Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam is the largest and most populous city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
It is between the Eastern Ghats and the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is the second largest city on the east coast of India after Chennai, and the fourth largest in South India. It is one of the four smart cities of Andhra Pradesh selected under the Smart Cities Mission and is the headquarters of Visakhapatnam district. Vizag is popularly known as shipbuilding capital of India due to presence of multiple shipyards such as Hindustan Shipyard, Naval Dockyard and being the central naval command of the east coast. As the economic hub of Andhra Pradesh, the city hosts diversified economy with the presence of heavy industries, ports, logistics, pharmaceuticals, medtech, biotechnology, energy production, tourism, textiles, R&D and a growing information technology and financial technology center. It is also described as the City of Destiny and the Jewel of the East Coast.
Getting to Visakhapatnam
- 01Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport
- 02Visakhapatnam Junction SCoR
Visakhapatnam is on the Kolkata–Chennai line and is connected to several cities of the country by rail.
Worth seeing
- 01Dolphin's Nose Lighthouse
A lighthouse providing an aerial view of the port and the city.
- 02Kailasagiri
- 03Shilparamam Jathara
A crafts village showcasing and preserving the old, including woodwork, jewellery, clothes and local crafts of rural India.
- 04Telugu Samskruthika Niketanam
- 05Hawa Mahal
A summer residential palace of the royal family of Jeypore, and one of the most iconic historical buildings of the city.
- 06INS Kursura Museum
RK Beach Rd, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Pandurangapuram,.
Things to do
More than anything else, Vizag is known for its beaches. It boasts a number of beaches that are scenic and uncrowded. A few virgin beaches span along the eastern side of the city and stretch for miles. A spectacular beach only the locals are aware of is called the "Yarada" beach. Except for the occasional RTC bus, there is no public transport available.
- 01Ramakrishna Beach
The most popular beach of Visakhapatnam where you can find the locals hanging out during the hot summers, and relatively less hot winters.
- 02Rushikonda Beach
11 km away from the city, this has become a popular tourist spot that even the locals frequent.
- 03Sagarnagar Beach
- 04Thotlakonda Beach
- 05Yarada Beach
It is perceived as a private beach but actually it is not.
- 06Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
Where to eat
If spicy fare from Southern India appeals to your gastronomic senses, then Vizag has some excellent restaurants. Many of the eating joints meant or frequented by tourists are in the Siripuram area. A walk around there can give you access to a variety of cuisines. Blue Sea Fine Dining, Pakkis Complex, Opposite ICICI Bank Road, Dwarakanagar 2nd Lane, Dwaraka Nagar,. Daspalla Executive Court, fax: +91 891 2717444.
Getting around Visakhapatnam the local way
- Get aroundHowever, apart from the bus service, taxis or autorickshaws can also be hired.
- Go nextIt is definitely not a day trip, but the APTDC facilities can serve as a decent lodging.
From Wikivoyage: Visakhapatnam, CC BY-SA. Not yet checked by us. Last edited 2026-09.
Text adapted from Wikipedia and Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photograph: రవిచంద్ర (CC BY 4.0), Wikimedia Commons.
