Vizag
home to one of the oldest ports and the only natural harbor in the country, Vishakhapatnam is one of the best-known cities for numerous industries. While there is a considerable amount of travel is done by the businessmen, this beautiful city is also known for wonderful beaches and shores washed by the Bay of Bengal and fascinating natural attractions around the city. Situated on the east coast of India, you will see on one side there are some absolutely stunning beaches and on the other, there are picturesque rolling hills of Eastern Ghats. Vishakhapatnam offers some of the best viewpoints and fantastic weekend destinations such as Araku valley and Lambasingi. Come let us find some of the best things to do on your trip to Vizag.
Interesting things to do in Vizag
Submarine Museum
The most iconic attraction one must visit in Vizag is the Submarine Museum. This museum is inside the actual submarine called INS Kurusura. Did you know it is the 5th submarine of the country? It served the Indian Navy for 31 years before it turned into a museum in 2001. It is also the first submarine that turned into a museum in Asia and it is also the second submarine Museum in the world. Witness the fascinating parts of the radar room, sonar room, and weapons used in the submarine. There are some wonderful artifacts, photographs, etc. You will find this submarine on RK beach near the war memorial of Vishakhapatnam. Entry fee to this tourist attraction is INR 40 per Adult and INR 20 per Child.
Dolphin’s Nose
Dolphin’s noes is a popular tourist attraction in Vishakhapatnam. It gives a fantastic view of the majestic landscapes covered in lush greenery. Perched up at an elevation of 358 m above sea level, Dolphin’s nose offers a beautiful location with perfect weather and a surreal setting for experiencing perfect sunset.
Kailasagiri
Situated on the hilltop, Kailasagiri is a popular picnic spot for the locals. This beautiful park is spread over 100 acres, offering a fantastic view of natural surroundings. You will come across people flocking to Kailasagiri, enjoying the serene atmosphere. The main attraction in Kailasagiri is the 40 ft tall statue of Shiva and Parvathi. One can reach the hilltop by road as well as ropeway. If you are going to Kailasagiri for the first time, do take the ropeway to reach Kailasagiri, as one can experience a breath-taking view of the city as you take the ropeway to reach the hilltop.
Entry fee: Ropeway - INR 90 round fare.
Rishikonda beach
Rishikonda beach located at a distance of 30 km from the city of Vizag, is a hotspot for weekend goers and tourists. Known for frothy blue and emerald green sea, golden sand beach, and breathtakingly scenic view is what makes this beach the ‘Jewel of east coast’. One can also indulge in water sports activities on the beach, it is also one of the few beaches in Vizag, where Swimming under supervision is allowed.
Lambasingi
Located at a distance of 80 km from Vishakhapatnam, Lambasingi is a small hamlet nestled in the midst of Araku valley. It is perched up at an elevation of 1025 m, Lambasingi is favorite amongst the locals looking for unexplored places in India. This beautiful little hamlet is known for picturesque valley views, apple orchids, and mighty hill views. This beautiful village is now a hotspot amongst nature and adventure seekers, as the region offers some of the best treks and camping spots.
Borra caves
Borra caves are one of the fascinating places in Vizag is a must-visit place to see when in Vishakhapatnam. Situated in Anantagiri hills of Araku valley, Borra caves is a naturally formed cave in the region. Nestled in hilly terrain and semi-evergreen moist forest, Borra cave is a magical place that formed due to the river water flowing through the limestone area. It is considered to be one of the largest caves in the country that is perched up at an elevation of 705 meters. It is also considered to be the deepest cave in India, as the limestone structure extends to a depth of 80 m. One must definitely visit this iconic place to see the wonders of nature.
Simhachalam Temple
Simhachalam temple is a one of a kind temple in the country that is dedicated to Varaha Lakshmi Narsimha – the fourth avatar of Vishnu. It happens to be the only temple of Lakshmi Narasimha with a Tribhanga posture with a lion head on a human torso. Located on the top of a hill situated at a height of 800 m above sea level. It is considered to be one of the sacred temples of Vishnavites that is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.
Ramakrishna beach
While Vizag is known for some of the most serene beaches in Andhra Pradesh, Ramakrishna beach is one of the most popular beaches in the city. It is one of the most visited beaches by both tourists and locals who come here to relax, play beach volleyball and witness a mesmerizing sunset. It is one of the perfect places to spend a relaxed evening on the beach with a fantastic view of the sea. This beach is known to have rough tide, thus swimming is prohibited on the beach. One can indulge in a camel ride and witness a beautiful sunset.
Araku valley
Araku valley is one of the most beautiful weekend destinations near Vishakhapatnam. This beautiful hill valley is located at a distance of 120 km from the city of Vizag. Nestled in the midst of rolling hills of the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh; thus you will come across some of the most mesmerizing sights such as dense green forest, breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, magical streams, and gushing waterfalls, sprawling coffee plantation and fantastic weather conditions. The beautiful hills are also home to exotic tribes that are celebrated as a unique tourism product in Araku valley. With so much to offer, Araku valley is one of the most popular destinations amongst nature lovers and adventure seekers, as these beautiful hills offer some beautiful trekking trails.
Best time to visit
Vishakhapatnam is a coastal city, thus it is almost sultry and hot throughout the year. However, it is important to known the best time to visit the city and indulge in tourist activity. The best time to indulge in touristy activity is in the winter season between October to February. Summer and Monsoon are sultry and hot to indulge in any sort of tourist activity during the day. This period generally starts in March and continues till September. It is thus not the right time to visit Vizag in this period.
How to reach
Vizag is one of the major port cities in the country that deals with trade and commerce. Thus it is one of the most well-connected cities in India. Vishakhapatnam also known as Vizag, has a domestic and international airport, well connected to the major cities in the country like Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Vizag is also well connected by railways, there are a number of trains, both express and super-fast trains ply from neighbouring states such as Orissa, Telangana & Kolkata. National Highways passing through Vizag is also well connected and well maintained. One can also catch overnight buses from nearby cities of Vizag.