Visakhapatnam is a beautiful coastal town in Andhra Pradesh. This tourist haven is also known by the names of Vizag, Vizagapatam, Viśākha and Wāltair. The most populated city in Andhra Pradesh, there are many interesting places to visit in Visakhapatnam. This smart city is one of the best in South India. While touring the beautiful state of Andhra Pradesh, visiting Visakhapatnam is a must.
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The history of this wonderful city can be traced back to the 6th Century BCE. Over the course of history, Visakhapatnam was part of several dynasties like the Kallinga, Vengi, Chola, Gajapati and Pallava. Cultural influences of these dynasties can be found in Visakhapatnam to date. City of Destiny and the Jewel of the East Coast are two of the most popular nicknames of Visakhapatnam. In this article, we take a look at some of the top tourist places in Visakhapatnam.
10 Places to Visit in Visakhapatnam
- VMRDA Kailasagiri
- Rushikonda Beach
- INS Kursura Submarine Museum
- Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
- Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy Vari Devasthanam
- Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex
- Matsya Darshini
- Ross Hill Church
- Tenneti Park
- Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary
VMRDA Kailasagiri
VMRDA Kailasagiri is a beautiful hilltop park that offers sweeping views. This park is, without doubt, one of the best vantage points in the city. Situated at a height of 173 meters (568 feet), this is one of the highest parks in the state. Kailasagiri was developed by Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Regional Development Authority. The statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are among the major attractions here. If you wish to enjoy panoramic views of the sea and the city, there is no better place than VMRDA Kailasagiri.
VMRDA Kailasagiri is one of the best places to visit in Visakhapatnam. Here, you will find fascinating attractions like butterfly park, cable cars, Titanic viewpoint, floral clock and gliding point. The food court here serves scrumptious food at reasonable rates. The best attraction at VMRDA Kailasagiri is probably the man-made waterfall which is the highest man-made waterfall in Andhra Pradesh.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Major Attractions: Sculpture of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
Ideal Duration to Explore: 2 to 3 Hours
Things to do: Take in the sweeping views of the sea
Rushikonda Beach
Situated on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, Rushikonda Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in South India. This pristine beach is an ideal spot for spending a lazy afternoon with your friends and family. Count the waves as you get your tan on while at the Rushikonda Beach. You can indulge in a wide range of water sports and adventure sports at this mesmerising beach. If you are looking to swim in the sea while at Visakhapatnam, look no further than Rushikonda Beach.
While here, you should definitely try the speed boat ride. The adrenaline rush offered by the speed boat trip here is unmatched. The crystal clear water here reflects the sky offering a stunning view. One of the cleanest beaches in Andhra Pradesh, Rushikonda Beach is a top sightseeing spot in Visakhapatnam.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Ideal Duration to Explore: 2 Hours
Things to do: Water Sports and adventure sports
INS Kursura Submarine Museum
One of the most fascinating attractions in Visakhapatnam, INS Kursura Submarine was a diesel-electric war submarine commissioned in 1969. After 31 years of glorious service, INS Kursura was decommissioned in 2001. This legendary submarine played a key role during the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. During the period of service, INS Kursura was used mainly for patrolling the maritime border of India. INS Kursura Submarine Museum is one of the top places to visit in Visakhapatnam.
Since August 2002, Kursura Submarine has been dedicated as a museum much to the delight of the tourists. This Kalvari-class submarine was among one of the first to be inducted into the Indian Navy. Exploring this engineering marvel from up close is highly recommended for people of all ages. Situated at the Ramakrishna beach, this submarine was built by the Soviet Union.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM, Sunday from 11:00 AM to 01:30 PM
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
Situated in the Kambalakonda Reserve Forest, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is one of the largest zoos in India. Opened to the public in 1977, this zoo has earned a name for itself as one of the best tourist attractions in Visakhapatnam. Surrounded by forest on three sides and the Bay of Bengal on the other, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is one of the most scenic in the country. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is a truly fascinating place.
Spanning a total area of 62 acres (253 hectares), this zoo is home to more than 800 animals, reptiles, and mammals belonging to more than different species. You can rent electric vehicles at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park to explore its nook and corner without getting exhausted. Bengal tigers, Asiatic lion, puma, jaguar, Himalayan black bear, jackal, and leopard are some of the star attractions of this zoo.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Major Attractions: Flora and fauna
Ideal Duration to Explore: 2 to 3 Hours
Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy Vari Devasthanam
Situated 300 meters (984.25 feet) above sea level on Simhachalam Hill Range, Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple is a popular Hindu temple that attracts visitors from across the country. The chief deity at this temple is Varaha Narasimha one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu. The sculpture of Lord Vishnu at this temple is covered in Sandalwood paste. The architecture of this historical temple is a mixture of Kalinga, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, and the Great Chola architecture.
