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Visakhapatnam is a port city nestled between the Eastern ghats overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Also known as Vizag, this city attracts people for its mountain ranges and serene beaches. It has been described in various ways like the ‘the Goa of East Coast’, ‘City of Destiny’ and the ‘Jewel of the East Coast’. Visakhapatnam has gone through a lot of renovations over the past few years, and this makeover has made the city even better than the nature’s beauty it was before. It has a lot to offer like beaches, temples, mountains, historical exhibits and beautiful houses. Not only in the city, but there are quite a few places near Visakhapatnam that are unexplored and need your attention. All of it makes it a place that you should visit at least once in your life.
These are some of the top places to visit in Visakhapatnam
1. Submarine Museum
The Submarine Museum displays the famous INS Kurusura. It was built by the Russians in 1969 and reached India a year later. The submarine served the Indian Navy for three decades before being decommissioned. It was then turned into a museum for people to visit and learn about its journey.
Timings: 2 to 8:30 pm from Monday-Saturday; 10 am to 12:30 pm and 2 to 8:30 pm on Sunday
Distance: Situated 6 km away from Vizag railway station and 15 km away from the airport. It is 21 km away from Vizag city.
2. Dolphin’s Nose
Located between Yarada and Gangavaram port, the Dolphin's Nose sits on a hill and the shape of the hill looks exactly like a dolphin’s nose. This is one of the most important and famous landmarks in Vizag. There is a lighthouse at the edge of the hill that has a great view of the sea and the city as well. This place is also known as Black More’s Hill and is a spot you must not miss amongst all the Vizag tourist places.
Timings: 3 pm to 5 pm
Distance: It is 14 km from Vizag city centre
3. Kailasagiri Hill Park
One of the most popular tourist attractions, Kailasagiri Hill Park is almost always sprawling with picnickers on its lush green grass. Its main attraction is the 40-foot white statue of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati and it is named after their abode in Kailash. The park sits on a hilltop and is spread across 100 acres of land. It is well maintained and has a calming vibe which will make you feel refreshed after a quick stroll.
Timings: 6 am to 7:30 pm
Distance: It is 30 km from Vizag city centre and you can get here by cab or you can take a ropeway from the foothills up to the hilltop.
4. Borra Caves
Located in the Ananthagiri hills in the Araku Valley, the Borra caves are one of the oldest caves where you can find stalactite and stalagmite formations. The cave also has formations of deities like Shiva-Parvati and others of a human brain and mushrooms. It is a visual treat for visitors and their interpretation of these formations depends on their imagination.
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Distance: It is about 90 km away from Visakhapatnam
5. Tribes India
Are you a shopaholic or a collector of handcrafted items? If yes, then you should definitely give Tribes India a shot. It is famous for its uniquely curated collection of handicrafts and handlooms made by tribal artists. It is managed by TRIFED RO Hyderabad and has clothes, bags, teas, spices, oils and much more. It is one of those Vizag tourist places that one should not miss.
Timings: 9:30 am to 8 pm (closed on Sundays)
Distance: It is about 20 km away from Visakhapatnam city centre
6. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
Located amidst Kambalakonda Reserve Forest, this zoological park is the third largest in the country. It houses animals like wild boar, elephants, sambar, deer, barking and spotted deer, hippopotamus, giraffe and many more. The flora and fauna at this park are an absolute treat for a nature lover.
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Distance: It is about 24 km away from Visakhapatnam city centre
7. Bunkers N Bonkers
If you are looking for some fun activities to do while you are in Visakhapatnam, indulge in a game of paintball at Bunkers N Bonkers. It is a fun place to spend an afternoon with your friends. Stay at the Radisson Blu Resort Visakhapatnam and take a beach walk during sunset to round up a complete vacation. This is one of the places to visit in Vizag when you need a break from all things touristy.
Distance: It is about 28 km away from Visakhapatnam city centre
8. Ramakrishna Beach
Situated near the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, from where it gets its name, this beach offers a great view of the countryside. It is very close to the Dolphin’s Nose and has quite a few water sports that you can indulge in. Enjoy a relaxing day here with its pristine waves and soft sand.
Timings: Open all day
Distance: It is about 20 km away from Visakhapatnam city centre
9. Araku Valley
Surrounded by the thick forests of the Eastern Ghats mountain range, Araku sits as a hill station and valley. The valley is celebrated for its rich tribal culture, its beautiful, green valleys and coffee plantations. If you want to enjoy the beauty of the countryside, staring at a waterfall, while enjoying a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee, you must not miss out on the valley of Araku. It is surely one of the best places to visit near Visakhapatnam.
Timings: Open all day
Distance: It is about 115 km away from Visakhapatnam city centre
10. Simhachalam Temple
Also known as the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, this is a Hindu temple that sits on the Simhachalam hills. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is worshipped here as Varaha Narasimha. This is one of the 32 pilgrimages of Narasimha in the state and is also said to be an important centre for Vaishnavism. Devotees who visit the temple are enchanted by the calmness and peace that you feel here.
Timings: 6 am to 9 pm (Sunday to Friday); 5 am to 11 pm (Saturday)
Distance: It is about 20 km away from Visakhapatnam city centre
We have listed all the places to visit in Visakhapatnam and around the city as well so that you have a virtual guide handy when you visit the jewel of the east coast.
Photo: Shutterstock