Top 10 Sightseeing Places in Vizag

Visakhapatnam, popularly known as Vizag, is a unique destination where the lush Eastern Ghats meet the serene Bay of Bengal. As India’s only natural harbor city, it offers a refreshing blend of naval history, spiritual heritage, and untouched coastlines. In 2026, Vizag has emerged as a leader in sustainable tourism, offering visitors everything from deep-sea submarine tours to tranquil hilltop retreats. This guide explores the must-visit landmarks for any first-time traveler looking to experience the authentic vibe of this coastal powerhouse.

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1. INS Kursura Submarine Museum

Overview

The INS Kursura is a decommissioned Soviet-built submarine that served the Indian Navy for 31 years before being anchored on the sands of RK Beach. It is the first of its kind in South Asia, allowing civilians to walk through the actual corridors where submariners lived and worked during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

The Local’s Insight

While the evening lights are beautiful, visit around 2:00 PM on a weekday to avoid the school tour crowds. After your tour, walk 50 meters north to find the local “Muri Mixture” stalls—this spicy puffed rice snack is the unofficial flavor of Vizag beach life.

Practical Details

• Best Time to Visit: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Avoid weekends)

• Nearest Transit: RTC Complex Bus Stand (4 km) or Beach Road Autos

• Entry Info: Paid (Digital booking available at the gate)

• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs due to narrow gangways and steep ladders

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2. Kailasagiri Hilltop Park

Overview

Sprawled over 380 acres, Kailasagiri offers the most iconic panoramic views of Vizag’s curved coastline. The park is easily recognized by its massive 40-foot statues of Lord Shiva and Parvati, which serve as a landmark for the entire city.

The Local’s Insight

Skip the road drive and take the ropeway for the ascent to see the coastline expand beneath you. Once at the top, head to the “Titanic Viewpoint”—a ship-shaped concrete deck that offers an unobstructed 270-degree view of the Bay of Bengal, perfect for long-exposure photography.

Practical Details

• Best Time to Visit: 4:30 PM for sunset views

• Nearest Transit: Kailasagiri Ropeway Base Station

• Entry Info: Nominal Entry Fee; separate charges for the ropeway and toy train

• Accessibility: Fully accessible hilltop with paved ramps and battery-operated cars

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3. Rushikonda Beach

Overview

Known as the “Jewel of the East Coast,” Rushikonda is a Blue Flag-certified beach, ensuring high standards of cleanliness and eco-safety. It is the primary hub for water sports in the region, featuring golden sands bordered by emerald hills.

The Local’s Insight

For a quieter experience, walk past the main jetty towards the northern rocks during low tide. You will find small, natural tide pools that are home to tiny crabs and sea anemones, offering a peaceful escape from the jet-ski noise.

Practical Details

• Best Time to Visit: 6:00 AM for sunrise or surfing

• Nearest Transit: BRTS Bus to Rushikonda / GITAM University stop

• Entry Info: Paid Entry (standard for Blue Flag maintenance)

• Accessibility: Beach wheelchairs are available at the service center

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4. Simhachalam Temple

Overview

This 11th-century temple is a masterclass in Kalinga architecture, dedicated to the Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu. The deity is famously covered in a thick layer of sandalwood paste throughout the year, revealed only once during the Chandanotsavam festival.

The Local’s Insight

The “Giri Pradakshina” or the path around the hill is a spiritual walk locals take, but for a unique view, visit the temple kitchen area. The smell of wood-fired Pulihora (tamarind rice) is legendary; make sure to buy a packet from the prasadam counter early before it sells out.

Practical Details

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning (before 8:00 AM)

• Nearest Transit: Simhachalam Railway Station or direct City Buses

• Entry Info: Free (Special Darshan tickets available for faster entry)

• Accessibility: Elevators and battery cars are available for seniors

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5. Yarada Beach

Overview

Hidden behind the massive Dolphin’s Nose hill, Yarada is a secluded paradise far from the urban hustle. The beach is flanked by hills on three sides and banana plantations on the other, giving it a tropical, private-island feel.

The Local’s Insight

The road leading to Yarada through the Scindia area offers a glimpse into the massive industrial side of the Vizag Port. Stop at the Dolphin’s Nose Lighthouse on your way; it is one of the few high-power lighthouses in India that allows tourists to climb to the balcony for a bird’s eye view of the harbor.

Practical Details

• Best Time to Visit: Full day trip (Return before dark)

• Nearest Transit: Private cab or bike rental is essential

• Entry Info: Free (Light house has a small entry fee)

• Accessibility: The sand is deep and the paths are steep; not recommended for mobility aids

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6. Tenneti Park & The Shipwreck

Overview

This cliffside park gained international fame after the cargo ship MV Maa ran aground on its rocky shores. In 2026, the park features a glass-bottom skywalk that allows you to look directly down at the crashing waves and the massive hull of the stranded vessel.

