Visakhapatnam, also known as Vizag, is the largest city and the financial capital of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The city is home to the oldest shipyard and the only natural harbour on the east coast of India. Vizag is known for its sandy beaches has some amazing tourist places to visit.
If you are a nature lover, this place offers scenic views that will captivate you. We have listed some of the best places to visit in Vizag so you can plan out an exciting and eventful trip, packed with interesting places to see and things to do.
Tourist Places to Visit in Vizag: Beaches
1. Rishikonda Beach
Rishikonda Beach
Rishikonda Beach is located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, and is named as the ‘Jewel of East Coast’. The mesmerizing golden sands of the beach with the blue waters is breathtaking to view.
Water sports lovers will enjoy the range of activities here. There is great food and drinks and snacks such as coconut water and corn. The beach also has an Iskcon Temple nearby, for the tourists to spend some peaceful time in the name of religion.
2. Ramakrishna Beach
Ramakrishna Beach
One of the most happening beaches in Vizag, RK Beach is famous for family outings. Here you can enjoy activities such as deep sea angling, water surfing and much more. The best things to do at this beach are sunbathing and playing beach volleyball.
There are a lot of restaurants to have a delicious meal after a good time at the beach. Usually crowded during the evenings, this place is great for a leisurely walk.
3. Bheemili beach
Bheemili beach
Bheemunipatnam Beach, famously known as Bheemili Beach, is located near the Gosthani River and is known for its soft golden sands and blue waters. A concrete pathway is laid along the beach and it houses statues of Buddha, the five pandavas and a dinosaur.
The beach offers water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, water-skiing and much more. It also has the remains of the 17th century fort and cemetery, lending it a touch of historical importance.
4. Yarada Beach
Yarada Beach
One of the safest and cleanest beaches in India, Yarada Beach is a beautiful place surrounded by hills on three sides and the Bay of Bengal on the fourth. Lined with banana and coconut plantations around, its a perfect holiday destination – peaceful and relaxing.
This beach is not crowded like some of the others in Vizag, setting a calm and serene atmosphere. The ideal time to visit the beach is during the months of November and March, as the climate is pleasant.
5. Lawson’s Bay Beach
Lawson’s Bay Beach
An extension of Ramakrishna Beach, Lawson’s Bay Beach is a calm beach surrounded by lush green plants. Its gentle waves make it ideal for swimming and sunbathing, though you can see some surfers here as well. It is also known as Pedawaltair Beach. Go here with the family or your friends and a packed picnic for a fun day outing.
6. Gangavaram Beach
Gangavaram Beach
Located 25 kilometres away from Vizag railway station, Gangavaram Beach known for its scenic beauty. It is surrounded by palm trees, which provide mesmerizing and breathtaking views.
The picturesque coastline attracts a lot of tourists and filmmakers. Soft sand, cool breeze and a small rock like island make the Gangavaram Beach a beautiful location to visit.
Tourist Places to Visit in Vizag: Parks & Nature
7. Kailasagiri
Kailasagiri
A hilltop park in Visakhapatnam, Kailasagiri is located at a height of 360 metres with the mesmerising view of the city and the beach. In order to reach the park, there is a paid ropeway facility, a unique experience if you’re travelling with kids.
As you enter the park, you can find huge idols of Lord Shiva and Parvathi. There are many fun activities like the circular train for small children, adventure games, paragliding and other activities that attract tourists.
8. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
Deer at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
One of the largest zoological parks in Andhra Pradesh, spread across 625 acres of land,
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is a part of the Kambalakonda Forest Reserve. It houses around eighty species of animals.
There is a separate section for moths and butterflies which is open only during the day time. You can see a wide range of wild – a must visit with kids and animal lovers. The timings are from 9 pm to 5 pm and the park is closed on Mondays.
9. VUDA Park
VUDA Park
Named after the former Chief Minister N T Rama Rao, Rama Rao Park alias VUDA Park is one the best leisure spots in Visakhapatnam.The park has a huge lawn with a flower garden and a children’s play section.
It offers facilities that include boating, swimming, camel and horse riding, artificial caves and much more.The main attraction of the park is the musical waterfall.
10. Borra Caves
The Borra caves are 80 metres deep from the surface
Borra Caves are million-year-old caves discovered by William King in the year 1807. These caves are situated in the Ananthagiri Hills of Araku Valley. With beautiful landscape and deciduous forest, the area is a visual treat to all visitors. This is an amazing creation formed by the flow of the river.
The speleothems on the limestone is striking. Considered to be one of the deepest cave in India, there are a few birds and bats that call it their home. This place is perfect for an exciting trek.
11. Dolphin’s Nose
Dolphin’s Nose
The Dolphin’ Nose is a rocky headland which is 174 metres high with one part (the nose) pointing outwards the Bay of Bengal producing an interesting view for the visitors.
