most breath-taking scenery ever.
You can either go here with your friends, family or just your romantic partner; The place has something for everyone. From ropeways for children to trolley trucks to Shiva-Parvati sculptures for pilgrims, it offers countless sights and experiences.
7. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
See more than 80 species of animals and birds
If you make the effort to explore Kailasgiri Hill Park, you cannot and should not return without visiting the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park.
Just 5 km from Kailasgiri, the park is spread over 625 acres of lush greenery. With hills surrounding the park and abundant wildlife within, don’t be surprised if you feel like you’re entering the animals’ natural habitat.
Click some photos, take a stroll or just witness the majestic animals like tigers, lions and leopards.
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Entry Fee: ₹ 5 (Children); ₹ 10 (Adults)
All the places so far were either in or near Visakhapatnam. Now, we will take you through some of the tourist attractions that are a bit far from the main city yet are totally worth it.
If you are looking for places to visit in Visakhapatnam in 2 days, you should consider Sinhachalam Temple, Bora Caves, Katiki Falls and Araku Valley as these require two hours each.
And it won’t happen in a day. Also, a day of sightseeing in Vizag will definitely make you yearn for more amazing places and scenes, and these places are here to quench your wanderlust.
8. Sinhachalam temple
An 11th century Hindu temple, it is dedicated to the Varaha and Narasimha avatars of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The architecture of the temple is primarily Dravidian with many influences from the Kalinga style.
From the carvings on the inner walls to the shrines of Lord Vishnu, everything about the temple is mind-blowing. As per the tradition in South India, you will find that the temple is always covered with sandalwood paste.
You should spend some time exploring the temple and try to read the inscriptions from AD 1087 (if you can).
9. Bora Caves
Just 90 km from the city, these natural caves are at an altitude of 705 meters above sea level. Once inside the caves, you can hear the echo of your voice. Moreover, right in the center of the caves is a small Shivlinga. Climb up the steep stairs and you will find the temple in the middle.
Many devotees come to the Bora Caves just to catch a glimpse of the Shivalinga. Once you pay your respects to Lord Shiva, come out of the caves and soak in the spectacular rock formations and waterfalls here.
Also, there are many natural formations here which are the result of constant erosion and the rock being carved and shaped by the river. The multi-colored lights recently installed here make it even better and interesting to watch.
10. Katiki Falls
Another natural wonder near Visakhapatnam is the Ketiki Waterfalls which deserves at least one visit. The main source of water in this fall is Gosthani river.
You will never forget the sight of the water cascading down the almost vertical cliff surrounded by nothing but vast greenery and serenity. At a height of 50 feet, the water gushing out of the falls makes a great place to click some amazing shots.
If the greenery is not enough for you, take a trip to the falls to fully soak in the beauty of the place.
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