All you need to know when in Vizag – a complete guide
“The City of Destiny” – Visakhapatnam, locally known as Vizag located in Andhra Pradesh, India, with sea on one side and hills on the other, welcomes tens of thousands of tourists every year. Crowded and unspoiled beaches, hills, caves, nearby scenic areas, street food, restaurants, shopping…phewww….. it got everything !
Places to see
Day 1
Plan for Araku Valley which is almost 6 hours round trip and to cover all areas, it will take almost till evening. You can also have your breakfast on the way from any nearby local shop. Road to Araku is something to enjoy with greeneries, coffee plantations, small villages and cool breeze around.
Coffee Museum: Knowing the history behind coffee plantation is something amazing, with the aroma of coffee everywhere and the scope to buy some fine coffee powder, chocolate coated coffee beans, coffee cadbury, are too hard to resist.
Tribal Museum: A display of arts, handicrafts and lifestyle of local tribes.
DISCLAIMER: Take sun protection as you have to walk around to see it.
Ananthagiri Water Falls: Though you will hardly find any falls here on winter, but travelling through local village, soothing breeze and the view from there is something to enjoy.
Borra Caves: This is a must visit place when you are in Araku. This limestone cave takes almost an hour to cover it and the continuous change of lights there, make it look magical. There are many steps to climb up and down which can make it little tiring but the ambience makes it worthy. Don’t miss malai kulfi and bamboo chicken just outside borra caves. You can also buy some bamboo cups like this.
Rk Beach: While returning back to the city, if you feel hungry then you can directly head to RK Beach, to enjoy some street food, cool air and sit on the beach before heading to your hotel. This is an ideal place to spend your evenings and early mornings.
Day 2
Bheemili Beach: A half-an-hour drive from Dwarka Nagar, this beach is calm and very less crowded. So you can have some quiet time while sipping on coconut water.
Rama Naidu Studios: If you want to get a clear view of the sea and the road from the top with cool breeze crossing your hairs and some location for your perfect shot, then here is your place. Though this place is quite small compared to Ramoji Film City, its worth a visit.
Rushikonda Beach: This is another all-time favourite spot for tourists. Golden sands, tidy waves, hills and vast stretch of water makes it a perfect combo with cool breeze as the most needed add-on. Swimming here is a common sight and even you can go for speed boat ride.
Kailasagiri: After having a great beach time, I know many of you will feel hungry, so you can head to Sai priya beach resort for lunch. Kailasagari is full of activities. Starting from the exciting rope way ride to toy train to getting a spectacular view of Vizag city to just a walk around, this place has got it all.
INS Kurusura Submarine Museum: This was once a submarine of Indian Navy, which is now turned into a museum displaying all its control rooms and weapons. There are few guides inside, who will explain in detail about the history, activities and working of the machinery.
Aircraft Museum: Located just opposite to the submarine museum, it is said that this was a real life aircraft and was turned into museum after it has been decommissioned. After walking through an exhibition hall showing all equipments and parts of aircraft, you will be allowed to enter the aircraft. When you are done here, you will get to see a building near exit gate with various types of VR activities going on. You will surely have a fun time there.
Matsya Darshini: Just 2 mins’ walk from aircraft museum, there is a small museum dedicated to water life, which has some saltwater fish and freshwater fish along with some tortoises.
Kalimata Temple: Those who are familiar with Dakhineswar temple in Kolkata, can find a resemblance with this temple. This temple is devoted to Goddess Kali.
Places to eat
Sri Sairam Parlour: Situated in Dwarka Nagar, this place is good for breakfast, lunch, dinner or some evening meals. Its a pure vegetarian restaurant with prompt service and pocket friendly too. Must Try: Rava Dosa and ice cream cone in anjeer badam flavor.
Ramaiah Vegetarian Meals: Also know as Ramayya Mess locally, it is in Daba garden, just 2 kms away from Dwarka nagar and a pure vegetarian restaurant. You will definitely enjoy the unlimited Andhra food thali served on banana leaves.
Sai Priya Beach Resort: When you are in Vizag, you can’t miss Rushikonda beach. So after having your beach time when you feel hungry just visit this place to get your lunch sorted. Sai Priya offers both veg and non-veg options in south Indian, Andhra, Chinese varieties and biryani. Also there is a spacious garden to walk around after meal. Must Try: Crab fry
Hotel Daspalla: Located in the most famous location in Vizag, at Jagadamba junction, it is a chain of restaurants. Among them Dakshin and Dharani are the most popular. If you looking for some delicious non-veg options or in a mood for buffet option to check out some Andhra food, then Dakshin is the right place. If you are looking out for some veg options in South Indian, North Indian varieties or some thali option for lunch/dinner, head straight to Dharani.
V Hotel Olive: Located in Dwarkar Nagar,you can visit this restaurant, which has a cozy environment and a wide spread of cuisine options. Starting from Chinese, Continental, South Indian, North Indian to Hyderabadi, you get everything here. There are options for buffet too. Must Try: Rice & Noodles Sanghai Style
The Spicy Venue: Though this place comes with North Indian, Chinese and Andhra cuisines, it is mostly famous for its biryanis. Must Try: Uluvacharu Chicken Biryani & Apricot Delight
Rama Krishna Beach: Popularly known as RK Beach, this place becomes a street food paradise in the evenings. Starting from muri mixture, sweet corn, boiled nuts, mirchi bhaji, tomato bhaji to fish fry, prawn fry, icecreams you get it all here. Must Try: Muri Mixture and Prawn Fry.
Best time to visit: December to February
Budget: 18000(for two)
Duration: 3D/1N
Sea-view Hotel Suggestions (book at-least 2/3 months prior)
Novotel, Ambica Sea Green, Sai Priya Beach Resort, Hotel Rio Beach, The Supreme
If by chance, you missed to get a sea view hotel, try to stay in hotels in Dwarka Nagar (3km from Rk Beach), like V Hotel
Head to Jagadamba Junction, which is 3km from Dwarka Nagar for shopping, specially for handicrafts