Nestled between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal, Visakhapatnam is one of India’s oldest port cities, with several records of trade relations dating back to the Middle East and Rome. It is famous for its beaches, ancient sites, and picturesque views from mountain tops. No wonder the place is often referred to as the ‘Goa of the East’ and the ‘Jewel of the East Coast’. To learn more about the place and to explore its beautiful destinations, check our Vizag tour packages.
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Nestled between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal, Visakhapatnam is one of India’s oldest port cities, with several records of trade relations dating back to the Middle East and Rome. It is famous for its beaches, ancient sites, and picturesque views from mountain tops. No wonder the place is often referred to as the ‘Goa of the East’ and the ‘Jewel of the East Coast’. To learn more about the place and to explore its beautiful destinations, check our Vizag tour packages.
Call us or message us on Instagram to customise your itinerary to match your budget and travel style.
Visakhapatnam is a beautiful coastal city and port in Andhra Pradesh, renowned for its stunning beaches, ancient Buddhist temples, and lush greenery. It is home to India’s oldest shipyards and is the headquarters of India’s Eastern Naval Command. India’s first naval base, HMIS Circars, was established in Visakhapatnam (formerly Vizag) in 1939 during World War II. It is Andhra Pradesh’s second-largest city and its most industrialised. Tourists visit Visakhapatnam to explore its cultural heritage, picturesque beaches, and lush green surroundings. Read on to learn more about the city and its top attractions.
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Visakhapatnam was part of the Kalinga Empire until King Ashoka conquered the kingdom in 260 BCE. During this period, Buddhism flourished, resulting in the establishment of numerous Buddhist sites. Over the years, it was ruled by several dynasties, including the Satvahanas, Pallavas, Cholas, and Eastern Chalukyas, who likely named the city after their family deity Visakha.
Its modern history begins with the arrival of the Dutch in the 17th century, who laid out the city’s first layout plan and constructed St. Peter’s Church. The port city changed hands several times between the Qutb Shahis, the Mughals, the French, and, finally, the British in the 18th century. Thanks to its strategic location, the city became an important trading centre. This led to the establishment of a railway line, a medical college, and a university. India’s first naval base, HMIS Circars, was established in the city in 1939.
Today, it is Andhra Pradesh’s largest city and has transformed itself from a sleepy coastal village to a modern industrial hub.
The city is nestled between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal. It is divided into two regions: the coastal plains on the east and the hills (Eastern Ghats) on the west. While the Coastal Plains are famous for their picturesque beaches, the hills and plains (also called the Agency Division) are famous for their mountainous terrain and include places like Araku Valley and Golugonda.
Vizag is bounded by the Kailasa and Yarada hill ranges in the north and south, respectively. This region is home to many tribal communities like the Yanadis and Yerukulas.
The diverse topography has led to the city witnessing a varied climate, with the coastal plains being warm and the hilly regions being noticeably cooler.
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Visakhapatnam is Andhra Pradesh’s most industrialised city, with the presence of major industries in sectors such as oil, refineries, fertilisers, and steel. Fishing is another important industry in the city. It is also a primary educational hub with several schools and colleges established here. Some of the major industries in the city include Vizag Steel, GAIL, Hindustan Shipyard, and Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
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| Category | Details |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| High Season | November to March |
| Languages Spoken | Telugu, English, Hindi |
| Famous Tourist Attraction | Simhachalam Temple, Rama Krishna Beach, Submarine Museum, Araku Valley, Borra Caves, Dolphin’s Nose |
| Famous Food | Punugulu, Seafood, Bobattlu, Masala Battani, Bongula Chicken |
| Souvenirs to Buy | Kalamkari, Etikoppaka toys, Kondapalli toys, Gongura Pickles, Madugula Halwa, Makavarapalem brass lamps. |
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Being a coastal city, it is not surprising that Visakhapatnam is home to beautiful, picturesque beaches stretching along its eastern side facing the Bay of Bengal. All of these beaches are well-maintained with golden sands and are worth a visit.
Rushikonda is known for the amazing greenery surrounding the beach and a hillock from where you can observe the water. It is also popular among water-sport enthusiasts who visit here to surf, jet ski, take banana boat rides, and scuba dive.
Yarada is more famous for its views of the Dolphin’s Nose and the lighthouse. While the beach is well maintained, swimming isn’t recommended because the water here can be deep. There are a few beach shacks selling kebabs, corn on the cob, raw mangoes, etc.
