Telugu actress Rekha Bhoj created a sensation when she recently declared that she would run nude along the Visakhapatnam aka Vizag beach if India wins the World Cup Cricket match. However, after India failed to secure the trophy, her statement became a target for social media trolls. While the main attractions of Visakhapatnam, a port city in Andhra Pradesh, are its beaches, the city boasts many other places of interest for tourists. Known as Vizag for short, it is a beautiful city sprawled between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal - a perfect destination for those who love hills and the sea. Visakhapatnam is also home to the oldest shipbuilding yard. Exploring all the sites in detail would take at least two days.
RK, Bheemili, Yarada beaches and more
The most attractive destinations in Visakhapatnam are its beaches, including RK, Rushikonda, Bheemili, Appikonda, and Yarada beaches in and around the city. Rushikonda beach, situated at the foot of Rushikonda Hill, draws the most tourists to Vizag. This location, where the hill meets the sea, offers numerous water sports opportunities. If you visit Vizag during the New Year season, do not miss the Beach Festival at RK Beach.
Submarine Museum
Opened to the public in 2011, the Submarine Museum allows visitors to enter the INS Kursura submarine and explore its interior. The submarine, which was built by Russia (then the Soviet Union) in 1969, reached India in 1970. INS Kursura served in the Indian Navy until its decommissioning in 2001. The submarine, which played a significant role in the 1971 India-Pakistan war and other operations, has been converted into a museum, making it the first submarine museum in Asia.
Araku Valley
Visakhapatnam offers not only mountains and the sea but also a valley - Araku Valley. Located 120 km away from the city, this hill station possesses green expanses, coffee estates, stunning natural scenery, and expansive valleys. It is also the centre of tribal communities and hosts a museum displaying the artistic products of tribespeople, providing tourists with a unique experience.
Kailasagiri park
Situated atop a hill, Kailasagiri park provides an expansive view of Visakhapatnam. It is an ideal place to stay for those visiting the city.
Borra Caves
Located about 90 km north of Visakhapatnam, the Borra Caves gained attention after the British geographer William King George brought it to the world’s attention in 1807. These rare and beautiful caves, formed by nature over 15 crore years, were reportedly inhabited by humans 30,000 to 50,000 years ago. Today, the caves are an important tourist centre, situated 1,300 feet above sea level. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department's Araku-Borra railroad tour package allows visitors to explore these two places in detail.
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
Allotting time to visit the museum and the zoological park will enhance the visitor's experience in Visakhapatnam. The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, one of the largest in Andhra Pradesh, covers 650 acres and is a favourite place for children. The toy train operating inside the park adds to its attraction.
Bojjanna Konda
Bojjanna Konda, a Buddhist heritage centre of the 4th century, is an ancient site carved out of Kalinga stone. Situated in Sankaram village, Bojjanna Konda and Lingala Konda are two hills surrounded by extensive paddy fields, serving as important Buddhist centres in Andhra Pradesh.
