Why Visakhapatnam Should Be Your Next Vacation Destination
Visakhapatnam, also known as Vizag, is one of the most popular getaway destinations from Hyderabad. This port city is blessed with natural beauty and some of the most splendid architecture in the region.
Fascinating Vizag Trip
Nestled between the Eastern Ghats and Bay of Bengal, Visakhapatnam attracts tourists from every corner of the country to enjoy the unmatched natural beauty of the place. Whether you are looking forward to spending some time basking in the sun on the beautiful beaches, strolling amongst the lush greenery, enjoying the serenity of religious places or enlightening yourself with less known facts; you can find something to entertain yourself according to your interest in this city.
We have curated a list of mesmerising places in Visakhapatnam that, which you must visit:
Alluring Beaches
The pristine beaches of Visakhapatnam have attracted beach-lovers from across the different parts of the country. The refreshing blue waters of the Bay of Bengal along with tall palm trees and rolling hilltops make it one of the perfect weekend getaway destinations in the city. Therefore, your Vizag tour remains incomplete without spending some leisurely time on these beaches.
There are several resorts with sea-view and hotels in Vizag near a beach, so if you love to spend some time strolling on the shore late at night or early in the morning, then these hotels and resorts are perfect for you.
1. Rishikonda Beach
Rishikonda Beach is one of the most popular Vizag beaches, which is located at a distance of about 8 kilometres from the city. This beautiful beach surrounded with lush greenery is one of the favourite places near the city for all nature lovers.
If you love water sports, then you can also indulge in some fun activities such as Scuba Diving, Kayaking, Paragliding, Snorkeling and many others. There are several lip-smacking street food items sold near the beach, which you must try out.
2. Bheemili Beach
Bheemili Beach is located at the quaint town of Bheemunipatnam. This ancient town steeped in history and natural beauty is blessed with this mesmerising beach. If you want to escape from the mundane city-life, then Bheemunipatnam is the perfect place to visit near Vizag.
As you spend some time in this quaint town and explore the place, you will be surprised to see the influence of the British and Dutch. The modest and age-old architectural structures in and around the area will leave you in awe.
3. Yarada Beach
This is one of the most picturesque beaches in Visakhapatnam, and will win your heart at first sight. The turquoise waters of Bay Beach, golden sand of Yarada Beach and the lush greenery of the surrounding areas, makes it one of the most scenic beaches in Andhra Pradesh.
Since it is frequented by a few people, this is the perfect spot near the city, if you want to some time away from the hustle and bustle of the popular tourist spots in the city.
Awe-inspiring Museums
The museums in the city have inspired and enlightened every visitor with knowledge, thus they are some of the best places to visit in Visakhapatnam. The museums in the city have a unique theme, and irrespective of your age, you will enjoy every moment that you spend in these museums.
If you love to visit museums and you want to know more about the rich history of the country, then these museums should definitely be in your bucket list.
1. VMRDA INS Kursura Submarine Museum
Visakhapatnam sightseeing is incomplete without visiting this one of a kind museum. The stunning INS Kursura Submarine stands tall and proud after serving in the Indian Navy for 31 years. This diesel-electric submarine was the fifth submarine to be inducted in the Indian Navy in the year 1969.
The Dressing Ship Honour, a rare honour for decommissioned ships, has been extended to INS Kursura. This Submarine Museum is sure to enlighten every visitor about the grand history of INS Kursura.
- Location: RK Beach Road, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Pandurangapuram, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530017
- Timings: 2 PM to 8:30 PM from Monday to Saturday. 10 AM to 12:30 PM and 2 PM to 8:30 PM on Sunday.
- Ticket prices: ₹40 for adults and ₹20 for children
2. TU 142 Aircraft Museum
TU 142 Naval Aircraft Museum offers a delightful experience of exploring and learning about this navy aircraft, Tupolev TU-142. The aircraft had served for 29 years in the Indian Navy and after being decommissioned it was converted into a museum.
TU 142 Aircraft Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Visakhapatnam, which has caught the attention of both the children as well as adults.
- Location: Beach Road, Opposite Kursura Submarine Museum, AU North Campus, HPCL Colony, Pandurangapuram, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530003
- Timings: 2 PM to 8:30 PM from Monday to Friday. 10 AM to 8:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
- Ticket prices: ₹70 for adults and ₹40 for children
3. Visakha Museum
Visakha Museum is another popular museum in Visakhapatnam that is a crowd puller. It is one of the best places in the city to learn about the rich history of Visakhapatnam.
Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation Museum, popularly known as Visakha Museum, has an interesting collection of items that showcases the rich legacy of the city. The shell of a 250-lb unexploded bomb, which was dropped during the World War II by Japanese troops, manuscripts, maps and models of submarines and warships, are some of the most valuable possessions of the museum.