Kalyanotsavam, Chandanotsava, Narasimha Jayanthi, and Navratrotsav Kamadahana are some of the major festivals celebrated at Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy Vari Devasthanam. During these festivals, pilgrims from across the country gather in larger numbers to celebrate with zest and great enthusiasm. Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy Vari Devasthanam is one of the must-visit places in Visakhapatnam.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Major Attractions: The panoramic view from the hilltop
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex
Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex is situated on a hilltop that is at a height of 128 meters (419.94 feet) from the sea. This ancient complex was spotted by the Indian Navy during an aerial survey. After its discovery, large scale excavation and archaeological projects were undertaken over the years. During which, more and more information about the complex could be gathered. Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex is one of the most popular historical places to visit in Visakhapatnam.
This monastery is believed to be during its peak years home to at least 100 Bhikkus. Monks from the Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex often travelled across the world to spread the message of Buddhism. During your visit to Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex, you can witness huge stupas and intricate rock carvings. This ruin is a vestige of a flourishing Buddhist settlement that existed around two millennia ago.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Major Attractions: Stupas and historical rock carvings
Ideal Duration to Explore: 2 Hours
Matsya Darshini
Matsya Darshini, situated on Beach Road, is an aquarium that is immensely popular among tourists and locals alike. The wide range of freshwater and seawater fishes here are quite fascinating. This must-visit aquarium was opened to the public in 1994. Matsa Darshini is operated by the Municipal Corporation of Visakhapatnam. The entry fee of INR 30 for adults and INR 20 for children is very reasonable.
Get familiar with aquatic life and learn about different species of freshwater fishes, seawater fishes and tortoises found near the coast of Andhra Pradesh. A sculpture of a shark at the entrance of Matsya Darshini welcomes the visitors. This fantastic aquarium features as many as 25 tanks of different sizes that are home to different species of aquatic animals. The in-house gift shop at Matsya Darshini sells a wide range of souvenirs at reasonable prices. Matsya Darshini is one of the best places to see in Visakhapatnam.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Major Attractions: Freshwater and seawater fishes
ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
Ross Hill Church
The whitewashed walls along with the blue doors and windows of the Ross Hill Church create a visual treat for the visitors. Apart from being a popular religious destination, this church has earned a name for itself as one of the best landmarks in the neighbourhood. The striking architecture of the church resembles that of a medieval fort. Situated on top of a hill, the view from Ross Hill Church is breathtaking. Ross Hill Church is one of the best religious places to visit in Andhra Pradesh.
Whether for admiring the architecture, enjoying the view, attending a mass or for lighting a candle, visiting the Ross Hill Church is highly recommended for people of all faiths. This is the place to be while in Visakhapatnam if you are looking to light a candle and pray in solace.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Major Attractions: The architecture and the sweeping views
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
Tenneti Park
Tenneti Park is hands down one of the best places to see in Visakhapatnam. This magnificent park is also known by the name of Vuda Tenneti Park. Situated on the Beach Road in the Jodugullapalem neighbourhood of Visakhapatnam, Tenneti Park is visited by thousands of tourists throughout the year. Tenneti Park is believed to be the first children’s park in the city. The well-manicured pathways make this park a haven for joggers.
This iconic park is named after Tenneti Viswanadham, a prominent freedom fighter and political figure from Visakhapatnam. The LED screens at Tenneti Park is one of its major attractions. Situated by the Bay of Bengal, this park offers a stunning view. The cool sea breeze that can be felt here is an experience that should not be missed.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Major Attractions: Stunning view of the sea and well-manicured pathways
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary
Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary is the place to be if you wish to truly explore nature up, close, and personal. The stunning lake and the sanctuary here together create the perfect setting for a few hours of solace away from the hustles and bustles of the city. Located in the foothills of the Eastern Ghats, this bird sanctuary preserves an endangered forest type. Boat tours are hosted here on a regular basis making it an ideal destination to visit for people of all ages.
This ecotourism destination is a wet evergreen forest that spans a total distance of 405 square kilometres (156.37 square miles). Kondakarla is one of the best places for spotting birds in Andhra Pradesh. This piece of heaven is home to birds like Shelducks, Common Teals, and Asian Open Bills. Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Visakhapatnam.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Ideal Duration to Explore: 2 Hours
Major Attractions: The lake. Flora and fauna
Things to do: Bird watching
FAQ
How many days are needed to explore Visakhapatnam?
You can explore Visakhapatnam in 5 to 7 seven days.
What food is famous in Visakhapatnam?
Dosa, sweet corn, idly, tomato bajji, muri mixture, and kebabs are some of the most popular food items in Visakhapatnam.
What are the famous shopping spots in Vishakhapatnam?
CMR Central Mall, Old Book Market, Jagadamba Centre, Sri Vamsi Shopping M, and ANR Shopping mall are some of the most popular shopping spots in Vishakhapatnam. Everything from clothes and gifts to souvenirs and things of daily use can be bought here.
Are Visakhapatnam and Vizag the same?
Yes, Visakhapatnam and Vizag are one and the same city located in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.