Ramakrishna Beach, also called RK Beach, is one of the most popular waterfront attractions in the city, with museums, artefacts, and other attractions along its shore. No wonder the beach is crowded during the evenings, making it safe to hang out even after dark.
Bheemili is in the same direction as Rushikonda and the meeting point of the Gosthani River and the Bay of Bengal. It is also home to Dutch settlements.
Some of the other popular beaches in the city include Appikonda Beach, Gangavaram Beach, and Addripeta Beach. And if you plan a scenic drive, we suggest taking the Marine Drive along the coast.
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Visakhapatnam’s most prominent landmark is the Dolphin’s Nose, a huge rocky promontory jutting out into the sea. The cape gets its name from its unique shape, resembling a dolphin’s snout.
Another panoramic viewpoint is Kailasagiri, a hilltop park known for its lush greenery, ocean views, and temples.
And if you want a bird’s-eye view of the city, especially the Visakhapatnam Port and the sea, head to Ross Hill. It is also famous for a 19th-century church.
With a history dating back to the 3rd century, it is no surprise that Visakhapatnam is home to several heritage monuments. Erra Matti Dibbalu, also known as the Red Sand Hills, is a geo-heritage site famous for its unique red sand formations. The red mounds, composed of sand, silt, and clay, give the sand its striking reddish hue.
The Bavikonda Buddhist Complex is an ancient monastery built around the 3rd century, consisting of shrines, temples, galleries, and inscriptions. Archaeologists have found pots, caskets, tiles, coins, and an urn containing a bone believed to be Buddha’s.
Another heritage monument, Pavurala Konda, is a Buddhist monastic complex that may have been inhabited between the 3rd century BCE and the 2nd century CE. Some of the artefacts excavated here include pots, coins, beads, and rock-cut cisterns.
Bojjannakonda, another Buddhist rock-cut cave complex near Visakhapatnam, is believed to have been inhabited by monks between the 3rd century BCE and the 9th century.
The Dutch Settlement of Bheemunipatnam was once a flourishing port until the Marathas destroyed it. Today, the only remnant of the settlement is a cemetery, believed to be the oldest in Andhra Pradesh.
Some of the other heritage monuments in and around Visakhapatnam include the 100-year-old Kurupam Tomb, Thotlakonda, Kondaveedu Fort, and the Borra Caves.
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Vizag is home to several ancient temples, churches, and mosques. In fact, one of the earliest known accounts of the city is associated with the Vaisakha Swami temple, built by a Ganga king.
The Varaha Lakshminarasimha Temple in the Simhachalam Hills is one of Vizag’s most famous temples, dedicated to an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Chandana Yatra is an important festival associated with the temple, during which the idol’s sandalwood paste is removed. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the country, especially from Odisha, visit the temple during the occasion.
The Kanakamahalakshmi Temple, believed to be the family deity of the rulers of Vizag, is unique as it has no walls or roof. Unlike in other temples, where priests perform pujas, devotees perform them here.
The city is also known for its many churches, including the Ross Hill Church, which is around 156 years old.
Another church, St John’s, consecrated in 1844, is one of the oldest in the city.
Other important places of worship in Vizag include the Sampath Vinayagar Temple, the Jagannatha Temple, St. Anthony’s Church, and the Ishaq Madina Dargah.
Vizag’s proximity to the Eastern Ghats makes it a perfect destination for nature lovers. The city and its surrounding forests are home to several waterfalls. The Kothapally Waterfalls near Vizag are on the route to Araku Valley and are a perfect family destination.
The Valasempta Waterfalls are popular among locals and ideal for families and youngsters planning on a trekking trip.
The Kaitiki Waterfalls are one of the most popular cascades, fed by the Gosthani River.
Other waterfalls surrounding the city include Tatiguda Waterfalls, Chaparai Waterfalls, and the Tadimada Waterfalls.
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Vizag is a hundred-odd kilometres away from Andhra Pradesh’s famous hill station, Araku Valley. This scenic hill station on the Eastern Ghats is renowned for its lush forests, coffee plantations, ancient Buddhist caves, and panoramic viewpoints.
While you can drive to the valley from Vizag, we suggest taking a train to enjoy the scenic views and the many tunnels along the way.
Lambasingi, another hill station on the Eastern Ghats, is also a popular place among Vizag locals.
