Situated between the Bay of Bengal and the Eastern Ghats, Visakhapatnam is the major commercial and industrial city in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Also known as Vizag, it is a hub of petrochemical, fertiliser, oil refinery, steel and shipping industries. Visakhapatnam is the only natural harbour on the eastern coast and serves to be the headquarters for the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy. Home to ancient Buddhist relics and prehistoric caves, Visakhapatnam is a city of historical reverence. Its origin dates back to the 5th century BCE. The picturesque beaches and rolling hills make Visakhapatnam a popular tourist destination.
Things to do in Visakhapatnam
View the amazing rock formation at Borra Caves. Enjoy a trip to Araku Valley and embrace the scenic splendour. Appreciate the excellence of the Indian Navy by visiting the INS Kurusura Submarine Museum. Tour the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park. Witness the fascinating views at Rushikonda Beach. Enjoy an evening stroll at the lovely Yarada Beach.
Tourist attractions in Visakhapatnam
The prime tourist attractions in and around Visakhapatnam include Simhachalam Temple, Araku Valley, Kailasagiri Hill, INS Kurusura, Borra Caves, Katiki Waterfalls, Ramakrishna Beach, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Rushikonda Beach, Bavikonda, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Bojjannakonda, Thotlakonda and Lingalakonda. The Simhachalam Temple is dedicated to Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Situated on RK Beach in Visakhapatnam, the INS Kurusura is the only submarine museum in Asia. Prior to its decommissioning in 2001, the INS Kurusura served the Indian Navy for 31 years. Kailasagiri Park offers the mesmerising views of the Eastern Ghats merging into the Bay of Bengal.
Places to shop in Visakhapatnam
Walter Upland Road, CMR Central, Jagadamba Junction and Vinis Fashion Mall are among the prime shopping hubs in Visakhapatnam. Further, Kurupam Market is the hotspot for jewellery stores in the city. The Lepakshi Handicraft Emporium is the most sought-after place for handicrafts, tribal jewellery, Kondapalli toys, ethnic clothes and souvenirs. The store is managed by the Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation.
Best time to visit
The ideal time to visit Visakhapatnam is from October to March.
Modes of transport
The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) operates a good network of buses across Visakhapatnam. Further, auto-rickshaws, app-based cabs and rental taxis are the convenient modes of transport in the city.
Weather in Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam has a tropical wet and dry climate. The city experiences severely hot and humid weather during summers. The temperature rises beyond 45 degrees Celsius in this season. From June to October, the city receives heavy rainfall and cyclones. The weather in Visakhapatnam turns very pleasant during winters.
Airport in Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam Airport (IATA: VTZ) is located about 12 km from the city. IndiGo operates more than 100 weekly non-stop flights between Visakhapatnam and other major cities in the country.