Vizag or Vishakapatnam is a charming coastal town located on the eastern coast of Andhra Pradesh. Known to be one of the oldest shipyards in India, it boasts a stunning coastal belt decked with beautiful beige beaches. The city’s location contributes to its picturesque landscape complete with lofty hills, natural caves, deep valleys, and incredible beaches. So here are 8 of the best places to visit in Vizag that you must explore during your next trip to this coastal city.
One of Vizag’s natural marvels, the Katiki Waterfalls is 50 feet high. The main water source of this waterfall is the Gosthani river, passing through the Borra caves. The entire area surrounding the waterfall is a nature lover’s paradise. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the gushing falls stand in stark contrast to the dark rocks at the bottom of the waterfall. The extraordinary sight of the waters cascading from an almost-vertical cliff is worth the visit.
Katiki is a great spot for photographers looking to click some incredible pictures of nature at its finest. And as much as the end of the waterfall is beautiful, you should also explore the top. There are a set of stairs that take you to the top from where you can enjoy the delectable sight of the water cascading down. Before you make the hike upstairs, you must try the delicious bamboo marinated chicken that is made by the locals here.
Timings: The waterfalls are open 24/7. But the best to visit is the daytime when you can explore the area comfortably.
Entry Fee: There are no entry fees required to visit the waterfalls. But if you wish to avail of jeep safaris instead of hiking up, the prices will vary according to the service provider you opt for.
What To Do: Hiking, photography, nature walks, and camping.
Yarada beach is one of the most famous beaches in Vishakapatnam. Surrounded by hills on three sides and the Bay of Bengal on the fourth, the beach is undoubtedly a scenic tourist destination in the city. The towering hills make the beach seem secluded and like a sanctuary for peace and quiet compared to the noisy chaos of the city. Unlike other commercial beaches in the city, Yarada is frequented mainly for its picturesque landscape.
The beach at sunrise or sunset is perfect for some Instagram-worthy pictures. You should definitely take a dip in the azure waters, make sandcastles, and take a leisurely stroll. After a stroll around the beach, you can set a picnic on the moss-covered rocks atop the hills. The location gives you a stunning view of the beach as the waves come crashing down!
Timings: The beach is open throughout the day, all week.
Entry Fee: No entry fee is required to explore the beach.
What To Do: Photography and picnics.
Also Read: Best Beaches In Kannur
If you visit Vizag, you must definitely visit the Borra Caves. Located 1400 meters above sea level, these are one of the largest cave systems in the country. These million year old caves bring hundreds of tourists flocking here every day. The caves are a testament to the raw beauty of nature and are an absolute visual treat for all explorers. Add to that, the various lighting set up by the state’s Tourism Department, which provides an enchanting yet eerie atmosphere to the caves.
According to local legends, the Borra caves were discovered by a local cowherd, when one of his cows went missing. It is said that he found the cow inside the caves, behind a Shivling and that it was Lord Shiva who saved the cow. Surprisingly, even today you’ll find the Shivling at the center of the cave network! Formed as a result of the Gosthani River, the caves showcase some incredible stalagmite and stalactite formations, and stunning waterfalls and water siphons.
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm, Monday to Sunday.
Entry Fee: INR 60 for adults, INR 45 for children, INR 25 for phone camera, and INR 100 for still/ video camera.
What To Do: Spelunking, trekking, and photography.
Also Read: India's 10 best Natural Wonders
Located at Ramakrishna Beach, this submarine was converted into a museum in 2002 and you can actually take a tour inside the submarine. You will also find numerous photographs, artifacts, and written scripts inside the submarine that help understand the vessel’s inner workings.
Since the museum is located on Ramakrishna beach (RK Beach), a visit to the beach is warranted. Known to be the largest beach in Vishakapatnam, the RK beach stuns tourists with its white sandy coastline, turquoise waters, and the surrounding greenery. You can indulge in some water activities here like surfing, swimming, or play beach volleyball, or simply sunbath. There are also several beachside stalls and diners that serve some mouthwatering local cuisine and fresh seafood that one must try!
Timings: 2 pm to 8:30 pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Sundays 10 am to 12:30 pm and 2 pm to 8:30 pm. Mondays are closed.
Entry Fee: INR 40 for adults, INR 20 for children, INR 50 for still camera, and INR 200 for video camera.
What To Do: Photography, explore the Ramakrishna beach, go swimming or surfing at the beach.
Next up on our list of places you must visit in Vizag is Kailasagiri Park. Kailasagiri translates to ‘Mount Kailash’ and is named after the mountain peak. Perched atop a hill, the park is one of the prime attractions of the city for a picnic or a day of chilling. Spread across 100 acres of hilly terrain, the park overlooks the city and offers a 360-degree view of the landscape below. Another hint behind the park’s name is the 40 feet statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is known in Hindu mythology, that the god and his wife live on Mount Kailash.
You can either reach the hilltop by hiking up the marked hiking trails or you can take a ride up the ropeway. The view from the ropeway is absolutely breathtaking and feels almost dreamlike. Other than the ropeway, you must also check out the Floral Clock, Titanic viewpoint, Jungle Trails, and Shanku Chakra Nama at the park. The park has something for everyone, from a toy train ride for children to paragliding facilities for adventure junkies.
Timings: 10 am to 8 pm, Monday to Sunday
Entry Fee: INR 5 for both adults and children. If you wish to travel by the ropeway, the ticket prices are INR 90.
