Vizag or Vishakhapatnam is a city located on the coast of Andhra Pradesh and renowned for offering a harmonious blend of culture, heritage and modernism. Whether you want to explore the bustling markets or the natural wonders, beaches or museums, there are several places to visit in Vizag. Be it an adventure or a family-friendly experience, you can pick up and explore a variety of unique experiences in the city. With so many things to do and places to visit, you must set aside at least a few days to explore the charm of Vizag.
10 Places To Visit In Vizag
There are lush green hills, crashing waves across the beaches and a variety of temples and viewpoints that you can consider adding to your itinerary of places to visit in Vizag.
1. RK Beach (Rama Krishna Beach)
Photo: Srichakra Pranav / Wikimedia Commons
If you want to start your exploration across Vizag with one of the most popular sightseeing spots, RK Beach is the one you can start with. Attracting tourists and locals alike, the beach enables you to experience adventure and laidback exploration at the same time. You can relax and unwind while soaking in the views of the sunrise and sunset or you can get your hands on the water sports available on the beach. The golden sand on the beach stretches for miles and offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Bengal. Also, around the beach lies the INS Kursura Submarine Museum, which you can visit too.
Location: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24*7
2. Kailasagiri
Photo: IM3847 / Wikimedia Commons
A viewpoint cum urban part, Kailasagiri is one of the top tourist attractions in Vizag. It is located on top of a hill, offering uninterrupted and unmatched views of the surrounding city, lush green landscape and the Bay of Bengal. The tourist spot is adorned with lush greenery, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a massive statue of Lord Shiva and Parvati, which you can see from miles away. One of the best ways to reach the top of the hill is via ropeway, which further adds to the adventure. Inside the park, you can indulge in fun and recreational activities including toy train rides and paragliding.
Location: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Entry Fee/Person: ₹5
3. Submarine Museum (INS Kursura)
Photo: Vizag Explore / Unsplash
Without a doubt, one of the top Vizag tourist places is the VMRDA INS Kursura Submarine Museum. The museum enables you to witness and explore the interiors of a decommissioned Indian Navy submarine. It was the fifth Indian submarine, which worked for 31 years, following which it was decommissioned. The submarine was later converted into a museum in 2002, making it open to the public for educational purposes. Inside the museum, you get a glimpse into the life of the submariners and the workings of a submarine. Guided tours are available if you are interested in an elaborate breakdown of the mechanics.
Location: RK Beach Rd, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Pandurangapuram, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530017
Timings: 2 PM – 8:30 PM (Monday to Saturday); 10 AM – 12:30 PM and 2 PM – 8:30 PM (Sunday); closed on Mondays
Entry Fee: ₹40 for adults and ₹20 for children
4. Araku Valley
If you are planning a day trip experience from Vizag, Araku Valley is one of the best destinations. You can take the early morning train from Vizag, which enables you to witness one of the most stunning scenic views on the journey with winding roads, tunnels and lush greenery. Once you reach Araku, there are several places to explore. You can start with Borra Caves, limestone caves dating back millions of years. You can also visit the local tribal museum to get a glimpse into the lives of the indigenous tribes of the region. There are waterfalls, a coffee museum and other unique experiences to unwind at the hill station.
Location: Araku Valley, Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24*7
5. Simhachalam Temple
Photo: Eclicks_by_bunny / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the places to visit in Vizag is the Simhachalam Temple, also known as the Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy Vari Devasthanam. It is dedicated to Lord Varaha Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The main highlight of this temple is its location, which is roughly 300 metres above sea level. Beyond that, the blend of Dravidian and Kalinga styles of architecture is truly mesmerising to witness. The temple resembles the appearance of a fortress, featuring five distinct gateways and outer courtyards. You can consider visiting during the annual Chandanotsavam festival, during which the deity’s idol is covered in sandalwood paste.
Location: Simhachalam Rd, Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530028
Timings: 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM – 9 PM
6. Yarada Beach
Photo: IM3847 / Wikimedia Commons
If you want to escape the chaos of city life and want to unwind in a secluded spot, Yarada Beach is a great place. It is usually frequented by the locals and untouched by commercial tourism. This ensures that you wouldn’t have to worry about crowds and instead get to unwind and relax while witnessing sunset views and listening to the crashing waves against the shore. The beach is surrounded by hills on three sides and the Bay of Bengal on one, so the views are nothing short of breathtaking. You can enjoy snacks from the local food stalls while relaxing on the beach.
Location: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530005
Timings: 24*7
7. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
Photo: Bdmshiva / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best places to visit in Vizag Andhra Pradesh with family is the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park. The zoo was established in 1977 and is spread across 625 acres, making it one of the most popular spots to visit and explore. Being the third largest zoo in the country, you get to encounter a variety of wildlife here. There is a diverse range of animals, birds, and reptiles, including tigers, lions, elephants, and a variety of exotic birds along with a few nocturnal animals. Beyond the educational purpose, the zoo also enables you to unwind and have fun with your family.
Location: Near Dairy Farm, Yendada, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530040
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM, closed on Mondays
8. Dolphin’s Nose
Photo: Adityamadhav83 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Dolphin’s Nose is a distinctive hill shaped like a dolphin’s nose, at an altitude of 358 metres above sea level. This natural rock formation offers a spectacular view of the Bay of Bengal and the city of Visakhapatnam. One of the main attractions of the hill is the lighthouse, which is one of the oldest in the region and provides a panoramic view of the coastline. Although you get to visit and explore the place for a very limited time in the day, the area serves as a great spot for photography and to get panoramic views of the entire coastline. The sunset is quite beautiful from the spot.
Location: Dolphin Hill, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530005
Timings: 3 PM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹30 for adults and ₹10 for children
9. VUDA Park
Photo: Adityamadhav83 / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the top tourist places in Vizag is the VUDA Park. This is an urban park spread across an area of 55 acres. The part is quite close to RK Beach and has well-manicured lawns and gardens, which add to the charm of the place. One of the primary attractions inside the park is the dancing musical fountain, which is quite a treat to witness during the evenings. The park is well-maintained and quite clean, which makes it a great spot for you to host a picnic with your friends or family. There are cycle rides available too.
Location: Arch, Beach Rd Kailasagiri, Chinna Waltair, Jalari Peta, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530017
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee/Person: ₹20; ₹60 for musical fountain show
10. Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex
Photo: iMahesh / Wikimedia Commons
Thotlakonda, located on a hill overlooking the sea, is an ancient Buddhist site that dates back to the 3rd century BCE. The site was discovered during an aerial survey in 1976 and has since been excavated, revealing the remains of a Buddhist monastery complex. This is one of the spots that should be on your Vizag tourist places list. Inside the complex, you will witness several stupas, viharas, chaityas, and other structures, providing a glimpse into the historical evidence concerning the existence of Buddhism. The surroundings of the complex are quite serene and peaceful too.
Location: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530048
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Monday to Saturday) and 8 PM – 6 PM (Sunday)
Entry Fee/Person: ₹20
Given the long list of places to visit in Vizag, you have to stay prepared and sort out all the bookings in advance. So, plan a trip to Andhra Pradesh with TripXL to be able to explore the city and its surrounding sightseeing spots with ease. Also, given the bustling shopping centres, ensure that you dedicate a day to shopping around Vizag.
Cover Photo: Rajapolipilli / Wikimedia Commons