If you can’t quite get your tongue around its full name don’t worry! Locals in Visakhapatnam call this sunny city Vizag. Here on the shores of the Bay of Bengal you’ll find an attractive blend of beautiful beaches and mountains with magnificent views. No wonder it’s been nicknamed both the Jewel and Goa of the East Coast. Sandwiched in between these sky high and seaside delights the city also hustles and bustles with a variety of attractions and a lively café and restaurant culture.
Visakhapatnam is one of the oldest port cities in the country. Situated in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam is known for its picturesque beaches and serene landscape, as well as a rich cultural past. The port of Visakhapatnam is renowned for being home to the oldest shipyard in all of India. Located a short distance away from Visakhapatnam is Araku Valley, one of the prime attractions of Vizag. Situated at a lofty 910 metres above sea level, Araku Valley is a hill station replete with gushing waterfalls, crystal clear streams, lush green gardens and some challenging trekking trails.
Many Visakhapatnam attractions make a nod to the sea and no more so than a string of golden beaches. The most famous are the crowd-pleasing Ramakrishna Mission Beach and the bijou, half-moon Rushikonda Beach but there are six others close by. Other Vizag seaside attractions include the Kursura submarine museum and Dolphin Nose promontory. Further inland you’re guaranteed great views and fresh air at the park in Kailasigiri.
Things to do....
City Tour
Visit the temple of Simachalam – Located on the top of a hill at a distance of about 16 Km from Vizag Town, the temple of Simachalam dedicated to Narsimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu is referred to as one of the most exquisitely carved temples of South India. Thereafter visit Submarine Museum – After decommissioning, the ship was towed to Ramakrishna Mission Beach in Visakhapatnam and was established as a museum ship, which is the first submarine museum in South Asia. Visit The Rama Krishna Beach, or RK Beach as it is commonly called, is one of the best known beaches and tourist spots in Vizag.
Visit the Borra Caves
It’s worth delving deep in your quest for Vizag’s finest attractions. A few hours from the city you’ll find the cool and colourful Borra Caves. These unique limestone caverns contain many fascinating natural stone sculptures in the shape of stalagmites and stalactites. Legend has it that the caves were discovered when a cow disappeared only to be found safe and sound protected below ground by a rock formation in the shape of the Hindu God Shiva.
Attractions near Visakhapatnam
As well as being home to the Borra Caves, the Araku Valley is the perfect day trip from Visakhapatnam. This green and fertile hill station serves up fantastic views and scenery en route. While most of India is famous for tea here you’re greeted by a cupful of coffee plantations. A top tip. Stop off on the way at Ananthagiri to revel in the cascading waterfalls and lush green forests.
Climate and Average Weather
Visakhapatnam
Notes on visiting....
Time Zone
+5:30 Hours GMT
Passport
Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay. You need a Visa to visit India (HCI London).
Let’s get Reddy to rumble! Visakhapatnam’s pretty as a picture Rajasekhara Reddy Stadium faces testing times in 2016. After successfully hosting a range of ODIs[...]