The famous coastal city of Andhra, Visakhapatnam, or Vizag is like a precious jewel of Andhra’s tourism. Not for one special thing Vizag is quite famous for its all-around tourist attractions. Starting with its pristine beaches, wildlife parks, sanctuaries, valleys, historical temples, museums, and a lot more the city is the central hub of Andhra tourism. Without a doubt, you can plan a wonderful summer treat in this cool and serene city. Let’s check what the key attractions to explore in Vizag.
Here are the 10 Best Places to Visit in Visakhapatnam:
1. Araku Valley
Familiarly known as the “Ooty of Andhra”, Arakuis a beautiful and lovely place to explore in Vizag. The valley with lush greenery, coffee plantations, and mountains offers a peaceful atmosphere to travelers.
When you visit the place you will just forget everything and be pleased with the soothing nature around you. For true nature lovers, Araku Valley is a worthy place to witness.
2. Borra Caves
Located in the Ananthagiri Hills of Araku Valley, Borra caves are one of the largest caves in India. The caves are elevated at a height of 705mts and 80mts deep. For adventure lovers, Borra Caves are the best find to enjoy the trails in the caves.
The caves were made up of Karstic limestone, stalactites, speleothems, and stalagmites. Moreover, the surrounding natural attractions around the caves will attract you a lot.
3. Kailasgiri
Kailasgiri is a small and quaint hill station located in Vizag which is a famous spot for locals to enjoy nature. It is located at an altitude of 360ft high and offers spectacular views of the city’s beauty, surrounding beaches, and evergreen forests.
This hill station is famous for its large idols of Lord Shiva and Parvathi. Kailasgiri is the best recreation space in Vizag with several attractions.
4. Submarine Museum
The Submarine Museum located on the coast of Rishikonda Beach is a must-visit place in Vizag. The Submarine kept for the museum was once used for the Indo-Pak war, it is called INS Kurusura.
The museum inside the submarine showcases the exhibition of artifacts and pictures of the warrior lifestyle. In 2001, this submarine was decommissioned. To experience the sheer efforts and difficulties of the Navy, this marine is the best example.
5. Rushikonda Beach
When we hear the name Vizag, the first thing that strikes everyone’s mind is its pristine and tranquil beaches. Among them, Rushikonda Beach is one of the well-known and popular beaches of Vizag.
For its beauty and wonderful views, Rushikonda is quite popular and also it is called the “Jewel of the East Coast”. It was also awarded “Blue Flag” for its pristine and clean atmosphere of the beach. For its water sports, also this beach is famous.
6. Simhachalam Temple
Is there any famous pilgrimage sport in Vizag means, Simhachalam Temple is the best-known Hindu pilgrimage center. The temple located amid thick lush greenery with pleasant surroundings offers a peaceful atmosphere.
Inside the temple, Lord Narasimha will be worshipped and this temple is a perfect example of Kalinga architecture. It is one of the prominent temples of Lord Narasimha in Andhra to visit.
7. Dolphin’s Nose
Resembling the shape of a dolphin’s nose, this viewpoint is a famous tourist spot. It is a large rock viewpoint that offers spell-bounding views of the surrounding beaches and city.
During the Britisher’s time, this viewpoint was a military camp. Here you can spot a historic lighthouse, church, Hindu temple, and mosque. From this viewpoint, you can capture wonderful views of the city.
8. Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary
For adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts, the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is the favorite spot. This wildlife sanctuary sprawled across 17,000 acres with thick lush greenery and ghats.
It offers shelter to many rare wildlife animals, mammals, reptiles, and birds. In this sanctuary, Indira Gandhi National Park is the key attraction to spot wildlife. Also, for adventure seekers, many activities like trekking, hiking, and zip-lining, will accelerate the thrillers.
9. Katiki Waterfalls
In Vizag, Katiki is the famous waterfall located in the Araku valley. Nestled amid lush greenery and everywhere the pleasantness of nature attracts a large number of tourists to the waterfalls.
This waterfall’s height is 50mts and is sourced by the Gosthani River flows through the Borra caves. For the best picnic spot, Katiki Waterfalls is an ideal point to enjoy with friends or family.
10. Bojjanna Konda
If you are a history buffer means, Bojjanna Konda located near Sankaram is the key attraction to explore. This historical site is home to Buddhist rock-cut caves. Between the 4th and 9th centuries, these rock-cut caves were established.
