Visakhapatnam, often known as Vizag, is a coastal city in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. Known for its stunning beaches, bustling ports, and rich cultural heritage, Visakhapatnam offers a myriad of experiences for visitors. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or adventure seeker, this city has something for everyone. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Visakhapatnam.
Also Read: Top 10 Places to Visit in Vizag for 2 days
Best Things to Do in Visakhapatnam
- Visit RK Beach (Rama Krishna Beach):
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- Enjoy a stroll along the picturesque coastline.
- Indulge in water sports like jet skiing and banana boat rides.
- Explore the submarine museum, INS Kursura, showcasing India’s naval history.
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- Explore the Kailasagiri Hill:
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- Take a cable car ride to the hilltop for panoramic views of the city and the Bay of Bengal.
- Visit the massive statue of Lord Shiva and Parvati, a popular tourist attraction.
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- Tour the Visakhapatnam Zoo:
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- Discover a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and exotic birds.
- Spend time at the nature park and enjoy the lush greenery.
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- Visit the Borra Caves:
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- Embark on a day trip to these ancient caves, known for their stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations.
- Explore the caves’ mystical beauty and learn about their geological significance.
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- Experience the Rushikonda Beach:
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- Relax on the golden sands and soak up the sun.
- Try your hand at surfing, a popular activity at this beach.
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- Discover the Simhachalam Temple:
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- Visit this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha, known for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance.
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- Explore the Buddhist Excavations at Thotlakonda:
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- Uncover the remains of a Buddhist monastery and stupas dating back to the 3rd century BC.
- Learn about the region’s rich Buddhist heritage.
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- Shop at Jagadamba Center:
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- Explore the bustling market and shop for local handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs.
- Sample delicious street food and local snacks.
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- Visit the VUDA Park:
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- Enjoy a peaceful evening stroll in this well-maintained park.
- Take a boat ride in the park’s lake and admire the scenic surroundings.
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- Experience the Submarine Museum:
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- Explore a decommissioned submarine and learn about its history and operation.
- Gain insights into India’s naval prowess and maritime heritage.
Things to Do in Visakhapatnam in 2 Days
- Day 1: Visit RK Beach, explore the submarine museum, and enjoy water sports.
- Day 2: Explore Kailasagiri Hill, visit the Visakhapatnam Zoo, and relax at Rushikonda Beach.
Things to Do in Visakhapatnam in 3 Days
Exploring Visakhapatnam over three days allows you to immerse yourself in the city’s diverse attractions, from its stunning beaches to its rich cultural heritage. Here’s a suggested itinerary for spending three days in Visakhapatnam:
Day 1: Beaches and Cultural Sites
- Morning: RK Beach and Submarine Museum
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- Start your day with a visit to RK Beach.
- Explore the Submarine Museum (INS Kursura), showcasing India’s naval history.
- Enjoy breakfast at one of the beachside eateries.
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- Afternoon: Kailasagiri Hill and Thotlakonda
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- Take a cable car ride to the top of Kailasagiri Hill for panoramic views of the city and the Bay of Bengal.
- Visit the massive statue of Lord Shiva and Parvati.
- Have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
- Visit Thotlakonda Buddhist Excavations to explore the ancient Buddhist monasteries and stupas.
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- Evening: Rushikonda Beach
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- Relax on the golden sands of Rushikonda Beach.
- Try surfing or other water sports activities.
- Watch the sunset over the sea.
- Have dinner at a beachside restaurant.
Day 2: Temples and Nature
- Morning: Simhachalam Temple
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- Visit the Simhachalam Temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha.
- Explore the temple’s stunning architecture and spiritual ambiance.
- Participate in the temple rituals, if interested.
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- Afternoon: Borra Caves
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- Take a day trip to the Borra Caves, known for their stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations.
- Explore the caves’ mystical beauty and learn about their geological significance.
- Have lunch at a local restaurant near the caves.
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- Evening: Shopping and Leisure
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- Return to Visakhapatnam and spend the evening shopping at Jagadamba Center.
- Explore the bustling market and shop for local handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs.
- Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3: Wildlife and Relaxation
- Morning: Visakhapatnam Zoo and VUDA Park
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- Visit the Visakhapatnam Zoo to discover a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and exotic birds.
- Spend time at the nature park within the zoo premises.
- Visit VUDA Park for a peaceful morning stroll and boat ride in the park’s lake.
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- Afternoon: Beaches and Leisure
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- Spend the afternoon relaxing at RK Beach.
- Enjoy water sports activities or simply relax on the beach.
- Have lunch at a beachside restaurant.
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- Evening: Cultural Experience
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- Attend a cultural event or festival, if available.
- Enjoy a traditional Andhra dinner at a local restaurant.
- Take a leisurely walk along the beach promenade to end your day.
Additional Tips for Visakhapatnam Travel
- Start your days early to make the most of your time in Visakhapatnam.
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear, especially if you plan to explore the caves or hike.
- Stay hydrated and carry snacks for energy during your explorations.
- Respect the local culture and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
List of Top 10 Things to Do in Visakhapatnam:
- Visit RK Beach.
- Explore Kailasagiri Hill.
- Tour the Visakhapatnam Zoo.
- Visit the Borra Caves.
- Experience Rushikonda Beach.
- Discover Simhachalam Temple.
- Explore Thotlakonda Buddhist Excavations.
- Shop at Jagadamba Center.
- Visit VUDA Park.
- Experience the Submarine Museum.
Things to Do in Visakhapatnam at Night:
- Enjoy a beachside dinner at RK Beach.
- Explore the illuminated Kailasagiri Hill.
- Take a stroll along the beach promenade.
Things to Do in Visakhapatnam for Couples:
- Enjoy a romantic sunset at RK Beach.
- Take a cable car ride to Kailasagiri Hill for panoramic views.
- Have a quiet dinner at a beachside restaurant.
Things to Do in Visakhapatnam Early Morning:
- Watch the sunrise at RK Beach.
- Take a morning walk along the beach promenade.
- Visit the fishing harbor and watch the fishermen in action.
Things to Do in Visakhapatnam with Family:
- Visit the Visakhapatnam Zoo.
- Explore the Submarine Museum.
- Enjoy a picnic at VUDA Park.
Unique Things to Do in Visakhapatnam:
- Visit the Aircraft Museum at Beach Road.
- Explore the tribal villages near Araku Valley.
- Attend a cultural event or festival to experience the local culture.
Visakhapatnam offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it a perfect destination for all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, this coastal city has plenty to offer. Plan your trip to Visakhapatnam and create unforgettable memories amidst its scenic landscapes and cultural treasures.
How to Reach Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam, located on the east coast of India, is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Here are the various ways to reach Visakhapatnam:
By Air
- Visakhapatnam Airport (also known as Vizag Airport) is located approximately 12 kilometers from the city center.
- The airport is well-connected to major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
- Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and others operate regular flights to and from Visakhapatnam.
By Train
- Visakhapatnam Railway Station is a major railway junction in South India and is well-connected to major cities across the country.
- Trains from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and others regularly ply to Visakhapatnam.
- The station is served by several express and superfast trains, making it convenient for travelers.
By Road
- Visakhapatnam is well-connected to nearby cities and states by a network of national and state highways.
- The city is connected to major cities like Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Chennai, and Kolkata by well-maintained roads.
- State-run buses by APSRTC and private buses operate regular services to Visakhapatnam from various cities and towns in Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states.
Some of the most travelled top routes to and from Visakhapatnam
- Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam
- Vijayawada to Visakhapatnam
- Visakhapatnam to Bangalore
- Visakhapatnam to Guntur
Local Transport
- Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available for local transportation within Visakhapatnam.
- App-based cab services like Ola and Uber are also operational in the city, providing convenient transportation options.
- City buses operated by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) cover various routes within the city and its suburbs.
Travel Tips:
- It is advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to avoid any last-minute hassles.
- The best way to explore Visakhapatnam and its surrounding areas is by hiring a private cab or using public transport.
- Check for any travel advisories or restrictions before planning your trip, especially during adverse weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
Visakhapatnam’s well-connected transportation network makes it easily accessible for travelers from different parts of the country, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey to this beautiful coastal city.