Vizag is home to many interesting places that highlight its history and culture. For instance, the Kurusura Submarine Museum is housed in a decommissioned submarine. Visitors must pass through its metal-clad corridors to explore its various sections, like the control room and sonar chamber, and learn more about its history.
Another interesting place, the Kondakarla Ava, is a beautiful freshwater lake and a favourite spot for birdwatchers.
Visakhapatnam has a tropical climate with three distinct seasons: Summer, Monsoon, and Winter. Like many cities in Andhra Pradesh, Vizag also experiences post-monsoon rains, thanks to the northeastern monsoon clouds that bring rain from October to December. Each of these seasons offers a unique travel experience. Here’s a season-wise breakdown of the city to help you choose the best time to choose Visakhapatnam tour packages and plan activities accordingly.
While summer officially starts in April, temperatures begin to rise towards the end of March, reaching around 32°C in the last weeks of March. The average summer temperature ranges from 30°C to 40°C, with May being the hottest month. The days are hot and humid, while nights are slightly pleasant, especially around the coastal plains.
Some of the festivals celebrated during this season include Ugadi, which signifies the beginning of the lunar new year, and Chandanotsavam, the annual festival at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple. Devotees also throng Vizag in June to celebrate ISKON’s Jagannath Rath Yatra. While this isn’t a great time to choose Vizag tour packages, cheap accommodation options, and a lack of crowd make summer a good time to visit the city.
The monsoon season starts at the end of June and lasts until October, with intermittent periods continuing until December. During this season, average temperatures range from 27°C to 32°C. Vizag receives heavy rainfall and is prone to cyclones. The highest average rainfall during these seasons ranges from 7.9 to 8.3 inches, with September and October receiving the heaviest rainfall.
Monsoon may not be a good time to choose Visakhapatnam tour packages, but if you’ve made an impromptu plan, we suggest you check the weather forecast and weather warnings before making your booking.
This is the best time to visit Vishakhapatnam with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 29°C. However, post-monsoon showers do create storm-like situations in the city. We suggest looking for weather updates before booking Visakhapatnam tour packages. There are plenty of activities you can enjoy in the town during winter. You can explore the lime caves of Borra or visit Araku Valley for a day trip. There are plenty of waterfalls you can see as well.
The Simhachalam Hill is home to Vizag’s most popular temple, the Varaha Lakshminarasimha Temple. It is one of the 32 Narasimha temples in Andhra Pradesh and is an important pilgrimage place for devotees from across the country, including Odisha. The temple was built in the 11th century by Kulothunga Cholan I.
The idol of Varaha Narasimha is covered in sandal paste throughout the year except on Akshaya Trithiya. Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple for this event, called Chandanotsavam, when they can catch a glimpse of the idol without the sandalwood paste, called Nijaroopa Darshanam. You may have to book in advance if you’d like to include the Chandanotsavam in your Visakhapatnam tour packages itinerary.
The temple is the second largest in terms of income, second only to the Tirupati Balaji temple.
The Borra Caves are around 3 hours from Vizag on the Ananthagiri Hills. Spread over two sq km, these limestone caves are situated 1,400 m above sea level and were discovered by William King George. They are believed to be over one million years old and famous for their mineral deposits, including stalactites and stalagmites. You can walk through the caves, illuminated by halogen lamps that capture the beauty of the mineral deposits.
Located over 3 hours from Vishakapatnam, Araku Valley is one of the very few hill stations in Andhra Pradesh. It is located at an average altitude of 600-900 m and spans 36 km along the Eastern Ghats. Araku Valley is famous for its lush greenery, waterfalls, coffee plantations, and tribal communities. The Ananthagiri Reserved Forest and the Sunkrimetta Reserved Forest are part of the valley along with the Raktkonda, Sunkrimetta, Chitamogondi, and Galikonda mountains.
Other must-visit places in the valley include the Borra Caves, the Tribal Museum, Katiki Waterfalls, and the Dumbriguda Waterfalls. You can either include Araku Valley in your Visakhapatnam tour packages itinerary or visit it separately.
Also called Lammasingi, this small hamlet near Visakhapatnam is often called the Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh and is the only place that experiences snowfall. It is also the only hill station in South India where temperatures drop to zero degrees.
