Best Places to Visit In Visakhapatnam (Vizag)

Call it Visakhapatnam or Vizag, it does not feature on the must-visit tourist places in India. And that notion should be immediately changed because Visakhapatnam for tourism is amazing. I did not google things to do in Visakhapatnam or the best places to visit in Visakhapatnam as I was on a work trip and my day was action-packed. It was also expected to rain due to the tropical Cyclone Gulab. I planned to stay indoors as I flew on my work trip from Ahmedabad.

And I regretted not reading what to visit in Visakhapatnam the moment my flight started its descend. My flight window showed beaches and a sharp turn later, some mountains. As I landed and saw some more mountains, I kept thinking, Visakhapatnam is supposed to be a port city and have beaches and all I could see was mountains surrounding it. 

This intrigued me and I mentally tried to arrange my work schedule so I could spend some time visiting a couple of places and praying that Visakhapatnam weather doesn’t play spoilsport. 

Where is Visakhapatnam situated?

Visakhapatnam is situated in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Visakhapatnam is a port city having headquarters of Eastern Naval Command on the coast of the Bay of Bengal and surrounded on three sides by the overlapping mountain ranges. Vizag’s shipyard is this country’s oldest and one of the largest shipyards, and the only natural harbour on the East Coast. 

Due to the naval base, Visakhapatnamfor for living is a preferred choice for ex-navy and maintains a cosmopolitan culture.

TU 142 Aircraft Museum

On the road opposite the submarine, the museum is the Aircraft TU-142M museum which was commissioned in the year 2017. After 29 years of service, the TU-142M aircraft of the Indian Navy was decommissioned and converted into a museum. If you are an enthusiats that loves aircrafts then this is one of the best places to visit in Visakhapatnam.

You can enter the actual aircraft, but before that there is an interpretation centre developed wherein various equipment and parts of aircraft are displayed inside an exhibition hall. Types of equipment like sonobuoys, propeller, engine, survival kit, anti-submarine missile, data recorder etc are displayed with all details. The design of the aircraft was inspired by the bird ‘Albatross’ by a Russian designer Tupolev. It is the world’s heaviest and fastest flying turboprop aircraft.

After visiting the exhibition hall you will enter into the aircraft. Photography is not allowed inside the aircraft. After seeing various equipment inside the plane you can come out of the aircraft from its front door to then take a photo of the aircraft. You need skills and a wide frame lens to photograph it in one frame!

Submarine museum Vizag entry fees: Rs. 70 per adult.

Camera fees: Included in entry fees. Photography is prohibited inside the aircraft.

Kailasagiri – Best parks in Visakhapatnam | Best places to visit in Visakhapatnam

All the local residents told me to visit Kailasagiri as it is one of the must-visit destinations in Visakhapatnam. Located in the heart of the city, it is perched at a height of 560 feet and offers spectacular views of the city and the east coast. You can take a ropeway to reach the hilltop.

Considered to be a well-known attraction due to the huge idols of Shiva and Parvathi, this is a well-known picnic spot amongst the locals and tourists alike which offers plenty of beautiful viewpoints like Shiva Parvathi Statue, Shanku Chakra Naama, Floral Clock, Jungle Trails, Food Courts, 7 Wonders of Vizag, Shiva Temple, Titanic View Point, etc. You can also hop into the toy train operating at the park which takes a circular tour of this garden at the hilltop.

Go there for the views of Rushikonda Beach!

Entry fees: Rs. 10 per adult (parking fees for vehicle/car/bus extra)

Ropeway fees: Rs. 100 per adult (round trip)

Toy car fees: Rs. 150 per adult

Bheemili Beach

Bheemunipatnam (popularly known as Bheemili)  is one of the longest beaches in the country. Unlike RK beach or Rushikonda beach, there are fewer tourists here which according to me are brownie points. It is easily one of the most offbeat places in Visakhapatnam and can also pass off as romantic places near Visakhapatnam for couples.

