Welcome from Vizag, one of the historic port cities in India that boasts stunning shores and rich cultural heritage. Engulfed by the Eastern Ghats on three sides and the open expanse of the Bay of Bengal on one, this stunning jewel of Andhra Pradesh offers a magnificent landscape and a bewitching natural beauty.

Vizag is known for its cleanliness and houses the oldest shipyard in the country. It is also an important Naval centre, home to the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy. From iconic submarine museums to ochre beaches, lush hills, and green valleys, Vizag has something for everyone.

If you're planning a coastal getaway to Vizag, you're in the right place. We have all the recommendations you need to get started on your Vizag itinerary. So read along!

Best time to visit Visakhapatnam

The period between October to February is the best time to visit Vizag, as the weather is pleasant overall. During these months, you can also witness festivals like the Visakha Utsav for a more local experience. Meanwhile, visiting during summer and monsoon season might prove challenging due to the immense heat and rainfall received by the region.

Pedda Waltair in Visakhapatnam | A picture by Aditya Krishnapavan

Guide to Visakhapatnam

Explore the extraordinary natural wonders, cultural landmarks, popular eateries, and lesser-known experiences in and around Vizag city. Check out the detailed guide here.

Beaches of Visakhapatnam

A brilliant site of azure waters, emerald surroundings, and soft sand that tickles your feet is probably the best way to describe the beaches of Visakhapatnam. Here are the top beaches in Vizag that can easily wash away the city blues:

• Gangavaram Beach
  • lined with picture-perfect backdrops and swaying palms, make this beach a top choice for filmmakers and creators.
  • Distance from Siripuram: ~1-hr drive
• Lawson’s Bay Beach
  • Serene, calm, and a long stretch of white sand, Lawson’s Bay is considered an extension of Ramakrishna Beach. Also, it is an ideal spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
  • Distance from Siripuram: ~10-min drive

• Bheemili Beach
• It houses the remains of a 17th-century fort and cemetery made by the Dutch. Laze at the beach, go for a picnic, or paddle your boats here.
• Distance from Siripuram: ~50-min drive

• Sagar Nagar Beach
• Known for golden sands, utter peace, and brilliant sunsets, this beach is one of the few places where you can try paragliding in Visakhapatnam.
• Distance from Siripuram: ~20-min drive

• Ramakrishna Beach
• One of the best beaches to relax, take strolls, or sunbathe. Boating, cruising, and camel riding are a few activities that you can do here.
• Distance from Siripuram: ~15-min walk

• Yarada Beach
• Located close to Dolphin’s Nose, this one is a quiet beach perfect for sipping coconut water and playing in the water. There are limited food options, so it is advisable to pack snacks and water.
• Distance from Siripuram: ~50-min drive

• Rushikonda Beach
• Set in the midst of lush vegetation, the beach is famous for its water sports. Also, the submarine beach is nearby.
• Distance from Siripuram: ~30-min drive

• Appikonda Beach
• Surrounded by Cashew and Casuarina trees, this beach ends at a forested hill. Here, the grassland and a cool breeze make way for a golden stretch along the Bay of Bengal.
• Distance from Siripuram: ~1-hr drive
• Note: Swimming at the beaches is prohibited during high tide.

Ocean waves flowing over the golden sands of Yarada Beach | A picture by Nikhil Veera Aradada

Museums of Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam has a rich history of India’s armed forces that is deeply immersed in culture, history, and glory. Exploring Vizag through its museums is something that we highly recommend.

• INS Kurusura Submarine Museum
• Have you ever thought about how submariners live inside the vessel? Here’s your chance to live it now, as at this real-life submarine, you can walk through confined quarters, torpedo rooms, kitchen, and sleeping areas.
• Timings: 2-8:30 pm (Closed on Monday)
• Entry fee: INR 40 per person (Camera: INR 50; Video camera: INR 500)

• TU 142 Aircraft Museum
• Did you know you can board an aircraft for just INR 70? The aircraft museum in Visakhapatnam, built into a Soviet-era TU-142M aircraft, offers a peek into the glorious history of Indian aviation.
• Timings: 2-8:30 pm (Mon-Fri); 10 am-8:30 pm (Sat-Sun)
• Entry fee: INR 70 per person

• Victory at Sea War Memorial
• Built-in 1996, the war memorial pays homage to the sailors of Eastern Naval Command. While you’re here, you can see the models of missiles, fighter crafts, and tanks.
• Timings: Open at all times
• Entry fee: Free for all

Russian built TU 142 Aircraft Museum in Visakhapatnam | A picture by Vizag Tourism

Cultural & historical spots in Visakhapatnam

One of the largest port cities of India and an important coastal region, Visakhapatnam still has close ties with its rich cultural heritage and history. To relive the days of the golden past, you can visit the following places.

