Visakhapatnam Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 2-3 days

Best Time: September to March Read More

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Also Refered As:

Vizag

"A gem of South India"

Visakhapatnam Tourism

Visakhapatnam, also commonly known as Vizag, is one of the oldest port cities in the country. Situated in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, Vizag was announced as the state capital of Andhra Pradesh on January 31, 2023. The city is known for its picturesque beaches and serene landscape, as well as a rich cultural past. The port of Visakhapatnam is renowned for being home to the oldest shipyard in all of India. 

Located a short distance away from Visakhapatnam is Araku Valley, one of the prime attractions of Vizag. Situated at a lofty 910 metres above sea level, Araku Valley is a hill station replete with gushing waterfalls, crystal clear streams, lush green gardens and some challenging trekking trails.
Vizag is dotted with many beaches along its coastline, with the most famous one being the Yarada Beach. One of the most stunning places to see in all of Visakhapatnam, Yarada beach is surrounded by majestic hills on three sides, and by the Bay of Bengal on the other side. One of the best things about Vizag’s beaches is that they are a lot cleaner and a lot less crowded than other famous beaches along the Indian coastline, and Yarada beach is no exception. It is the perfect place to sit back on the golden sands and witness a marvellous sunrise or sunset. 

If you’re a history lover, the Borra Caves are one of the best tourist attractions that Vizag has to offer for you. Nestled amidst the Ananthagiri Hills in Araku Valley, the Borra Caves are over thousands of years old and are the biggest among all the caves found in India. Made entirely of natural karstic limestone, the caves are kaleidoscopic in nature, and the light falling on the rocks coupled with the waterfalls creates an extremely colourful effect, lending an aura of magic and mysticism to the entire ambience.

The Katiki Waterfalls, situated a short distance away from the Borra Caves, is a gushing waterfall that measures around 50 feet in height and is completely surrounded by the lush greenery of the valley. The crystal-clear water cascading down the rocks, bordered by the gleaming green foliage is a sight for sore eyes. Being a coastal area, the primary cuisine of Visakhapatnam includes seafood, as well as traditional Andhra South Indian cuisine.  While Visakhapatnam is not exactly renowned for being a shopping destination, you will still find a lot of things that you can take back home. You can purchase a wide variety of stuff starting from handicrafts to Kalamkari paintings to wooden toys to even gorgeous Pochampalli and Ikat sarees.

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Industrial Hub

The city has many major industries like Fertilizer, Oil Refinery, Ship Building, Steel Mills, Petro Chemicals and a Naval Base. Visakhapatnam is a very important shipbuilding centre and the first steamer to be built in India was launched in Vizag's harbour in the year 1948.

Culture Of Visakhapatnam

Owing to its historical ancestry that encompasses many great and diverse dynasties - ranging from the Buddhists, the Vijayanagara, the Mughals and finally the European colonial powers, Vishakhapatnam has a rich cultural heritage. The city is home to a cosmopolitan crowd including Ango-Indians and people from many different regions of the country. All religions find prominence in architecture devoted to them in and around the city - from Buddhist shrines to temples, from churches to mosques and minarets. Vishakapatnam hosts many popular festivals annually such as the ISKON Utsav, Chandanotsavam, Vishakhapatnam Music Festival, Rishikonda Beach Festival and Navy Day. A famous celebration is the Dhimsu dance performed by tribal women from the hills in their traditional costumes. 

History Of Visakhapatnam

Vishakhapatnam has a richly interesting history, stretching back to around 5th to 6th century BC. Ancient Buddhist roots and influence can be traced back to when the city was believed to be a part of the Kalinga empire. Later it was ruled by many dynasties including the Pallavas and the Cholas until it passed to the hands of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 15th century. Subsequently, the Mughals ruled the city under their Nizam before the French conquest of the city. Being a strategically crucial coastal location, the British wanted control of Vishakhapatnam’s ports and harbours, and they fought the French in the naval Battle of Visakhapatnam in 1804. They subsequently took over the city, and it remained a part of the British Madras Presidency till India’s independence over 100 years later.

Restaurants and Local Food in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam's cuisine is a blend of all that's in and around. From an elaborate South-Indian thali, the local favorite Hyderabadi Biryani , flattering North-Indian food to instances of fast food and the tangy and teasing Andhra cuisine, there is little space left in Visakhapatnam's platter.
Do try the South-Indian relishes here such as Dosas, Idlis, and Upmas as well as popular items like Murri Mixture, Pickles and Chutneys, Booralu, Pulihara, Appadams and much more. One may also want to try Laskora Undalu (coconut laddu) Sunnundallu, Pachadi-typically made of vegetables/greens and roasted green/red chilies, Pappu Koora(Lentil based dish), Vepudu(Fry)- crispy fried vegetables and Garelu (A type of Vada) .
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Suggested Itinerary for Visakhapatnam

Day 1 - Arrive and visit Kailashgiri, Submarine Museum, Rushikonda Beach. Then visit the local markets for shopping.
Day 2 - Visit Araku & Borra caves, spend time at the beach and then visit local food joints.

Best Time to Visit Visakhapatnam

How to Reach Visakhapatnam

How to Reach Overview

Being a major port, it is well connected to all parts via rail and roads. Visakhapatnam has its own domestic and international airport connecting it to all major cities of India. You could even catch an overnight bus from the nearby hotspots to Vizag.

