Visakhapatnam (also known as Vizag) is the proposed executive capital of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is also the largest and most populous city in Andhra Pradesh. It lies between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal coast and is the fourth largest city in southern India. It is one of the four smart cities of Andhra Pradesh selected as part of the Smart Cities Mission. With an estimated output of $ 43.5 billion, the city is the ninth-largest contributor to India’s gross domestic product in 2016. In 2020, Visakhapatnam was a finalist for the World Smart City Awards in the Living and Inclusion category. [1]
Commonly known as the Port city, it is a must visit place for all Travel Enthusiasts. Let’s now take a look at the top ten places to visit in Vizag:
1. Beach Road
The Visakhapatnam Beach Road is a significant roadway that runs through the city of Visakhapatnam. RK Beach and Kailasagiri are two popular tourist sites. The existence of buildings and structures such as Rajiv Smruthi Bhavan (the city’s cultural heart), Annamayya Mandapam, and the AU Convention Center, as well as the organisation of rallies, city parades, and other events, give the Beach Road cultural significance.[2]
There are some delicious food stalls available which are a must-taste watching the scenic beauty of the city.
Best time to Visit – After 5 PM
2. Kailash Giri
Kailash Giri is a hill that provides a panoramic view of Vizag. It is near the Ramakrishna Beach and divides the city from Beach Road, providing a complete 360-degree view of the city.
It also features a Ropeway Carrier that runs from the bottom of the hill and is a must-ride. There are also two massive Shiv-Parvati statues on the hill, as well as a nice park for children to play in.
Best time to Visit – After 5 PM
3. Rushikonda Beach (also known as Rishikonda Beach)
Rushikonda Beach, about 8 kilometres from Vizag city, is a popular Vizag beach that attracts both visitors and residents.
It is well-known for its beautiful dunes and calm Bay of Bengal waves. It draws a large number of nature lovers because it is surrounded by a lot of greenery. It is a water sport lover’s delight, with its enormous stretch of water.
Few things to do at Rushikonda Beach
- Food Point – Lot of food points around the beach and you will love all of them. Bread Omelette, Noodles, Rolls, Samosas and few other fast foods are quite delicious here.
- Beach Chairs (just like Chandler and Joey from F.R.I.E.N.D.S) – Beach offers you Recliner chairs to enjoy the scenic view.
- Electric Scooter – An opportunity to cover the vast length of the beach with ease and is no that dangerous if you are scared.
- Water Sports – There are many sports that allow you to absorb the beauty of life. Scuba diving, Sea Kayaking, Paramotoring, Speedboating and Jetski are a few of the famous water sports available here.
- Sunrise/Sunset View – A gorgeous sunrise view at around 5:30/6:00 PM in the morning and 6:00 PM to 6:00 – 6:30 PM in the evening for sunset view. Photographers would love to capture these from different angles.
Best Time to visit – 6 AM in Morning, 5 PM in Evening
4. INS Kurusura Submarine Museum
It is a museum established on Rama Krishna Beach. INS Kurusura is a Russian-built submarine in 1969. It arrived in Visakhapatnam in 1970 via the Baltic Sea and has since been in service with the Indian Navy.
INS Kurusura served the Indian Navy for 31 years, after which was decommissioned and converted into a museum in 2001. At 91.3 meters long and 8 meters wide, the submarine INS Kurusura played an important role in several wars, including the IndoPak War of 1971.
Best time to Visit – After 4 PM
5. Ramakrishna Beach(RK Beach)
Ramakrishna Beach famously known as The RK Beach is one of the famous beaches in Vizag. It has originated its name from the Ramakrishna Ashram situated nearby. The beach offers a wonderful view of the city and countryside. Sunset/Sunrise is a must-watch here. You can enjoy here with families playing some watersports and can also enjoy camel rides. You will also find a lot of good street food stalls which are a must-try.
6. Dolphin’s Nose
Dolphin’s Nose is one of the popular tourist attractions in Visakhapatnam, which gives you an enchanting view with breathtaking scenery, greenery, harbor and the whole city from the top of the hill. Situated at an altitude of 358 meters, it is a wonderful place with a cool and airy atmosphere where you can relax, rejuvenate and soothe your senses with a deadly view.
Thanks to its stunning beauty, surreal setting and tranquil environment, this tourist spot has become a must-see for visitors of all ages. It’s a nature lover’s paradise and no less a travel blogger’s paradise
We recommend visiting the Dolphin Point Lighthouse, located on Dolphin Cape hill. A perfect destination to get your +1 for a romantic evening.
Best time to visit – Around 4 PM
7. Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Simhachalam
Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Simhachalam is a Hindu temple located in the hills of Simhachalam, 300 m above sea level in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It is dedicated to Vishnu who is worshiped there under the name of Varaha Narasimha.
Simhachalam is one of 32 Narasimha temples in Andhra Pradesh, an important pilgrimage center. It is considered an important center of Vaishnavism in medieval times along with Srikurmam and others. Simhachalam is the second largest temple, after Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh, in terms of income earned.
Kalyanotsava and Chandanotsava are the two main festivals held in the temple, followed by Narasimha Jayanti, Navaratrotava and Kamadahana.[3]
8. TU 142 Aircraft Museum
The TU 142 Naval Aircraft Museum is called “the pride of the city” and provides a fascinating experience for travel enthusiasts, history enthusiasts and experience seekers who are interested in learning about the life of the people of the sea. This museum is located on the beach road and gives you the opportunity to enter the aircraft used by the Indian Navy.
This aircraft flew for the first time on July 18, 1968, and retired from INS Rajali on March 29, 2017. The aircraft provided 30,000 hours of accidental free flight service for the Navy.
9. Ross Hill – Temple, Church and Mosque
There are many similarities of religious harmony in Vizag. One of these places is Ross Mountain, which is a symbol of Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam. Dargah and temples near the foot of Mountain and churches in the picturesque upper area.
They are a model of community harmony and have grown over the centuries. Dargah is about 700 years old and this temple has more than two centuries of history. Ross Hill Church also has a history of more than a century. They are tools to spread the ideals of harmony between religions.
There are also beautiful landscapes around.
Best time to visit – 5 PM
10. Fishing Harbor
The fishing port covers an area of 26 hectares and was completed in 1976 and is controlled by the Visakhapatnam Port Trust Company. It is considered to be one of the largest fishing ports in India, giving you the opportunity to witness the stunning scenery of the Bay of Bengal. Here, you can also admire the fusion of the sea, land and hills from a distance.
If you are a fish lover, this is the place for you. There are various kinds of fish, and you can take some fish and another shellfish home to make a delicious meal for your family. Enjoy a boat trip and make the most of your visit to the fishing port. The fishing port is very suitable for people of all ages, offering the possibility of boat trips, allowing you to enjoy a unique and different experience.
Best time to visit – 8 AM
We recommend you to carry your Camera to all the places you visit. Keep travelling around and Cherish Memories.
Author – Sharath Reddy