• Buddhist Excavation
• It is believed that Visakhapatnam was the cultural centre of ancient Buddhism. Many excavations around the city have brought out Stupas and Chaityas. Thotlakonda (~20 km), Bojjanakonda (44 km), and Bavikonda (~19 km) are one them.
• Note: Distances are calculated from Siripuram.

• Ross Hill Church
• Located only ~6 km from our chic new hostel in the city, Zostel Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Ross Hill Church is a pastel white building with sky-blue windows and doors. It is situated on a hilltop where you can hike for a brilliant city and port view, making one of the best places to visit in Visakhapatnam.
• Timings: 9 am-6 pm

• Kailasagiri
• A landscaped park, just above the famous Beach Road, Kailasagiri Hill offers splendid ocean views and jogging tracks. Around the hill, you can find a sculpture park, playgrounds, a toy train, some cafes, and gigantic statues of Shiva and Parvati made of marble.

A panoramic beach view from Kailasagiri | A picture by Eshwar

Natural wonders of Visakhapatnam

Apart from the immaculate sapphire shorelines, the city of Vizag is home to a bouquet of natural wonders and treasure troves, including diverse flora and fauna and spellbinding viewpoints that collectively add to its allure. To get you started with exploring, here are some recommendations:

Forested landscape of Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary

• Dolphin’s Nose
• Renowned for its shape resembling a dolphin’s nose extended towards the Bay of Bengal, this hill provides an enthralling view of the surrounding area, with the bustling city on one end and the to and fro of ships on the other. You can also check out the Dolphin’s Nose Lighthouse while here.
• For the lighthouse:
• Timings: 3 pm to 5 pm (All days)
• Tickets: 10 INR per person (Extra for camera/video camera)
• Distance from Siripuram: ~40-min drive

• Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary
• Home to wildlife, including barking deer, sambar deer, panthers, and jackals, this wildlife sanctuary is covered by tall and dry evergreen vegetation. Visitors can enjoy some of best things to do in Vizag such as trekking, kayaking, boating, and adventure activities like Ziplining, during their visit.
• Timings: 9 am to 4 pm
• Tickets: 50 INR per person. (Extra for 2-4 wheelers)
• Distance from Siripuram: ~40-min drive

• Lambasingi and Waterfall
• This quaint village is the only place in South India that receives snowfall. You can catch larger-than-life valley and cloud views from the Lambasingi View Point. Additionally, on the way lies the Lambasingi Waterfall, which is perfect for a relaxing picnic and a fine spot for Vizag sightseeing.
• Distance from Siripuram: ~3-hr drive

• Kondakarla Ava Lake & Bird Sanctuary
• For all the birdwatchers, Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary and Lake is the perfect place. Here you can spot migratory birds and avifaunal creatures as per the season and enjoy a boat ride. Blessed with resplendent aquatic biodiversity, the lake is covered with lotuses and surrounded by tall coconut trees on the banks.
• Timings: 7 am to 6:30 pm
• Tickets: ~100-200 INR (For boating)
• Distance from Siripuram: ~1.5-hr drive

• Vanjangi Hills
• These hills are famed for offering an exceptional view of clouds and the surrounding valley. The fleecy clouds billow like 'an ocean,' also known as Megha Samudram. Visit this spot to get the most picture-perfect sunrise view. A 5 km hike up a forest trail will lead you up to the summit.
• Distance from Siripuram: ~3.5-hr drive

Top restaurants in Visakhapatnam

The best food to try in Vizag can go from lip-smacking seafood to decadent Southern Indian delicacies. And to help you explore the flavours of this coastal paradise, we have a list covering the best cafes:

Kudi Pulusu, a traditional Andhra dish served at The Spicy Venue

• Sea Inn
• Try the local Andhra cuisine and a plethora of seafood delicacies, including Vanjaram Fry, Rajugari Kodi Pulao, Fry Prawns, and Crab Fry.
• Price for two: 450 INR

• Venkatadri Vantillu
• This small breakfast joint serves delicious South Indian fare, shakes, and juices. Some of the must-trys include Sponge Dosa, Ghee Karam Dosa, Chutneys, Masala Dosa.
• Price for two: 300 INR

