Posted 15 March 2023 in Travel Wanderlust
Visakhapatnam, or Vizag as it is more commonly known, is a city in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is famous for its beaches and has one of the oldest ports in the country. Named after the Hindu God, Visakha, the city is popular amongst tourists for its quaint beaches and serene landscape, along with a rich cultural past that makes it an ideal location for a coastal vacation. It is also the home of the country’s oldest shipyard, Hindustan Shipyard Limited, which was established in the year 1944, and the headquarters for the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy. The picturesque beaches, ancient temples, and beautiful caves ensures that this city appeals to all those who come here.
Read more - Reasons why you should visit the beautiful port city of Visakhapatnam right now
Vizag is known for its clean beaches, especially Yarada Beach. This stunning beach is surrounded by hills on three sides, with one end facing the Bay of Bengal. It remains sparsely crowded, which helps maintain a certain level of cleanliness and ensures that you do not have to deal with scores of people. There are several activities and attractions that lie in close proximity to the beach.
Dolphin’s nose, located approximately 4.6 km from Yarada Beach, is named after the hill on which it is situated and its resemblance to the shape of a dolphin. This attraction offers a 360-degree view of the city that you can enjoy after a day spent at the beach. It is a great place to unwind as you watch the sunset from here.
Situated on the central hill that surrounds the city, the Ross Hill Church is a popular attraction that continues to draw tourists for its amazing architecture. Named after a local judge, the Church saw its first Thanksgiving procession on 10 February, 1946. This played a significant role in shaping the cultural influences on the region and continues to be practised to this day. Ross Hill is also the perfect example of the communal plurality that exists in the community with the Ross Hill Church, Baba Ishq Madina Mosque, and Lord Venkateswara Temple situated on the same hill. The visit to this hill can be truly rewarding and enriching as you begin to understand the culture that is prevalent in the city.
Home to one of the biggest freshwater lakes in the state, this white-sand beach is scattered with coconut trees and surrounded by green hills on two sides. This gorgeous place makes it a perfect spot for a quiet day out with the family and the mesmerising beauty of this beach is sure to help you relax.
The Kondakarla Ava Bird Sanctuary is a popular attraction here because of the presence of the large freshwater lake that attracts several species of birds. It covers over 1,832 acres and is surrounded by coconut trees on one side and hills on the other. The lake was the preferred picnic spot for the kings and rulers in the past, including the British.
This beach is famous for its golden sand and tidy waves. Situated 8 km from the heart of the city, the clean and clear water makes this one of the best beaches to indulge in water sports. To help increase footfall, the tourism board has constructed several cottages and restaurants along the beach, in addition to other amenities.
Considered a lavish beach, this extension of the Ramkrishna Beach has a sense of calm and serenity to it. This pristine beach is popular amongst tourists for morning walks and as a picnic location.
Constructed by Russians in 1969, this submarine served in the Indian Navy for 31 years, playing an integral role, especially during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Upon being decommissioned, it was altered and restructured into a museum that attracts hundreds of people every year. It is the first-of-its-kind in Asia and only the second submarine in the world to be transformed into a museum. Inside you will find a detailed outlook on the history and development of submarines as the museum attempts to showcase the difficult life led by the occupants of a submarine. You can also enjoy a guided tour of the museum.
This sprawling 100-acre location is situated on top of a hill. The major attractions here are the giant 40-feet statues of Hindu deities, Lord Shiva and Parvathi. You can get here by ropeway or by road but it is recommended that you try the ropeway, especially if it is your first time visiting the place. The ropeway offers a scenic view of the entire city and is the perfect way to begin your journey towards Kailasagiri Park. You will find other attractions along the way such as the Floral Clock, Titanic Viewpoint, and Jungle Trails. There is also a toy train, children’s park, and horse rides, among other popular attractions available for the children.
Considered to be one of the largest caves in the country, the Borra caves were discovered by the British geologist William King George during a survey that was being conducted in the region in the year 1807. The caves are over a million years old and are located 1,400 m above sea level. These caves were formed as a result of limestone deposits from the Gosthani River. You will find several stalactite and stalagmite formations at these caves that run quite deep. The green forests and scenic view that surrounds the cave make it a popular tourist attraction.
There are several beach destinations in the country but few would be able to match Visakhapatnam’s beauty and cleanliness. If a beach vacation is what you are looking for then this destination should definitely be at the top of your list.