20 Best Places to Visit in Visakhapatnam (Vizag) in 2024

Having spent almost two years in Visakhapatnam (also known as Vizag) gives me enough liberty to say that it is a beautiful coastal town yet to be fully explored. Making progress in both educational and tourism domains, the city has its own hidden gems and attractions that tourists are unaware of. Whether you are a travel photographer, looking for your next destination to click stunning pictures or just a fan of beaches and sunsets, Visakhapatnam should be next on your list, if you haven’t been there already. In this article, we will share a list of the best places to visit in Visakhapatnam in 2023 with location, images, entry fee & timing

Trust me on this one because I have had school picnics at most of the places listed in the article. They are worth everyone’s time and attention. Moreover, all the beauty and tranquillity tourist places in Visakhapatnam are complemented by less touristy hassle and crowd, so that’s a win-win, right?

Ready to know about the best Vizag tourist places? Let’s begin!

Best Places to Visit in Visakhapatnam in 2024:

1. Yarada Beach

Yarada Beach | #1 of 20 Best Places to visit in Visakhapatnam.

A coastal town without a beach is almost like breathing without air, it is impossible. Yarada Beach is one of the most scenic beaches in Visakhapatnam. Surrounded by hills on three sides, it is lined by the Bay of Bengal n the fourth, completing this picturesque scene you see here. Unlike other beaches of Vizag, this one is comparatively calmer and peaceful.

If you can visit the beach at the time of sunset and sunrise, you might be lucky to find it without people. Now that would give you the perfect frame, setting and view for those Instagram-worthy clicks, won’t it? You are sure to have a memorable time at this beach with its golden sands and crystal-clear water.

Photographer or not, you can always visit the beach with friends and family. We recommend you trek to the beach because that itself is another experience altogether.

2. Dolphin Hill or Nose a good Place to Visit in Visakhapatnam

Dolphin Hill or Nose | #2 of 20 Best Places to visit in Vizag.

Located just 4.5 km from Yarada Beach, Dolphin Hill deserves a special mention because of the viewpoints it has. With meandering roads leading to the top of the hill, you should walk to the various viewpoints and get some photos clicked. It will be worth all the exhaustion you may feel after the long walk up the steep roads.

However, the only catch to visit Dolphin Hill is it is inside the premises of Indian Navy and is heavily barricaded. But, thanks to its popularity among tourists, the navy does allow civilians access to this scenic spot. So, if you can plan a trip, this tourist place in Visakhapatnam is totally worth a visit.

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3. Rushikonda Beach

Rushikonda Beach | #3 of 20 Best Places to visit in Visakhapatnam.

Rushikonda Beach is one of the most scenic and popular beaches in Visakhapatnam, contributing in the city getting nicknamed, ‘Jewel of the East Coast’. When it comes to sightseeing in Vizag, you cannot leave out this place.

When you set out to explore this seashore, you will be mesmerised by its emerald green water and clear sandy shore. Ideal for those long strolls in the evening, it is also a great spot to just sit and let the cool waves tickle your feet. If a stroll along the seashore is not your idea of fun, there are various adventure activities like swimming, jet skiing and surfing that you can try.

4. Rama Krishna Mission Beach

Rama Krishna Mission Beach | #4 of 20 Best Places to visit in Vizag.

Located just 4 km from Visakhapatnam Railway Station, Rama Krishna Mission beach or RK beach is renowned for being the longest in Visakhapatnam. This beach should be in the top 5 on your list of places to visit in Visakhapatnam.

While the beach is not optimum for swimming, you can always spend some leisure time sunbathing, playing volleyball with friends or water surfing. The latter is advisable to be done under the extreme supervision of the authorities. The beach is also the place for Visakha Utsav, an annual festival organised by the state’s cultural department. Moreover, Andhra University has been regularly conducting research to save the sea turtles during their breeding season that you can also see.

Besides the beach itself, you can also visit the various museums, temples, aquarium, and of course the Sri Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, located opposite to it. So, on your next visit to the RK beach, do not forget to explore it in a better light and also soak in a stunning sunset in the evening.

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5. INS Kursura Submarine Museum a beautiful Place to visit in Visakhapatnam

INS Kursura Submarine Museum | #5 of 20 Best Places to visit in Visakhapatnam.

One of the best places to visit in Visakhapatnam, the submarine museum is located on Ramakrishna Beach. A must-visit attraction, the museum merits a visit if you are keen to learn more about the Indian Navy.