What To Do: Ropeway ride, trolley train ride, picnics, photography, and paragliding.
Also Read: Best Places To Go Mountaineering In India
Often compared to the mesmerizing Ooty, the Araku Valley is a beautiful hill station blessed with gushing streams, lush forests, sprawling coffee plantations, and wonderful weather. This makes Araku a popular tourist destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and honeymoon couples alike. Located 120 km from Vizag, the valley can be reached via train. And truly your Araku Valley adventure begins in the train itself, with all of the streams, waterfalls, and hillsides you get to see!
You can also reach the valley by road, and the journey is equally enthralling with winding roads and absolute greenery all around. The valley is mostly inhabited by tribals and the Tribal Museum situated here highlights beautiful tribal handicrafts and artifacts that depict the tribal lifestyle. And for coffee lovers, the valley is a haven, due to the expansive coffee plantations situated here. Another popular attraction is the Padmapuram Gardens which boasts beautiful hanging cottages and a wide array of plants and flowers.
Timings: The valley is open 24/7.
Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to explore the valley.
What To Do: Hiking, trekking, wildlife spotting, bird watching, photography, visit the Tribal Museum, and Padmapuram Gardens.
Also read: 5 Places You Must Visit In Araku Valley
Set in the lap of the Kambalakonda Forest Reserve and surrounded by the Eastern Ghats on three sides, the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is one of the many green lungs of Vizag. Spread across 625 acres and housing almost 80 wildlife species, the zoo is one of the largest in Andra Pradesh. The park’s layout is such that it is divided into sections of carnivores, primates, mammals, birds, ungulates, butterflies, and moths.
Bird lovers, it's time to get your binoculars out, as you may spot pelicans, parakeets, and macaws at the zoo. As you go from one section of the zoo to another, you’ll spot an array of herbivores and carnivores. And if you’re lucky enough, you might catch a glimpse of the majestic Bengal tiger, or Nilgai. You will certainly catch sight of elephants and giraffes without much work. For wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, the zoological park is a thrilling experience and one that is worth the visit!
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Mondays are closed.
Entry Fee: INR 20 for adults, INR 10 for children, INR 20 for still camera, and INR 100 for video camera.
What To Do: Exploring the various wildlife species in the park and photography.
Also Read: Best National Parks To Visit In India In Summer
Situated atop the eastern hill in the Sankaram village, Bojjana Konda is a 2000-year-old Buddhist heritage site that is home to ancient stupas, caves, and artifacts. The maha stupa or the main rock sculpture is highlighted by the large dome-shaped structure built around it, and it is surrounded by several monolithic stupas. This heritage site is also an excavation site from where the Archaeological Survey of India has found old Buddhist coins and an image of the Buddhist Goddess Hariti.
For explorers and history buffs, sightseeing the Bojjana Konda is a thrilling experience through the curtains of time. You will find several relics and statues of Buddha throughout the site. And if that’s not enough, the hill on which the site is located has 6 caves, each with engraved stone pillars that depict the principles of Buddhism. Furthermore, you will also find large prayer halls of the old that are still intact. The entire site is surrounded by lush greenery and lofty hills, one of which has a twin heritage site called the Lingala Konda.
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Sunday.
Entry Fee: No entry fee is required.
What To Do: Explore the caves and the prayer halls, photography, and sightseeing.
Also Read: Best Heritage Walks In India
Summing Up
Vizag has a lot to offer in terms of things to do, natural scenery, temples, and even nightlife in the city. The city is a beautiful amalgamation of splendid natural beauty and urban lifestyle. This coastal city might not be as popular as other tourist destinations, but certainly has made its way up there! So before planning your vacation to this mesmerizing Andra city, check all the amazing places in Vizag that you must visit.
Why Is Vizag Famous?
Vizag is known to be one of the oldest shipyards in India. The coastal city is famous for its array of landscapes and natural beauty, which attracts hundreds of tourists every year.
Is Vizag And Vishakapatnam The Same?
Visakhapatnam, also popularly known as Vizag, is a coastal city located on the eastern coast of Andra Pradesh. Nestled along the Bay of Bengal, the city lies 610 km northeast of Chennai.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Vizag?
Being a coastal city, the summers in Vizag are unbearably hot and humid. The best time to visit the city is during the winter months between October and early March, as the weather is pleasant and slightly cool, making it possible to explore and indulge in other activities comfortably.
How Many Days Are Enough For Vizag?
A duration of 2-3 days is ideal for Vizag. Within this time you can easily visit the popular tourist spots within the city as well as those located a little farther from the main city center.
What Language Is Spoken In Vizag?
Telugu language is the official language and is mostly spoken in Vizag. Hindi and English are also spoken in the coastal city, though not fluently.
Which Is The Cleanest Beach In Vizag?
Yarada Beach is known to be the cleanest in Vishakapatnam. This stunning beach is decked with golden sands, sea blue waters, moss-covered rocks, and tall palm trees making it one of the most beautiful beaches in Vizag.
Which Month Is Best For Araku Valley?
The months from June to September are the best months to visit the Araku Valley. The rains transform this hill station into a luscious green haven with gurgling waterfalls and streams, making it the best time to visit Araku.
How To Reach Vishakapatnam?
You can reach Vishakapatnam by air, train, and road.
.jpg)
.jpg)
