Places to visit in Visakhapatnam

A magnificent park located on a quaint hilltop in Visakhapatnam, Kailasagiri is one of the most calming places to visit in Vizag. The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority built this park to boost tourism in the region.

A total of 380 acres is covered by the sprawling greens of the park, lending an intense aura of nature-friendliness and peacefulness to the area. The tropical trees and local flora are a sight to watch for botanists or nature lovers. In 2003, recognizing the efforts of the authorities, the place was awarded the “Best Tourist Spot” by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

The hill is an entirely plastic-free zone and can be accessed easily via cable rides. Do not forget to photograph the deep valleys as you cruise in the cable cars to reach Kailasagiri.

Location: Hill Top Rd, Kailasagiri, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530043

Price: Rs. 5 for Entry. Cable car round trip fee for adults is Rs. 75 whereas that for children is Rs. 40.

Timings: 10 AM to 8 PM

The Submarine Museum of Vizag is a submarine itself – the INS Kurusura. This Kalvari class submarine of the Indian navy was once operated on both diesel and electricity. After being decommissioned on 27 February 2001, having served in the Indo Pakistani war of 1971, this submarine was preserved for public access at the RK beach in Vizag. 

Being one of the most historically significant places to visit in Vizag, it attracts thousands of tourists every year. Even though the submarine is decommissioned, th Indian navy bestows the dressing ship honour upon it. The inside of the submarine serves as the reminder of the toil and effort that went into defending the nation through the war.

While here, do not forget to photograph the gorgeous exterior and explore the history of the submarine inside.

Location: R. K. Beach Road, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Pandurangapuram, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530017

Price: Rs. 25 per person

Timings: 2 PM to 8:30 PM

Situated in the Kambalakonda area of Visakhapatnam, the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is the best tourist attraction in Vizag for people who love wildlife and nature. Being one of the best places to see in Vizag, it attracts thousands of visitors every year and offers views of eastern Ghats on its three sides and the Bay of Bengal on the fourth. 

Different primates, small mammals, carnivores and lesser carnivores find a home at this park. You can learn about their natural habitats and eating habits from the plaques displayed throughout the park. A natural forest reserve outlook and an open serpentarium make this zoo a unique one in all of the country.

Many educational activities are organized here from time to time, to educate youth about the local fauna and exotic but endangered species in the region. Visit here with a picnic basket to get the best of this park.

Location: Near Dairy Farm, Yendada Nursery, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530040

Price: INR 10 for adults and INR 5 for children

Timings: 9:30 AM to 5 PM

A prominent tourist attraction in Vizag for adventure lovers, the VUDA park is a specialized adventure park in Vizag. It is now called the VRMDA park and has some of the unique experiences like skiing and heli tourism to travellers. 

It spans for a massive 55 acres. While here, do not forget to visit the world-famous musical waterfall and take a swing and ice skating on the gorgeous skating rink. The proximity of this park to the Ramakrishna beach invites enormous crowds at all hours of the day. You can enjoy a spicy evening snack here or simply take a walk to admire the beauty of this picturesque park. 

Location: Beach Rd Kailasagiri Arch, Chinna Waltair, Jalari Peta, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530017

Price: Rs. 20 per person and Rs. 60 for music fountain

Timings: 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM

The Simhachalam temple, also known as the Shri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple is located on the simhachalam hill in Vizag. The chief deity worshipped here is the Varaha Narsimha, an incarnation of the Hindu Lord Vishnu. According to ancient Legends, Vishnu took the form of Narasimha to kill Hiranyakashyapu, a devil taunting Vishnu’s devotee Prahlad. 

Simhachalam of Vizag is one of the 32 temples of Narasimha located in Andhra Pradesh and is an essential pilgrimage site for Hindus around the world. The oldest description of the temple is found in a 9th-century royal record of the region. The temple follows a traditional Kalinga style of architecture and faces west instead of east. You can come here to meditate in peace for a while or just enjoy the views of the surrounding waters.