INS Kursura was a Russian-built submarine, decommissioned in 2001 and converted into a museum in 2002. It takes you on a tour of how the submarines work and what happens during wartime, with special emphasis on the life of submariners, who take on the daunting task of being inside during a war. With the help of photographs, artefacts and written scripts, you can easily gain an insight into the inner workings of a submarine.

• Timings:
  • 2:00 pm – 8:30 pm (Tuesday to Saturday)
  • 10:00 am – 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm – 8:30 pm (Sundays)
• Entry Fees: ₹ 20 (children); ₹ 40 (adults); ₹ 200 (camera)

6. Kailasagiri

Kailasagiri | #6 of 20 Best Places to visit in Vizag.

Located at a distance of approximately 19 km from the main city, Kailasagiri is a famous hill station in Visakhapatnam district. Complete with small hills and beaches, the hill park is at an elevation of around 173 metres from sea level, so you can lay eyes on some of the most breath-taking vistas ever. You can either go here with your friends, family or just your romantic partner; the place has something for everyone. From ropeways to trolley trucks for children to a Shiva-Parvati sculpture for pilgrims, it offers myriad places to see and experiences to have.

7. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park a best Place to Visit in Visakhapatnam

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park | #7 of 20 Best Places to visit in Visakhapatnam.

If you put in the efforts to explore Kailasagiri Hill Park, you cannot and should not return without visiting Indira Gandhi Zoological Park. Located just 5 km from Kailasagiri, this park is spread across 625 acres of lush greenery. With hills surrounding the park and ample wildlife inside, it wouldn’t be surprising if you feel you are trespassing into the natural habitat of the animals. Click some photos, take a stroll or just witness the majestic animals like tigers, lions and panthers.

• Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Mondays)
• Entry Fee: ₹ 5 (children); ₹ 10 (adults)

All the places till now were either in Visakhapatnam or close to it. Now, we will be walking you through some tourist attractions that are a little further away from the main city yet totally worth it. 

If you are looking for places to visit in Visakhapatnam in 2 days, then you should consider Simhachalam Temple, Borra Caves, Katiki Falls and Araku Valley as each of these demands couple of hours. And that won’t happen in one day. Also, one day of Vizag tour will definitely leave you yearning for more amazing locales and vistas, and these places are here to quench your wanderlust.

8. Simhachalam Temple

Simhachalam Temple | #8 of 20 Best Places to visit in Vizag.

An 11^th-century Hindu temple, it is dedicated to the Varaha and Narasimha avatars of Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi. The architecture of the temple is majorly Dravidian with several influences of the Kalinga style. From the carvings on the inner wall to the shrines of Lord Vishnu, everything at the shrine catches one’s fancy. As is the tradition in South India, you will find that the shrine is always covered in sandal paste. You must spend some time exploring the temple and try reading the inscriptions dating back to AD 1087 (if you can).

9. Borra Caves

Borra Caves | #9 of 20 Best Places to visit in Visakhapatnam.

Just 90 km from the city, these natural caves are 705 metres above sea level. Once inside the caves, you can hear your voice echo. Moreover, right in the middle of the caves lie a small shivling. Climb on a steep stair and you will find the shrine in the centre. Many devotees come to Borra Caves just to get a glimpse of the shivling. Once you have paid your respects to Lord Shiva, come out of the caves and soak in the stunning rock formation and waterfalls here. Plus, there are lots of natural formations here that are a result of constant erosion and the rocks being carved and shaped by the river. The multi-coloured lights installed here recently make these even better and intriguing to look at.

10. Katiki Falls

Katiki Falls | #10 of 20 Best Places to visit in Vizag.

Katiki Waterfalls is another natural marvel near Visakhapatnam that deserves at least one visit. The main source of water to this fall is the Gosthani River. The sight of the water falling from an almost-vertical cliff surrounded by nothing but immense greenery and serenity is something you will never forget. Perched at an elevation of 50 feet, the cascading waters from the falls make for an excellent spot to click some amazing shots. If the lush greenery is not enough for you, trek to the falls to soak in the beauty of this place to the fullest.

11. Araku Valley

Araku Valley | #11 of 20 Best Places to visit in Vizag.

Its beauty is often compared to that of Ooty and the reasons are justified. Starting from the lush greenery that covers every inch of the valley to the coffee plantations, viewpoints and tribal culture, everything here will enchant you to the core. Believe us!