The hill station is famous for its coffee plantations, misty mountains, and waterfalls. Some of the popular attractions in Lambasingi include Kothapalli Waterfalls, Yarravaram Waterfalls, Annavaram Temple, and Bojjannakonda. You can also explore the hill station’s many pepper, coffee, and strawberry farms.
The Ramakrishna Beach gets its name from the Ramakrishna Mission that’s near the beach. It is one of the most popular beaches in the city, thanks to its serene waters and incredible views of sunrise and sunset. The locals visit here to enjoy camel rides, street food, and attractions such as the INS Kurusura Museum and VUDA Park. The aquarium is an added attraction.
The INS Kurusura Submarine Museum is one of Asia’s only submarine museums. It was formed when the INS Kurusura Submarine was decommissioned in 2001 and includes artefacts, photographs, and other written materials related to the submarine and the people who lived within it.
It is one of the few Blue Flag beaches in Andhra Pradesh. The beach is a nature lover’s favourite. It is clean, not too crowded, and picturesque. If you like water sports like windsurfing, speed boating, and skiing, this is a great place to visit. It is also good for swimming. If you’re visiting Vizag during Holi, we suggest you head to the beach to enjoy the festival vibes, as locals gather there to celebrate the festival of colours.
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Locals call it Steep Plant Beach as it is close to the Vizag Steel Plant. It was here that some of the iconic scenes from the 1981 movie Ek Duje Ke Liye were shot. The beautiful and serene beach is known for its palm-fringed shores, stunning views, and tranquil atmosphere. The Gangavaram Beach is close to many of Vizag’s attractions, like Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Dolphin’s Nose, VUDA Park, and the Victory at Sea War Memorial.
Also known as Bheemunipatnam Beach among locals, this scenic beach is located at the confluence of the Gosthani River and the Bay of Bengal. The beach is famous for its historic remnants, including colonial buildings and structures built by Dutch colonials. People also visit Bheemili Beach for water sports such as water skiing, scuba diving, and snorkelling.
If you’d like a panoramic view of the city with its beaches, head straight to Kailasagiri. The park, situated on a hilltop, spans 380 acres and is famous for its massive statue of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Developed by VMRDA, the park boasts a beautiful landscape consisting of tropical trees and lovely flowering plants. In fact, it was awarded the best tourist spot in 2003. You can drive to the hilltop or take a ropeway to enjoy the 360-degree view from the fibre-glass cabins. Some other attractions in Kailasagiri include the Butterfly Park, Shanti Ashram, and Jungle Trails.
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The Ross Hill Church is one of the few old churches of Visakhapatnam, with the altar erected in 1867. The hill is named after Monsieur Ross, who built a bungalow on it. It is known for its beautiful architecture, panoramic views of the city, sunrises and sunsets, and the serene ambience within the church.
This beautiful tourist attraction gets its name from the unique shape of the promontory, which resembles a dolphin’s nose. The hill, rising to over 358 metres above sea level, extends into the Bay of Bengal. It is also home to the Dolphin’s Nose Lighthouse and offers fantastic views of the port and the entire city. You can stroll along the park or enjoy the mesmerising scenery.
The VUDA Park, also known as Taraka Rama Park, spans 55 acres and features well-maintained gardens, a musical fountain, and a skating rink.
It is one of the most popular beaches in the city, known for its scenic atmosphere, golden sands, and clear waters.
The Bavikonda Buddhist Complex is a few kilometres from Vizag city and on a hill. The place gets its name from the Telugu word Bavikonda, meaning “hill of wells,” referring to the many wells dug on the hill to collect rainwater. Archaeologists have found numerous artefacts, including Roman, Satvahana, and other artefacts from the 3rd-century BCE. Today, you will find remnants of a once flourishing city, including stupas, chaityas, meditation halls, and grand assembly halls.
The Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary is about an hour’s drive away from Vizag city and is a scenic lake surrounded by the Eastern Ghats and the forests. You can enjoy a boat ride on the lake while watching the many birds, including the Black Drongo and the Grey Heron.
Also known as Red Sand Hills, the beautiful dunes near the coast of Visakhapatnam are a notified national geo-heritage site. Covering over 1500 acres, the red dunes are shaped like a maze and could be over 12,000 years old. A climatic shift during the Glacial Maximum may have caused this rare geological occurrence.
