Inserted between the graceful Eastern Ghats and the boundless Bay of Bengal, Visakhapatnam is a stunning tourist destination with sky-high mountain ranges and picturesque beaches showcasing scenic vistas. Named after Lord Vaishaka, this prominent city is dotted with many temples and Buddhist pilgrimage sites and it is well known as the "city of destiny".

The history of the place dates backs to the 6th century BC. Also known as Vizag, this 'Jewel of the East Coast' is well-heeled with natural spectacles and manmade surprises attracting swarms of tourists all year round.

The soothing sandy beaches of Vishakhapatnam is epitomized with serenity to relish the charm of the place. Among the many original beaches, the Ramakrishna Beach is a popular picnicking spot in Visakhapatnam. Spending some time at this beach location can wipe out all trace of worries from you and fill your mind with positive energy.

The Buddhist relics found in Visakhapatnam shows the influence of Buddhism in this region during the olden days. The Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex is a noteworthy tourist spot in Visakhapatnam for those who love to dig up the past Buddhist influence of the city.

The Araku Valley, known for its mesmerizing settings and the Borra Caves with its Kaleidoscopic nature, highlights the most admiring attractions of Visakhapatnam.

Being the hub of culture and tradition, Visakhapatnam hosts the most revered Visakha Festival and various other festivals that reveal the cultural richness of the city.

A visit to Visakhapatnam is incomplete without trying its traditional cuisines. The Bamboo Chicken is a must-try tribal dish and the Araku Valley in Visakhapatnam takes the credit for the origin of this dish. As the name suggests, it is prepared inside a bamboo shoot kept on top of burning charcoal. Bamboo Chicken is a much popular dish among the foodie travellers and is so healthy that it contains less oil and spices.

Visakhapatnam is also renowned for its seafood varieties and traditional Andhra cuisines. You can also taste some mouth-watering sweet dishes in Visakhapatnam, especially Madugula Halwa.

Popular As:

Visakhapatnam is popular as Vizag.

Prominent places to visit:

Araku Valley: The natural aura of Araku Valley is a bliss for those craving for a relaxing vacation.

Simhachalam Temple: Being the abode of Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swami, Simhachalam Temple is one of the famous temples in Visakhapatnam that holds high esteem.

Kailasagiri: The huge idols of Shiva and Parvathi at Kailasagiri reflects a divine bliss.

Rushikonda Beach: The Rushikonda Beach sets the vista for many watersport activities.

Ramakrishna Beach: Ramakrishna Beach is one of the most widely known beach locations in Visakhapatnam and the amazing sculptures on the shore add colour to the beach.

Dolphin's Nose: It is a fascinating tourist spot in Visakhapatnam that is naturally shaped like a dolphin's nose and you can get a picturesque view of the entire city from the top of it.

Borra Caves: The naturally formed cave with its kaleidoscopic nature is really a wonder in Visakhapatnam.

Katiki Waterfalls: The mesmerizing beauty and the splendid surroundings of Katiki Waterfalls let you unwind in the laps of nature.

Lambasingi: Lambasingi is an ecotourism destination which is fondly known as the "Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh".

Submarine Museum: The Submarine Museum gives you information regarding the working of submarines during warfare as well as give you an insight into the life inside the submarine.

Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary: The mix of dry seasonal forest and evergreen meadows in Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary provides a rich habitat for numerous wildlife species.

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park: Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is quite a punch with rich flora and fauna.

Matsyadarshini Aquarium: Get amazed at the countless species of saltwater and freshwater marine life at the Matsyadarshini Aquarium.

Best Time to Visit:

October to March is regarded as the best time to visit Visakhapatnam. The place welcomes winter season during these months and experiences pleasant and delightful weather with temperature ranging between 15 degrees Celsius to 27 degrees Celsius. The main advantage of visiting Visakhapatnam during this season is that you can witness the colourful and cultural extravaganza of the region like Visakha Utsav and beach festivals. From the month of April, Visakhapatnam starts experiencing a very warm climate with high humidity which lasts till the month of June. Most of the tourists avoid visiting Visakhapatnam during this season because of the scorching weather with a temperature ranging between 22 degrees Celsius to 41 degrees Celsius. Monsoon knocks in Visakhapatnam between the months of July to September. Even though the weather remains pleasant, you will fail to suck the fun out of the place because of the humidity. During the monsoon season in Visakhapatnam, the temperature stays between 27 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius.

Way to Reach:

By Air - Visakhapatnam Airport is the nearest airport to Visakhapatnam which is situated at a distance of 8.3 Km.

By Rail - Visakhapatnam Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Visakhapatnam which is situated at a distance of 15.8 Km.

By Road: Visakhapatnam Bus Station is the nearest bus station to Visakhapatnam which is situated at a distance of 18.1 Km.

FAQs:

What are the must-visit attractions in Visakhapatnam?

Key attractions in Visakhapatnam include the Araku Valley, Simhachalam Temple, Kailasagiri, Rushikonda Beach, Ramakrishna Beach, Dolphin's Nose, Borra Caves, Katiki Waterfalls, Lambasingi, Submarine Museum, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, and Matsyadarshini Aquarium.

When is the best time to visit Visakhapatnam?

The best time to visit Visakhapatnam is from October to March when the weather is pleasant with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 27°C. This period also coincides with cultural festivals like Visakha Utsav and beach festivals.

How can I reach Visakhapatnam?

Visakhapatnam is accessible by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Visakhapatnam Airport, 8.3 km away. Visakhapatnam Railway Station is 15.8 km from the city, and Visakhapatnam Bus Station is 18.1 km away.

What is the historical significance of Visakhapatnam?

Visakhapatnam, also known as Vizag, dates back to the 6th century BCE. It is a city rich in history, with significant Buddhist relics and temples like the Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex and Simhachalam Temple. The city also played an important role in ancient and modern history, being a hub for trade and defense.

What are some popular dishes to try in Visakhapatnam?

Visakhapatnam is famous for its traditional cuisines, including the must-try Bamboo Chicken from Araku Valley and various seafood dishes. The city is also known for its sweet delicacies like Madugula Halwa.