How to reach Visakhapatnam by flight

The city of Visakhapatnam is connected with Hyderabad, New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Bhubaneswar from the Visakhapatnam International Airport.

How to reach Visakhapatnam by road

Frequent and regular bus services are available to Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Chennai, Bhubaneswar and Tirupati.

How to reach Visakhapatnam by train

Vizag is well connected by railway to New Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai. Express trains are available on a daily basis to all the four major cities.

Local transport in Visakhapatnam

You can travel around through various buses, auto rickshaws and cabs available for internal commuting. The nearby areas are secluded and free from human intervention. They can be explored by foot through the various trekking trails.

Most frequently searched routes to Visakhapatnam

Route Name Distance Time
Bangalore to Visakhapatnam 1,008 km 16 hours 54 mins
Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam 619 km 10 hours 30 mins
Chennai to Visakhapatnam 800 km 13 hours 0 mins
Delhi to Visakhapatnam 1,813 km 1 day 8 hours
Mumbai to Visakhapatnam 1,353 km 22 hours 33 mins
Pune to Visakhapatnam 1,206 km 20 hours 1 min

Visakhapatnam Photos

Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Borra caves

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FAQs on Visakhapatnam

What is the best way to reach Visakhapatnam?

Being a major port, it is well connected to all parts via rail and roads. Visakhapatnam has its own domestic and international airport connecting it to all major cities of India. You could even catch an overnight bus from the nearby hotspots to Vizag.
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What are the places near Visakhapatnam?

The top places near to Visakhapatnam are Ananthagiri hills which is 61 km from Visakhapatnam, Araku valley which is located 80 km from Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram which is located 50 km from Visakhapatnam, Konaseema which is located 169 km from Visakhapatnam, Samalkot which is located 131 km from Visakhapatnam

What are the things to do in Visakhapatnam?

The top things to do in Visakhapatnam are Kailasagiri, Katiki Waterfalls, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Borra Caves, Submarine Museum, Simhachalam Temple. You can see all the places to visit in Visakhapatnam here

What are the top hotels in Visakhapatnam?

There are 148 in Visakhapatnam which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Visakhapatnam are GVK Inn, The Andhra Art & Craft Hotel, Sree Residency, OYO 66166 Parinaya Grand, Hotel Renuka, Rushikonda Sunrise Guest house. You can see all the hotels in Visakhapatnam here

What is the local food in Visakhapatnam?

Visakhapatnam's cuisine is a blend of all that's in and around. From an elaborate South-Indian thali, the local favorite Hyderabadi Biryani , flattering North-Indian food to instances of fast food and the tangy and teasing Andhra cuisine, there is little space left in Visakhapatnam's platter.
Do try the South-Indian relishes here such as Dosas, Idlis, and Upmas as well as popular items like Murri Mixture, Pickles and Chutneys, Booralu, Pulihara, Appadams and much more. One may also want to try Laskora Undalu (coconut laddu) Sunnundallu, Pachadi-typically made of vegetables/greens and roasted green/red chilies, Pappu Koora(Lentil based dish), Vepudu(Fry)- crispy fried vegetables and Garelu (A type of Vada) .
Read More

What is the best time to visit Visakhapatnam?

The best time to take a trip to this splendid place is in winter season i.e between October and March. The weather during this period is extremely pleasing and windy. There are major religious festivals like Visakha Utsav celebrated from October - December. There is no trace of humidity in the air enhancing the travelling experience even more. During summers it can get extremely torrid which might keep you from stepping out. Humidity and heat waves also accompany the region making it difficult to take a stroll or even go into the beach. Monsoon hits Vishakapatnam from july to september when the city receives heavy rainfall making it uncomfortable to travel around. Hence, summers and monsoon are not an ideal time to visit Visakhapatnam. 

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Who should visit Visakhapatnam?

Vishakhapatnam is a great place for someone looking for a calm place near the beach amidst beautiful surroundings and a gush of fresh air. Perfect for people living in and around Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

What is not so good about Visakhapatnam?

Not a lot to offer to tourists.

What is famous about Visakhapatnam?

Beautiful beaches and scenery. Good city to live in. Great industrial history. Easily accessible.

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Popular Questions And Answers on Visakhapatnam

Q. What are some of the best restaurants to try out in Visakhapatnam?

Anil Vizag

4 years ago
As per my opinion Kamat Restaurant, Helapuri are best restarurants in Vizag.
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Q. I want to know tourist place in vizag?

Surbhi Parashar

5 years ago
You can visit: Kailasagiri, Borra caves, Araku valley, Submarine Museum, Rishikonda Beach, Ramakrishna beach, Dolphin's nose and Yarada Beach
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Q. Where to stay in Vizag?

Holidify

5 years ago
There are numerous hotels in Vizag and you can chose one according to your budget.
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Visakhapatnam Reviews

Your rating

M Nani

3 years ago
Beautiful city and very clean and green best tourism spots like beautiful sandy beaches, Aruku valley many more and also called as Goa of East coast, city of destiny.

Purandar Basu

4 years ago
WE WANT TO TRAVELLING IN VIZAG,ARKU-VALLEYS , LUMBASINGI,ANANTAGIRI HILLS ,HORSEY HILLS & ARMAKONDA AREA'S.

siri chandana

4 years ago
its so nice living there i visited vishakapatnam this place is awesome wheater is so cool when i went nice eperience nice view wow beautiful
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