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The ancient Buddhist complex of Thotlakonda is situated on a hill and belongs to the pre-Mahanayana period, i.e., from the 2nd century BCE to the 2nd century CE. The place gets its name from the cisterns (Thotla in Telugu) that are spread across the complex. Archaeologists have found a hoard of ancient artefacts like Roman coins, lead from the Satvahana dynasty, and terracotta tiles. The place flourished here under the patronage of the Kalinga rulers. Today, you will find mounds, stupas, and chaitya grihas built for Buddhist students.
Given that Visakhapatnam was part of the Kalinga Empire, it is no surprise that there are plenty of ancient Buddhist monasteries. Pavuralakonda is one such monastery that thrived from the 3rd century BCE to the 2nd century CE. Spread over 10-12 acres, the site is home to several viharas, halls, Chaityagrihas, and stupas. Archaeologists have recovered artefacts like coins, beads, polished glass, pottery, clay vessels, and rock-cut cisterns across the site.
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Bojjannakonda and Lingalakonda are two adjacent rock-cut Buddhist caves consisting of monolithic stupas, intricately carved pillars, and rock sculptures. The site is believed to have flourished between the 4th and 9th centuries and may have been a monastery comprising many viharas and student rooms. The site provides evidence of all three phases of Buddhism: Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.
Famous For: Coffee Plantations, Caves, Lush Greenery, Waterfalls
Top Attractions: Borra Caves, Dumbriguda Falls, Katika Waterfalls, Araku Tribal Museum
Famous For: Scenic Ghat Views, Temples, Bridges
Top Attractions: Godavari River Cruise, Papi Hills, Dowleswaram Barrage, Godavari Bridge, ISKCON Temple, Kotilingeshwara Temple, Markandeya Temple, Paikondalu Sanctuary, R B Archaeological Museum.
Famous For: Occasional Snowfall, Coffee Plantations, Waterfalls, Scenic Viewpoints, Gardens
Top Attractions: Kothapalli Waterfalls, Yerravaram Waterfalls, Susan Garden, Thajangi Reservoir, Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary, Lambasingi Viewpoint.
Famous For: Lush Forests, Waterfalls, Viewpoints
Top Attractions: Manyam Viewpoint, Jalatharangini Waterfalls, Amruthadhara Waterfalls
Famous For: Wildlife Sanctuary, Beach, Temple, Ancient Sites
Top Attractions: Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Hope Island, Uppada Beach, Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple, Draksharaman Temple, Adurru Site
Famous For: Waterfalls, Scenic Viewpoints, Adventure Activities
Top Attractions: Deomali Viewpoint, Trekking Trails, Tribal Museum, Duduma Waterfalls, Gupteswar Cave Temple
While there aren’t many traditional markets selling handicrafts in Vizag, you can always shop for local products like Ikkat sarees and tribal handicrafts. Given its proximity to Araku Valley, the city is a great place to shop for coffee. Some of the other products you can buy here include Etikoppaka toys, made from soft Tella Poniki wood.
You can also shop for Andhra pickles and podis, including the famous Nallakaram Podi.
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Vizag is famous for its fresh seafood, prepared using spicy Andhra-style masalas and eaten with steaming hot rice. Some popular dishes made with seafood include Pulusu (a tangy, hot gravy) and Royyala Iguru (prawn curry). Bongulo chicken or bamboo chicken is another local favourite.
If you’re interested in street food, we suggest trying some of Vizag’s famous dishes, like Punugulu, Masala Battani, Momos, Kebabs, and Bobattlu.
Winter is the best time to explore Vizag with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The climate is pleasant from November to March, although temperatures do cool towards the end of October.
Vizag is typically included in our broader Andhra Pradesh tour packages or South India tour packages. It is normally a 1-2 day tour in the itinerary. But if you are looking for exclusive Visakhapatnam tour packages, we suggest staying here for 2-3 days.
Yes, you can always customise your itinerary to include or remove certain attractions.
Vizag is hot and humid. We suggest wearing light, breathable cotton clothing, even during winter visits.
The city is known for its Etikoppaka Toys, Uppada Silk Sarees, and Pootharekulu.
We suggest you try Punugulu, Murri, Tomato Bhajji, Masala Battani, and the many seafood delicacies available throughout the city.
Yes, there are a few companies that offer water sports activities like jet skiing and windsurfing in Vizag. Call us at +91 9940882200 or message us on Instagram to include water sports activities in your itinerary.
Yes, you can include this beautiful hill station in your Vizag itinerary. Or, book our Araku Valley tour packages to visit the place exclusively.
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