Visakhapatnam or Vizag as popularly known and called is port city and dubbed as the best tourism destination in Andhra Pradesh. Visakhapatnam has beautiful beaches, hill ranges caves, valleys, temples and also lakes and many more. The place has many tourism spots that will definitely be exciting, enriching and refreshing experience. It is one of the fastest growing cities in Asia. Visakhapatnam is a city of cultural and religious diversity. It has many tourism spots that represent the Culture and Heritage of the true India and the cultural constructions built during the age of kings who ruled this region should not be missed.
Main Languages: Telugu, Hindi and English
Telephone Code/ STD Code: 0891
Best time to visit: October to February
Tourist Information: Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (PH: 2746446) and Private tour operators.
Distance from other cities: Ahmedabad – 1858 kms,
Kolkatta – 866 kms, Bangalore – 1015 kms, Chennai – 810 kms,
Delhi – 1880 kms, Hyderabad – 650 kms, Mumbai – 1361 kms,
Trivandrum - 1518 kms
Getting there and away
By Air: Vizag has a domestic airport and well connected with the rest of the country.
By Rail: Vizag is well connected with rest of the country by an extensive railway network.
By Road: State transport and Private Operators have extensive services in Andhra Pradesh and to the neighboring states.
By Boat: A passenger liner to Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands connects Vizag to these islands in the Bay of Bengal. Booking can be made at the Shipping Office.
Getting around
By Bus: The APSRTC operates point to point bus services which connect important places within the city, with a good frequency.
Other mode of transport: Apart from the local buses, you may also avail the services of taxis and autos.
Attractions in Vizag
- Rishikonda Beach
- Ramakrishna Beach
- Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
- Dolphin’s Nose
- Vuda Park
- Simhachalam temple
Besides these attractions, there are many more places that are worth visiting in Vizag like Mudasarlova Water Works and Park, Submarine Museum, Harbor and local shopping areas.
Around Vizag
Araku Valley: Araku valley is a famous hill station located at a distance of 120 KM from Vizag. It is famous for its scenic grandeur on the Eastern Ghats with lush green nature, valley, water falls and streams. It’s advised to go to Araku by train and return by road. The train journey to Araku Valley is the most enjoying as the rail passes through tunnels, hill sides and streams.
Borra Caves: Borra Caves are located at a distance of 92 KM north of Vizag. These limestone caves were formed as a result of the action of the Gosthani River. Due to the pressure wielded by the river, water on the mineral deposits, the lime stones dissolved and gradually solidify to form the irregularly shaped stalagmites formed. These caves are part of Araku Valley and a must visit. William King the British geologist discovered this million years old cave in the year 1807
Bhemunipatnam: Bhemunipatnam is a sleepy little town, is the second oldest municipality in the country. The colonial past of the town is evident in the remains of a once thriving Dutch Settlement. The important landmarks of this place includes, pilgrimage centers, temples, old churches, clock tower, light house, port and more
Anantagiri: This place is located at the highest altitude place in Andhra Pradesh. Located on the way to Araku Valley, the entire village is surrounded by coffee plantations, giving you a pleasant feel of nature’s beauty. Several waterfalls, adorn the hillocks around the Village.
Etikoppaka: Over an hour's drive from Vizag, Etikoppaka is a delightful little village on the banks of river Varaha. The craftment of the village has won fame on a national scale with toys made of soft wood called "Ankudu" and coated with lac. These toys are colourful and depict the rural life in an endearingly simple manner.
Tyda: Tyda is a small village nestling in the wooded hills of the Eastern Ghats, on the way to Araku from Vizag. Tyda is located 75 kms from Vizag. This place is a natural bounty of flora and fauna; it is now home to an enchanting date with untouched nature. AP Tourism department in association with the Department of Forests ha established the Jungle Bells Nature Camp, an Eco-Tourism Resort. The camp provides great view of Eastern Ghats, facilities for trekking, hiking and bird watching in addition to accommodation in log huts amidst serene surroundings. A must see place for nature lovers.
