Vizag or Vishakhapatnam is a major industrial city in Andhra Pradesh but is sometimes referred to as the ‘Goa of the East’ due to its pristine and beautiful beaches. Located by the Bay of Bengal, Vizag is the Indian Navy’s eastern command.
A historical town which has rich Buddhist, Kalinga and Pallava heritage, Vizag is a hidden surprise in the Indian tourism arena that offers a mix of beaches, historical wonders and urban culture, all in one place. Let’s find out the most interesting things to do in Vizag for a memorable stay.
Things To Do In Vizag
1. Be inside a real submarine
The Submarine Museum, one of its kind in India, is made inside a real (now decommissioned) Russian sub named INS Kurusura Submarine. Learn about the routine of a sailor inside a submarine, get a guided tour from retired Navy personnel.
Know about the operating system of a submarine. A must-visit experience if travelling with kids or for naval enthusiasts.
- Where: RK Beach
Suggested to Read : 23 Awesome Picnic Spots in and Around Vizag
2. Ride a ropeway to Kailasagiri
A ski lift will take you to the hill top of Kailasagiri which offers mesmerising views of the city and the beaches. There are huge sculptures of Shiva and Parvati on Kailasagiri that are worth seeing.
You can also take a cable car or steps to reach the hill top which has a sprawling park. The Tenneti Park at the foothill of the ropeway is an eco-urban park that’s also worth checking out.
- Where: Hill Top Road
3. Get your adrenaline pumping at Rushikonda
Water skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, jet skiing, and ATV rides, you can do it all on the golden seashores of Rushikonda Beach.
Enjoy traditional Andhra seafood at one of its many shacks when you need to refuel. The Rushikonda Beach has clean, azure waters that you would love to take pictures of and go swimming in.
- Where: Rushikonda Beach Road
Also Read : The Best Beaches In Vizag To Visit For An Awesome Day Out
4. Get a spiritual high at Simhachalam
An ancient temple on a hilly area, surrounded by greenery, the Shri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple has a cubical sanctum sanctorum and a gold-plated Vimana.
The temple has a magnificent five-tiered rajagopuram or main tower. The temple wedding hall has 96 pillars. Visit here for its calm ambience, its architecture and carvings.
- Where: Simhachalam
5. Take an evening stroll at Rama Krishna Beach
Vizag’s most popular and crowded beach, RK Beach is a good spot to enjoy the cool sea breeze and check out the local life as the beach is in the heart of the city where many people come to hang out in the evening.
Eat tasty street food at the beach, visit the nearby Kali Temple and catch a glimpse of the beautiful sunset. Don’t expect solitary strolls, this is a lively beach.
- Where: RK Beach Road
6. Climb the Dolphin’s Nose lighthouse
The rocky formations of Dolphin’s Nose hill offer an enchanting view from where you can marvel at the pure shores of Yarada Beach and Vizag city. Gangavaram Beach is also nearby.
A must do activity is to climb the old lighthouse at Dolphin’s Nose, it is the most refreshing and thrilling climb where you will be rewarded with spectacular views. Visit between 3 PM to 5PM. Yarada Beach is a remote area, so carry your own snacks.
- Where: Near Yarada village
Also Read : 7 Amazing Places to Visit Near Vizag
7. Soak in the culture at Araku Tribal Museum
Located in Araku Valley, the museum’s purpose is to showcase the tribal life in Eastern Ghats.
Enjoy the various exhibits across three floors including, mud utensils, photographs of tribal weddings, tribal artwork, authentic mud and bamboo houses, and tribal dances backed by rhythmic drum beats and buy handicraft items made by the natives.
- Where: Araku Road
8. Explore the Borra Caves
The deepest caves in India, the Borra Caves are a must visit on your Vizag trip for its stalactites and stalagmites. These dark caves look like an alien planet.