Location: Simhachalam Rd, Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530028

Price: Normal Darshanam is free, Special Darshanam costs Rs. 100

Timings: 4 AM to 9 PM

If you are looking to spend some relaxed time away from the daily hustle of the metros, RushiKonda Beach, also spelled as Rishikonda beach, is a must-visit. It is a pristine white sand beach situated about 8 km from the Vizag city centre. Both tourists and locals flock to the beach to gaze at the clear blue skies, sunbathe, swim or birdwatch. Water skiing and windsurfing are some must-try adventurous activities on this beach.

You can also try activities like beach volleyball or just revel in a quiet picnic with friends and families. For delicious seafood, head to some local seafood restaurants near the beach. Do not forget to photograph the wild waves of the Bay of Bengal and the golden sands. 

Location: Rishikonda Beach, Visakhapatnam

Price: Free Entry

Timings: Open 24 hours

Borrowing its name from the Rama Krishna Ashram of Visakhapatnam, the RK beach or the Rama Krishna Mission Beach is the largest beach of Vizag. A stretch of turquoise waters border the beach and kisses the white sand shore.

The surrounding greenery is a stark contrast to the red skies in the evenings when tourists and locals flock here to watch the breathtaking sunset. Swimming, surfing, beach volleyball or sunbathing are all popular activities you can try while here. 

If you are looking to hit the waters on your tour to Vizag, you can also rent a fishing boat and go on a cruise off the coast of Vizag. Additionally, you may enjoy camel rides on the sandy shores while looking at the seas. Several roadside restaurants and beach shafts located here serve mouthwatering local delicacies featuring seafood. Do not forget to drop in one of these for some evening snacks.

Location: Ramakrishna BeachVisakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Price: No Entry Fee

Timings: 5 AM to 12 AM

A part of two Buddhist rock-cut caves situated on adjacent hillocks, Bojjanakonda is a religiously, culturally and historically significant site in the city of Vizag.Sankaram, a village located near the site acts as the gateway of entrance to these rock cut caves.

Between the 4th and 9th century AD, three phases of Buddhism called Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana flourished in Sankaram, and the caves were built during this time only. The Bojjanakonda is a locally pronounced version of the name buddha Konda.

Both the rock-cut caves are surrounded by colossal paddy fields that lend a picturesque appeal to this place. Several monolithic stupas, rock-cut caves and monasteries are characteristic features of these caves. The Bojjannakonda is the eastern hill and contains a brick constructed dome above the Maha Stupa in addition to several monoliths.

If you are curious about the religious history and local customs of Vizag, this place should be on your itinerary.

Location: Rebaka, Andhra Pradesh 531032

Price: No Entry Fee

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM

To get a once in a lifetime view of the whole city of Visakhapatnam, you must not forget visiting the splendid Ross HillChurch. This religiously significant monument attracts both tourists and worshippers alike. A serene vibe and beautiful architecture are characteristic of this place, offering nature lovers with undying views of sunsets and sunrises. 

The hill on which the church is situated on is the central highest hill of the region. Mass prayers and services are held here regularly, seeing massive participation from the locals. This church is often a site for weddings as well.Come to this temple to meditate in peace, explore religious faiths, or just to enjoy the beautiful view.

Location: Port Area, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530001

Price: No Entry Fee

Timings: 6 AM to  8 PM

Housing an immense variety of fighter plane models, missiles and tankers, the victory at sea war memorial is located in Vizag is a chief tourist attraction of the country. It is a war museum dedicated to the martyrs of Indian defence forces. Its pleasant location in a massive green park and proximity to the beach road intensifies the aesthetic appeal of the place. 

A tri-service representation of artefacts is characteristic of this museum. A t-55 tank used in the second world war further adds to its glory. Other famous displays include the P-21 ground to ground missile and an RZ-61 missile used frequently for the republic day parade rehearsals.

Photography and eating are restricted inside the memorial. However, you can find plenty of good restaurants as you walk towards the beach from Victory at Sea Memorial.

Location: 31, Dr NTR Beach Rd, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Pedda Waltair, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530003

Price: No Entry Fee

Timings: Open 24 hours

The Gangavaram beach borders the coast of Visakhapatnam around the gangavaram area. The beach is famous for its scenic beauty and bustling cultures of the villages situated near it. This beach is often a site of celebration during festivals like Maghapournami during February and March. In mid-June, another festival called the Paidithalamma Ammavari Panduga is celebrated in the nearby villages.