Here you can witness different monolithic stupas and monasteries in these rock-cut caves. Apart from that, Thotlakonda is also a famous Buddhist spot to visit in Vizag. The Maha Stupa in Bojjanna Konda is the key attraction.
How to Reach Visakhapatnam: A Comprehensive Guide
Visakhapatnam, fondly known as Vizag, is a captivating coastal city in the southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh, India. Boasting sandy beaches, scenic landscapes, and a rich history, Vizag lures tourists from all over the world. If you’re considering a trip to this coastal gem, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to reach Visakhapatnam.
By Air:
Visakhapatnam International Airport (VTZ)
- Location: Approximately 12 km from the city center.
- Connectivity: The airport has both domestic and limited international flights. Major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Chennai are well-connected to Vizag.
- Facilities: Car rental, taxi services, eateries, and shopping outlets.
- Tip: Pre-booking a cab or arranging a hotel pick-up can be a convenient way to reach your accommodation.
By Rail:
Visakhapatnam Railway Station (VSKP)
- Location: Located centrally in the city.
- Connectivity: One of the significant railway stations in the East Coast Railway zone, it connects Vizag with major cities and towns across India.
- Facilities: Waiting rooms, food stalls, bookstores, and ATMs.
- Tip: Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available outside the station for local commuting.
By Road:
National Highways and State Roads
- Connectivity: Vizag is linked via National Highway 16 (formerly known as NH5) which runs along the east coast. The city is well-connected to Chennai, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, and other important cities.
- Bus Services: Both state-run APSRTC buses and private operators provide regular services to and from Vizag.
- Tip: If driving, ensure you have a reliable GPS or navigation system and check the road conditions beforehand.
By Sea:
Visakhapatnam Port
- Location: Near the city center, by the eastern coastline.
- Connectivity: For those seeking a unique travel experience, some cruises operate via Visakhapatnam, especially from Southeast Asian countries.
- Facilities: Basic amenities, eateries, and transportation services.
- Tip: Check cruise availability and schedules in advance as they might be seasonal.
Explore More:
- Top 10 Places to Visit in Nellore
- 10 Places to See in Andhra Pradesh in August
- Top 7 Places to Visit in Andhra Pradesh for Honeymoon
- Things To Do in Vizag (Visakhapatnam)
- Andhra Pradesh’s 10 Most Beautiful Beaches
- Top 10 Most Famous Temples of Andhra Pradesh
- 20 Best Tourist Places in South India
- Top 20 Most Famous Temples of South India
- Best 10 Romantic Places in South India
- Top 15 Places to Visit South India In April
- 20 Famous Places to Visit in South India in January
- 20 Popular Places to Visit in South India in December
- Best Places to Visit in South India in winter
- South India’s Top Places to Visit in August
- Popular Places to Visit During Monsoon in South India
- South India’s Famous Places to Visit in February
- South India tops as a favorite destination among travelers
FAQs about Visit to Visakhapatnam:
1. Q: What are the must-visit attractions in Visakhapatnam?
A: Visakhapatnam boasts a blend of natural and historical attractions. Top sites include the serene RK Beach, the ancient Simhachalam Temple, the Kailasagiri Hill Park offering panoramic city views, the Submarine Museum, and the picturesque Araku Valley situated nearby.
2. Q: Is Visakhapatnam safe for tourists?
A: Yes, Visakhapatnam is generally considered safe for tourists. Like any other city, it’s wise to observe basic precautions – avoid isolated areas after dark, be wary of personal belongings, and stay informed about local conditions.
3. Q: What’s the best time of year to visit Visakhapatnam?
A: The ideal time to explore Visakhapatnam is during the winter months, from October to March. The weather is pleasantly cool, making sightseeing and beach activities enjoyable. The monsoon, from July to September, can be scenic but also brings heavy rainfall.
4. Q: Are there any local festivals or events I should be aware of?
A: Visakhapatnam hosts several festivals that showcase its rich culture. Notable events include the Visakha Utsav, celebrated to promote tourism, and the Navy Day celebrations in December. Additionally, traditional festivals like Dussehra and Diwali are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
5. Q: What local delicacies should I try in Visakhapatnam?
A: The coastal city offers a plethora of seafood delights. Do not miss out on the spicy Andhra fish curry, prawn fry, and bamboo chicken. For vegetarians, dishes like pulihora (tamarind rice) and bobbatlu (sweet flatbread) are must-tries. When in Vizag, savoring the local cuisine is an experience in itself!