Located about 25 km from Visakhapatnam, Bheemili beach has its own character and is one of the hidden places in Vizag. Driving from Visakhapatnam to Bheemili is amazing as you can see the coast on your right side most time and mountains straight ahead in front of you. The Beemili beach is said to be safe for swimming as compared to RK or Rushikonda, but I’d not recommend it because I found it to be a bit dirty, thanks to a village settlement nearby.

There is a major Dutch settlement of the 17th century near the beach. The town also contains one of the oldest Christian cemeteries on the coast.

Have more time on hand? You may plan a Visakhapatnam to Araku valley by car and Borra Caves. Read about Beach camping.

Entry fees: Free

Dolphin’s Nose

A fascinating viewpoint offering gorgeous views of the city as well as of the coastline, the Dolphin’s Nose happens to be one of the must-visit places in Visakhapatnam. Named after the large rock viewpoint that resembles the shape of a dolphin’s nose, there is also a lighthouse which is one of the sought after attractions.

I did not have the time to go all the way, it is about 10kms from the city, but clicked it from RK beach, so yes it is visible from far.

Entry fees: Free

VUDA Park – Visakhapatnam Best Places

VUDA Park, also known as Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority Park (VMRDA) is a perfect family outing and picnic place in Visakhapatnam. With a lovely manicured garden, a skating rink and a musical dancing fountain it is favourite among the locals and the tourists. Many Vizag Tours Packages include this park in their list of things to do in Vizag. The park is located near RK Beach.

Entry fees: Free

Visakhapatnam Film City | Ramanaidu Film Studio

Probably the newest addition to Visakhapatnam Tourism, the Ramanaidu film studio is located at the top of a hill. Surrounded by hills on one side and sea on the other side, this film studio is used by several film producers of nearby states to produce movies in national and regional languages.

Entry fees: Rs. 35 per adult, Rs 40 per camera

Simhachalam Temple 

Out of the many Hindu Temples in Visakhapatnam, Simhachalam Temple is one of the most popular and frequented temples in Visakhapatnam. It is a famous religious site that is frequented by the locals and all the pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has a history that dates back to the 9th century when the Later Cholas founded it. It is one of the best places to visit in Visakhapatnam for the journey within.

Entry fee: Free

Visakhapatnam famous food

Although the traditional Andhra Pradesh food is on the spicier side, there is no dearth of street food in Visakhapatnam that is more ‘suited’ for the tourist’s taste. While Idli and Dosa are popular, other typical Indian street foods like Pav Bhaji and Chat are available in plenty. 

Punugulu Karam is a populr snack. It is a deep-fried snack made with urad dal and rice batter. These crispy orbs are served with peanut and coconut chutneys.

What is a good beach without the Tomato Bajji? Tomato Bajji is readily available on the beaches of Visakhapatnam. This is made of fresh tomatoes that are coated with gram flour and deep-fried and cut into half, like cups, with the tomato flesh scooped out. Served with crunchy peanuts these are a must-try!

Kalakand is Visakhapatnam famous sweet. Made with milk, cottage cheese and ghee, Kalakand makes its presence felt in every local festival. It comes in two variants, brown and white and the brown Kalakand is more popular than its white counterpart in Visakhapatnam.

Weekend getaways from Visakhapatnam – Araku Valley

Araku Valley is one of the best weekend getaways from Vizag. Situated only 100 km away, a one day trip is possible, however, it is ideal to spend at least a day here exploring Coffee museum Araku, the waterfalls and especially Borra Caves in Araku valley. Borra caves are naturally formed Stalactites and stalagmites caves that have interesting shapes that lend a surreal aura to the caves. I have been to such caves before – Mawsmai Caves is one of the top tourist places in Meghalaya and Halong Bay, Vietnam.

Best time to visit Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam gets super hot and humid during summers and it becomes difficult to move around as a tourist. The best and comfortable time to visit Visakhapatnam is in winter in the months of October to March.