If all this stirs up the wanderlust in you, we suggest you spend at least a couple of days in the valley itself. Soak in the view of the green patches of grasslands, and you will know what we are talking about. You can stop at places that give you the best view because when it comes to exploring Araku Valley, the journey is more important than the destination.

Take everything at a slow pace and immerse yourself in the beauty of this place because the smell of freshly roasted coffee and the voice of the gurgling streams will linger long after you have left. Having been there myself, I still yearn to return to this magical hill station tucked away from mainstream tourists. Maybe that is where the beauty of Araku Valley lies…in it being hidden and untouched.

12. VUDA Park

VUDA Park | #12 of 20 Best Places to visit in Visakhapatnam.

Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) Park, also known as Taraka Rama Park, is one of the top places to visit in Vizag. Spread over an area of 55 acres, this beautiful recreation centre is perfect for spending some leisure time with the family. Lush green trees (around 2500), beautiful lawns and colourful flowers add a distinctive charm to the space and attract nature lovers in huge numbers. The park is only a couple of kilometres away from Ramakrishna Beach, so you can visit both these places on the same day.

Besides spending some peaceful time in the park, you can enjoy swimming, boating, horse and camel rides and other activities here. And that’s not all, VUDA Park also has a roller-skating rink, children’s park, artificial caves and many more amazing spots. However, the main attraction of the park is the musical fountain, which also happens to be the tallest of its kind in the country. From enjoying different activities to relishing a late evening snack, the park has plenty of options for people of all ages.

13. Victory at Sea War Memorial

War Memorial | #13 of 20 Best Places to visit in Vizag.

Located on Beach Road, Victory at Sea War Memorial was constructed to honour the 1971 Indo-Pak War heroes of the Indian Navy and the Eastern Naval Command. During the war, Pakistan was aiming to destroy an Indian aircraft carrier – INS Vikrant, at Visakhapatnam Port. However, the Indian Navy fought valiantly and succeeded in sinking a Pakistani submarine called PNS Ghazi at the coast of Visakhapatnam and emerged victorious. The memorial was hence built in 1996 in memory of the first battle victory in the 1971 War.

The main monument is surrounded by many missiles, tankers, fighter plane models and other war weapons used by the Navy. When you visit the memorial, you are sure to feel a sense of patriotism and respect for the martyrs who fought bravely for the country. After paying homage to the brave sailors, you can also take a leisure walk on the beach and enjoy mesmerising views of the sea.

14. Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary

Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary | #14 of 20 Best Places to visit in Vizag.

Boasting an area of 17000 acres, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is a massive forest reserve located 26 km away from Visakhapatnam. The sanctuary, which is named after a local hill – Kambalakonda, is covered in lush green foliage and is a wonderful place if you are looking to spend time in the lap of nature. It is more like the green lungs of the city and a popular getaway from the hustle-bustle.

This wildlife sanctuary is home to many rare birds, animals, reptiles and butterflies, including leopard, pangolin, Indian muntjac, wild boar, sambar deer, Bengal monitor, Russell’s viper, laughing dove, red-whiskered bulbul and Indian sunbeam butterfly. It is also dotted with amazing plants and trees native to the Eastern Ghats, such as Sage, Indian Rosewood, Indigo, Indian Figs and Jungle Berry, to name a few.

Thanks to the rugged mountainous terrain, this wildlife sanctuary is ideal for trekking and hiking. Sky walking, goat walking, tyre walking, ziplining and Burma Bridge are some of the other things to do in Vizag when you visit this sanctuary. If you visit at the time of sunset, you can enjoy some stunning views of the setting sun from the reservoir area.

15. Bojjannakonda

Bojjannakonda | #15 of 20 Best Places to visit in Visakhapatnam.

Bojjannakonda, originally known as Buddina Konda, is a series of Buddhist rock-cut caves dating to a time between 4^th Century AD and 9^th Century AD. This was a time when Buddhism was a major religion in this part of the country. It is situated in a village called Sankaram, which is 21 km from Visakhapatnam.

This small group of six rock-cut caves, with beautifully carved statues of Lord Gautam Buddha, monasteries, and monolithic stupas, is one of the most famous Buddhist establishments in Andhra Pradesh. Each cave also has engraved pillars depicting the principles of Buddhism. A life-size figure of Lord Gautam Buddha in meditation pose, 2000-year old prayer halls, and the monasteries here are testimony to the fact that these caves were used by Buddhist monks for prayers and meditation. The site also has a Maha Stupa with a dome made of bricks.