- Location: Beach Road, opposite Palm Beach Hotel, Dutch Layout, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Pedda Waltair, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530017
- Timings: 11 AM to 7 PM.
- Ticket prices: ₹10 for adults and ₹5 for children
Mystical Nature
From the lush green hills to dense forest and caves, these places near Visakhapatnam have attracted nature lovers from every corner of the country to experience the sheer bliss.
1. Borra Caves
If you happen to be in Visakhapatnam, then I strongly suggest you to visit Borra caves, located at a distance of about 92 kilometres from the city. Borra Caves, previously known as Borra Guhalu, were discovered more than 200 years ago.
Borra Caves is one of the largest caves in the Indian Sub-continent, which was formed almost a million years ago. The rare species of flora and fauna, stunning surroundings and breathtaking rock formations of the stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave are sure to mesmerise every visitor.
- Location: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 531149
- Timings: 10 AM to 5:30 PM.
- Ticket prices: ₹40 for adults and ₹30 for children
2. Dolphin’s Nose
This serene hilltop resembles the nose of a dolphin. Hence, the name, Dolphin’s Nose. The lighthouse located on the edge of the hill, is one of the most popular places to visit in Vizag. The splendid view of the sea and the city from the hilltop is breathtaking!
- Location: Gangavaram Port, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530005
- Lighthouse Timings: 3 PM to 5 PM
- Ticket Prices: ₹10 for adults, ₹3 for children and ₹25 for foreigners.
3. Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary
Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most famous tourist places in Visakhapatnam for all wildlife lovers. It is spread over an extensive area of about 70 square kilometres.
The Eastern Ghats is well-known for its rich diversity of plant and animal life and Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is no exception. This wildlife sanctuary is home to some of the unique species of flora and fauna of the region. Leopard, Jackal, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Ruddy Mongoose, Russell’s viper, Indian peafowl and parakeet are some of the inhabitants of this region.
- Location: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 531173
- Timings: 9 AM to 4:30 PM
- Ticket price: ₹10 for adults and ₹5 for children
Tranquil Shrines
There are a number of places of religious importance in and around Visakhapatnam, which not only attract the faithful but a large number of tourists as well. The tranquil atmosphere, rich history and interesting legacy associated with these places have enthralled the visitors.
1. Bojjannakonda and Lingalakonda
These hillocks located near Sankaram, a quaint village near Visakhapatnam, are sure to captivate your senses. The scenic view from the hilltop of the village, the stunning Buddhist establishments and tranquillity of the place will soothe your soul.
The rock-cut caves, life-size figure of Buddha and Buddhist monasteries are some of the most awe-inspiring structures, which is believed to date back between the 4th and 9th Century CE. If you are planning to visit a peaceful place away from the crowd of the city, then these two hills should be on your list of must-visit places during the Vizag sightseeing.
- Timings: Rebaka, Andhra Pradesh 531032
- Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
2. Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy Vari
This splendid temple is one of the 32 Narasimha temples located in Andhra Pradesh. Thus, it is not only a revered pilgrimage centre in Southern India but it is an important tourist spot in Vizag.
Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy Vari located on the Simhachalam Hill boasts of alluring architecture. The temple is dedicated to Varaha Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The sprawling complex consists of three outer courtyards, five gateways, two temple tanks and several mandapams. The architecture of the temple incorporates the design elements from various dynasties such as Kalinga, Chalukyas and Cholas.
Kalyanotsava and Chandanotsava are the two important festivals celebrated in the temple, it is one of the best times to visit the temple.
- Location: Simhachalam Road, Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530028
- Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
3. Ross Hill Church
This white and blue coloured church is indeed a sight to behold! Ross Hill Church is one of the most popular tourist spots in the city. The panoramic view from the church and the calm ambience of the place makes it one of the favourite spots in the city with a peaceful atmosphere and, a therapeutic experience that you should not miss.
The history of the church is as fascinating as its architecture and ambience. In 1867 the house of an Englishman, Monsieur Ross, was converted into a chapel. The church was renovated a decade later after it was severely damaged by a cyclone. Over the years, the church had been renovated several times.
- Location: Port Area, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530001
- Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
Final Thoughts
Visakhapatnam is one of the most picturesque cities in the Southern Indian, which every traveller must visit at least once during their lifetime. A two-day trip will help you explore some of the best places in this magnificent city, but if you want to explore the adjoining areas in the district, a five-day trip is sufficient.
Road-trips to Visakhapatnam and Araku Valley from Hyderabad are some of the most exciting activities which every traveller must experience. If you are not in the mood for a road-trip, then opt for travelling by train.
If you have visited Visakhapatnam before, what did you like most about the city? Do share with us the experience of exploring Visakhapatnam and its adjoining areas.
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