15 Best Things To Do In Visakhapatnam, India

things to do in visakhapatnam india
Heena
Heena 
Updated
| 6 min read

Visakhapatnam, sometimes called Vizag, is known as the “Jewel of the East Coast” and is popular for its beautiful beaches, natural beauty, and landscape of rich cultural and historical heritage. Visakhapatnam is also known as Vizag, which means gem of south India. You will experience the best bird watching here, as well as dynamic natural terrain, churches, and temples.

Choose among the best hotels with a sea view or Airbnb vacation rentals as your accommodation in this port city. Here is the list of the best things to do in Visakhapatnam, India, for you:

1. Visakha Museum

Visakha Museum - Maritime Wing
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Pratishkhedekar used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Acquaint yourself with the rich history of the Kalingandhra region and pay a visit to the famous Visakha Museum. The museum is owned by the government and displays historical artifacts and treasures like silk clothing, jewelry, coins, maps, and an armory. There are also personal items from the royal family members such as scrapbooks, journals, letters, and portraits featured here. Established in 1991, this popular attraction has a maritime wing that exhibits various models of warships and submarines, among others.

Visakha Museum

Address: Beach Rd, opposite Palm Beach Hotel, Dutch Layout, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Pedda Waltair, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530017, India

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 8pm (closed on Fri)

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2. VUDA Park

Pylon at VUDA park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Adityamadhav83 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

A walk in the park is always a good idea, especially in a beautiful port city like Visakhapatnam. If you feel like stretching your legs and taking a breather from your busy day, why not head down to VUDA Park near Ramakrishna Beach? This urban park is the perfect destination for families looking to have an afternoon picnic or couples going out for a romantic stroll. There is a roller skating rink and a musical water fountain right here at the park too.

VUDA Park

Address: Beach Rd Kailasagiri Arch, Chinna Waltair, Jalari Peta, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530017, India

Opening hours: 8:30am - 8:30pm (daily)

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3. TU 142 Aircraft Museum

TU-142 Aircraft Model
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Hemant_sahu_Raj used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If your kids (or maybe even yourself!) are a fan of aviation, don’t pass up on the chance to see the display at TU 142 Aircraft Museum. This popular attraction features a preserved Tupolev Tu-142 which is a Russian maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. This particular Tu-142 display was used by the Indian Navy for almost 30 years, free from any accidents. It was retired in March 2017 and the government of Andhra Pradesh eventually decided to preserve it.

TU 142 Aircraft Museum

Address: Beach Rd, opp. Kursura Submarine museum, AU North Campus, HPCL Colony, Pandurangapuram, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530003, India

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4. Mudasarlova Reservoir

Mudasarlova Reservoir and decorated motor Pump house 03
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Adityamadhav83 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you’re a sucker for quiet walks in the middle of nature, then you have to make your way to Mudasarlova Reservoir. This point of interest in Visakhapatnam is about 25 hectares (61 acres) and features a floating solar power plant that was built by the government of Andhra Pradesh. While there may be nothing else to do here than sightseeing, it remains one of the best places to visit in the city. Take a selfie near the colorful pump house here!

Mudasarlova Reservoir

Address: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

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5. Submarine Museum

Submarine - Front View (4759833761)
Source: Photo by user Pulkit Sinha used under CC BY-SA 2.0

You will find the Submarine Museum, standing prominently against the stunning backdrop of Ramakrishna Beach. During your stroll on the RK Beach, you can step down and stop to check out the only submarine museum in all Asia. The INS Kurusura submarine was a Soviet I-641 class submarine, which was decommissioned after 31 years of service and turned into a fascinating museum, for the public. There are six guides and a curator available, to inform and educate visitors about the complex workings of the submarine.

Submarine Museum

Address: R. K., Beach Rd, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Paanduranga Puram, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

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6. Kailasagiri Park

Kailasagiri
Source: Photo by user kmdangi used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Kailasagiri is a prominent hilltop park, with epic panoramic sea views of the east coast. The hill is at a height of 109.7 meters (360 feet) and gives a wonderful view of the beaches, forests and city of Visakhapatnam. The name Kailasagiri derived from the word “Kailasa”, which is the fabled abode of lord Shiva and the goddess Parvati.

Apart from its stunning view, this place to visit in Visakhapatnam also includes ropeway trolleys, a train for kids, an enshrined sculpture of lord Shiva and goddess Parvati and a gigantic floral clock. You can also enjoy tasty snacks at the nearby cafes. This is an ideal place to visit with your family for a weekend picnic.

Kailasagiri Park

Address: Hill Top Road, Kailasagiri, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

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7. Borra Caves

Borra Cave
Source: Photo by user Robbygrine used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

The Borra Caves are situated around 90 km (56 miles) north of Visakhapatnam, in the Ananthagiri Hills of the eastern Ghats, of India. The caves are some of the largest in the country and stand at an elevation of about 705 meters (2313 feet). They were discovered by British geologist William King, in 1807 and are a natural phenomenon of nature, believed to be 150 million years old. This place contains karstic limestone structures and irregularly shaped stalactites and stalagmites. The interior of these caves are lit with 63 lamps of mercury, sodium vapor, and halogen.