How to Reach Visakhapatnam

By Air
Visakhapatnam airport is connected with many major cities of India like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad. The airport is 16 km away from the city centre.

By Train
Visakhapatnam as a train station and good connectivity to Chennai to Delhi stations.

By Road
Visakhapatnam has well serviced with public transport services. There are numerous routes going towards the city from the main metropolis of south and central India including Chennai (829 km), Hyderabad (620 km) and Vijayawada (355 km).

Local travel in Visakhapatnam | Cab services in Visakhapatnam

While Visakhapatnam cab rental is possible through a travel agency, App-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available in the city and up to a few places around. It may be difficult to get a cab at Bheemili beach so one might want to book a few hours rental. Other than this, Auto-rickshaws are also easily available but they do not follow a rate card and may charge more once they know you are the tourist. 

You may want to hail an autorickshaw for places such as the RK Beach, Naval Submarine museum and Aircraft museum as everything is near to each other.

Where to stay in Visakhapatnam

Stay options are great in Visakhapatnam with beach view properties. There are many options from luxurious resorts to humble homestays overlooking the best views. Here are some of the options for accommodation in Visakhapatnam.

Since I was on a work trip, I was put up at Fairfield by Marriott Visakhapatnam which is very close to the airport. Not very far from the city, but one cannot walk to the city centre. You need some kind of transport to get there.

Luxury: Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, Four Points By Sheraton Visakhapatnam

Mid-range: Ginger Vishakhapatnam, Best Western Ramachandra

Homestay: Kushi HomeStay Guest House

Hostel: Sree saptagiri hostel

Quick Visakhapatnam FAQs

• How Visakhapatnam got its name?

A few centuries ago a King of the Andhra Dynasty camped on the site of the present Head Quarters Town of Visakhapatnam while he was on a pilgrimage. He was impressed with the place, had built a shrine in honour of his family deity called Visakeswara to the South of the Lawson’s Bay from which the district has derived its name as Visakheswarapuram which subsequently changed to Visakhapatnam.

• What does Visakhapatnam mean?

Visakhapatnam got its name from Lord Visakheswara Temple (Also known as Lord Karthikeya). When the Britishers built a port along the natural harbour here, they pronounced the original name as Vizagapatam. But when they wrote it down, whoever read it pronounced it as Y-zag-ah-patam. Thus visakhapatnam became Vizagapatam and in short, Vizag.

• Why is Visakhapatnam railway station famous?

Visakhapatnam is one of the major railway stations in the south-central zone of Indian railways. It is announced as the cleanest railway station in the country by the Quality Council of India and earned a platinum rating for being environmentally friendly from the Indian Green Building Council.

• Why is Visakhapatnam called waltair?

Vala means Fish Net and Theddu means Oar. Since Visakhapatnam had a colony of fishermen, it was called ‘ValaTheddu (Vala meaning fishnet and Theddu meaning Oar). The name subsequently turned into Walatedu and finally Waltair by the Britishers.

• Why is Visakhapatnam also known as Vizag?

During the British rule, Britishers found it difficult to pronounce Visakhapatnam. And like most Indian cities, it was renamed to suit their tongue. 

• Why is Visakhapatnam called the city of destiny?

Visakhapatnam is also called the City of Destiny, because of its stunning landscapes and attractive beaches.

• Visakhapatnam is famous for which industry?

Visakhapatnam is famous for its steel industry.

• What is Visakhapatnam weather like?

Vizag is hot and humid for the most part of the year like all Indian coastal areas. Though the days are hot, the city cools down during the evenings. The city receives a good amount of rainfall between June and September and has pleasant winters.

Sustainable tips for best places to visit in Visakhapatnam

• Do not use single-use or disposable plastic. Even if you do, do not litter it on the beach or any tourist area.
• Respect the places which prohibit photography. There is a reason for it.
• Do not write on equipment or machinery in museums.

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