Fringed by paddy fields, Bojjannakonda is quite popular among devotees, peace-seekers, and tourists. Besides exploring the caves and learning about the religious history of the region, you can also meditate in the tranquil surroundings here. The area is now maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

16. Ross Hill Church

Ross Hill Church | #16 of 20 Best Places to visit in Vizag.

Known for its stunning location and impressive architecture, Ross Hill Church is one of the most religiously significant and beautiful places to visit in Vizag. Vizag is surrounded by three hills and Ross Hill Church stands atop the central one. And once you reach the hilltop, you can enjoy fabulous views of the entire city, including the port, shipyard and beaches in Vizag – something you can’t afford to miss during your trip here.  

Ross Hill Church is frequented by worshippers who come here to participate in mass prayers and services that are held regularly. The place is a delight for tourists as well, especially nature lovers, photographers and peace seekers. Visit the church in the early morning or at the time of sunset to soak in the beauty of a vibrant sky and capture the best views on your camera.

17. Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Central Park

Inaugurated in 2016, VMRDA City Central Park is one of the best entertainment and amusement parks in the city. Nestled in the heart of Vizag, it is known for its lush green surroundings and serene environment. Whether you are looking to relax amidst nature or spend some fun-filled time with your loved ones, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Central Park or VMRDA City Central Park is the place to be.

The park takes up an area of more than 22 acres and is famed for being the first park in the state with a musical fountain. It also has a beautiful bonsai garden with over 120 varieties of trees, a spacious yoga hall, an amphitheatre with a seating capacity of 500, a jogging track and a cycling track. The management of the park also provides cycles for a nominal fee, making it one of the top places to visit in Vizag.

18. Lawson’s Bay Beach

Lawson’s Bay Beach | #18 of 20 Best Places to visit in Vizag.

If you love spending time by the sea, Lawson’s Bay Beach is a must-visit. This peaceful and beautiful beach is considered an extension of the popular Ramakrishna Beach or RK Beach. It is a popular attraction among nature and sea lovers looking to relax under a radiant blue sky. The crystal-clear water and the calm waves make the beach ideal for swimming and surfing as well. What’s more, you can enjoy morning walks, picnics and other leisure activities here.

19. Gangavaram Beach

Located on the coast of Visakhapatnam, away from the din of the city, Gangavaram Beach is counted among the most picturesque beaches in the city. Thanks to its secluded location and surrounding greenery, the beach is just right for you if you are looking for serenity near the sea.

From unwinding under palm trees to spending some time enjoying different activities like swimming and beach volleyball, you will find plenty of things to do in Vizag when you are here. You can also plan a picnic with your loved ones or enjoy a trek to the nearby hillock. The picture-perfect sceneries make Gangavaram Beach popular among filmmakers and shutterbugs as well.

20. TU 142 Aircraft Museum famous Place to visit in Visakhapatnam

TU 142 Aircraft Museum | #20 of 20 Best Places to visit in Visakhapatnam.

Apart from parks and beaches, Visakhapatnam boasts many amazing museums that showcase a wonderful combination of ancient history and modern culture. TU 142 Aircraft Museum, for instance, is one of the most amazing places to visit in Vizag. It is unique since a naval aircraft with a flying history of 30 years and 30,000 hours was decommissioned and converted to this museum. A matter of immense pride for the city, this aircraft museum speaks volumes about the lives of Navy personnel.

Once you step inside, you will be transported to a different world altogether. The aircraft museum houses many aeronautical equipment, like engines, propellers, anti-submarine missiles, black box, sonobuoys and survival kits, among others. It also has a flight simulator platform that offers a virtual reality flight experience – something you can’t afford to miss!

If you have never been to Visakhapatnam, take this blog as your travel guide, scout for a flight to the ‘City of Destiny’ and book your hotel in Visakhapatnam today! From emerald green oceans to pristine beaches, intriguing museums and extremely peaceful hill stations, this city has every element of a perfect getaway. Start with the beaches and the mainstream attractions, and then explore the hidden places including the quaint towns. You will glad you left the quieter parts of the state for the end. Do not forget to click some stunning photos at the various viewpoints because long after you have left, the photos will urge you to go back.

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