If you visit this beach, you can sunbathe or bask in the local cultures by travelling to the bordering communities. Do not forget to try activities like swimming and beach volleyball here.

Location: Gangavaram, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Price: No Entry Fee

Timings: Open 24 hours

Few places around the world can match the tranquillity and serenity reverberating from the Sagar Nagar Beach of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Be it the mesmerizing sunsets, unmatched peace or the golden-white sands; this beach doesn't fail to impress visitors. It is situated on the coast of Bay of Bengal on the eastern end of the country and is completely secluded from other more crowded beaches of Vizag. 

Paragliding atop the emerald waters of the Sagar Nagar Beach is an activity you shouldn’t forego. You can also visit here with a camera or relax under the sun during the day.

Location: Sagar Nagar, Visakhapatnam

Price: No Entry Fees

Timings: open 24 hours

Better known as the Visakhapatnam municipal corporation museum, the  Visakha museum is a port city museum housing treasures from ancient history and artefacts if the Kalingadhara region. The museum was opened to the public in 1991 and since then, has been a popular tourist spot of Vizag. 

Ancient armoury, coins, silk costumes, jewellery, stuffed animals, diaries, periodicals, maps, and scrapbooks are all parts of some of the most famous exhibits of this museum. Early settlers of Visakhapatnam are said to have used these in ancient times. Moreover, there are also tasteful displays of warships, missiles and artillery in the museum.

A special exhibit to check out at this place is Vasco da Gama's maiden sea voyage, a searchlight reflector and Nehru's words saying “ to be secure on land, we must be supreme on the sea”.

Location: Dr NTR Beach Rd, opposite Palm Beach Hotel, Dutch Layout, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Pedda Waltair, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530017

Price: Rs. 10 for adults and 5 for children

Timings: 11 AM to 7 PM

A serene and secluded extension of the massive Ramakrishna beach in Vizag, Lawson's Bay beach is the perfect place to relax after a busy week. The cyan stretch of waters and the glowing blue skies make up the ideal sight as you sunbathe here.

You can also play some beach volleyball or have a small picnic with friends or family. Try surfing or revel in the lush greenery of the place. Do not forget to carry your camera for some stunning shots of the golden sands. 

Location: Dr NTR Beach RdLawsons Bay Colony, Pedda Waltair, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Price: No Entry Fee

Timings: Open 24 hours

Matsyadarshini, a glass tank aquarium, is one of the most entertaining places to visit in Vizag. It was developed by the Visakhapatnam municipal corporation to preserve marine and aqueous species of the region.

The marine varieties at this tourist attraction in Vizag include the longhorn cowfish, surgeon major, butterflyfishes, clownfish, triggerfish, perch dusky, red squirrelfish, stonefish, lionfish, angels, electric ray and porcupine fish.

Some rare marine invertebrates also houses within this beautiful and entertaining aquarium. The pleasant view of this aquarium comes from a confluence of colourful sea anemones, starfish and other fish.

Location: Dr NTR Beach Rd, Pandurangapuram, Chinna Waltair, Pandurangapuram, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530003

Price: Rs. 30 per person for adults, Rs. 20 for children, Rs. 20 for still camera and Rs. 50 for video camera

Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM

Spread over a massive area of 17,000 acres, this is a vast forest reserve named after the local hill by the same name. The sanctuary, one of the best places to visit in Visakhapatnam, is covered in a lush thick cover of plants and trees native to the Eastern Ghats like Tree of Heaven, Sage, Indian liquorice, Indian rosewood, Indian figs, Indigo, Dinnerplate tree, etc.

The sanctuary is visited by thousands of nature enthusiasts to see rare animals, reptiles, & birds like leopards, Indian muntjac, pangolin, Madras treeshrew, cobra, Russell’s viper, Bengal monitor, Laughing dove, Red-wattled lapwing, etc. if you are lucky, you can spot the rare Indian screw tree and butterflies here. There is a reservoir inside the sanctuary that’s great for viewing a beautiful sunset. Night safaris are available here for you to enjoy the nocturnal wildlife. 

