Visakhapatnam Tourism And Travel Guide

Visakhapatnam is one of the finest cities in Andhra Pradesh that is located along the beautiful hills of the Eastern Ghats facing the Bay of Bengal. It’s also India’s one of the biggest industrial cities that spread across 550 square km. It is also one of the best places to visit in Andhra Pradesh. Why? Because the city is perfect for anyone who loves beaches, greenery, hills, and natural beauty. Visakhapatnam is also known by the name Vizag. So we will use the names interchangeably in our articles. It has everything to mesmerize you and give you a perfect time with your family. So fasten your seatbelts as we take you to a joyride and know everything that you should, to plan a wonderful holiday.

Visakhapatnam often referred to as the Jewel of the East Coast, is one of the largest cities in Andhra Pradesh both in terms of population and area. This famous coastal city is also known as Vizag, so don’t get confused. This amazing city witnesses huge tourist footfall each year and if you planning to trip to Vizag, read the following article to learn more about how to get here. Trains are the best option to reach Vizag, whereas flights remain costly but the fastest mode of transport.

By Rail:

Visakhapatnam Railway Station is the primary and nearest railway station situated at about 5 km from the city center. This station is managed by the East Coast Railway Division of Indian Railways. There are direct trains from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and other prominent cities in India to Vizag. Check the Indian Railway’s official website (IRCTC) for more details and get your tickets booked.

By Road:

Roads provide another alternative to reach Vizag. The roads that lead to Vizag from Mumbai, Delhi, and other metropolitan are extremely well-maintained and managed. So a road drive to Vizag can be quite comfortable. And the rides get even more comfortable when you are self-driving or if you are traveling in AC and Deluxe buses which are available at regular intervals and managed publicly (by the state government) and privately. 

By Air:

Visakhapatnam has an international airport and therefore, reaching Vizag from a flight is easy from India and abroad. Several air service providers run regular flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai. Once you get down at the airport, you can book a private cab to get to your hotel. The airport is not that far from the city center, just about 9 km. So check online for a direct flight from your origin city to Vizag and book your tickets. 

Getting Around:

Getting around in Vizag is very easy. Auto rickshaw service is available 24/7 and at affordable prices. It is also the easiest way to move around the city for quick hops. You can book a rick for a day but negotiate and confirm the price before booking one. The municipal corporation of Visakhapatnam runs regular intercity buses that help you connect with any part of the city. The best option is to book a private cab for a day. It will not only help you visit the tourist spots in the city but also the ones on the outskirts. Again, confirm the price and negotiate if you think they are charging more.

The weather of Vizag or Visakhapatnam stays hot and humid for the most part of the year. You can plan a trip at your preference but knowing the best time to visit Vizag can add value to your trip. You don’t want to end up being in a situation where you aren’t able to make the most out of your trip to a city like Vizag because you weren’t sure of the best time to visit. So read the following sections to learn more about the different weather seasons in Vizag and the best time to visit the city. We recommend a trip to Vizag during the winter as it’s the perfect time for spending an amazing holiday.  

Summer (March - June):

The summers in Visakhapatnam are generally hot and humid because it’s a coastal city. Therefore, it is not recommended to visit Vizag because sightseeing can become extremely difficult. The scorching heat makes life difficult for locals and visitors during the summer season. But being vacation time, many people still visit and prefer staying near the beaches or at the nearby hill stations. Also, many hotels and resorts run special discounts to attract customers, so plan accordingly. The minimum temperature during summers is 28° C and a max of 40° C.

Monsoon (July - October):

The monsoon season begins at the end of June and — at times — from early July. Again, this is not the recommended time to visit Vizag because it rains really heavily especially in July and August. Therefore, sightseeing becomes difficult. But the weather in monsoon becomes pleasant and the temperature gets down because of continuous rains. So if you are planning a trip in the monsoon, ensure to check the weather forecast before doing so to avoid any inconvenience. If you do, carry umbrellas and raincoats. The minimum temperature stays at 26° C with a maximum of 33° C.