• Dharani
• You can sample a range of North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, and street food options here.
• Price for two: 800 INR

• Platform 65 Restaurant
• This train-themed restaurant serves a variety of North Indian, South Indian, and Chinese delicacies.
• Price for two: 1700 INR

• Vasena Poli
• Try this eatery for a selection of healthy breakfast menu. It sits just walking distance from Zostel Visakhapatnam (Vizag).
• Price for two: 150 INR

• The Spicy Venue
• Visitors can indulge in the local Andhra cuisine and other South Indian dishes at this restaurant. Biryanis are a must-try here.
• Price for two: 700 INR

• Reboot Dine-in
• Tickle your tastebuds with a selection of North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, and seafood-based delicacies. Avakai Biryani and Apollo Fish are some of the recommendations.
• Price for two: 800 INR

Exploring Araku Valley

A picturesque drive across a viridescent landscape, accompanied by the Eastern Ghats, awaits you on your way to the Araku Valley. A 3 hr drive makes the Vizag to Araku Valley distance. A visit to this quaint hamlet features lush pine canopies, aromatic coffee plantations, sublime views, and unique tribal culture.

A brilliant sunset over the forested hills of Araku Valley | A picture by Sowmya Seva

• Araku Tribal Museum
• This museum showcases the tribal culture of Andhra Pradesh. Providing a glimpse into the tribal lives, the museum houses a number of utensils, weapons, jewellery, and wedding pictures.
• Timings: 10 am to 6 pm (Mon-Sun)
• Tickets: 50 INR per person

• Coffee Museum
• A visit to this charming museum will treat you to everything coffee, including its history, variety, and cultivation procedure. You can sample different flavours of coffee and chocolates. As for the souvenirs, coffee beans are also available for sale.
• Timings: 8 am to 8 pm (All day)
• Tickets: 20 INR per person

• Anantagiri Hills & Waterfalls
• The Anantagiri Hills are the perfect spot to relax in nature’s laps. Especially for coffee lovers, as these hills are packed with fragrant coffee plantations. You can also explore numerous offbeat waterfalls during your visit.

• Borra Caves
• The Borra Caves are India’s deepest caves and are among the largest worldwide. A visit to these caves will reward you with fascinating mineral formations, beguiling flora and fauna, and a memorable adventure.
• Timings: 10 am to 5 pm (Mon-Sun)
• Tickets: 40 INR per person. (Extra for camera)

• Katiki Waterfalls
• Located 30 km from Borra Caves, this gorgeous cascade is one of the top places to visit near Visakhapatnam among nature lovers. The undulating trails, verdant vegetation, and the thundering of the fall offer an experience for all your senses.
• Note: You can take a shared taxi to the waterfall base from the Borra Rural Organisation office in Borra. It is followed by a steep ~1 km hike across an uneven terrain that will take you to this waterfall.
• Tickets: 200 INR per person (shared jeeps)

• Galikonda viewpoint
• About 5000 feet above sea level, the Galikonda viewpoint bids you a sweeping valley view. The small snack shacks on the side offer some delicious local treats you can try.

• Chaparai waterfalls
• This pristine cascade is surrounded by lush greenery and bids you a perfect experience of being amidst the serene and untainted nature. Witness the cascade streaming between the rocks as you enjoy snacks from nearby shacks.

About Zostel Visakhapatnam (Vizag)

Zostel Visakhapatnam (Vizag) in the evening | A picture by techfrog.in on Instagram

The Zostel ship has finally anchored in the cerulean harbours of Vizag with the swanky Zostel Visakhapatnam (Vizag). Just a ~10-min drive from Ramakrishna beach, your stays in Vizag are sorted with our eccentric hostel settled amidst a quiet locale. Perfect for a lazy beachside getaway, a fun time awaits at the rooftop with a unique hammock to sunbathe and a mini cafe to try tasty coolers. Enjoy the buzzing social vibe here with only dorm accommodations, and the digital nomads can seamlessly work from the dedicated workstation.

Travellers chilling at the rooftop area of Zostel Visakhapatnam (Vizag) | A picture by techfrog.in on Instagram

Check out Zostel Visakhapatnam (Vizag) here.

And that’s all about your Vizag itinerary, folks! Make the best of your escape to this coastal city with your perfect Vizag itinerary covering the beguiling shoreline, pristine natural wonders, unique cultures, immemorial heritage, and addictive culinary delights.

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