The sanctuary lying in rugged mountainous terrain is perfect for trekking and hiking especially night treks. The hazy and misty weather here makes trekking even more fun. Besides these, you can also enjoy adventure activities like Burma bridge, sky walking, tyre walking, goat walking, zip-lining, etc. here.

Location: Vizianagaram-Srikakulam road, Visakhapatnam.

Price: Adults: Rs. 10 and children: Rs.5

Timings: Every day from 9:00 am-4: 30 pm.

One of the most popular tourist places in Visakhapatnam, this is TU 142 Naval aircraft that has been converted into a museum. This aircraft had a history of flying for over 30,000 hours in an accident-free service to the Indian Navy. After 30 years of service, it was decommissioned and opened for visitors. It is one of the best places for people who love planes and the engineering behind them.

You step into a whole new world inside the aircraft. You will see an array of aeronautical equipment like propellers, survival kits, engine, sonobuoys, anti-submarine missiles, date recorder, black box, parachutes, etc. and much more. Visitors are led through the aircraft through an audio guide explaining about each display. The highlight of the museum is a flight simulator platform that you can enjoy through a virtual reality interface.

Location: Beach Road, Opposite Kursura Submarine Museum, AU North Campus, HPCL Colony, Pandurangapuram, Visakhapatnam.

Price: Rs. 70 per person.

Timings: Every day from 2:00 pm-8:30 pm.

One of the few places to visit in Visakhapatnam where you can spend the whole day amidst the beauty of nature, Mudasarlova is a lush 20-acre garden that is a must-visit, Built by the British in the early 19th-century, it has huge mango orchards that produce varieties of mangoes. A great place to enjoy an afternoon picnic in lovely palm tree-shaded spots, this park also has a children’s play area. The entire park is made over a sloped terrain that lends it an interesting structure. You will also see several spots that have bird cages full of colourful chirping birds. Don’t miss to see the grand golf course in the park.

The gardens are well-manicured and full of flowers, fountains, wooden bridges, and viewpoints to savour all this beauty. The park, one of the most scenic tourist places in Visakhapatnam, houses the oldest water reservoir in Visakhapatnam that’s one of the most scenic spots here. This waterbody is visited by varieties of birds, making it a haven for bird watchers.

Location: Chinna Gadhili, Visakhapatnam.

Price: Rs. 10 per person.

Timings: Every day from 8:00 am-5:30 pm. 

Located on a hilltop, this is an almost 2000-year-old Buddhist complex that overlooks the sea. This complex finds its roots in the ancient Kalinga Empire that was majorly responsible for spreading Buddhism in Southeast Asia. It was a major site for Roman trade and missionary activities as seen from the excavations that led to the discovery of Roman-era silver coins, terracotta tiles, miniature stupa models, and scriptures in Brahmi script, etc.

This almost 120-acre site comprises a Mahastupa, 11 rock-cut water cisterns, a congregation hall, and chaitya-grihas. The site is now protected by the Andhra Pradesh government and houses sacred Buddhist relics that are a must-see. This is a great place, amongst one of the most intriguing places to visit in Visakhapatnam, especially for people who follow Buddhism and spirituality. Spending time in quietude enveloped by a cool breeze and sounds of the sea waters, and sharing the space of the thousand-year-old iconic heritage gives an amazingly surreal feeling.

Location: Bheemunipatnam, around 15 kilometres away from Visakhapatnam.

Timings: Every day from 10:00 am-5:00 pm.

Also known as Bheemunipatnam, this beautiful fishing village is located at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the Gosthani River. This was one of the most important 17th-century Dutch settlements and was a major trading port. One of the reasons that make it an intriguing place is that Buddhist remains like caskets etc. were found here dating back to the 3rd-century.

The town gets its name from Bheema of the Mahabharata legends. It is the most famous for its serene beach that stretches for around 30 kilometres. The views of the sea, powdery white sands, old cemeteries, and the sea-facing ancient 14th-century temple of Lord Narasimha make this one of the most popular tourist places in Visakhapatnam. The beach has clean promenades shaded with palm trees where one can sit for hours to enjoy these great views. Don’t miss to see the 18th-century lighthouse and a church that’s known as the Red Church.

Bheemili also houses an old Dutch Fort known for its beautiful architecture. This is a great place to enjoy traditional Andhra food at the local village shacks.