Overview
About Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam, popularly called Vizag, is the largest city in Andhra Pradesh and one of the most scenic on India's east coast. It is wedged between the Bay of Bengal and the green hills of the Eastern Ghats, so a single drive can take you past long beaches, rocky headlands and hilltop viewpoints within minutes of each other.
The city is an important port and the headquarters of the Indian Navy's Eastern Naval Command, and that maritime character shows in its attractions, from a real submarine turned museum on the beachfront to a naval aircraft museum across the road. Vizag also has ancient roots: Buddhist monastery sites on the hills to the north and the hilltop Simhachalam temple point to a long history.
Beyond the city, the road and railway climb into the Eastern Ghats towards the Araku Valley, a cool region of coffee plantations, tribal villages and the limestone Borra Caves. The coast road north runs past quiet beaches to the old Dutch settlement of Bheemunipatnam. Together they make Vizag a rewarding mix of beach holiday and hill escape.
- RK Beach
- Submarine museum
- Araku Valley
- Borra Caves
- Seafood
- Eastern Ghats views
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Visakhapatnam
Beaches
Ramakrishna (RK) Beach
The city's main beachfront, with a long promenade, statues and memorials, popular for evening walks. The sea here is rough, so it is better for strolling than swimming.
Rushikonda Beach
A golden beach north of the city, backed by green hills, known for cleaner water and water sports when the sea is calm.
Yarada Beach
A secluded cove surrounded by hills on three sides, reached by a winding road past the port. Ideal for a quiet afternoon.
Museums & Viewpoints
INS Kursura Submarine Museum
A decommissioned Indian Navy submarine set on RK Beach, where visitors walk through its cramped compartments to see how sailors lived and worked.
TU-142 Aircraft Museum
A retired long-range naval reconnaissance aircraft opposite the submarine museum, with exhibits on naval aviation.
Kailasagiri
A hilltop park reached by ropeway or road, with large statues of Shiva and Parvati and wide views over the city and coastline.
Dolphin's Nose
A rocky headland beside the harbour with a lighthouse and sweeping views over the port and the sea.
Temples & Heritage
Simhachalam Temple
A hilltop temple to Lord Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha, admired for its stone carvings. The deity is covered in sandal paste for most of the year.
Thotlakonda and Bheemunipatnam
Thotlakonda is an ancient Buddhist monastery site on a coastal hill, while Bheemunipatnam has an old Dutch cemetery and a quiet beach where the Gosthani river meets the sea.
Nearby Excursions
Araku Valley
A hill region in the Eastern Ghats, about 115 km away, known for coffee estates, tribal culture and cool weather. The train journey through tunnels and bridges is a highlight.
Borra Caves
Vast limestone caves on the way to Araku, with dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations lit up for visitors.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Visakhapatnam
- 1
Ride the train to Araku
Take the scenic train from Visakhapatnam into the Eastern Ghats, passing tunnels, bridges and forested valleys, and return by road via Borra Caves.
- 2
Drive the Beach Road
Follow the coastal road from RK Beach north to Rushikonda and Bheemunipatnam, stopping at viewpoints along the way.
- 3
Explore a submarine
Walk through INS Kursura, one of the few submarine museums in Asia, and pair it with the aircraft museum across the road.
- 4
Take the Kailasagiri ropeway
Ride up to Kailasagiri for sunset views over the city and the curve of the coastline.
- 5
Visit a coffee plantation
In Araku, tour a coffee estate or the coffee museum and taste the region's well-known brew.
- 6
Feast on seafood
Try fresh fish, prawns and crab cooked in fiery Andhra style at local restaurants near the beach.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Visakhapatnam
The best time to visit Visakhapatnam is October to March. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
March to June
27°C to 38°C
Hot and humid near the coast, though sea breezes help in the evenings. Araku is cooler and makes a good escape.
Monsoon
July to September
25°C to 32°C
Moderate to heavy rain turns the hills lush and Araku's waterfalls flow. October and November can bring cyclones, so keep an eye on weather alerts.
Winter
October to February
18°C to 30°C
The best time to visit, with pleasant beach weather and cool, misty mornings in Araku. This is also the peak season for hill trips.
Getting there
How to Reach Visakhapatnam
By Air
Visakhapatnam International Airport is about 12 km from the city centre and has direct flights from Hyderabad, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata and other cities.
By Rail
Visakhapatnam Junction is a major station on the Howrah–Chennai line, with trains to Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi and many other cities. Trains to Araku leave from here.
By Road
The national highway connects Vizag with Vijayawada (about 350 km) and Bhubaneswar (about 440 km). Andhra Pradesh state buses and private coaches run to cities across the region, and taxis are easy to hire for Araku and Borra.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Visakhapatnam
Andhra fish curry
Fish cooked in a spicy, tangy tamarind gravy, best eaten with steamed rice.
Bongulo chicken
Chicken marinated in spices and cooked inside bamboo over a fire, a speciality of the Araku region.
Andhra meals
A fiery vegetarian thali with pappu, rasam, sambar, curries, pickles and gongura chutney.
Pootharekulu
A paper-thin rice-starch sweet filled with sugar or jaggery and ghee, from the Godavari region.
Araku coffee
Coffee grown in the Eastern Ghats, increasingly known for its quality.
What to Buy in Visakhapatnam
- Araku coffee and spices
- Etikoppaka lacquered wooden toys
- Handloom sarees from Andhra Pradesh
- Tribal handicrafts from the Araku region
Travel Tips for Visakhapatnam
- Avoid swimming at RK Beach, where currents are strong; Rushikonda is safer when lifeguards are present.
- Book the Araku train in advance, especially on weekends and in winter.
- Carry a light jacket for Araku in winter, as mornings and nights can be cold.
- Keep an eye on cyclone warnings if you travel in October or November.
FAQs
Visakhapatnam Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Visakhapatnam?
October to March is the best time to visit Visakhapatnam, with pleasant weather for the beaches and cool conditions in the Araku Valley.
How many days are enough for Vizag?
Three to four days lets you see the city's beaches and museums and take a full-day trip to the Araku Valley and Borra Caves.
What is Visakhapatnam famous for?
Visakhapatnam is famous for its beaches, the INS Kursura submarine museum, Kailasagiri, its naval heritage and as the gateway to Araku Valley and Borra Caves.
How far is Araku Valley from Visakhapatnam?
Araku Valley is about 115 km from Visakhapatnam. You can reach it by the scenic train or by road, with Borra Caves on the way.
Which is the best beach in Vizag?
RK Beach is the most popular for evening walks, Rushikonda is better for water sports and cleaner sand, and Yarada is the best for a quiet setting.
Is Vizag the same as Visakhapatnam?
Yes. Vizag is the popular short name for Visakhapatnam, and both are used interchangeably.