The lighthouse here has a light beam that can travel upto 64 kilometres. There is a hill nearby named as Dolphin Hill that is restricted as it is the armed forces residential area.
12. Katiki Waterfalls
Katiki Waterfalls (source)
Situated near the Borra Caves, Katiki Waterfalls is one of the best waterfalls in Vizag. Its name is derived from the name of the village nearby. Katiki Waterfalls is formed by the flow of Gosthani River over a height of 100 feet.
One way to reach the waterfalls is by trekking through the lush green forest which will take about half and hour. It’s a great campsite. This place is famous for the marinated chicken cooked in bamboo trunks, sold by small huts around the waterfall.
13. Lambasingi
Lambasingi
Lambasingi is a small village in the Chintapalli Mandal of Visakhapatnam, often referred to as ‘Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh’ with temperatures going down to -2 degrees. It is perched at an altitude of 1000 metres above sea level.
The village is always covered with a white mist. Here you can see beautiful pepper and coffee plantations. Lambasingi has the perfect surroundings for overnight camping.
Tourist Places to Visit in Vizag: Museums & History
14. Submarine Museum
Submarine Museum
Being the only submarine museum in Asia, it is situated on RK Beach inside India’s INS Kurusura submarine. It provides great insight into the lives of naval officers who survive in these spaces with limited resources.
The submarine has many articles and pictures, and tells stories of the sacrifice and strength of its occupants. The INS Karuna has served India for about 31 years and was decommissioned in 2001. A must visit for Indians.
15. Visakha Museum
Visakha Museum
Opened in the year 1991, Visakha Museum is housed in a 150-year-old Dutch bungalow with impressive architecture. Situated on the shores of RK Beach, the museum showcases the historical treasures and artifacts of this region.
The collections include ancient armory, crockery, coins, silk costumes, jewellery, stuffed animals, portraits, the shell of an unexploded bomb dropped by the Japanese during World War II and much more.The timings are from 11am to 7pm.
16. War Memorial
War Memorial
This was constructed after the Indo-Pak war in 1971. It is dedicated to the Indian Navy. It is located on Beach Road, opposite the Submarine Museum.
The central base tower is engraved with the quote “The nation that forgets her defenders needs no ancestors”. War materials are displayed here, including a fighter plane, missiles, few bombs and a tank.
17. Matsyadarshini Aquarium
Matsyadarshini Aquarium
Matsyadarshini Aquarium is on the shore of Ramakrishna Beach. It is an initiation by the Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation and showcases the marine life of different species.
Species include longhorn cowfish, butterfly fishes, surgeon major, peacock wrasse, lionfish, stonefish, red squirrel fish, perch dusky, triggerfish, clown fish, damsels, sweet lip rabbitfish, angels, electric ray, porcupine fish and many more.
18. Vizag Harbour
Vizag Harbour
Vizag Harbour is the largest natural port in the country. It is located on the east coast of India in between Chennai and Kolkata ports. There are three harbours – the outer harbour, inner harbour and the fishing harbour.
There is small boat ride available for the visitors at a nominal rate. The visiting hours are from 1:30 pm to 3pm, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Tourist Places to Visit in Vizag: Temples
19. Simhachalam Temple
Simhachalam Temple
One of the most important temples in this region, Simhachalam Temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is situated on top of a hill, which is 800 metres above the sea level.
The temple has some detailed and fascinating stone carvings and designs; the verandah is made out of dark granite with designs of the Vaishnavi Puranas. It follows the traditional Vaishnavite culture. The statue of Lord Narasimha is shown for 12 hours on Akshaya Tritiya, whereas on other days it is covered with sandalwood paste.
20. Kali Temple
Kali Temple
Kali Temple was constructed in the year 1984, dedicated to goddess Kali. Kali is the goddess of power. This temple is known for its beautiful architecture. Adjacent to the Kali temple is another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Visitors who come here take the blessings of both Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali. The architectural style of the temple is simple yet elegant, with beautiful and marvellous designs in the meditation halls, creating a calm and peaceful ambience for the monks.
Tourist Places to Visit in Vizag: Shopping
21. CMR Shopping Mall
CMR Shopping Mall
CMR Shopping Mall is a one-stop destination for a world-class shopping experience. A visit here makes for a perfect family outing.
Shop for international brands in categories such as kitchen appliances, fine jewellery, clothes, household goods, perfumes and furniture. If you are looking for quality items at affordable prices, this place is a must visit.
22. Lepakshi Handicrafts
Lepakshi Handicrafts (source)
Lepakshi handicrafts is handled by the Andhra Government and is the main centre for handicrafts shopping in the city.
It has a fascinating range of art and traditional crafts, each unique in style, concept, theme and expression. You can buy sculptures of gods, animal figures, decorative items, lamps and much more.
Vizag is an amazing place with plenty to see and do. From serene beaches to fascinating museums and lush green parks, there is something for every kind of traveller in Vizag.
