One of the oldest port cities in the nation, Visakhapatnam, usually referred to as Vizag, is a popular tourist destination in the state. Situated in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, it is renowned for its serene beaches, verdant surroundings (roughly 30% of the city is covered in greenery), and rich cultural history, all of which combine to make it the perfect destination for an amazing coastal getaway. For long-distance commutes, roads and trains are the best options.

Nearest Railway station: Visakhapatnam railway station

Nearest Airport: Visakhapatnam International Airport

Top Places to Visit in Vishakapatnam

1. Yarada Beach

Situated fifteen kilometres away from Visakhapatnam. The expansive Bay of Bengal borders the beach on four sides, while lush green hills around the beach on three sides create an amazing vista. The 15-minute drive from Yarada Beach to Dolphin's Nose, has some spectacular sea and city views of Vizag from historic lighthouse and beach rides around Dolphin Hill.

Timing: Always open for visitors.

Entry Fee: No entry fee

2. Katiki Waterfalls

Located about ninety kilometres from Visakhapatnam, in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district. the River Gosthani is the source of Katiki Falls, originating in the Borra Caves. The plunge of Katiki Waterfalls is more than fifteen meters. While you're here, make sure to sample the locals' renowned bamboo-marinated chicken.

Timing: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Entry Fee: No entry fee.

3. Kailasagiri

Comprising 380 acres of expansive greens, Kailasagiri Park offers views of the Bay of Bengal and the city. The park also features a ropeway, toy train, paragliding and horseback riding facilities. At a height of 173 meters, the centrepieces of Kailasagiri Park are the 12-meter-tall statues of the goddess Parvathi and Lord Shiva, a floral clock, and the Titanic viewpoint.

Timing: 10 AM to 8 PM

Entry Fee: Rs. 5 for Entry

4. Submarine Museum

The Submarine Museum of Vizag is a submarine in its own right: the INS Kurusura, a dieselelectric submarine that weighed 1,919 long tonnes when surfaced with 10 torpedo tubes at a length of 91.3 metres. This submarine was kept for public viewing at the RK beach after it was decommissioned on February 27, 2001, following its service in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War.

Timing: 2 PM to 8:30 PM

Entry Fee: Rs. 25 per person

5. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park

Located in the Visakhapatnam district of Kambalakonda, this 625-acre environment is home to over 80 different species of birds and wildlife. Its three sides are adorned with views of the eastern Ghats, while its fourth side faces the Bay of Bengal. Occasionally, a lot of educational events are held here to teach young people about the native wildlife and exotic yet endangered species in the area.

Timing: 9:30 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for adults and Rs. 5 for children

6. Simhachalam Temple

Also known as the Shri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple is located on Simhachalam Hill in Vizag, about 300 metres above sea level, and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu's avatar. A 9th century royal chronicle of the area contains the earliest description of the temple. The architecture is in the typical Kalinga style facing west rather than east.

Timing: 7 AM to 4 PM and from 6 PM to 9 PM

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

7. Bojjannakonda

Part of two Buddhist rock-cut caves located on adjacent hillocks in Sankaran, a small village about 40 kilometres from Vishakhapatnam. Bojjannakonda on the east side and Lingalajonda on the west are the two hills. It is home to several monasteries, rock-cut caverns, and monolithic stupas.

Timing: 9 AM to 6 PM

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

8. Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary

With a forest area of 70.70 square kilometres, it is covered in a luxuriant thick cover of Eastern Ghats' native plants and trees. The reservoir inside the sanctuary is ideal for enjoying a stunning sunset. Night safaris are available to explore the nocturnal wildlife. Adventure sports include ziplining, goat trekking, sky walking, Burma bridge, and tyre walking.

Timing: 9:00 AM to 4: 30 PM

Entry Fee: Adults Rs. 10 and children Rs.5

9. Borra Caves

One of the biggest cave systems in the nation dates back more than 150 years. It is situated 705 meters in the Eastern Ghats' Ananthagiri hill range and consists of up to 80-meter-deep karstic limestone formations. They are considered India's deepest caverns, with a Shiva lingam deep within their bowels that is adored throughout South India.

Timing: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Entry Fee: Adult Rs 60 and Children Rs 45.

10. Matsyadarshini Aquarium

The aquarium is well-known for its diverse marine life and unique aquatic inhabitants. The Aquarium, which is located across from RK Beach, features more than 20 tanks with freshwater and marine invertebrates in their natural habitats in addition to fish. The municipal corporation of Visakhapatnam created it with the intention of protecting the area's aquatic and marine life.

Timing: 9 AM to 9 PM

Entry Fee: Rs. 30 per person for adults, Rs. 20 for children

11. VUDA Park

VUDA Park, which covers 55 acres, features paved pathways that provide views of the Bay of Bengal, as well as over 2,500 different types of trees and other plants and flowers. Now known as the VRMDA park, it offers various unique experiences for visitors, including the worldfamous musical waterfall, proximity to the Ramakrishna beach, skiing and Heli-tourism.

Timing: 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM

Entry Fee: Rs. 20 per person and Rs. 60 for music fountain

12. Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary

Situated amidst the Eastern Ghats' foothills and encircled by the Bay of Bengal, the region spans around 1,832 acres, spanning from Munagapaka to the Atchutapuram mandals. The Kondakarla Ava Lake, one of the biggest freshwater lakes in the nation, is located within the Kondakarla Ava Bird Sanctuary, which contributes to its popularity.

Timing: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Entry Fee: 20 per person