The limestone formations in the caves are lit up for the benefit of the tourists and there is a stalagmite Lingam inside the caves which people worship. Take a guided tour to better understand the history and geology of the caves. There are over 300 steps and a lot of walking to do.
- Where: Araku Valley
Also Check : 7 Amazing Shopping Places in Vizag To Shop Till You Drop
9. Photograph the ancient Buddhist Monastery
An ancient site at Thotlakonda is home to a Buddhist monastery complex dating back to 2nd century BCE.
There are several ancient stupas, and it is believed that the monastery could have housed upto 100 Buddhist monks with provisions for food, medicine and religious studies. The region was part of the Kalinga dynasty which help spread Buddhism to Southeast Asia. A must visit for history aficionados.
- Where: Beach Road, Thotlakonda
10. Experience confluence of faiths at Ross Hill
A symbol of true religious harmony, which joins Hinduism, Islam and Christianity together in one spirit, Ross Hill is a real gem not to be missed when you’re in Vizag.
The foot of the hill has a dargah of Baba Ishak Madina and a Vishnu temple, while atop the hill is a pretty Roman Catholic church. The pathway to the hill is strewn with shrines and the views from the top are click-worthy.
- Where: Ambusanga Street
11. Feel the eerie charm of the Dutch Cemetery
Located near the picturesque Bheemili Beach, the 17th century Dutch Cemetery has 52 tombs, some of which are pyramid shaped. The cemetery is divided into British and Dutch sections.
While at Bheemili Beach, don’t forget to pose next to the various statues of Buddhist monks and Pandavas.
- Where: Bheemili Beach
12. Go wildlife spotting at Vizag Zoo & Kambalakonda Eco Park
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Kambalakonda Eco Park is the third largest zoo in the country. Wildlife includes macaws, vultures, olive baboons, puma, jaguar, sambar deer, elephants and hippos.
Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is a wet evergreen forest home to exotic and endemic flora & fauna as well as the famous Indian leopard & cobra.
- Where: NH 16
Suggested to Read : 22 Best Places to Visit in Vizag
13. Step in an aquatic paradise at Matsya Darshini
Check out exotic fishes from deep seas exhibited at one of Vizag’s main attractions, Matsya Darshini Aquatic Museum.
The museum has imported fish from Singapore, Malaysia and Amazon, fishes include stingrays, piranhas, clown fish, arowana fish, etc.
- Where: RK Beach Road
14. Pay your respects at the War Memorial
The Victory At Sea Memorial is an iconic site in Vizag. A memorial dedicated to the Indian Navy martyrs at the infamous India-Pakistan war of 1971.
The Visakhapatnam Port was targeted by Pakistan, but the Indian Navy foiled the plan at the coast here. The area is always buzzing with tourists, but is a great place to take pictures.
- Where: Beach Road
15. Visit the fishing harbour
Go boating at the Vizag fishing harbour and check out the loading and off-loading activities at the port. You can shop for a number of freshly caught fish too.
The Vizag port is one of the best in India. Walk around the busy fish market, and enjoy the sights of the huge port complex. The smell of fish will accompany you throughout the visit!
- Where: Vizag Fishing Harbour
A city full of pleasant surprises, Vizag will surely charm you with its many attractions and bustling energy. If you have any questions, write to us below.
Book hotels in visakhapatnam for a safe and stress-free stay.
Checkout the treebo hotels in Hotels near Near Sea Beach Visakhapatnam,Hotels near Apollo Hospitals Ramnagar Visakhapatnam,Hotels in Maddilapalem Visakhapatnam,Hotels near Jagadamba Junction Visakhapatnam,Hotels in Daspalla Hills Visakhapatnam,Hotels near Port Trust Diamond Jubilee Stadium Visakhapatnam,Hotels near Seven Hills Hospital Visakhapatnam,Hotels near Beach Road Visakhapatnam,Hotels near Rtc Complex Visakhapatnam,Hotels near Varun Beach Visakhapatnam.