The Local’s Insight

Visit at night when the ship is illuminated by coastal floodlights. The combination of the dark ocean, the glowing shipwreck, and the breeze creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that is much more atmospheric than the daytime heat.

Practical Details

• Best Time to Visit: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

• Nearest Transit: Located on the main Visakhapatnam-Bheemli Beach Road

• Entry Info: Nominal Entry Fee; additional for the Glass Bridge

• Accessibility: Paved walkways, but the path to the beach level is rocky and uneven

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7. Araku Valley & Borra Caves

Overview

A three-hour journey from the city takes you to the Ananthagiri Hills, home to the deepest limestone caves in India. The Borra Caves feature million-year-old stalactites and stalagmites, while the surrounding Araku Valley is the heart of Andhra’s tribal culture and organic coffee estates.

The Local’s Insight

Avoid the bus and book the Vistadome Train (Train No. 18551). The train has a glass roof and large observation windows, allowing you to see the 58 tunnels and waterfalls that are completely invisible if you travel by road.

Practical Details

• Best Time to Visit: October to March (Winter)

• Nearest Transit: Araku Railway Station or Araku Road

• Entry Info: Paid (Caves, Tribal Museum, and Coffee Museum)

• Accessibility: Borra Caves involve over 300 steep steps; not accessible for wheelchairs

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Things to Do in Vizag

Exploring Vizag is about embracing the diversity of the landscape. Start your morning with Sunrise Kayaking at Rushikonda Beach, which has become a staple for adventure seekers in 2026. If you prefer a slower pace, walking the 6-kilometer Beach Road from the Fishing Harbour to Tenneti Park offers a perfect snapshot of local life. For foodies, sampling Bamboo Chicken in Araku or the fresh seafood platters at the city’s harbor-view restaurants is a must. Finally, don’t miss scuba diving near Chintapalli, where the clear waters reveal a surprisingly vibrant coral ecosystem unique to the eastern coastline.

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FAQs

Is Vizag safe for solo travelers at night?

Visakhapatnam is widely regarded as one of the safest cities in India for solo travelers. The main Beach Road remains active with families and police patrols until midnight, though it is always advisable to use app-based cabs for late-night transit to secluded areas like Yarada.

How many days are enough to cover the best places to visit in Vizag?

A three-day itinerary is usually sufficient to cover the main city attractions, including the Submarine Museum, Kailasagiri, and the beaches. If you plan to visit the Araku Valley and Borra Caves, you should add at least one or two additional days to your travel guide.

What is the best way to get around the city for sightseeing?

The most convenient way to explore Vizag sightseeing spots is by hiring a private cab or using auto-rickshaws for short distances. In 2026, the city’s improved bus network and digital ride-sharing apps have made navigating between the northern and southern beaches much more efficient for tourists.

Are the beaches in Vizag safe for swimming?

While Rushikonda Beach is safe and monitored by lifeguards, beaches like RK Beach have very strong undercurrents and sudden depth changes. Visitors should always look for safety flags and consult with local life guards before entering the water at any of the Vizag sightseeing locations.

What should I buy as a souvenir from my Vizag trip?

You should look for Etikoppaka wooden toys, which are a traditional craft of the region, or organic Araku Coffee. Both items are iconic to the Visakhapatnam area and support local artisans and tribal farmers, making them excellent choices for sustainable souvenir shopping.

Is there an entry fee for the Submarine Museum?

Yes, there is a paid entry fee for the INS Kursura Submarine Museum, which helps with the maintenance of the historic vessel. In 2026, visitors are encouraged to book their tickets through the official VMRDA website or use the QR codes at the entrance for digital entry.

Can I visit the Borra Caves and Araku Valley in a single day?

While it is possible to visit both in a single day by road, it results in a very rushed and tiring experience. For a more relaxed trip, it is better to take the morning train to the caves and stay overnight in the valley to enjoy the coffee plantations.

What is the best season to plan a Vizag travel guide?

The ideal window for visiting Vizag is between October and March when the weather is cool and pleasant for outdoor activities. The summer months from April to June can be extremely humid, making daytime sightseeing difficult, while the monsoon brings heavy rains that may close water sports.

Do I need to book the Araku Vistadome train in advance?

Absolutely, the Vistadome coach is highly popular and often sells out weeks in advance. If you are planning your Vizag travel guide, ensure you book your train tickets via the IRCTC portal at least 30 to 45 days before your trip to secure a window seat.

Are there good vegetarian food options in Visakhapatnam?

Vizag offers a fantastic range of vegetarian cuisine, from traditional Andhra meals served on banana leaves to high-end multi-cuisine restaurants. The area around the Jagadamba Junction and the RTC Complex has numerous legendary vegetarian eateries that are very popular with locals and tourists alike.