On the shore of the Bay of Bengal, Visakhapatnam is the largest city in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Also known as Vizag, it is the only natural harbour on the east coast of India. The city has the oldest shipyard in the country and the headquarters for the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy. Visakhapatnam is home to ancient Buddhist settlements and prehistoric caves. The origin of the city dates back to the 5th century BCE. It was part of the Kalinga region and under the rule of various kingdoms such as the Vengi, Pallava, Chola, Gajapati, Vijayanagara as well as Mughals. With beautiful beaches and scenic landscapes, Visakhapatnam is a popular tourist destination.
Things to do in Visakhapatnam
Visit the Kailasagiri Park and witness the fascinating views of the Eastern Ghats merging into the sea. Explore the amazing rock formation at Borra Caves. Visit the Simhachalam Temple for holy darshan. Go for an excursion to Araku Valley and embrace the beauty of nature. Behold the sight of the Indian Navy at the INS Kurusura Submarine Museum. Spend some leisure time at the beaches like Ramakrishna, Yarada, Gangavaram and Rushikonda.
Tourist attractions in Visakhapatnam
The major sightseeing places in and around Visakhapatnam include Kailasagiri Hill, Simhachalam Temple, INS Kurusura, Borra Caves, Araku Valley, Katiki Waterfalls, Ramakrishna Beach, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Rushikonda Beach, Bavikonda, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Bojjannakonda, Thotlakonda and Lingalakonda.
Places to shop in Visakhapatnam
Waltair Uplands Road is one of the major marketplaces in Visakhapatnam. Here, you can buy apparel, footwear and accessories. Further, Kurupam Market is the jewellery junction of the city. Have a visit to Lepakshi Handicraft Emporium to buy handicrafts, tribal jewellery, ethnic clothes, Kondapalli toys and souvenirs. The store is managed by the Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation. When it comes to shopping malls in Visakhapatnam, the CMR Central, Shoppers Stop, CMR Shopping Mall and ANR Shopping Mall are worth to be mentioned.
Best time to visit
The months between October and March are considered the best time to visit Visakhapatnam.
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 means for getting around the city.
Weather in Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam observes a tropical wet and dry climate. The weather in the city remains extremely hot and humid in summers. The temperature rises beyond 45 degrees Celsius. Visakhapatnam receives torrential rainfall from June to October. The weather in the city becomes pleasant during winters (November to February).
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.