Winter (November - February):

The winter season in Vizag starts from the month of October and lasts till February. It is the best time to visit Vizag the weather during this time is at its most pleasant. The beautiful weather provides an excellent opportunity for travelers to explore the best of Vizag. You’ll love the weather throughout your stay the best sightseeing is guaranteed. Visiting Araku Valey which is just about 110 km from Vizag is simply one of the best things that can be done. Moreover, several festivals are celebrated in the winter so this is the perfect time to be in Vizag. The temperature ranges between 13° C and 28° C.

Visakhapatnam is a fab tourist destination. No trip to Andhra Pradesh can be complete without a trip to Vizag. It’s the eastern India paradise and you’ll simply fall in love with the city in just one trip. Vizag is one of the oldest port cities situated in the heart of Andhra Pradesh. Popular for its serene landscapes, and picturesque beaches, Vizag is the place to spend a memorable holiday with your family and loved ones. Continue to read further to know more about the best things to do in the city.

Cooloff at the Serene Vizag Beaches:

Vizag is famous for its beaches and they are beautiful and serene. Most of the famous beaches of Andhra Pradesh are in Vizag. To name a few, RK Beach, Yarada Beach, Bheemili Beach, Rishikonda Beach, Lawson’s Bay Beach, and Gangavaram Beach. These are the best places in Vizag where you can spend a peaceful time with natural beauty. Golden sand, blue water, and ample water sport activities will give you the best time of your life.

Learn More About the Iconic INS Kurusura Submarine:

The historic INS Kurusura Submarine was a Soviet-built submarine that became part of the Indian Navy in 1969. It played a crucial role during the 1971 Indo-Pak war and served the nation with valor before retiring in 2001. Later, it was turned into a museum and people were allowed to learn more about it through different things available inside the submarine. Visiting this museum can be one of the best things during your trip to Vizag.

Pay Homage to the Gods:

Vizag is the city of beaches and temples. You should visit Visakhapatnam not only for its fab places but also for its beautiful temples. The city has numerous temples but you should not miss visiting these 5 divine temples: Simhachalam Temple, Sri Kanaka Maha Lakshmi Temple, Devipuram, Nookambika Temple, and Sri Sampath Vinayagar Temple. So include visiting these temples in your things-to-do list and get blessed.

Go on an Adventurous Wildlife Visit:

If you love wildlife, the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park and Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary are the top attractions for you in Vizag. The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is home to more than 100 species of mammals, reptiles, and birds. On the other hand, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is another wildlife adventurous spot that spread in an area of 71 square km. This sanctuary is home to several endangered species the likes of which include Indian Leopard, Russell’s viper, Indian Muntjac, and Asian Paradise-flycatcher.

Vizag is not only popular for its serene beaches, lush greenery, glorious history but also for its food that’s available in local restaurants and on the street. Besides seafood and fine dining, you must try the street food in Vizag and you’ll be surprised by the delicious local items and the taste. If you’re planning a trip to Vizag and wondering what to eat, so keep reading as we present a list of the famous food in the city and where you can find them.

• Muri Mixture: A snack with a divine mix of puffed rice, peanuts, chili, onions, and tomatoes. Try this at the RK beach, Tenneti Park, and Rushikonda beach.
  
  

• Tomato Bajji: Gram flour (besan) coated tomatoes are deep-fried and cut into half. Try this at MVP double road, beside Cafe Coffee Day.
  
  

• Punugulu: A deep-fried snack made with urad dal and rice batter. Crispy orbs served with peanut and coconut chutney. Try this at MVP Colony.
  
  

• Bongu Chicken (Bamboo Chicken): An empty bamboo stuffed with marinated chicken burnt on coals for a smokey flavor. Try this on Vizag’s outskirts in and around Araku Valey.
  
  

• Liver Kabab: Chicken kabab sticks served with lemon soda. Try this at Vizag Complex, MVP Circle with other variations such as Liver, boneless fish fry, mutton kabab.