Borra Caves

Address: Andhra Pradesh, 531149, India

Website: Borra Caves

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8. Araku Valley

Araku Valley Scenic View Visakhapatnam District
Source: Photo by user Adityamadhav83 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Araku Valley offers plenty of fun things to do for everyone. It is located at an average altitude of 600 to 900 meters (1968.5 to 2952.8 feet) above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the waterfalls and streams, running through its valley depths. Thanks to its pleasant climate and beautiful hills, this historical place in Vizag is home to many coffee plantations and over 17 different tribal groups. If you want to get an insight of this place and its lifestyle, you can swing by the Araku Tribal Museum.

Araku Valley

Website: Araku Valley

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9. Dolphin’s Nose

Vizag seaport from Dolphin nose hill lighthouse
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user eclicks_by_bunny used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Dolphin’s Nose is said to be one of the most beloved tourist spots, in Visakhapatnam. The name is derived from the shape of the large rock formation itself, which resembles a dolphin’s nose in profile when viewed from afar. You will be able to catch fascinating views of the bustling city at one end while standing at an altitude of 174 meters (571 feet). A historic lighthouse located on the top of ‘nose’ was destroyed in 1876, due to a cyclone but has been restored to full functionality and guides ships at sea from distances as far as 65 kilometers (40.4 miles).

Dolphin's Nose

Address: Gangavaram, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

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10. Rishikonda Beach

Rushikonda beach view 001
Source: Photo by user Amit Chattopadhyay used under CC BY 2.0

Rishikonda Beach is covered with golden sand and the tiny waves of the Bay of Bengal. It is an ideal beach for indulging in various water sports like swimming, windsurfing, and waterskiing, as it features a vast stretch of water. If you are a nature lover, then this beach is the right place for you.

This must-visit place in Vizag is lined with green plants and foliage, which attracts many nature and adventure lovers, to the destination. If you want an accommodation on or near the beach, you can easily find a beach house in Vizag.

Rishikonda Beach

Website: Rishikonda Beach

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11. Yarada Beach

Yarada-Beach-Visakhapatnam
Source: Photo by user SaiChandra004 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Yarada Beach is surrounded by hills, on three sides, and the Bay of Bengal on the fourth side. Dotted with lush, green grass and fine, soft golden sand, it is close to Dolphin’s Nose and an ideal place for nature lovers, as you can capture beautiful sunrises and sunsets, here.

Yarada Beach

Address: Near Dolphin’s Nose, Visakhapatnam

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12. Tribes India

things to do in visakhapatnam india | tribes india
Source: instagram

Tribes India is a government initiative, designed to showcase the most exquisite and authentic tribal art and handicrafts made by the various tribes from across the country. The products are directly sourced from tribal craftsmen or from predominantly tribal groups of people. You will find every piece is eco-friendly and made from naturally available materials. It’s a great place to purchase naturally made goods and garments, at a reasonable price.

Tribes India

Address: RK Beach Rd, Near VUDA Park, Chinna Waltair, Pedda Waltair, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Website: Tribes India

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13. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park

Giraffee at Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bdmshiva used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This zoological park is named after Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India and it provides natural ambiance and habitats for its wildlife and birdlife. It currently houses over 80 different species of animals, including rhesus monkeys, mandrills, tigers and pumas. If you want to see more, you can also check out the best wildlife sanctuaries in Andhra Pradesh.

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park

Address: Yendada, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Website: Indira Gandhi Zoological Park

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14. War Memorial

View of 1971 war memorial at RK Beach
Source: Photo by user Adityamadhav83 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This memorial is dedicated to the victory at sea, during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The war memorial is located in Vizag, on the left side of Beach Road and it faces the Submarine Museum. You will find many war-related materials on display here, including a fighter plane, missiles, a tank and a few bombs.

War Memorial

Address: Beach Rd, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Pedda Waltair, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

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15. Simhachalam Temple

Simhachalam-temple-2 big
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sureshiras used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Simhachalam Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple, dedicated to lord Narasimha.The name derived from the words “nara” meaning “male” and “simha” meaning “lion”. It is said that the east facing entrance brings luck and prosperity while the west brings victory. While walking through the temple, you will notice that every wall is elaborately decorated with elephants and flowering plants. Many pilgrims visit this temple to bestow their offerings upon the auspicious deities.

Simhachalam Temple

Address: Simhachalam Hill, Near Gopalpattam Police Station, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

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So many places in one city...

Visakhapatnam helps you enjoy yourself, with its rich history and beautiful places. No matter if you go with family or friends, it offers a complete package, for your holiday. Apart from the above-listed Visakhapatnam tourism places, there are many small places where you can go and stay for one or two hours. If you’re up for it, you can also try the sumptuous a wide array of street food you can find around the city. This destination is the perfect combination of history and modern culture.

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Frequently asked questions about things to do in Visakhapatnam, India


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Hailing from India, Heena explores the world through information and people's preferences. She sees beauty in every place and excels as a storyteller and expressive writer. Moreover she is an...Read more

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